Language teaching is hard and you know it!
It encompasses so much more than grammar and vocabulary. It’s also about literature, history and culture. And depending on your students, there are a myriad of teaching approaches you can take.
So, how do you build an outstanding english teacher resume that will appeal to principals?
We’ve prepared a complete guide that will instruct you on how to:
- Ace the writing process by following one of our example teacher resumes
- Decipher job ads and accentuate the right english teacher skills
- Get picked for a job interview among the sea of other candidates
…with many practical tips and sample sections to help you along the way!
English Teacher resume examples
Explore additional english teacher resume samples and guides
and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry-Level English Teacher
- Demonstrates flexibility across diverse educational settings – Highlighting the ability to engage with learners from various backgrounds, such as through tutoring, volunteering, or leading workshops, showcases a candidate’s openness and resourcefulness, signaling to employers that they can adapt to different classroom environments and student needs.
- Showcases mastery of essential teaching methodologies and tools – Outlining familiarity with current educational technology, curriculum development, and English language instruction techniques underlines a practical grasp of the profession, indicating that the candidate is prepared to deliver effective, well-structured lessons even at the entry level.
- Connects previous responsibilities to teaching objectives – Drawing clear links between earlier roles—such as leadership in extracurricular activities, communication-focused positions, or customer service work—and essential teaching competencies demonstrates that the individual’s background provides a solid foundation for excelling in the educator role.
Mid-Level English Teacher
- Building a cohesive professional image – A standout Mid-Level English Teacher resume is reflected in the way the candidate aligns their presentation across platforms. By ensuring their resume language, achievements, and teaching philosophies are mirrored on their LinkedIn profile, they communicate a clear and unified professional identity. This consistency reassures hiring managers of the candidate’s attention to detail and reliability.
- Demonstrating a seamless career trajectory – What distinguishes a candidate is their ability to connect previous experiences—such as tutoring, curriculum design, or classroom management—to the requirements of the role on offer. When prior roles are succinctly tied to student engagement, language development, or assessment strategies relevant to the target position, it becomes evident that their career path and skill set are purposefully directed toward becoming a highly effective English teacher.
- Highlighting readiness to pivot between teaching contexts – Including examples of adapting to diverse learning needs or navigating technology integration distinguishes a teacher’s resume. Showcasing versatility—whether through differentiating lessons for varied skill levels, managing remote and in-person classes, or incorporating new educational tools—signals to recruiters that the candidate is well prepared to meet the evolving challenges within today’s educational environment.
English Department Head
- Strategic use of educational jargon demonstrates subject expertise – A compelling English Department Head resume distinguishes itself through the precise deployment of academic and leadership vocabulary such as “curriculum design,” “instructional scaffolding,” “literacy initiatives,” and “assessment frameworks.” When such sector-specific language is seamlessly integrated, it not only signals an in-depth understanding of pedagogy and administration but also establishes the applicant’s credibility in overseeing both classroom excellence and holistic departmental goals.
- Thoughtful formatting enhances document clarity and approachability – Eye-catching resumes in this field are presented with consistent spacing, distinct section dividers, and easily scannable fonts. By employing bullet points for accomplishments, ample margin use, and concise paragraph segments, the candidate ensures evaluators quickly grasp career highlights, teaching philosophies, and leadership milestones. This level of formatting professionalism allows key information to surface without the distraction of visual clutter.
- An engaging overview immediately captures attention – The introductory portion of a standout application is succinct yet impactful, quickly establishing both career achievements and vision. A well-written opening paragraph weaves together the candidate’s passion for English instruction, history of academic leadership, and dedication to fostering inclusive, high-performing teams. This initiates lasting interest in the reader and encourages further review of the applicant’s qualifications.
English Curriculum Specialist
- Purpose-driven application shines through – A compelling resume for an English Curriculum Specialist immediately reveals a genuine enthusiasm for advancing literacy and learning. The applicant clearly articulates their intent to shape curricular experiences that foster students' critical thinking and language mastery, demonstrating alignment with institutional educational values and goals.
