How to Create a Great Resume for a Job in Education

Landing your dream job in education? You need a resume that really shines. This guide is here to help, whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out. Let's make your resume stand out!

What Hiring Managers Look For

Before you even start writing, think about what hiring managers want. They're looking for someone who can:

• Teach well: Engage students, make learning fun, and help everyone succeed.
• Know their stuff: Show off your knowledge, whether it's elementary math or advanced science.
• Keep the classroom organized: They want to see you're good at keeping things running smoothly.
• Work well with others: Teachers are team players, so being able to communicate and collaborate is key.
• Love teaching: They want to see you're passionate about education and helping students grow.

Creating a Winning Resume

1. The Right Format: Chronological

There are different resume formats, but for education jobs, the chronological one is usually best. Here's why:

• Easy to follow: It shows your experience in a clear, chronological order, so hiring managers can quickly see what you've done.
• The standard: It's the format most hiring managers in education are used to seeing.

2. Tailor for Each Job

You'll have a general resume, but it's important to tweak it for every job you apply for. Read the job description carefully and highlight the skills that match.

For example, if they're looking for someone who can work well in teams, make sure you mention times you've collaborated with others successfully.

3. Use Powerful Action Verbs

When describing your experience, don't just say what you did, use action verbs to show what you accomplished.

Instead of "Taught students," try "Developed engaging lesson plans that increased student comprehension by 20%."

Here are some good action verbs for education resumes:

• Developed
• Implemented
• Facilitated
• Collaborated
• Assessed
• Motivated
• Guided
• Supervised
• Evaluated

4. Show the Numbers

Instead of just saying "Increased student engagement," add some numbers to make it more impactful.

For example, try "Increased student engagement in science classes by 15% through hands-on activities."

5. Share Your Teaching Philosophy

Your teaching philosophy is your belief system about education. It's a chance to show your passion and commitment to student learning.

You can add a separate "Teaching Philosophy" section or include it in your summary statement. Keep it short and focused on the main things you believe in.

6. Highlight Your Skills

Besides your work experience, include a section for relevant skills. This is especially important for new graduates or those with limited teaching experience.

Here are some common skills to include:

• Classroom management
• Differentiated instruction
• Curriculum development
• Assessment
• Technology integration
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Organization

7. Use Keywords

Hiring managers often use software to scan resumes for keywords. Make sure your resume includes keywords that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

Look for keywords in the job description, on school websites, and in professional organization resources.

8. Focus on the Most Relevant Experience

You might have a long work history, but focus on the experience that's most relevant to the education job you want. You can add a "Related Experience" section for volunteer work, internships, or other relevant experience.

9. Proofread Carefully

Once you've written your resume, proofread it carefully. Check for any typos, grammar errors, or inconsistencies. It's always a good idea to have a friend or colleague look it over too.

More Resume Tips

• Choose a professional font: Fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri are easy to read.
• Keep it concise: One or two pages max!
• Use white space: Makes your resume look cleaner and easier to read.
• Include contact information: Name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one).
• Save as a PDF: This keeps the formatting consistent when viewed on different devices.

Examples

Here are some examples of resumes for different teaching roles:

Elementary School Teacher

Summary: Energetic and experienced elementary school teacher who loves creating fun and engaging learning experiences. I'm skilled at meeting the needs of diverse learners and creating a supportive classroom environment. I'm also great at using technology and communicating with parents.

Experience:

• Elementary School Teacher, ABC Elementary School, 2018-Present
• Developed engaging lesson plans that increased student comprehension in reading and math by 15%.
• Worked with other teachers to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom community.
• Used technology to make learning fun and engaging for students.

High School English Teacher

Summary: I'm a passionate and dedicated high school English teacher with a strong understanding of how teenagers learn to read and write. I create engaging lessons that help students think critically and communicate effectively. I also love building strong relationships with students and their families.

Experience:

• High School English Teacher, XYZ High School, 2016-Present
• Created innovative lesson plans that used technology and hands-on projects, which increased student engagement in AP Literature by 20%.
• Worked with school administrators to develop a new literacy program for students who struggled with reading.
• Mentored new teachers, helping them learn about classroom management and teaching strategies.

Special Education Teacher

Summary: I'm a highly skilled and compassionate special education teacher who is committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs. I have experience developing and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) and providing differentiated instruction. I work well with parents, teachers, and other staff to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Experience:

• Special Education Teacher, DEF School, 2019-Present
• Developed and implemented individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with a variety of disabilities, leading to significant improvements in their academic performance and functional skills.
• Worked closely with parents and families to provide ongoing support and guidance on student learning and development.
• Used various assistive technology tools to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

The Bottom Line

A strong resume is essential for finding a rewarding job in education. By using the tips and strategies in this guide, you can create a resume that highlights your skills, experience, and passion for teaching. Remember, your resume is your first impression, so make it count! Good luck with your job search!