1. Choose the Right Format:
* Chronological: Best if you have a consistent teaching history with upward progression. List your positions in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
* Functional/Skills-Based: Better if you have gaps in your teaching history or want to emphasize specific skills. Focus on your skills and accomplishments first, then list your work history.
* Combination: Combines elements of both, allowing you to showcase both skills and work history.
2. Use Action Verbs and Quantifiable Results:
Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, use strong action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. This demonstrates the impact of your teaching. For example:
* Weak: "Taught high school history."
* Strong: "Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans in AP US History for 150 students, resulting in a 15% increase in average exam scores."
Here are some strong action verbs:
* Developed
* Implemented
* Designed
* Created
* Instructed
* Facilitated
* Mentored
* Guided
* Assessed
* Evaluated
* Improved
* Increased
* Achieved
* Collaborated
* Adapted
* Cultivated
3. Highlight Key Accomplishments and Skills:
Focus on your most significant achievements and relevant skills. Consider these categories:
* Curriculum Development: Did you create new courses, lesson plans, or materials?
* Student Achievement: Did you improve student test scores, graduation rates, or participation in extracurricular activities?
* Classroom Management: Did you create a positive and productive learning environment?
* Technology Integration: Did you effectively use technology in your teaching?
* Differentiated Instruction: Did you adapt your teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse learners?
* Collaboration & Communication: Did you collaborate with colleagues, parents, or administrators?
* Mentoring/Leadership: Did you mentor other teachers or take on leadership roles?
4. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Description:
Carefully read the job description and tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific position. Use keywords from the job description in your resume.
5. Example of a Strong Bullet Point:
"Designed and implemented a project-based learning curriculum for 10th-grade English, leading to a 20% increase in student engagement as measured by classroom participation and project completion rates, and a 10% improvement in standardized test scores."
6. Consider a Portfolio:
For teaching positions, a portfolio showcasing your lesson plans, student work, and teaching philosophy can be a valuable addition to your application.
7. Proofread Carefully:
Errors in grammar and spelling can damage your credibility. Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it.
By following these tips, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your teaching experience and increases your chances of landing your dream job. Remember to be concise and focus on your most impactful contributions.