- Strategic layout enhances clarity – The use of consistent, generous spacing between sections and succinct bullet points makes the document easy to scan. Thoughtful paragraph breaks and crisp headings guide the reader’s eye, allowing hiring managers to effortlessly locate key qualifications and relevant experience.
- Expertise rooted in pedagogy and innovation – The resume stands out by showcasing a blend of classroom experience, curriculum design acumen, and familiarity with contemporary education standards. Quantifiable achievements, such as the successful rollout of new language programs or integration of assessment tools, underscore the candidate’s capacity to lead curricular improvements and collaborate across departments.
Senior English Teacher
- Alignment with institutional vision – Evidence that the applicant has thoroughly researched the school or organization shines through when the resume references core values, educational philosophies, or specific curricular frameworks unique to that employer. By tailoring their experience to echo the company culture, the candidate demonstrates both preparation and genuine enthusiasm for contributing to that particular community.
- Distinctive teaching impact – What distinguishes a standout candidate is their ability to pinpoint and quantify the results of their pedagogical innovations—such as integrating technology to boost engagement or designing literacy initiatives that raised student achievement. By showcasing such tangible outcomes, the educator establishes themselves as a transformative force rather than a conventional instructor.
- Refined organization and visual clarity – The most effective resumes utilize a well-organized, intuitive design, balancing concise bullet points with clear section headers to guide the reader’s attention. Strategic use of white space, consistent formatting, and precise language ensure the document is both professional and easily navigable, making the applicant’s credentials memorable and accessible.
By Role
High School English Teacher
- Clarity and visual flow elevate the resume – A standout High School English Teacher resume incorporates neat section headings, consistent typography, and clearly demarcated bullet lists to ensure key achievements and qualifications are instantly visible. Strategic use of whitespace and concise summaries guide the reader’s eye, helping administrators rapidly identify certifications, teaching philosophy, and measurable outcomes without sifting through cluttered information.
- Alignment with the school’s culture and mission is evident – The most compelling resumes reveal careful research into the school’s values, curriculum, and community initiatives. Details such as referencing experiences with diverse student populations in an IB-focused institution, or mentioning relevant extracurricular programs, showcase genuine intent to become a valued contributor to the unique goals and spirit of the hiring school.
- A narrative that sparks genuine interest – Distinctive resumes go beyond listing responsibilities, weaving in anecdotes and results that spotlight the candidate’s passion for fostering literacy, inspiring creativity, and building student confidence. By highlighting moments of meaningful student impact or collaborative projects, the resume forms an authentic connection that resonates with hiring administrators seeking educators who make a difference.
Middle School English Teacher
- Demonstrating a distinct teaching edge – An exceptional Middle School English Teacher’s resume distinguishes itself by highlighting specific achievements that reveal innovative teaching techniques or measurable student growth. Showcasing unique classroom initiatives, successful literacy programs, or leadership in extracurricular language arts activities positions the candidate as a well-rounded, forward-thinking educator who stands apart from peers.
- Crafting content with purpose and order – A standout resume in this field is structured with clear headings, concise bullet points, and a natural flow that guides readers seamlessly from qualifications to experience. Strategic placement of certificates, endorsements, and technology skills ensures that critical information is immediately accessible, making the most relevant contributions easily identifiable at a glance.
- Ending with compelling intent and engagement – The closing section holds weight by reinforcing the candidate’s enthusiasm for fostering student development, while courteously encouraging the school to initiate further discussion. Phrasing that invites dialogue, such as expressing eagerness to share classroom strategies in an interview, leaves a memorable impression while motivating hiring committees to make contact.
Secondary English Teacher
- Immediate impression of expertise and adaptability – A standout Secondary English Teacher resume quickly reveals a blend of subject mastery and classroom versatility, making it clear the candidate is equipped to handle diverse groups of learners while fostering a dynamic educational environment. This initial impression, established through concise organization and targeted keywords, signals strong alignment with the role’s expectations.
- Opening section that captures attention with clarity and purpose – The introduction or profile statement holds weight by succinctly articulating the educator’s passion for literature, commitment to student growth, and proficiency in modern instructional techniques. By emphasizing measurable accomplishments or unique teaching philosophies, it encourages the reader to delve deeper into the candidate’s journey.
