An excellent resume requires well-written information that proves you are the best choice for the job. What you might not realize is the way you format that information is just as important to a hiring manager deciding whether to contact you for an interview. Improper formatting makes your document look disheveled and will likely make it harder for the reader to find the most relevant information.
A strong format is especially essential if you are applying for a teaching job because teachers must be well-organized and present information in a format that keeps students well-informed and interested in the subject. Luckily, all you need to create a professional resume is to understand the resume format for teachers and understand a few dos and don’ts of resume writing.
Professional Summary
Qualified elementary teacher with more than 10 years of experience in the education field. Driven to help every student become organized and successful in her or his educational endeavors. Attentive and willing to create individualized lesson plans to ensure each student is working to his or her potential. Knowledgeable of Common Core methods.
Skills
* Common Core
* Lesson planning
* Active and attentive listening
* Teaching special needs students
* Communicating with students, superiors, and parents
* Fluent in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language
* Time management
Experience
Elementary Teacher
Franklin County School District, Columbus, OH
October 2015 – Present
* Design and print instruction sheets and resources for students
* Create lesson plans that are engaging, informative, and versatile enough to work for every child
* Listen to students’ questions and concerns and help them find solutions
* Meet with parents, students, and other teachers to discuss progress
* Administer tests to track progress and determine which lessons to lead next
Elementary Teacher
Columbus City School District, Columbus, OH
August 2010 – October 2015
* Determined and met performance goals for students, the school, and the district
* Participated in ongoing training, such as classroom teaching, seminars, and hands-on activities
* Performed administrative duties, including grading papers, creating tests, and sending home required worksheets
* Met with students individually to assist with homework and provide tutoring as needed
* Supervised students in environments outside of the classroom, including on the playground and during field trips
Elementary Teacher
Ashville Local Schools, Pickaway, OH
August 2006 – August 2010
* Led lesson plans that included reading, quiet activities, and group activities to ensure students feel fulfilled
* Observed and evaluated students’ academic and social performance in and out of the classroom
* Prepared report cards and distributed them, along with individualized notes, to students and/or parents
* Planned educational field trips that allowed the children to have hands-on learning experiences in a new environment
* Oversaw after-school and Saturday school lessons for students who needed extra help or wanted to earn extra credit
Education
Master of Education – 2012
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Ohio State Teaching License – 2008
Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Education – 2008
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
1. Does the skills section focus specifically on traits required of an elementary school teacher?
Yes! The skills section of the resume sample above starts by mentioning the applicant has experience in Common Core. Because so many school districts are adopting this learning method across the country, it is one of the most important skills a teacher can have. Listing it first shows the applicant knows what a recruiter will look for first on a teaching resume. The section goes on to mention other important areas the applicant has experience in, including speaking more than one language.
2. Does this resume example provide thorough information about the applicant’s previous teaching experience?
Affirmative. The applicant provided just the right amount of detail about her previous teaching experience. She wasn’t too vague, which makes it easy for the person reading her resume to imagine her completing similar tasks at a new school; however, she also didn’t go into too much detail, which leaves her room to do so and be more interesting in an interview.
3. Does this resume format for teachers include enough education information?
It does! The applicant listed her education in reverse chronological order to show which degree or license she earned most recently. In addition to providing information about her Master of Education and her Bachelor of Education, she made sure to provide the year she became licensed to teach in the state of Ohio. The provided information raises her chances of receiving a call to come in for an interview.
4. Is the resume well-organized and interesting?
It is. The resume begins with a strong professional summary that draws attention to the applicant’s years of experience in the field and most relevant skills and personality traits. She goes on to create a solid list of skills and provide an excellent experience and education section. The applicant varies her words and avoids phrases such as “responsible for,” which keeps the resume more professional and interesting to read.
5. Does the resume use the same formatting throughout?
Of course! This applicant understood proper formatting will be uniform throughout the resume, which makes it look more professional. She used commas and abbreviations the same way each time, provided the same format for each listing in experience and education, and used the same symbols in relevant spots throughout the resume.
When writing your resume in accordance with this resume format for teachers, start with the bare bones. Use an interesting font, but avoid anything too fancy, and use the same format throughout the entire piece. In each section, list the most important information first, and be sure to vary your word usage so your resume doesn’t become too repetitive.
Provide as much information as possible, including dates and locations. Above all else, don’t forget to proofread your resume at least a few times. Even the most professional resume is sure to look bad if riddled with typos.