Writing a Paraprofessional Cover Letter

For many, writing an effective cover letter can be the most challenging part of the application process. There’s so much conflicting information out there that it’s hard to know where to begin. What should you write in a paraprofessional cover letter? Do you even need a cover letter? The answer to that is yes. Here are some tips to help you get started and make the process less challenging.

Write a new cover letter for each job

Of course, its OK to reuse a few of your strongest sentences or phrases in multiple cover letters. One of the most important things to remember here is to avoid sending out generic cover letters. Opening with, “To Whom it May Concern, I’m excited to apply for the open position at your company,” for example, is a great way to increase the chance that your application ends up in the “trash” folder. That’s not to say it’s unacceptable to express your excitement in applying — just be very specific about the company and position.

Begin with your current contact information

These details should always be the first thing listed on your cover letter. Current contact information should include your full name, physical address, phone number(s), and email address. Many also choose to include a LinkedIn profile link or username, if applicable. Underneath all of that should go the date.

Include the recipient’s name and title

Following your contact information, address your cover letter as you would an envelope to include the hiring manager or recruiter’s name, title, company name, and address. Following this format demonstrates professionalism and respect and lets the recipient know you’ve done your research.

Write a memorable opening paragraph

Paraprofessionals work in schools, and education is taken very seriously. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t showcase some personality when writing a cover letter. The hiring manager can see your name at the top of the page already (we’ll cover format a bit later), so you don’t need to re-introduce yourself by name. After addressing the recipient by name, consider leading with a short anecdote about your love for the school or town or name-dropping a mutual contact who told you about the position.

It’s important to note: If you know the prefix the hiring manager uses, feel free to address them that way (“Dear Mr. Jones,” for example). However, if you aren’t absolutely sure about prefixes or gender, leave them out entirely. A simple “Dear Harper” will do just fine. In the absence of personal information, use the traditional “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Surpass what’s on your resume

Instead of repeating what an employer will find on your resume, choose a bullet point or two and expand on that information. When discussing an accomplishment, for example, imagine you’re telling a very brief story about how you went about it, and what the outcome was. Make sure to tell a story that demonstrates why you’d be a great fit for the school or organization.

Showcase the right skills and experiences

The perfect candidate for a paraprofessional position will possess a great balance of experience and skill. While paraprofessionals are typically required to have two years of experience, that doesn’t mean lacking experience will disqualify you — everyone has to start somewhere! Fortunately, what you might be missing in experience, you can typically make up for with soft skills and attributes. Or maybe you’re rich in both categories — employers consider that a bonus. If you’re unsure as to the skills and experiences you should highlight in your cover letter, review the job description and take note of the requirements listed first, or most often.

Don’t forget to mention additional certifications, such as first aid and CPR.

Use strong action verbs

It’s always beneficial to make use of pertinent action verbs when writing a cover letter. Since paraprofessionals work in an educational setting, make sure to include action verbs such as supported, reinforced, supervised, monitored, implemented, adapted, tutored, developed, motivated, encouraged, etc., to demonstrate strength specifically in your field.

Don’t be afraid to brag a bit

Many people find it challenging to talk about themselves, especially when singing their own praises. However, the principal of a school, for example, really wants to know about your greatest strengths and when you feel the most accomplished with your students. If you’re struggling to write about how great you are, try this: Think about how your best friend, significant other, students, or favorite boss would describe you. Incorporate their perspectives when paying yourself tribute.

Coordinate with your resume

When it comes to formatting, a paraprofessional cover letter should be easy to read, professional, and attractive. The most important thing to remember here is to make sure the fonts, text sizes, and colors you choose for your cover letter correspond with the ones on your resume. Your text size should be set between 10 and 12 points, and your margins should be set to 1″ or 1 1/2″ depending on how much you write. Feel free to play with the margins once you’ve completed your cover letter and decide what looks best.

Your Contact Information
Name
Address
Phone Number
Email Address

LinkedIn (optional) 

Date

Employer Contact Information (if you have it)
Name
Title
Company
Address

Greeting

Dear __________,

 

Opening Paragraph

This paragraph should serve as your intro. Mention why you’re writing, the position you’re applying for, and where you heard about the opening.

Body Paragraph(s) 

This section of your cover letter should discuss how your experience, skills, and attributes align with the position you’re applying for. Use this paragraph to elaborate on your resume and let the recipient know what you have to offer. 

Closing paragraph

This paragraph should be used to thank the the employer for considering you for the paraprofessional position. It can also be used as a call to action — reiterating (briefly) your interest, and why you’re a great fit, and letting them know how you plan to follow up. 

Closing salutation

Sincerely,

Thank you for your consideration, 

Kind Regards, 

Thank you, 

etc. 

 

Ellyn Hinds

Paraprofessional

123 Coronado Dr.

Los Angeles, CA. 90026

(123) 456-7890

ellyn987@gmail.com

March 14, 2021

James Whistman – Superintendent

ABCSD

1234 El Centro St.

Los Angeles, CA. 90030

Dear Mr. Whistman,

When (ABC School District employee) told me you had an opening for an experienced paraprofessional, I knew I had to apply! I’m an LA native and spent my K-12 years in the ABC School District. The amazing teachers I had through the years are who inspired me as a child to work in an educational setting as an adult, and nothing would be more rewarding than bringing it full circle — back to where it all began for me.

I should mention that I’m a licensed paraprofessional with five years of experience in the DEF School District, assisting children specifically with behavioral and cognitive disorders in the classroom. I spent the majority of my time there working alongside teachers and language pathologists, tutoring students, supervising students, and working closely with them to make sure they progressed both scholastically and emotionally each year. I’m extremely proud to say that as a team, we managed to raise the GPA of those students with the most severe behavioral problems by a full letter. Prior to those five years, I received my associate of applied science in Paraprofessional Studies from UCLA in 2015, and I am Para licensed in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

In addition to my standard certifications and experience, I’m actually licensed to work with students with severe cognitive and conduct disorders, specifically the oppositional defiant disorder + ADHD combination. I am First Aid and CPR certified, of course, and certified in the state of California as a Child Care Assistant. During an average day in my last job, I participated in the curation of hundreds of pages of specialized educational materials, including daily lesson plans, weekly quizzes, and classroom and creative projects.

I’ve attached my resume and would like to thank you in advance for your consideration. I hope that after looking it over you also feel that I would be an asset to the district. I am extremely passionate about and dedicated to enriching the lives of my students, and I would be excited to meet with you to talk more about what I have to offer. I would be excited to meet with you to talk more about what I have to offer.

Sincerely,

Ellyn Hinds

A strong paraprofessional cover letter can be the key to landing that perfect educational job. Make sure to do your research, take your time, edit and proofread, and let your personality shine.

Learn more: Discover jobs hiring by location, job, title, and industry