- Consistent professional identity across platforms – When the resume narrative mirrors the tone and message found on a LinkedIn profile or professional website, it builds a cohesive personal brand. This integrated approach reassures principals and HR teams of a candidate’s authenticity, approachability, and ongoing dedication to professional development within the English education sphere.
English Teacher Abroad
- Immediate visual appeal matched with targeted relevance – A resume that instantly grabs attention strikes a careful balance between clear, concise formatting and explicit alignment with the requirements of teaching English in a foreign country. This includes tailored keywords, internationally recognized certifications, and a readable layout that signals a professional ready to thrive in cross-cultural environments.
- Transferrable skills weave a compelling professional narrative – Standout resumes clearly map prior roles—whether classroom-based or from other sectors—to the core competencies essential for English instruction abroad. Demonstrated adaptability, language abilities, mentorship experience, and familiarity with diverse educational settings all serve to connect past endeavors directly to the expectations of this global teaching role.
- Measured accomplishments illustrate teaching effectiveness – Beyond listing duties, an exceptional candidate quantifies results and highlights transformative moments, such as driving notable improvements in student language proficiency, launching successful extracurricular programs, or facilitating cross-cultural exchange. These tangible outcomes make the candidate’s impact both credible and memorable for prospective employers.
Online English Teacher
- Strategic formatting highlights key skills effectively – By leveraging a succinct structure, a standout Online English Teacher resume ensures that qualifications, credentials, and impact-driven achievements are captured without unnecessary filler. This clarity helps hiring managers quickly grasp pertinent abilities such as digital classroom management, curriculum customization, and student engagement techniques.
- A clear professional identity reflected across all platforms – Consistent branding between the resume and LinkedIn profile, including aligned headlines, summaries, and core values, reinforces the candidate’s unique teaching philosophy and approach. This harmony assures employers of the applicant’s professionalism and cohesive narrative throughout various stages of the hiring process.
- Demonstrated flexibility through diverse teaching experiences – Incorporating examples where the teacher has adapted to different age groups, proficiency levels, and technology tools conveys a proven track record of versatility. Such evidence, like designing engaging lessons for children, adults, and business professionals or utilizing various e-learning systems, distinguishes the applicant as resourceful and ready for evolving online education landscapes.
English Literature Teacher
- Unified professional identity across digital and paper profiles – Displaying a harmonious professional presence by mirroring tone, themes, and achievements from a well-curated LinkedIn profile onto the resume assures administrators of a dedicated and reflective English Literature Teacher. This alignment projects both credibility and cohesiveness, illustrating a teacher who understands the importance of reputation and consistent messaging in education.
- Artful organization of qualifications and teaching experience – A truly compelling resume utilizes distinct headers, clear chronological order, and tasteful use of whitespace to guide the reader effortlessly through accomplishments, certifications, and key teaching contributions. Rather than overwhelming with dense text, it highlights relevant skills and outcomes—like fostering literary analysis or leading extracurricular book clubs—ensuring the content is both attractive and easy to navigate.
- Immediate evidence of classroom impact and subject mastery – At first glance, a standout candidate instantly communicates both their depth in English literature and the positive influence they’ve had on students’ learning. Quantifiable outcomes, engaging lesson innovations, and involvement in school initiatives signal to hiring committees that this educator brings both passion and practical effectiveness to the role, making them a prime fit for shaping students’ literary journeys.
English Tutor
- Showcase tangible teaching successes – Detailing quantifiable accomplishments, such as boosting student test scores or designing effective curriculum modules, directly demonstrates an English Tutor’s capability and their positive impact in similar roles. Clear references to measurable outcomes or innovative program development reassure prospective employers of the candidate’s proven skills and commitment to their field.
- Balance a polished voice with genuine passion – An outstanding resume strikes harmony between a polished, professional tone and a lively, passionate narrative. Conveying enthusiasm for education, while maintaining clarity and conciseness, helps the applicant resonate both as a credible expert and as an engaged, motivating instructor.
- Integrate language education terminology appropriately – Incorporating well-chosen industry terms such as “differentiated instruction,” “formative assessment,” or “ESL methodologies” reflects the candidate’s familiarity with current best practices. Using such vocabulary demonstrates alignment with sector standards and affirms the tutor’s readiness to teach in diverse learning environments.
