by Creating an effective high school teacher resume is essential for securing your next position.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to writing a standout resume, tailored specifically for high school teachers. With detailed writing tips and practical examples, you'll learn how to highlight your qualifications, experience, and passion for education.
Whether you're fresh out of college or an experienced educator, these instructions will help you craft a high school teacher resume that captures the attention of school administrators.
"The duties of a teacher are neither few nor small, but they elevate the mind and give energy to the character."
High school teacher resume examples
High school arts teacher resume template
Sample high school English teacher resume
Helen Atherton
helen-atherton@email.com | 678-266-5282 | Harrisburg, PAPassionate and dedicated high school English teacher with over 11 years of experience in creating a stimulating and inclusive classroom environment. Seeking a position at Harrisburg High School to leverage my expertise in English literature and composition to inspire and educate students.
Professional Experience:
English Teacher Central High School (Harrisburg, PA) August 2018 - Present
- Develop and implement engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards for English Literature, Composition, American Literature, and Creative Writing.
- Utilize diverse teaching strategies and technologies to accommodate various learning styles and abilities.
- Provide individualized support and tutoring to help struggling students improve their reading and writing skills.
- Prepare students for standardized tests, resulting in a 15% increase in English proficiency scores over three years.
- Sponsor and coach the Debate Club, leading the team to regional competitions.
English Teacher East Pennsboro Area High School (Enola, PA) August 2013 - June 2018
- Taught a range of English courses including English 9, English 10, and British Literature.
- Implemented formative and summative assessments to track student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
- Organized and led professional development workshops on integrating technology into English instruction.
- Served on the curriculum development committee to revise and enhance the English curriculum.
- Actively participated in parent-teacher conferences to communicate student progress and foster partnerships with parents.
Education:
Teaching Certification Pennsylvania Secondary Education Teaching Certificate in English (Grades 7-12)
- Renewed: 2022
Master of Education in English Education Pennsylvania State University
- Graduated: May 2015
Bachelor of Arts in English University of Pittsburgh
- Graduated: May 2013
Professional Development:
- Attend the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Annual Conference | every year since 2015
Skills:
- SMART Boards
- Online learning platforms (Google Classroom, Turnitin)
- Literary analysis tools
- Classroom management
- Curriculum development
- Leadership
- Coaching
- Mentorship
- Crisis prevention
- Teen psychology
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Formatting advice
A well-formatted resume for a high school teacher has to be clear, professional, and readable.
Here are some tips to ensure your document is organized:
- Font Type. Opt for an easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Font Size. Use 10-12 points for the main text and 14-16 points for your name and headers.
- Spacing. Leave single spacing between lines and a double space between sections to create a clear division.
- Margins. Keep margins between 0.5 to 1 inch on all sides. This ensures that the resume is not too cramped or too sparse.
- Alignment. Left-align your text for a clean and professional look.
- Bullet Points. Use simple, round bullets for a clean appearance. Avoid checkmarks or other symbols.
- Length. One-page resume is ideal. Two pages are acceptable for very experienced teachers.
- File Format. Save and send your document as a PDF to preserve formatting.
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Contact information
It's imperative to include the necessary contact details _at the top of your high school teacher resume, so that potential employers can get in touch with you to invite for an interview.
Make sure you write your full legal name, reliable phone number, professional email, current location, and a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have it.
Avoid using email with nicknames and double-check for any typos. Your goal is to make it easy for schools to contact you promptly.
Resume summary or objective
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education."
A summary is a short paragraph that offers a snapshot of your key skills, experience, and accomplishments. It is usually around 3-4 sentences long.
High school teacher resume summary example:
Seasoned high school teacher with over ten years of experience in Math and Science instruction, known for improving student performance and engagement. Expertise in curriculum development, differentiated instruction, and classroom management. Recognized for leadership in faculty training and mentoring roles.
Writing tips:
- Focus on significant accomplishments and successes in your teaching career. They show potential employers the impact you’ve had in previous roles.
- Customize your summary to align with the requirements listed in the job posting. Highlight skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for.
An objective is a brief statement that outlines your career goals and objectives. It should be tailored to the specific job opportunity you are pursuing and showcase how your targets match the employer's needs.
High school teacher resume objective sample:
Enthusiastic recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, eager to begin a teaching career. Committed to creating an engaging and supportive classroom environment while utilizing modern educational technology to enhance student learning.
