Teacher Resume Example

The importance of teachers and education cannot be overemphasized. From pre-K through college, teachers guide students through lessons both small and large, both at public and private institutions all across the country.

With such a broad spectrum of subject matters and specialties in the field of teaching, picking relevant information when writing a teacher resume can be confusing. But if you use a teacher resume example along with LiveCareer’s writing tips and tools, we can help you write a resume that gets you into the interview chair and, ultimately, into the classroom.

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When creating your resume, it’s important to be as specific as possible about your experience so that your transferable skills are obvious.”

It’s important to know what to include (and exclude) on a winning teacher’s resume. Since teaching is a field with a lot of variety – consider the different tasks a kindergarten teacher performs versus a high school teacher – having a resume that carefully details your role is critical to getting hired, according to Emma Siesfeld, an educator in Los Angeles who has hired teachers for K-12 roles throughout her career.

It’s important to detail your accomplishments on any resume, which is why Siesfeld also looks for results on a teacher resume. She looks for comparative points, such as school ranking, test scores, and awards when considering a candidate. She also looks for teachers whose resumes show they have had valuable experience outside the classroom.

“If you’ve been a coach or run the art club in a past role, your resume will stand out from the others, so be sure to mention these activities,” she said.

Also, your resume should always include specifics about your teaching certificates and licensing as it will eliminate the need to ask those questions during the interview process, she said.

What will land your resume on Siesfeld’s “no” pile? Spelling and grammatical errors are at the top of the list, she said.

"I once had an applicant for a language misspell the word ‘proficient’ on his resume," she said. He didn’t get the job.

5 Teacher Resume Writing Tricks

Trick 1Bold but Simple Header

This teacher resume example uses a bold but simple header to highlight the jobseeker’s name and contact information. Since the addition of images, graphics, and other design elements can confuse an applicant tracking system (ATS), this jobseeker has wisely chosen a bold, yet eye-catching design that will sail through an ATS.

Trick 2Professional Summary

The professional summary is a critical section of any resume, and this jobseeker has made the most of it. He highlights his decade of experience, his professional successes, and his goals in a concise statement that will make recruiters want to read more.

Trick 3Highlighting Skillset

This resume does a great job of highlighting the jobseeker’s skillset. Here, we see that the applicant possesses the critical skill required to be an assistant teacher. Remember to study the job ad when writing the skills section of your resume to ensure that you are pulling relevant keywords from the ad and echoing them in your application materials.

Trick 4Licensing Information

Licensing information is a critical part of any teacher resume and this teacher resume example makes the applicant’s qualifications clear. Employers won’t have to wonder if he is legally qualified to teach preschool in Texas because he has laid out all of the information about his certification and licensing for them here in his resume.

Trick 5Chronological Resume Format

The resume utilizes a chronological resume format, which is the preferred format of recruiters. By listing work experience in reverse chronology – or with the current (or most recent – job first, the jobseeker makes it easy for hiring managers to see his past job titles and solid work history. The chronological resume format is the best choice for jobseekers who have work experience and an unblemished employment history.

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Key Resume Tips for Creating Your Teacher Resume

Because teachers have unique challenges in presenting information on their resume, a teacher resume example can help you organize your thoughts before you begin writing. But there are some key resume tips that all teachers should consider when writing a resume.

Choose the appropriate format for your resume.
Always include these five resume sections.
Study the job ad closely and personalize your resume.
Choose a resume template.
Focus on accomplishments rather than job duties.
Always write your work history in reverse chronological order.
Highlight your teaching credentials.
Mention skills outside the classroom.

Choose the appropriate format for your resume.

The resume format you ultimately choose will be determined by your level of experience in your field and your work history. Study the three main resume formats to decide which one is best for you.

Always include these five resume sections.

Header, professional summary, skills, work experience, and education. In the education section of your resume, be sure to include your licensing information and any special training you’ve received. A top teacher resume will always have these key sections prominently listed.

Study the job ad closely and personalize your resume.

Look for relevant keywords and incorporate these into your resume. Study the ad and pull out the critical skills and experience it calls for. Each time you apply for a job, tweak your resume slightly to make those keywords prominent.

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are often used to search for pre-selected keywords as the first line of screening in the hiring process. Customizing your resume to the job ad will increase your chances of having your resume pass through the ATS and read by a human recruiter.

Choose a resume template.

When perusing teacher resume examples, aim to keep your resume simple and free of any design elements that could confuse the ATS. Rather than adding visual appeal through images or fancy fonts, instead concentrate on creating a clean, easy-to-read document that clearly highlights your teaching accomplishments, licenses and certificates.