Private English Teacher
- A resume that radiates both professionalism and passion – Blending a polished format with vibrant language that highlights a genuine zeal for teaching English, a standout resume strikes a balance between authoritative presence and an approachable enthusiasm for language education, instantly capturing attention while reassuring potential clients of reliability.
- Highlighting a distinct teaching perspective – By emphasizing specialized skills such as tailoring lesson plans to individual learner profiles, incorporating cutting-edge methodologies, or showcasing measurable student progress, the document sets the candidate apart, conveying a clear promise to deliver uniquely impactful learning experiences that go beyond standard instruction.
- Demonstrating research into the employer’s needs – A resume that references the company’s teaching philosophy, student demographics, or recent initiatives illustrates advanced preparation and a strong intent to become a collaborative part of the team, signaling both respect for and compatibility with the organization’s culture and objectives.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
- Demonstrates advanced instructional expertise – A standout ESL Teacher resume goes beyond basic job duties by showcasing mastery in curriculum design, differentiated instruction, and innovative use of educational technology. Highlighting measurable outcomes, such as improved student assessment scores or successful integration of blended learning models, illustrates a deep professional command that appeals to discerning hiring managers.
- Communicates a consistent, authentic professional narrative – A compelling resume is closely aligned with the educator's professional presence, including a well-curated LinkedIn profile. Consistency in tone, language proficiency endorsements, and the thoughtful selection of achievements fosters trust and credibility, reinforcing the teacher’s brand as a reliable, passionate advocate for language learners.
- Builds a vivid connection through student impact stories – Incorporating brief, meaningful anecdotes about helping specific learners overcome language barriers or thrive in multicultural classrooms adds an emotional layer. This personal touch helps hiring teams envision the candidate fostering positive outcomes, creating a memorable impression beyond a simple list of skills and credentials.
English Language Arts Teacher
- Organized structure heightens message clarity – A standout English Language Arts Teacher resume is meticulously designed with clear, distinct sections that guide the reader effortlessly through qualifications, teaching experience, and key accomplishments. This logical, well-paced progression not only enhances readability but also ensures each achievement and responsibility is highlighted without ambiguity, making a strong impression on hiring managers.
- Personal brand shines through consistency – Effective resumes align tone, keywords, and achievements with those found on the candidate’s LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio. This uniformity in branding signals professionalism, attention to detail, and authenticity, making it easy for employers to understand the educator's unique teaching philosophy and educational approach across multiple platforms.
- Compelling introduction establishes immediate relevance – An exceptional opening statement swiftly connects the applicant’s skills and passions to the specific demands of English Language Arts instruction. By immediately addressing both expertise—for example, fostering critical thinking or integrating literature with digital literacy—and enthusiasm for education, the resume grabs attention and frames the candidate as a valuable teaching asset from the onset.
English Instructor
- Conveying expertise through efficiently crafted details – A standout English Instructor resume leverages succinct language, focusing on key achievements, relevant certifications, and specific teaching outcomes without unnecessary elaboration. This direct approach ensures every section is saturated with impact, allowing hiring managers to immediately recognize the candidate’s suitability without wading through superfluous information.
- Demonstrating a clear signature teaching philosophy – The most compelling resumes articulate how the instructor’s methods foster student growth, promote engagement, and adapt to diverse educational settings. By weaving in unique classroom innovations, cross-cultural experience, or advanced curriculum development, the applicant distinguishes themselves from generic profiles, emphasizing distinct strengths that answer the evolving needs of English programs.
- Arranging content with optimal clarity and balance – Superior resumes for teaching roles employ generous white space, strategic paragraph splits, and consistent headline formatting, resulting in an effortless flow. This visual appeal not only makes information easy to digest, but it also mirrors the clarity and organization that are essential in effective classroom instruction.
How to format an english teacher resume
As you’re aware, formatting is crucial for all written work - be it an essay or an application. Some pieces are more freeform than others.
Yet, when it comes to resumes… It can mean the difference between getting an interview and having your resume thrown into the pile of rejected applicants.
