Teacher Resume: Sample & Complete Guide [+20 Examples]

You're about to see a perfect teacher resume example. But first, think about this—

Teacher. Hero. Life Saver.

Your job as an educator is more than a title. And your teacher resume is more than a piece of paper.

Education degrees are one of the most common graduate degrees out there. Thousands of prospective job seekers join the mix every year.

So, you have some internship and classroom management experience.

Great. So does everyone else in your situation.

That’s why you need to know how to make a teacher resume that goes beyond your degree and experience.

You’ve got to put your unique approach to teaching and your qualifications front and center. You’ve got to make sure you stand out in EVERY way.

That’s why this guide will show you:

• A teacher resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a teaching resume that will land you more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a teacher resume.
• How to describe your experience on a resume for a teacher to get any job you want.

Here's a sample resume for a teacher made using our resume builder.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you'll get tips and right vs. wrong examples while writing your resume. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.

Teacher Resume Example - See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here

1

What’s the Best Format for a Teacher Resume?

There are many different kinds of teachers.

You could be a high-school teacher or a substitute teacher. You could teach a particular subject such as music.

That’s why each teacher resume is different. At the same time, most of you will want to use the same format for a teaching resume.

There are three main types of resume formats for job seekers:

• Reverse-chronological resume format
• Combination resume format
• Functional or skills-based resume format

The reverse-chronological resume format is a good choice in almost any situation. As the most traditional format, it will keep your teacher resume clean and organized.

More experienced candidates may want to consider a combination format. The format allows you to use your skills as subheadings in your experience section.

Substitute teachers may want to focus less on the many gigs they’ve had over the years and more on their skills. That’s why they may opt for a functional resume format. The format allows you to push your experience to the bottom of your teaching resume.

It's the one situation where it doesn't look sneaky to include your job history as an afterthought.

Some of you may wish to show you’re in touch with recent trends.

So, you can get a little creative with the more traditional formats by adding extra sections. You can use templates that give your teaching resume a different look.

Don’t be afraid to make adjustments to suit your needs.

That said, you’ll want to use traditional fonts and sizing. Readability is key. So, no Comic Sans or other elaborate and fancy fonts that look unprofessional and messy.

Remember, the average recruiter spends six seconds scanning your teacher resume. So, make it easy for them to find what they need!

Want to make sure your resume will hook every recruiter and get you that interview? Get our free checklist and learn what makes a job-winning resume: 46 Things You Need To Do Before You Send Your Resume.

Pro Tip: Consider using a resume template. As a teacher, you’re already innovative and creative in the management of your classroom. Don’t be afraid to be creative with your teaching resume.

Still not sure which resume format for a teacher will work best for your unique situation? Read our guide: “3 Resume Formats: How to Choose the Best One [Examples]”

Let’s start with the basics, the most critical part of your teacher resume.

Telling you to include contact information may seem like an obvious "smack-you-on-the-forehead-duh" statement.

But it’s so obvious that sometimes you can forget to update or add information.

First, check for typos or misspellings that would hinder a recruiter’s ability to contact you.

Second, make your name prominent. Students know you by your surname, right? So, make yours stand out!

Finally, lose that unprofessional, silly email addresses you created in 2000.

District staff members frown upon email addresses that suggest immaturity. They’d prefer a professional email that highlights your professional aspirations.

Another way to improve your contact information is to include your LinkedIn handle.

Adding social media handles to your teacher resume shows you can keep up with trends. Plus, more than half (53%) of employers feel they need more than a resume to assess if someone is a fit for the job.

So, they go online to find out more about promising candidates.

That’s why it’s best to include links to personal websites and relevant social handles. They give recruiters more insight into you as a potential employee.

On LinkedIn, be sure that your profile features:

• Skill Endorsements
• References
• Job History
• A Professional Profile Picture

Online presence matters in the hiring process - and that’s especially true for teachers!

The rise of social media means hiring managers want candidates with clean profiles.

