RESUME WRITING TIPS

In today’s competitive education job market, making your teaching resume stand out is crucial. As a teacher, your resume reflects your professional background and showcases your passion for educating and your ability to connect with students. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, following these 11 tips can help you create a compelling resume that catches the eye of hiring managers.

1. Craft a Strong Objective or Summary Statement

A well-written objective or summary statement at the top of your resume sets the tone and provides a snapshot of your qualifications. This should be tailored to each job you apply for, focusing on how your skills align with the school’s mission or role. For example:

Objective: “Dedicated elementary school teacher with 5+ years of experience fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment. Committed to enhancing student engagement and academic performance through innovative teaching methods.”

The objective should be concise, no more than 2-3 sentences, and free of clichés.

2. Highlight Your Relevant Experience

Teaching experience is the most important part of your resume. Be sure to list your professional roles in reverse chronological order, emphasizing the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example:

Elementary School Teacher

XYZ Elementary School, Chicago, IL

August 2017 – Present

• Developed and implemented creative lesson plans that resulted in a 10% increased student reading comprehension.
• Spearheaded a school-wide initiative to integrate technology into the classroom, improving student engagement and learning outcomes.
• Collaborated with special education staff to create individualized lesson plans for students with learning disabilities.

Tailor the bullet points to reflect achievements and responsibilities that match the job description.

3. Incorporate Quantifiable Achievements

Hiring managers love numbers because they provide a clear measure of success. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments. For example:

• Improved student test scores by 15% within one academic year.
• Increased parent-teacher conference attendance by 25% through proactive communication.
• Managed a classroom of 30 students, ensuring 100% of them met grade-level expectations.

Quantifiable achievements make your contributions tangible and memorable.

4. Emphasize Relevant Certifications and Licenses

In addition to your teaching experience, certifications, and licenses are critical components of your resume. Be sure to list all relevant teaching certifications, licenses, and endorsements clearly and prominently, such as:

• Certified Teacher, Grades K-6, State of Illinois
• ESL (English as a Second Language) Certification
• CPR and First Aid Certified

Please also highlight any additional certifications, such as those in special education, technology integration, or STEM.

5. Showcase Continuing Education and Professional Development

Ongoing professional development is highly valued in the education sector. Include any workshops, conferences, or online courses you’ve attended that are relevant to your teaching practice. For instance:

• “Using Technology in the Classroom” Workshop, 2023
• Differentiated Instruction Certification, 2022

Demonstrating that you’re committed to lifelong learning shows that you’re passionate about staying current in your field.

6. Tailor Your Resume for Each Position

Each teaching job may require different skills or experience. Tailoring your resume to the specific job posting ensures that you highlight the qualifications most relevant to the position. Review the job description carefully and ensure your resume reflects how your background aligns with the school or district’s needs. Use keywords from the job posting to increase the likelihood of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

7. Focus on Soft Skills

While technical expertise and experience are essential, soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork are just as important in teaching. Be sure to mention skills such as:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Classroom management expertise
• Ability to adapt to diverse learning styles
• Collaborative mindset with colleagues and parents

These skills highlight your ability to work effectively in the classroom and in a school community.

8. Include a Section for Key Skills

In addition to your work experience, create a separate “Skills” section to list specific competencies that are relevant to teaching. This could include:

• Classroom management
• Lesson planning
• Technology integration (e.g., Google Classroom, SMART Boards)
• Differentiated instruction
• Student assessment and evaluation
• Conflict resolution

A “Skills” section lets hiring managers quickly scan for key qualifications.

9. Use Action Verbs

Using strong action verbs adds energy and professionalism to your resume. Instead of passive phrases like “responsible for,” opt for more dynamic language, such as:

• Developed
• Implemented
• Led
• Facilitated
• Created
• Enhanced

Action verbs convey your contributions more effectively and demonstrate your initiative and leadership.

10. Include Extracurricular Involvement

Include these on your resume if you’ve taken on additional responsibilities outside of your core teaching duties, such as coaching a sports team, advising a student club, or organizing school events. Extracurricular involvement shows that you’re a well-rounded candidate who adds value to the school community beyond the classroom.

Example:

Co-Advisor, Student Council, XYZ School

September 2020 – Present 

Led the planning and execution of fundraising events, raising over $5,000 for community outreach programs.

11. Make Your Resume Visually Appealing

While content is key, presentation matters, too. A well-organized, visually appealing resume makes a strong first impression. Use clear headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space to ensure that your resume is easy to read. Avoid cluttering the page with unnecessary information, and keep the design simple and professional. You can also consider using tailored resume templates for educators that ensure clarity and style.

Final Thoughts

In an era where educational institutions receive dozens of resumes for each job opening, making your teaching resume stand out requires careful attention to detail. You can increase your chances of landing an interview by emphasizing your relevant experience, showcasing your skills and achievements, and tailoring your resume for each position.

Remember, your resume reflects your passion, dedication, and potential as an educator. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a memorable and impactful first impression.