Introduction
Despite all the negativity doing rounds here in Kenya regarding teaching career, it’s one of the professions that if employed on a permanent and pensionable terms is quite rewarding with a modestly secured after retirement life. Additionally, it’s one of those careers that one can easily walk into a bank and secure a loan. Securing teaching employment either in primary or secondary schools in Kenya requires a nicely worded application letter. An Application Letter is your first impression to employers, and therefore it may make or miss depending on how you craft it; it involves touting your qualifications, experience, and passion in teaching. This guide will detail step by step to provide a workable approach to writing an application letter for a teaching job in Kenya, accompanied by a case study.
Tips on Writing an Application Letter
Whe you start writing your killer application letter, you ought to know the main parts so that you don’t leave anything important out. The main parts may therefore consist the following:
- Contact Information: Your full name, address, mobile number, and email address.
- Date: The actual date when you will write the letter.
- Employment Contact Information: The full name of the employer, title, the name of the school, and address.
- Greeting: Be respectful from the outset by using the name of the employer if known.
- Opening: You should open your letter with a concise statement of the main purpose of your letter.
- Body: Elaborate, deep paragraphs in establishing your qualifications, experiences, and why you’re a fit for the position.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing the Application Letter
1. Contact Information and Date
Traditionally, you need to start by writing your contact details at the top left of your letter, it’s basically a formation thing.
Example:
John Doe
P.O. Box 1234
Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 712 345 678
Email: [email protected]
5th July 20242. Employer’s Contact Information
Next, you’ll need to include the contact information of the school or hiring manager.
Example:
Ms. Jane Smith
Principal
Greenfield Primary School
P.O. Box 5678
Nairobi, Kenya3. Salutation
While it may seem like just a small ignorable part of the letter, the salutation part is very important so you may need to put some close attention here. If the hiring manager is not known, just salute to “Dear Hiring Manager”.
Example:
Dear Ms. Smith,4. Introduction
Like I mentioned before, the application letter contains several sections. One of those sections is the the introduction part, where you’ll need to state the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing.
Example:
I write with regard to the teaching position at Greenfield Primary School that I saw advertised on the school website. With my Bachelor of Education degree and over five years of teaching experience, I am assured that I will effectively impact positively on the academic program of your school.
5. Body
The body of your letter needs to be divided into several paragraphs, focusing on different contexts relating to your qualifications and experience.
First Paragraph: Highlight Your Qualifications
Example:
I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Nairobi, where I pursued Education, with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. From there, I had a strong foundation in educational theories and practices that have served me very well so far in my teaching career.
Second Paragraph: Detail Your Teaching Experience
Example:
Over the last five years of my teaching career at Sunshine Primary School, I have been developing and compiling full-fledged lesson plans geared toward meeting the needs of children with different learning abilities. My teaching approach has always revolved around interactive and inclusive methods, which time and again prove responsible for improved student performance and engagement.
Third Paragraph: Showcase Your Passion and Skills
Example:
Besides the teaching experience, I have a passion for creating an encouraging and caring learning environment. I am conversant with how to effectively apply educational technology for learning purposes. I have also participated in several extracurricular activities within the school's drama club and debate team that have elevated the enrichment of students' educational experiences.
6. Conclusion
Close off by being appreciative and mention your availability for an interview.
Example:
I am excited at the prospect of bringing my expertise and passion for teaching to Greenfield Primary School. Please accept my sincere gratitude for considering my application. I would welcome, at your earliest convenience, an opportunity to discuss how I might be in a position to contribute toward your continued success.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Example: Applying for a Teaching Position at Greenfield Primary School
Background
Below is an application for a vacancy in Teaching at Greenfield Primary School by John Doe, who is an experienced teacher. He is a first-degree holder in Education from the University and has five years of teaching experience at Sunshine Primary School, in which he has shown much interest in making the learning environment engaging and being pretty involved in co-curricular activities.
The Application Letter
John DoeSubject: Application for the Position of a Teacher to Greenfield Primary School
P.O. Box 1234
Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 712 345 678
Email: [email protected]
5th July 2024
Ms. Jane Smith
Principal
Greenfield Primary School
P.O. Box 5678
Nairobi, Kenya
Dear Ms. Smith,
I wish to make my application for the position of a teacher as advertised in the school's website. I believe that with my Bachelor of Education and working experience of over five years, I am well-placed to effectively contribute to the academic program in the above school.
I did my First Degree in Education with the University of Nairobi, majoring in Early Childhood Education. Therefore, I possess an academic background, which has enabled me to have a strong foundation in the educational theories and practices. All of that has been quite useful in my teaching career.
I have been teaching for the last five years at Sunshine Primary School, during which I have also developed and executed holistic lesson plans in keeping with the diversified learning needs. My teaching style has consistently been active and inclusive, with interactive methods almost always producing better student performance and involvement.
Apart from teaching experience, creating a positive and supportive learning environment for the students has always been a challenging experience. I will use my skills to use educational technologies in the best possible way to enhance learning and will also be involved in extracurricular activities, like a school drama club or debate team, to make the students' learning experience better.
I am keen on the fabulous opportunity to take my immense experience and interest in teaching to Greenfield Primary School. I look forward to hearing from you along any possibility allowing us to discuss how I can contribute further to the success of your school. Kindly feel free to reach out to me anytime to arrange an interview..
Sincerely,
John Doe
Conclusion
Writing an application letter for a teaching position in Kenya requires that you clearly and elaborately articulate how qualified and experienced you are. It will guide you through the process, from the structure to the tips. Tailor each letter in respect to the job and the school, bringing out what is most relevant about your background to meet the requirements of the job.