Pro Tip: Be sure to clean up your social media profiles before applying to have the best teacher resume. If you're looking for teaching jobs, check out this list of education job boards.

Remove any pictures or posts that will cast a negative light on you. Those concert photos from last summer at Coachella—remove them! Those controversial retweets about the presidential election—erase them.

Let your personality and background be what influences their decision.

Want to know more about managing your LinkedIn profile? Read our guide: “How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Summary & Profiles to Get Jobs”

The best way to start a resume for a teacher is with an opening statement. A few lines that tell a hiring manager what value you’d bring to the job.

And whether you use a resume objective or resume summary, you want the hiring manager to read past line one.

You should use a resume objective if:

• You’re writing an entry-level resume for teachers.
• You’re making a career change.
• You’re targeting a particular position.

But wait. I thought resume objectives were dead?

In some ways, you are right. But resume objectives can be effective and purposeful.

Recruiters want to know what’s in it for them if they hire you. So, give them what they want - VALUE!

With a resume objective, you want to state why you’re a good fit for the position and what you offer that few others will.

A music teacher resume objective:

A substitute teacher resume objective:

If you have a broad range of classroom experience, a resume summary will better serve your purposes.

You should use a teacher resume summary statement if:

• You have multiple years of professional experience.
• You are not making a career change.

A high school teacher resume summary:

A assistant teacher resume summary:

More Tips on How to Write a Resume Summary or Objective for a Teaching Resume

• Keep sentences short, sweet, and specific.
• Quantify skills and achievements with numbers and figures where possible.
• Remove first person pronouns.
• Focus on two to three critical skills that the job description emphasizes.
• Use power words.

Pro Tip: Consider writing this section last. Think about your accomplishments. Where do you excel? Before writing your statement, have an honest conversation with yourself about your unique values.

Our resume builder (you can create your resume here) will give you tips and examples on how to write your resume summary or any other section. You can easily copy them straight into your resume - it will save you a ton of time.

Create my resume now

Inside Zety's resume tool you will find tips and examples for your resume.

Want to know more about writing an intriguing resume sample for a teacher objective or summary? Read our guides: “+20 Resume Objective Examples - Use Them on Your Resume (Tips)” AND “How to Write a Resume Summary: 21 Best Examples You Will See”

Your work experience is not just a list of duties and responsibilities. You shape students’ lives in a positive way. Make sure you say so!

Start with your most recent job first. Include your title, the dates you held the position, the name of your school, and the location. Then list up to six past responsibilities and achievements under each position.

Be sure to tailor your teacher resume information to the job offer.

Here’s an example of a bullet point from the experience section of an elementary school teacher’s resume:

Notice that there’s a difference between achievements and responsibilities.

Responsibilities are the day to day facts of your job—and they are true for every teacher. Results set you apart from your competition.

Sample from an Experienced Middle School English Teacher Resume

Middle School English Teacher August 2013 - May 2016

West School District, E.Smith Intermediate School, 7th grade

• Increased standardized test scores for students in Writing (30%) and English (24%) by implementing creative coursework into the curriculum.
• Established an extracurricular book club that resulted in 50+ students joining and reading an average of 15 books a year.
• Integrated technology into learning with Smart Boards, iPads, and computers.
• Modified curriculum for an English Language Learners (ELL) and several Special Education Students in the regular education classroom by translating the concepts or explaining the concepts in simpler steps.
• Built a collaborative and friendly classroom environment using and enforcing behavior guides, team teaching, and interactive learning.
• Trained and mentored two exceptional student teachers who have now been hired by neighboring school districts.

Sample from an Experienced Math Teacher Resume

Math Teacher August 2009 - 2013

Lincoln School District, Kennedy Middle School, Grades 9 & 10

• Increased standardized test scores for students in Math (29%) and Geometry (36%) by implementing customized and interactive coursework into the curriculum.
• Introduced a system for simplifying more complex math concepts for comprehensive understanding.
• Integrated technology into learning with Smart Boards, iPads, and computers.
• Supported a diverse classroom of learners with a combination of both at-risk and exceptional students.
• Determined areas of strengths and weaknesses, then modified the curriculum to support each student’s learning styles.
• Received Teacher of the Year Award in 2010 after demonstrating strong skills in teacher/parent communication.

