An instructor cover letter is your opportunity to demonstrate teaching expertise, subject-matter depth, and a genuine commitment to student success. Whether you are applying for a college, university, or corporate training position, your cover letter must go beyond restating your resume. It should show hiring committees how you engage learners and deliver measurable outcomes.
This guide walks you through what hiring managers expect, how to structure each section, and a ready-to-use example you can adapt today. For broader advice on structuring any application letter, see our complete guide to writing a cover letter. You can also explore more roles in the education category.
What Employers Look For in an Instructor Cover Letter
Hiring committees and department chairs screen instructor applications for a specific set of competencies. Understanding these priorities helps you tailor every paragraph.
- Subject-matter mastery. Evidence that you hold relevant degrees, certifications, or professional experience in the discipline you will teach.
- Curriculum delivery. Demonstrated ability to design syllabi, lesson plans, and course materials aligned with learning objectives and accreditation standards.
- Student engagement. Concrete strategies you use to foster participation, critical thinking, and inclusive classroom environments.
- Assessment design. Experience creating exams, rubrics, projects, and formative assessments that accurately measure learning outcomes.
- Online and in-person flexibility. Comfort with LMS platforms, hybrid formats, and synchronous or asynchronous delivery methods.
- Professional credentials. Relevant licensure, published research, conference presentations, or industry experience that strengthens your candidacy.
Addressing each of these areas, even briefly, signals that you understand the full scope of the role.
How to Write an Instructor Cover Letter
Structure your letter in four clear sections so reviewers can quickly find the information they need.
Open With a Specific Connection
Name the exact position, department, and institution. Reference something concrete, such as the program's pedagogy focus, a recent initiative, or a course you are excited to teach. Generic openings get discarded. If you are transitioning from an adjunct faculty role, frame the move as a natural progression.
Highlight Teaching Accomplishments With Metrics
Quantifiable results set strong candidates apart. Mention course pass rates, student evaluation scores, enrollment growth, or curriculum improvements you led. For example, stating that you redesigned an introductory course and raised the pass rate from 68% to 84% is far more persuasive than claiming you "improved student performance."
Show Versatility Across Formats
Institutions increasingly need instructors who can teach in-person, online, and hybrid sections. Describe your experience with learning management systems, multimedia content creation, or lab coordination. Candidates applying for adjunct professor or adjunct instructor positions can use similar examples.
Close With Enthusiasm and a Clear Next Step
Reaffirm your interest, mention your availability for a teaching demonstration or interview, and thank the reader. Keep the closing to two or three sentences.
Cover letter example
Adapt names, metrics, and achievements to your own experience.
Subject: Application for the Instructor position
Dear Dr. Ramirez,
I am writing to apply for the Instructor of Biology position in the Department of Natural Sciences at Westfield College, as advertised on your careers page. Your department's emphasis on undergraduate research and experiential learning aligns closely with my teaching philosophy.
Over the past four years at Greendale Community College, I have taught 12 sections of introductory and upper-level biology courses to classes averaging 35 students. My student evaluation scores have consistently exceeded 4.6 out of 5.0, and I redesigned the Biology 101 curriculum to incorporate case-based learning, which raised the course pass rate from 71% to 88%.
I am experienced with both in-person and asynchronous online delivery through Canvas and Blackboard, having taught six fully online sections during the 2024-2025 academic year. I also developed a lab safety certification module now used department-wide across three campuses.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background in curriculum design and student-centered instruction can contribute to Westfield College. I am available for a teaching demonstration at your convenience.
Sincerely, Jordan Nakamura
Before You Send Your Instructor Cover Letter
Use this checklist to catch common mistakes before submitting your application.
- Confirm the correct department name, job title, and addressee.
- Verify that you reference the institution by name, not a generic placeholder.
- Include at least two quantifiable achievements such as evaluation scores, pass rates, or class sizes.
- Proofread for grammar, punctuation, and formatting consistency.
- Ensure the letter is one page or shorter.
- Attach any supplementary materials the posting requests, such as a teaching philosophy statement or diversity statement.
Review our cover letter format guide if you need help with layout and spacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an instructor cover letter be?
Keep your letter to one page, roughly 300 to 400 words. Hiring committees review dozens of applications, so concise, evidence-based writing stands out more than lengthy narratives. Browse our cover letter examples for length references across different fields.
What if I have no formal teaching experience?
Highlight transferable skills such as corporate training, tutoring, mentoring, or conference presentations. Describe the audience size, learning outcomes, and any feedback you received. A career change cover letter approach can help you frame non-traditional experience effectively.
Should I mention my research in an instructor cover letter?
Mention research briefly if it directly supports your teaching. For instructor-focused roles, committees prioritize classroom effectiveness over publication records. One or two sentences linking research to course content is sufficient.
Do I need a different cover letter for online versus in-person positions?
Yes. For online roles, emphasize your experience with LMS platforms, asynchronous engagement strategies, and digital assessment tools. For in-person roles, focus on classroom management, lab instruction, and face-to-face student interaction. Tailor each version to the job posting.
How do I address a cover letter when no contact name is listed?
Use "Dear Hiring Committee" or "Dear [Department Name] Search Committee." Avoid outdated salutations like "To Whom It May Concern." If possible, check the department website or call the office to find the committee chair's name. For more formatting advice, visit our cover letter templates page.