Good formatting will aid you in:
- Passing the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) tests set to review candidates before a person looks at your resume
- Arranging your experience and qualifications in a way that will make you stand out
- Proving that you’ve carefully reviewed the job ad requirements, including formatting rules, before submitting your application
So, to build an impeccable english teacher resume, you must:
- Choose a resume format which best reflects your credentials, skills and expertise. Are you a tenured professional? Then opt for the reverse-chronological resume format.
- Include a portfolio with some of your selected works or teaching materials in the resume header
- Pay particular attention to how you structure your experience and education sections
- Be succinct and to the point: If you have lots of relevant information to share, you can spread your resume to two pages.
- Remember to check whether there are any filetype requirements in the job ad. While some principals accept Word MS resumes, we suggest sticking to PDFs to preserve the design.
Now that we’ve covered the basic resume writing best practices, let’s delve into the specifics. Here are the key sections your resume must contain:
Think about the market’s preferences – a Canadian resume, for instance, could have a different layout.
The top sections on an english teacher resume:
- A resume header to outline your contact information and your portfolio
- A resume summary or objective to feature your best professional achievements
- A powerful experience section to showcase the versatility of your expertise
- A skills segment to highlight other technical and social talents you have
- An education and certification section to prove you have the right credentials for the job
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Why do you want to work for this district or this school in particular?
- How do you determine teaching priorities?
- What classroom management techniques do you know and which ones do you think are most effective? Why?
- How would you plan for a short 15-minute lesson on X?
- Why did you leave your last teaching position?
- When it comes to teaching, what is the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?
- What inspired you to pursue teaching as a career?
- How do you make sure your students have understood the lesson at hand? What do you do when a student doesn’t get it?
- How do you foster relationships with the students? What about the parents?
- Are you familiar with state exams and testing terminology and acronyms used?
- How do you promote diversity and equality through your lessons?
- How do you deal with criticism?
- Describe a situation in which you were at odds with another teacher. How did you resolve the issue?
- What do you think are the most important lessons students must learn in order to succeed in life? How do you teach them?
How to write your english teacher resume experience
Something to always keep in mind during your writing process is to check the job description for:
- Keywords describing the must-have duties, responsibilities and skills for the role
- Hints that specify whether this is an ESL or an ELA position
- Statements that outline the school’s curriculum focus and core values
Pro Tip
While there is an overlap between the ESL and ELA roles in terms of qualifications, ultimately the curriculum and the students differ.
So, make sure your english teacher resume is adapted for each of the positions you apply for.
If you have more than seven years of experience, limit each of the entries to three bullet points. List only your most prominent accomplishments.
But, if your work history is shorter than seven years, there are a few things you can do:
- Add more bullet points to each of the entries in the experience section. Try to align your accomplishments with the job ad.
- Consider switching to the hybrid resume format, so that you can flaunt your transferable skills.
- Don’t hesitate to talk about relevant side gigs, private tutoring experience or being a substitute teacher.
Having these points in mind, take a look at the following experience section sample:
Renaud Rene
English Teacher
Lincoln High School
10/2017 - 07/2021 
Providence, RI
A top Lincoln high school.
- •Maintained school graduation rates during the pandemic.
- •Developed over 392 IEPs
- •Organized special extracurricular classes.
- •Designed special learning plans.
WRONG
Not very awe-inspiring, is it?
Well, the candidate has made a few crucial mistakes:
- Renaud boasts four years as an english teacher at Lincoln High School. Yet, nothing in the bullet points says that he has the experience to back it up.
- Parts of the information seems to repeat itself. Without much context to go on, there’s no clue to what the difference between ‘IEPs’ and ‘special learning plans’ is.
- At the same time, there’s unnecessary word repetition.
- Renaud says that he has ‘organized special extracurricular classes’. But offers no explanation as to what these classes were. Or why they were organized in the first place.
- Finally, the candidate doesn’t seem invested in the job, because the school’s description is poorly written. Plus, there’s no mention of its mission or values.
A far more refined version of the above sample would be:
Renaud Rene
ELA and Drama Teacher
Lincoln High School
10/2017 - 07/2021 Providence, RI
A top Lincoln high school, dedicated to excellence in education and offering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum.