Three Things All Resumes for Teachers Should Have in the Experience Section:

1. Teacher Specifics: curriculum-based knowledge and varied methods of teaching.

• For example, a Physical Education teacher resume might include SPARK! curriculum.

2. Numbers and Figures: anything you can quantify.

• Test Score Improvements
• Students in Your Class
• Teachers You’ve Trained

3. Outside Involvement: contributing to other areas of school activities.

• Social clubs you advised.
• Semesters coaching team sports.
• Educational trips you’ve planned.

Remember, personalized teaching resumes out-perform the best generic resume examples for a teacher. In fact, 63% of recruiters want resumes tailored to the open position.

Try searching for job offers to see what responsibilities they advertise. Then make an entry based on that information.

You can go ahead and drop routine tasks all teachers handle. That just wastes valuable space for your real qualifiers.

Resume Tips for Teachers With No Experience

If you’re a fresh graduate, you can add relevant experience to your experience section. Here are some options:

• Nanny
• Tutor
• Coach
• Student Teacher
• Camp Counselor

Pro Tip: Add that extra zing to each bullet point by using power words.

For example, leadership is a necessary teaching skill, but everyone uses the word “led.” Doesn’t spearheaded or delegated sound so much stronger?

Want to see more examples of power words to use on your resume template for a teacher? Read our guide: “80+ Examples of Resume Action Words for Every Profession”

You can’t be a teacher if you’re not certified. And that’s why it’s important to make sure a recruiter can see right away that you’re qualified.

Consider creating a separate section for your certificates. You can add it to your teacher resume before your experience or education sections.

Teachers also complete a lot of training to get their degrees. Everything from interactive field experience and internships, to classroom training.

This extra training can also get its own section.

For an entry level teacher resume or a first-time teacher resume, additional training can go directly in your experience section.

Pro Tip: Let’s say you’re creating your teaching resume in anticipation of finishing a certification. Add the certificate along with the expected completion date.

Want to know how to add achievements to a sample resume for a teacher? Read our guide: “Achievements to Put on a Resume - Complete Guide (+30 examples)”

Are you writing an entry-level teaching resume?

If so, you should list your education towards the top of your new resume for a teacher right under your resume objective.

If you have a few years of experience, let your professional background do the talking. Put your education after your experience section.

You should always list your highest degree first. Include the type of degree earned, your major, the accredited university, and it’s location. The order does not matter.

Example:

B.S. in Early Childhood Education

Wake Forest University, 2009

Minor in Special Education

Are your a writing a graduate teacher resume?

Brag about high honors, scholarships, awards, or a GPA greater than a 3.0. That experience studying abroad? Include it!

Teaching hopefuls without a teaching degree:

You must complete and meet all lateral entry requirements. List them here, too!

Pro Tip: Never generalize your teaching degree. Take the opportunity to include industry-related keywords for your teacher resume.

For example, you did not receive a “B.S. in Teaching,” you received a “B.S. in Physical Education (K-12) and a minor in Health Education.”

For more information on how to put your education on your teacher resume, read our guide: “How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips & Examples]”

Job offers are the best place to find skills for a resume for a teacher.

As a teacher, you may find that most schools advertise open positions on a district website.

Browse the district’s “About” and “Career” pages to see what skills or areas of instruction are in highest demand.

District websites tell you the licensure or certifications required at minimum. Be sure to include these—if you have them—to help your teacher resume pass screening.

Teaching buzzwords like “common core,” “North Carolina standards of study,” “IEP,” and “Peer Teaching” are all words that commonly appear on job sites. Include them on your teaching resume.