Focus on accomplishments rather than job duties.

Be sure to add metrics that illuminate the impact of your work. For example, if your students’ standardized test scores soared under your tutelage, include those numbers on your resume. They will catch the eye of a hiring manager and set you apart from other applicants.

Always write your work history in reverse chronological order.

Be sure to put current (or most recent) job at the top. Hiring managers want to see your work history and omitting dates of employment can raise a red flag.

Highlight your teaching credentials.

Since all 50 states require teachers in public schools to be licensed or certified in the grade level that they will teach, adding your educational credentials to your resume is critical to being considered for a job. (Those seeking teaching roles in private schools typically do not need a license, but check with the school’s hiring manager.)

Mention skills outside the classroom.

If you have experience with extracurricular activities, be sure to include it on your resume. For example, if you’ve directed the school play in the past or served as a tennis coach, these special skills can help set your resume apart from your competition. Similarly, if you speak a second language or are an expert in a subject that might be useful to a school district, always mention it.

How to Write a Teacher Resume by Grade Level

Preschool Teachers

Kaylee has created a strong preschool teacher resume using our guidelines. Take a look at these important requirements to include in your preschool teacher resume:

Demonstrate that you meet the educational, licensing, and other requirements to teach preschoolers in your state. These requirements vary but most states require that preschool teachers have at least an associate’s degree.

To create a preschool teacher resume use these sample skills and responsibilities you might include in your preschool teacher resume. Need more advice? Look to this preschool teacher resume example for more ideas:

Preschool Teacher Sample

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Plan and execute a curriculum that suits small children in various stages of development
Instruct children on basic skills, including shapes, colors, numbers, and letters
Design hands-on activities that teach students skills and problem solving
Outline classroom schedules that balance physical activity, rest, and playtime
Ability to spot signs of emotional or developmental problems in small children, and have the soft skills required to report these potential problems to parents
Keep records of the students’ progress, routines, and interests, and inform and engage parents about their child’s development

Elementary School Teachers

Bronson’s elementary school resume places her education front and center. Here are some important educational requirements to include in your elementary school teacher resume:

All 50 states require public elementary school teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, so make sure your credentials are prominent on your resume.

Some states also require elementary school teachers in public schools to have a focus in a specific are of content, such as reading or math. Research the requirements in your state before writing your resume and include relevant certificates.

Teaching requirements for private schools can vary so get details from the school about what specifically it is looking for before submitting your application.

The following are Bronson’s resume has a comprehensive skills section that shows off her most relevant hard and soft skills. Below, we listed other samples of the skills and responsibilities you might include in your elementary school teacher resume. Need more assistance? Look to our elementary school teacher resume example for more ideas:

Elementary School Teacher Sample

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Craft lesson plans for a variety of subjects, including reading, science, social studies, and math
Prepare students for success when taking various standardized tests required by the state
Create routines and rules to help students learn proper classroom behavior and social skills
Work with students on study skills, communication, and collaboration with others
Evaluate students on their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
Provide detailed grades on students’ assignments
Work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges

Middle School Teachers

It’s not hard to see on Lisa’s resume that she has the education credentials required for employment as a middle school teacher. Here are some important educational requirements to include in your middle school teacher resume:

Every state requires middle school teachers in public schools to have at least a bachelor’s degree, and many require middle school teachers to major in a content area, such as social studies or science.

Depending on where you live, you may be required have a degree in elementary education.

Lisa’s resume incorporates a concise list of relevant skills. If you are looking for additional skills to add to your document, resume, check out the list below. For more ideas, check out our middle school teacher resume example for more ideas:

Middle School Teacher Sample

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Craft engaging lesson plans to teach students in[insert subject]
Ability to teach students as a group or in a one-on-one setting, as needed
Trained to assess the abilities, strengths, and weaknesses of students
Conscientious and thorough grading of students’ assignments and exams
Work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges
Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
Develop and enforce classroom rules, and able and willing to supervise students outside of the classroom for field trips, recess, or detention

High School Teachers

As a high school teacher, Toni knows that it’s critical to show that you have the proper education and licensing to be hired as a high school teacher. Here requirements you must include in your high school teacher resume:

Every state requires high school teachers in public school to have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and many high school teachers to have majored in their designated subject area, such as history or science.

In addition to the undergraduate studies, teachers typically get additional training through their school’s teacher preparation program and take supplementary classes in education and child psychology.