- •Maintained school graduation rates of 95% during the pandemic by adapting ELA lessons for a blended and e-learning environment.
- •Developed over 392 IEPs over 4 years, which helped more than 150 students identify underlying learning disabilities and almost a 100 students identify their personal style of learning.
- •Organized special extracurricular classes to high school seniors on how to write a series of documents, such as resumes, cover letters, and applications, which boosted both the college acceptance rate and the in-employment rate to 97% and 88%, respectively.
- •Designed special learning plans for under-performing high-achievers to keep them engaged and support their learning process, thus decreasing the percentage of such students from 4% to 1.5%
RIGHT
How to quantify impact on your resume
As someone with a social sciences background, you may struggle to discuss your achievements in terms of numbers and data. Unless you have a certificate to show for it.
But being able to quantify your achievements is important, because this means you:
- Look at the big picture and how you actions affect your employer
- Speak your employers’ language (and by extension all the sponsors who have invested in the school)
So, to prove that you’re a results-oriented english teacher, take into account:
- What is the success rate of your classes?
- Do any of your students participate in prestigious competitions? Do they have any awards to show for it?
- How active are you in students’ school life? Do you organize any special events for them?
- Do you volunteer? What do you have to show for it?
- How do you promote diversity and equality at school?
- Do you accommodate students with learning disabilities? How?
- How do you foster relationships with students’ parents? Has this improved your students’ quality of life?
- Do you know other languages?
- Do you have experience teaching non-native speakers?
How do I write an english teacher resume with no experience
If you’re fresh out of college or have no experience as a teacher, there are two routes you can take. It all depends on the type of teaching job you’re pursuing.
If you’ve set your sights on an ELA role:
- List selected works that show you’re actively involved in the contemporary literary scene
- Share relevant experience, such as private tutoring or alternative school work you’ve done in the past
- Put an emphasis on your education and certificates. If possible, add any special training or masterclasses you’ve completed.
By contrast, if you’re aiming for an ESL position:
- Highlight any experience you have working with non-native English speakers.
- Mention if you know other foreign languages. Don’t forget to state your level of proficiency in each language.
- Detail any transferable skills which you can apply in an international learning environment
How to list your hard and soft skills on your resume
One of the best ways to grab principals’ attention is to showcase your versatility as a teacher.
Demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded professional. Reveal that you're not only an excellent wordsmith, but someone who can work the latest classroom technology.
To do that, simply balance out your skills section.
If most of the skills you’ve added are soft skills, emphasizing the impact of your work on others around you, throw some hard skills into the mix.
These show that you’re up-to-date with all the tools and technology currently used in schools. Keep in mind to mention your ability to work in both in-person and e-learning environments.
Similar to how you described your experiences in the work history portion of your resume, quantify your talents:
- Recall a time in the past where you were faced with a tough challenge. How did you handle it? Outline the situation.
- State the result of your actions.
- Tie the outcome to data that will support your claims.
Some of your abilities will be easier to measure than others and that’s okay.
If you can’t think of any examples or you need some inspiration on other skills you can add to your resume, check out the ones below:
Best hard skills for your english teacher resume
- CCSS
- UDL
- SMART board interactive displays
- Grammar and vocabulary
- Literary analysis skills
- Curriculum design and lesson planning
- Public speaking
- Mentoring
- Evaluation and assessment skills
- Ability to receive and provide clear feedback
- Ability to create tests and exams
- Presentation skills
- Decision-making skills
- Administrative and recordkeeping skills
- Multitasking
- Time management skills
- Organizational skills
- Leadership skills
- Conflict resolution
- Classroom management
- CPR
Best soft skills for your english teacher resume
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Engaging
- Patience
- Critical and analytical thinking skills
- Active listening
- Empathy
- Ability to motivate
- Open-mindedness
- Knowledge of intercultural differences
- Ability to conduct individual and group counseling
- Ability to set goals
- Attention to detail
- Results-oriented
- Responsibility
- Accountability
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to nurture relationships
- Adaptability
- Creativity
- Resourcefulness
- Collaboration skills
How to list your certifications and education on a resume
Being a teacher yourself, you know how important education is. After all, most positions, regardless of school, demand a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in English or a related field.