You can also head to LinkedIn for some additional research.

Look at other teaching profiles to find out which skill endorsements are most common.

You’ll want to list the skills most applicable to the type of teaching position you’re targeting.

The teaching profession requires many broad areas of expertise along with specialized skills sets. For example, an Art Teacher resume needs a different skill set from a Preschool Teacher resume.

How To Balance Your Skills:

• A combo of hard skills (Microsoft Excel) and soft skills (professional demeanor) are necessary here.

Top five soft skills for teaching are:

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Organization
• Passion
• Patience

Unsure of what to list as hard skills? Start with technology.

One way modern teachers can differentiate themselves from others is with tech skills. Do you incorporate technology into your classroom instruction? Add it to your teacher resume.

It’s desirable for teachers to use iPads, computers, or smart boards in the classroom.

So, be specific about the devices and programmes that are familiar to you.

Pro Tip: Get detailed. Use both abbreviations and full wording. Make sure to include both “Individual Education Plans” and “IEP” on your teacher resume.

Need more inspiration for your skills section? Read our guide: “+30 Best Examples of What Skills to Put on a Resume (Proven Tips)”

You’re more than just classrooms and testing.

Adding other activities and experience will speak for you as a candidate. Plus, it helps the recruiter relate to you!

Here are some possibilities:

• Additional Licensure
• Awards
• Certifications
• Publications
• Hobbies and Interests

Jim Hopkinson of Salary.com says that hobbies and interests are valuable elements that give you a competitive edge:

"All things being equal, wouldn't you want to hang out with the person that also loves to cook, can talk about sports at lunch, or volunteers in the community?"

Are you a member of the National Education Association (NEA)? Did you attend any big conferences about "inclusive learning" or how to teach in the digital age?

List ‘em!

What you decide to title the section will vary depending on the content. If you choose to list conferences you attended, consider naming the section “Conferences.”

Pro Tip: Community involvement, personality, and commitment are essential qualities for teachers. Consider including these entries in an “Extracurricular” section.

Still not sure how to choose hobbies and interests for a resume for a teacher? Read our guide: “+20 Examples of Hobbies & Interests to Put on a Resume (5 Tips)”

Applying for a job without attaching a cover letter is like eating a cake without icing.

Let’s debunk a common career myth right now - cover letters are still required!

In fact, 45% of recruiters will toss your resume if there is no cover letter.

But to make your letter great, you must tailor your cover letter to each job description.

A little bit of simple research is all you need to do. Take 10 minutes to pinpoint the name of the principal at the school. Then, address your cover letter directly to that person.

Even better, introduce yourself to the principal or assistant principal. That way, they already know who you are when they receive your teacher resume and cover letter.

An Easy, Super-secret Cover Letter Strategy:

Write an engaging first sentence and use a bit of humor.

Forego that standard introductory sentence:

“My name is Lauren Hamer, and I’m excited to apply for the Fourth Grade teaching position at E. Smith Elementary!”

Instead, start with an attention grabber:

“Ever since my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Hannigan, took me under her wing at school, I knew I wanted to have that same kind of positive influence on someone else.”

Next, tell a story to support your successful classroom management and organizational skills. Remember that room full of hyped-up students before Christmas vacation last year? Tell the story about how you used an interactive game to keep them engaged.

No matter how you say it, make an impact.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write your cover letter in our resume builder here. Here's what it may look like:

See more templates and create your resume and cover letter here.

Want to see how to write each section of your cover letter? Read our complete guide: “How to Write a Cover Letter (Complete Guide with Examples)”

Writing a teacher resume can seem overwhelming. There aren’t too many ways to differentiate yourself from the competition.

• But a resume for a teacher doesn’t have to be a boring document.
• Take the time to define your unique qualifications on your teaching resume. Adding a few personal touches will help set you apart from other candidates.
• Remember, you are more than your certification or degree.

Do you have any questions on how to make a teacher resume? Give us a shout in the comments section!