OT: Help me with my cover letter

[llori7]

Hi, I need some help. I am a former teacher. I taught for 2 years and then had ds6. I have been home with him and my licensed has expired. I am applying to be a full time instrucational assistant at our school. It says you must be highly qualified having passed the parapro test or have an associates degree. Well, I have a bachelors degree in education and I can't seem to get an interview. I have applied for the position 6 times in the past few months. They are at different schools in the district, but I can't seem to get an interview.

How do I portray that this is what I want to do? I don't want to go back to school and get my masters, but I want to be in the school. I have no desire to be a full time teacher again. The pay range is like 13-18 an hour. I will take the lowest on the pay scale b/c it is still good. I don't know what to tell them in my letter to make them see I am not taking this as a stepping stone. I REALLY want this job. I don't want them to hire someone else b/c they think they have to pay me more!

The resume was sent to the HR director. It says no phone calls. I was thinking about sending it to the principal. What do you think?

Please help....I don't know how to word it in my letter!!

Thanks!

 

[happily single]

I would just put a paragraph in there stating ",

I an eager to return to the classroom and and excited to be in the classroom as a teacher's assistant, which would allow me greater flexibility in directly assisting the children in their learning process and .........(something along the lines of NOT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT THE ACTING IN THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER)?

Just remember the ecomony is soo bad right now that I'm sure there are 100's of applicants for each position. Good luck!

 

[llori7]

Thanks for the input.

I know the economy is bad, however, I feel I should be at least getting an interview, given my background. The only reason I can think of not to be getting one is my degree, if that makes sense. They may think they have to pay me more--"why pay her $18, when XX will do it for $13?" Or they think I will quit if I do find a teaching job, but I am not looking for one, and will not be again. I will do the job for $13. It is just so frustrating when I see a job posted again and I know I never got a call in the first place. Ahhhh....Thanks for letting me vent!

 

[mickeymaker2003]

"I have a degree in education and have two years of teaching experience. My license is expired and I am not seeking to renew it. Although I enjoyed teaching my own class, I am looking for a way to continue helping students that does not routinely require extensive preparation time outside of school hours. I am truly interested in transitioning to the role of teacher assistant and remaining there as I can use my talents and training to benefit students and staff while still being fully available to my family during non-school hours."

You could also mention that you are aware that the salary begins at $13 and that amount is acceptable to you. Although, in my district, pay for TAs is on a salary schedule similar to teachers and your degree would automatically put you higher up the scale than someone with no degree.

 

[Forever Disney Young]

I was in the same situation you are. I have my degree in education and taught for a few years, then had a child. I also decided not to return to teaching full time. I worked as a instructional assistant for five years. In our district it is the principals who hire the assistants. In my case, I put in an application and gave each principal a resume. (I also had a friend who worked as an assistant who put in a good word for me with the principal) He was very interested in interviewing me because of my degree. It was an advantage in his view and I was hired. I would hope that your experience would be more important in the administration's viewpoint rather than a few dollars.

 

[llori7]

I was in the same situation you are. I have my degree in education and taught for a few years, then had a child. I also decided not to return to teaching full time. I worked as a instructional assistant for five years. In our district it is the principals who hire the assistants. In my case, I put in an application and gave each principal a resume. (I also had a friend who worked as an assistant who put in a good word for me with the principal) He was very interested in interviewing me because of my degree. It was an advantage in his view and I was hired. I would hope that your experience would be more important in the administration's viewpoint rather than a few dollars.

I have an interview tomorrow at noon. It is in a special ed classroom. Any tips??? I am so excited/nervous!!!

Thanks everyone for your help, it worked!!