Teacher Resumes

Oftentimes, it is advised to keep a resume to a one page minimum; however, teacher candidates often have a wealth of classroom and related experiences that can warrant a two page resume.

View sample teacher resumes for stylistic ideas. Like your cover letter, your resume needs to be tailored specifically to your experiences. There are several parts that are typically included in a resume.

The top of your resume features a heading with your contact information. You may want your name to be larger followed by your address, e-mail, and telephone. College students searching for a job are often in a transitioning time. If you will soon leave the current number or address, indicate so and provide a number where you can always be reached like a cell phone.

The objective follows the header. This is where you state the purpose of your resume. If you are applying for a specific type of teaching position you may say, “To teach fifth grade science at Happy Days Elementary School.” Alternatively, make the objective fit all courses you are qualified to teacher. For example, “To teach social studies for grades 7-12 in Abraham Lincoln Schools,” expresses your desire to instruct any open position. This is also a good place to express your desire to coach any sports or direct an extracurricular activity.

Educational background typically follows for those who are just entering the field of education. For those with previous teaching positions, work experience comes first. College should be the focus of the section. Include the name and location of the institution, date of graduation, degree earned and areas of certification, cumulative GPA if it is positive, and any special awards received. The most recent school attended goes first.

Next are your teaching experiences, which can be paid or unpaid. Start with the most recent and work backwards. Make sure to carefully brainstorm all of the classroom experiences that have been required as part of your coursework. In addition, colleges and universities frequently offer professional development opportunities for future teachers that can add to a resume. Be on the lookout for workshops, conferences, and other education related experiences to attend that can make your resume stand out.

The experiences section is where you can really make your resume shine. For each experience list the title of the position (student teacher, tutor, classroom aide), the school district, and time frame of experience. Then list phrases that describe specifically what you were responsible for and accomplished with the position. Use action verbs to start the phrases. A list of action verbs for resumes can help you brainstorm the top accomplishments of each experience.

For example, the phrase, “Developed interactive lessons on integers though the use of Smartboard technology,” allows the employer to know specifically what you did and how it will meet the school’s needs.

You may also want a section for experiences that do not relate directly to the education field. Past work experiences can be a testament to your work ethic and capabilities. Other sections that might be beneficial are extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, professional development, personal interests, and related skills. Create sections that will best highlight your strengths as a teacher.

Some resumes end with the phrase “References Available Upon Request.” While not necessary, this does let the employer know you are prepared. Develop a list of reference names and contact information to print on a sheet of paper that matches your resume. Have this ready for interested employers and to take on any job interviews.

The following resources offer advice and examples for creating a teacher resume.

University of Incarnate Word
Website: www.uiw.edu/career/documents/TeacherPacket.pdf

California State University
Website: Example Resumes