Writing tips:
- Clearly state what you hope to accomplish in the position and your overall career aspirations.
- Convey genuine excitement for the company and the role. Reflect on your passion for education and your eagerness to contribute to the school’s success.
Experience
Your employment history section is one of the most important parts of the high school teacher resume. It must showcase your overall experience and notable outcomes of your work in the education field.
For each position mentioned, indicate the job title, the name and location of your old workplace, the date of employment, and a description of key duties and accomplishments.
- Start the high school teacher resume with your most recent job and list the rest in the reverse chronological order.
- Include all relevant teaching positions, including part-time or temporary roles.
- Highlight key responsibilities under each job entry.
- Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.
High school teacher's responsibilities - a resume example:
History Teacher Hillsboro High School (Nashville, TN) August 2018 – Present
- Develop and deliver engaging lesson plans for American History and World History classes for grades 9-12.
- Facilitate Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History courses, resulting in an 85% student pass rate.
- Organize and lead historical field trips, providing experiential learning opportunities and enhancing students' understanding of historical contexts.
- Integrate technology tools like Google Classroom and Zoom to support remote learning and maintain instructional continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
History Teacher Cane Ridge High School (Antioch, TN) August 2014 – June 2018
- Taught American History, World History, and Geography to diverse student populations in grades 10-12.
- Advised the Model United Nations club, guiding students in research, debate, and presentation skills, resulting in multiple awards at regional conferences.
- Developed and administered assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction methods accordingly.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to meet the needs of students with varying abilities and learning styles.
Education
"Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together."
Along with the details about your experience, the education section plays a significant role in showcasing your qualifications and expertise.
Every credential should contain information about the major studied, the name of the institution that issued it, the graduation date, and any other relevant details.
- Begin high school teacher resume by listing your highest degree first, followed by any additional certifications.
- Describe relevant training you have attended to show commitment to continuously updating your skills and knowledge.
- State honors and awards to highlight your dedication towards your education.
- Mention relevant coursework to stress the depth of knowledge in a particular area and make you a more desirable candidate.
Academic background on a high school teacher resume - example:
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)
- Graduated: May 2024
- Thesis: "The Impact of Project-Based Learning on Student Engagement in High School History Classes."
- Honors: Dean's List for Academic Excellence (all semesters)
Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education St. Cloud State University (St. Cloud, MN)
- Graduated: May 2022
- Major/Minor: History Education/Educational Psychology
- GPA: 3.85/4.00
- Honors: magna cum laude, Recipient of the Presidential Scholarship for Academic Achievement (2021)
Certifications:
- Teaching License, Secondary Education (Grades 7-12), History | State of Minnesota (renewed in 2023)
- Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History Certified Instructor | AP Central (renewed in 2022)
- Google Certified Educator Level 1 (2022)
High school teacher skills for resume
Your high school teacher resume is not just about listing your work experience and education, but also about highlighting your skill set. As a teacher at the secondary level, you are responsible for playing numerous roles - educator, mentor, counselor, and more.
Recruiters look for a combination of hard and soft skills to determine if a candidate is the right fit for the job and can handle the responsibilities that come with being a high school teacher.
Teacher resume soft skills examples:
- Communication
- Patience
- Adaptability
- Empathy
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Conflict Resolution
- Time Management
- Leadership
- Organization
Teacher resume hard skills examples:
- Curriculum Development
- Classroom Management
- Lesson Planning
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Subject Matter Expertise
- Educational Technology Proficiency
- Differentiated Instruction
- Data Analysis
- Special Education Strategies
- Test Preparation Techniques
Additional details
To present all your strengths to employers, you may want to include supplementary sections into your high school teacher resume. They will help differentiate you from other candidates and give potential employers a better understanding of who you are as a person.
| Section | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Hobbies | Demonstrate your personality and additional skills. | Playing guitar, hiking, photography |
| Languages | Beneficial in teaching diverse student populations. | Fluent in Spanish, intermediate proficiency in Mandarin |
| Awards | Showcase your achievements and dedication to your profession. | Teacher of the Year Award, National Board Certified Teacher |
| References | Add credibility to the resume and allow recruiters to learn about you from those who know you. | Former principal, fellow teacher |
| Internships | Indicate practical experience and skills gained while studying (relevant for entry-level applicants). | Teaching assistant experience |
| Volunteering | Illustrates commitment to giving back to the community. | Tutoring at local community center, leading after-school program |
| Certifications | Exhibit specialized skills or areas of expertise. | CPR certification, Google Certified Educator |
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Build My ResumeHigh school teacher cover letter
One of the most crucial aspects of your job application is writing a strong cover letter. This document is your opportunity to present a positive image and elaborate on your abilities and background that you described in your resume.