If you’re a college grad or you’re switching careers:
- List the name of your degree
- Add relevant majors and minors, particularly if you’re applying for an ESL role
- Name the issuing institution
- Provide the date of course completion
- Cite your GPA
For experienced professionals, it’s best to:
- State the name of your degree
- Name the university or college you attended
- Include the dates you obtained your degree
- Share one or two significant accomplishments during your college days, such as an important project or an award
For reference, have a look at the sample education section below:
Education
B.A English
University of Rhode Island
09/2017 - 07/2022 GPA
3.8
4.0
- •Winner of the 2022 Maya Angelou Award for the Spoken Word for the poem A Letter to My Younger Self.
- •Successfully completed an internship at Barrington High School, where I was responsible for 3 junior and senior classes.
RIGHT
Once you cover your academic background, don’t forget to shine the spotlight on your certificates. Especially the one you’ve received from your state’s education board. Make sure you check the date of validity for each certificate you add to your resume.
Best certifications for your english teacher resume
- State Education Board Certifications
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Certification
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
- Certificate for English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA)
- Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA)
- CPR
- Student Mental Health Certificate
How to write your english teacher resume summary or objective
A vital part of your resume is the short paragraph at the top, where you give a brief overview of your career.
And akin to poems, it can take many forms.
If you’ve been in the industry for a few years now, craft a captivating resume summary:
- Concentrate on key career milestones.
- List your strengths and relevant qualifications.
- Place emphasis on awards and other unique achievements.
On the other hand, if you’re just starting out, write a convincing resume objective:
- Accentuate your main skills and how they align to the job.
- Share how you will contribute to the school and its mission.
- Name any relevant qualifications and training you’ve undergone.
Take a look at the following sample resume objective. Would you say it is powerful?
Summary
Recent BA English language graduate and award-winner, seeking to become an English teacher at Lincoln High School. I have excellent planning, time management and organizational skills.
WRONG
Not really.
For starters, the wording is strange and vague, at best. For instance, the applicant states that they’re an award-winner, but there’s no mention of what the award is. Or how it was achieved.
Also, there is a laundry list of skills. But none of them address specific english teacher-related tools or talents.
Plus, the candidate hasn’t shared any information that proves they have the experience to back their claims.
But with a few tweaks here and there, the sample above can turn into this attention-grabbing resume objective:
Summary
Diligent B.A. English graduate, specializing in English literature and creative writing, seeks to fill the position of English Teacher at Lincoln High School. Internet and subsequently worked as a short-term substitute teacher at Barrington High School for the 2021/2022 SY. Adept at lesson planning, classroom management and mentoring. Winner of the 2022 Maya Angelou Award for the Spoken Word. Aspiring poetry and short stories author.
RIGHT
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Additional sections for an english teacher resume
One way to diversify your application and get noticed is to attach an extra section or two to your resume. If you have some extra space left, consider adding:
- Other languages you’re proficient in. If you’re an ESL teacher candidate, this one will bump your resume to the top of the pile.
- Association memberships
- Additional courses, bootcamps and training you’ve done
- Awards and prizes
- Selected works or published papers
How to put your works on a resume
If you’re aiming for an ELA position, show you’re knowledgeable about both classic and contemporary literature.
Display some of your selected works. Be it a poem or a short story, share a glimpse of your personality and creativity.
In a small section near the skills box:
- List the title of your composition, but don’t forget to name yourself as the author.
- Cite the date of publication.
- Add the name of the publishing house.
- Describe what your composition is about.
Use the example below for reference:
Publications
A Letter to My Younger Self
HarperCollins
Renaud Rene
01/2022 - 02/2023 An introspective piece on what I would like to tell my younger self about the social injustices on modern society.
RIGHT
Key takeaways
- Pick an appropriate resume format that will highlight your strengths.
- Curate your portfolio before linking it in the resume header.
- Write a compelling resume summary that outlines your top accomplishments.
- Organize your experience section to match the position you’re applying for.
- Build a skills section that displays your versatility as an english teacher.
- Emphasize your educational background and other qualifications you have.
- Throw in an extra section to bring some variety to your resume and stand out.