Here are some skills and responsibilities you should consider including in your high school teacher resume. For additional inspiration, take a look at our high school teacher resume example:

High School Teacher Sample

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Highly skilled at lesson planning in [subject] at the high school level, and able to adapt lessons to fit a variety of class sizes
Experienced in preparing students at a variety of levels for standardized tests required by the state
Empathic communicator with a knack for connecting with students
Assess students’ abilities, strengths, and weaknesses; communicate and engage with parents and guardians about their children
Proven ability to work with students to encourage them, challenge them, and acknowledge personal growth
Compassionate listener who is also able to enforce classroom rules and administrative policies
Supervise students in a variety of settings outside of the classroom, including class trips, volunteer activities, and detention.

Special Education Teachers

Like Kathryn, be sure to incorporate these important credentials into your special education teacher resume:

All special education teachers in public schools are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree, and some states require teachers to earn a degree in special education. Check the requirements in your state before you apply.

Special education teachers in private schools aren’t required to meet state requirements, though many private schools look for teachers who have earned a B.A. in special education.

All special ed teachers must be licensed.

Some states also offer general certification or licenses in special education for teachers who work with students who have a variety of disabilities, and others that are disability-specific, like autism. Check your state’s requirements before you apply to make sure you have the necessary credentials.

Special education teachers should consider the following skills and responsibilities when writing their resumes. For more ways to highlight your skills and experience, look to our special education teacher resume example for additional ideas:

Special Education Teacher Sample

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Proven ability to work with students who have a variety of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities
Experience working with students with mild and moderate disabilities, as well as students with severe disabilities
Trained to assess students’ skills to determine their needs and adapt lessons as necessary
Able to modify general lessons to meet the needs of students
Accomplished in developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to match each student’s ability
Plan, organize, and assign activities that are specific to each student’s abilities
Experienced in supervising special needs students outside the classroom for activities including off-site learning, field trips, and sporting events

Substitute Teachers

Christopher Crow’s resume succinctly shows off the fact that he has the critical training and certifications required to be hired as a teacher in Houston. Here are some importantCheck your resume to be sure these credentials to include in your special education teacher resume are included:

All school districts require substitute teachers to have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent so detail your education on your resume. Many districts also require candidates to pass competency tests.

While not always required, if you have a bachelor’s degree – particularly if it is in education – your resume will stand out during the hiring process.

Since state teaching certification boards don’t regulate substitute teaching, there is a lot of variety in what individual districts require for employment as a substitute teacher so be sure to do your research about the requirements in your school district.

Substitute teachers should consider the following skills and responsibilities when writing their resumes. For more ideas on making your experience shine, check out our substitute teacher resume example:

Substitute Teacher Sample

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Experience in a variety of substitute teaching settings in both long- and short-term placements
Skilled at following detailed lesson plans and keeping students on track with assignments
Able to maintain order in the classroom and guide students to adhere to school rules
Proven ability to accurately and quickly grade assignments
Creative with improvisation and able to fill classroom time with enriching projects and tasks on-the-fly

Teacher Assistants

Here are some important educational requirements to include in your teacher’s assistant resume:

Many school districts require applicants for teacher’s assistant roles to have completed at least two years of undergraduate coursework, or to have earned an associate’s degree.

Teacher assistants in schools with Title 1 programs, a federal program for schools with a large population of low-income students, must have at least a two-year degree, have completed two years of college, or be able to pass a state exam.

For those teacher’s assistants who want to work with special education students, most states require individuals to pass a skills-based test.

The following are samples of the skills and responsibilities you might include in your teacher’s assistant resume. Need more information? Look to our teacher’s assistant resume example for more ideas:

Teacher Assistant Sample

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Experience working in a variety of classroom settings, with both elementary and middle-school children
Trained to assist with lessons presented by teachers with students in both one-on-one setting and in small groups
Solid communication with teacher to determine which students need supervision, attention, and instruction
Able to compassionately enforce rules to teach students proper behavior
Proven ability to keep accurate records of grades, attendance, and other student-related data.

Writing a Teacher Resume: What’s Next?

Regardless of which class level you teach, creating a teacher resume that will catch a recruiter’s eye isn’t difficult. It simply takes some planning and research to learn how to write a resume from scratch. LiveCareer’s library of tips and suggestions make it easy for teachers of all levels to write a resume that will get them hired.

If you are short on time, or uncertain about your writing abilities, using LiveCareer’s professional resume builder can help make the process go even faster. The tool not only suggests text to make your accomplishments shine but it also ensures that your finished document is clean, attractive, and free of typos and grammatical errors.

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