Tips on crafting a great cover letter for a high school teacher:
- Keep it concise and to the point - no longer than one page.
- Address it to a specific person, if possible. This shows that you have taken the time to personalize your application.
- Highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Focus on how they align with the requirements of the position you are applying for.
- Use keywords from the job description. This can aid in making your cover letter stand out.
- Provide specific examples of your accomplishments. Use concrete evidence to demonstrate your teaching abilities.
- Show enthusiasm for the school and its values. This will show that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in working there.
Now, to see the guidelines in action, let's look at some good high school teacher cover letter examples - one for an experienced educator, and one for an entry-level professional.
Experienced high school teacher cover letter sample:
Dear Mr. Hamilton,
I am excited to apply for the position of Math Teacher at Riverdale High School, as advertised on your careers page.
With over ten years of teaching experience and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota, I am confident in my ability to make a significant contribution to your school's academic program.
In my current role at Hillsboro High School in Nashville, I have developed and delivered comprehensive lesson plans for Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus courses, fostering a dynamic and inclusive classroom environment. My efforts have led to an 85% pass rate in AP Calculus. For this, I have been recognized with the Teacher of the Year award for two consecutive years.
I have a proven track record of utilizing differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities, ensuring that all students can achieve their full potential. One of my notable achievements was the successful implementation of a school-wide math competition initiative that increased student participation in math clubs and contests by 30%.
Additionally, I organized and led multiple STEM-focused field trips, providing students with experiential learning opportunities that deepened their understanding of mathematical concepts. My commitment to student engagement and innovative teaching methods has consistently resulted in positive feedback from students, parents, and colleagues.
I am particularly impressed by Riverdale High School's dedication to fostering critical thinking and academic excellence. Your emphasis on community involvement and student leadership aligns with my teaching philosophy. I am eager to bring my expertise in math education and my passion for student success to your esteemed institution.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely, Shakira Engler
Entry-level high school teacher cover letter example:
Dear Ms. Thompson,
I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the English Teacher position at Greenwood High School, as advertised on your website.
Recently, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from St. Cloud State University, I am eager to bring my passion for literature and my commitment to student success to your esteemed institution.
During my student teaching experience at Central High School in St. Paul, MN, I developed and implemented engaging lesson plans for 10th-grade English Literature and 11th-grade Composition classes
My focus on interactive learning and critical analysis exercises helped increase student participation and improved overall test scores by 12%. Moreover, I integrated technology into my lessons by utilizing tools such as Google Classroom and interactive literary analysis apps. This enhanced students' understanding and appreciation of literature.
Beyond my teaching capabilities, I have actively participated in extracurricular activities that demonstrate my leadership and teamwork skills. As President of the Literature Club at St. Cloud State University, I organized literary readings and guest author events that fostered a deeper interest in literature among students.
I also volunteered as a tutor at the Academic Success Center, where I provided personalized academic support to students struggling with English coursework.
I am particularly drawn to Greenwood High School due to its strong commitment to academic excellence and its vibrant community. I am confident that my enthusiasm, coupled with my ability to create a positive and engaging learning environment, will contribute to the continued success of your English program.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, Derek Aguirre
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"The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see."
It's essential to review your high school teacher's resume and application letter before presenting them to potential employers. Ensuring that there are no errors is imperative, as even a small mistake could jeopardize a potential job opportunity.
Here are some tips to help you polish your documents:
- Read through your resume and cover letter multiple times, ideally after taking a break after you wrote them.
- Use specialized tools to check spelling and grammar to catch minor errors quickly.
- Read out loud to notice any awkward phrasing or missing words.
- Ask someone to review your documents for any mistakes you may have overlooked.
Remember, first impression is crucial in the job search process. Therefore, invest in perfecting your resume and cover letter to enhance your prospects of attaining your dream job.
High school teacher resume: conclusion
By following the above guide and examining the provided high school teacher resume examples, you can create a standout document that highlights your qualifications in the best light.
The resume builder simplifies the writing process, ensuring your application is polished and professional. Use it and take the next step in your teaching career today!
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