Teacher Resume Example with Certification Tips

School principals and hiring committees look for three things quickly: whether you are certified for the grade and subject, how much classroom experience you have, and evidence that your students learned. The best teacher resumes show all three on the first read.

This example is for an elementary teacher with seven years of experience and a state teaching certificate. Middle and high school teachers can use the same structure and add subject areas, courses taught and extracurricular roles.

Use This Example Browse Templates

Recommended resume format for a teacher

Reverse-chronological, one to two pages. Put your certification near the top so it is not missed. Describe the grade, subject and class size for each role. Many districts accept two pages for experienced teachers. The education section guide explains how to list degrees and student teaching.

Teacher resume example

This example is fictional: the name, employers and numbers are invented to show structure and wording. It uses the Professional template. Replace every detail with your own, truthful information.

Preview of the teacher example in the Professional template.

Teacher resume text

Emily Harper
Elementary Teacher
emily.harper@example.com | (555) 023-5549 | Raleigh, NC

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Certified elementary teacher with 7 years of experience in grades 2 to 4. Creates structured, welcoming classrooms and uses data from reading and math assessments to plan small-group instruction. Experienced with multilingual learners and students with IEPs, and a collaborative member of grade-level teams.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Third Grade Teacher | Aug 2020 – Present
Oak Hollow Elementary School | Raleigh, NC
- Teach all core subjects to classes of 22 to 25 students, including multilingual learners and students with IEPs.
- Raised the share of students reading at or above grade level from 58% to 81% in one year using guided reading groups.
- Lead the third grade team's weekly planning meetings and shared assessment tracker.
- Started a family reading night program that increased family attendance at school events by 35%.

Second Grade Teacher | Aug 2017 – Jun 2020
Pine Ridge Elementary School | Cary, NC
- Planned and delivered lessons aligned with state standards for a class of 24 students.
- Introduced math stations that improved end-of-year math benchmark results by 18 points.
- Communicated with families through weekly newsletters and conferences twice a year.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education | May 2017
North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC

CERTIFICATIONS
North Carolina Professional Educator License, Elementary Education (K-6) | Jul 2017
NC Department of Public Instruction

SKILLS
Teaching: Differentiated instruction, Guided reading, Classroom management, Formative assessment, IEP collaboration
Technology: Google Classroom, Seesaw, PowerSchool, Interactive whiteboards

Start from this example in the builder, then replace the details with your own. It opens as a new resume saved on your device.

Use This Example

Teacher resume summary examples

Mention your certification, grade levels or subjects, years of experience and a teaching strength, such as literacy instruction or supporting diverse learners.

Elementary teacherCertified elementary teacher with 7 years in grades 2 to 4, known for data-driven small-group instruction and strong family partnerships. Raised reading proficiency by 23 points in one year.
High school teacherHigh school biology teacher with 5 years of experience teaching standard and AP courses. Coaches the science olympiad team and uses lab-based learning to build curiosity.
Special education teacherSpecial education teacher with 6 years of experience writing and implementing IEPs for students with learning and behavioral disabilities in inclusion and resource settings.
New teacherNewly certified teacher with a 16-week student teaching placement in a fifth grade classroom. Skilled in lesson planning, classroom routines and educational technology.

More ideas: resume summary examples.

Skills for a teacher resume

Teaching skills should reflect both how you teach and how you support students. Include tools your district uses, such as learning management systems or student information systems.

Instruction

Lesson planning
Differentiated instruction
Small-group instruction
Project-based learning
Standards alignment

Student support

Classroom management
Positive behavior support
IEP and 504 plans
Multilingual learner support
Social-emotional learning

Assessment

Formative assessment
Benchmark testing
Progress monitoring
Data analysis

Technology

Google Classroom
Canvas
Seesaw
PowerSchool
Nearpod

See the resume skills guide for how to choose and present skills.

Teacher experience bullet point examples

Show student outcomes where you can: test growth, reading levels, attendance, participation or program results. Include class size and the types of learners you supported.

Increased AP Biology pass rates from 54% to 72% over three years with weekly review sessions.
Designed a cross-curricular unit on local history adopted by all four fifth grade classes.
Reduced classroom behavior referrals by 60% by introducing clear routines and a positive recognition system.
Mentored 2 student teachers from a local university through their placements.
Secured a $2,500 classroom grant for robotics kits used by 120 students.
Coordinated the school science fair with 180 student participants.

Education section guidance

List your education degree and any master's degree, with graduation dates. Include your student teaching placement if you are a new teacher.

Add professional development that relates to the job, such as literacy training or special education courses.

Certifications and licenses for a teacher resume

Teaching licenses vary by state or country. Use the exact name of your certificate, the subjects and grades it covers, and the issuing agency.

State teaching license or certificate with grade levels and subject areas
English as a Second Language (ESL) or bilingual endorsement
Special education endorsement
National Board Certification

Common teacher resume mistakes

Not naming your certification. "Certified teacher" is not enough. Name the license, state and subject or grade range.
Describing only duties. Every teacher plans lessons. Show what your students achieved and what you created.
Using student names. Keep all student information anonymous.
Leaving out extracurricular roles. Coaching, clubs and committees show commitment to the school community.

ATS tips for a teacher resume

Include the grade levels and subjects in words, such as "third grade" and "elementary education".
Use the certification name exactly as your state writes it.
List learning management systems as plain text.
Use standard headings such as Teaching Experience, Education and Certifications.
Avoid decorative fonts and graphics.

Check your draft with the free ATS Resume Checker, which shows your resume completeness and the plain text an applicant tracking system reads.

Helpful resume guides

Teacher resume FAQ

Should a teacher resume include a teaching philosophy?

Not on the resume. A short summary is better. Save your teaching philosophy for a cover letter or an application question if the district asks for it.

How do I show student achievement without test scores?

Use reading levels, growth on classroom assessments, attendance, participation, project results or family engagement numbers.

How should new teachers list student teaching?

List it like a job, with the school, grade, dates and two or three bullets on the lessons and responsibilities you handled.

Can teachers use this resume for jobs outside education?

Yes, with changes. Translate classroom skills into business terms, such as training, planning, presenting and managing groups.

Teacher Resume Example