You’ve developed the diverse skill set and subject-specific knowledge that make you a great high school teacher. You’re a pro at everything from classroom management to student achievement.
But how do you balance all your skills and abilities on your high school teacher resume?
Quantifying achievements in education can be tricky. High school teachers need to effectively illustrate their impact on student learning and engagement, possibly through standardized test scores, graduation rates, or student project successes.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to format your high school teacher resume in a way that strikes the right balance between creative and professional to show principals your organization and presentation skills.
- How to incorporate achievements into your work history so that potential employers will see how you will impact success at their school.
- How to focus on relevant experiences and transferable skills to make a strong high school teacher resume, even with no experience.
- What to include in your education and certification sections so that school principals will see right away that you have the qualifications necessary to fill the role.
For examples of resumes in similar roles, check out our selection on other related jobs:
High School Teacher resume examples
Explore additional high school teacher resume samples and guides
and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry-Level High School Teacher
- An impactful opener captures immediate attention – Launching the resume with an introduction that highlights passion for education and readiness to foster student growth instantly positions the candidate as both motivated and purposeful. Mentioning a relevant degree, teaching certifications, and any formative experiences sets a strong tone, demonstrating a clear alignment with high school teaching goals right from the outset.
- Emotional connection emerges through authentic accomplishments – Sharing specific examples, such as how student engagement was boosted during student teaching or how classroom challenges were overcome, invites the reader to connect with the applicant’s journey. These anecdotes not only showcase practical skills but also convey a genuine commitment to shaping young minds, resonating on a deeper, more personal level with school administrators.
- A compelling finish inspires next steps – Ending the resume with confident closing remarks that reiterate enthusiasm for joining the school community makes a lasting impression. A well-crafted call to action, such as expressing eagerness to discuss innovative teaching strategies in an interview, underscores professionalism and initiative, inviting further conversation and strengthening the candidate’s suitability for the position.
Mid-Level High School Teacher
- Cultivating a dynamic and inviting tone – A standout resume for a mid-level high school teacher skillfully weaves together professionalism with an energetic passion for education. It avoids dry listings of responsibilities by infusing achievements and descriptions with enthusiasm, showing genuine commitment to student development without sacrificing clarity or conciseness.
- Highlighting relevant instructional expertise – The best resumes supply concrete examples of teaching proficiency, such as creating differentiated lesson plans, integrating technology into classrooms, or leading extracurricular initiatives. Citing specific coursework taught, assessment strategies implemented, and measurable outcomes demonstrates hands-on mastery and depth within the educational field.
- Demonstrating a clear progression toward educational impact – Past roles are framed to illustrate how prior responsibilities, whether in teaching, curriculum design, or mentorship, naturally build toward success in the targeted high school role. This alignment shows thoughtful career growth and a deliberate trajectory, conveying the applicant’s readiness for the challenges of a mid-level teaching position.
By Role
High School Science Teacher
- Impactful wrap-up and persuasive conclusion – A remarkable High School Science Teacher resume concludes with a succinct yet impactful final statement that not only reiterates the candidate’s educational philosophy and dedication to fostering scientific curiosity, but also directly invites further discussion or an interview, demonstrating confidence and professionalism.
- Concise layout and efficient wording – The best resumes make the most of limited space by presenting achievements and responsibilities in clearly organized bullet points, ensuring that every word serves a purpose. This approach keeps information digestible and makes it easy for evaluators to quickly spot relevant experience and skills without sifting through excessive detail.
- Evidence of alignment with school culture – Standout candidates tailor their materials to reflect a genuine understanding of the school’s mission, values, and academic environment. By connecting their teaching methods or classroom experiences to the specific educational goals of the potential employer, they convey a sincere interest in contributing meaningfully to that particular institution.
Middle School Teacher
- Demonstrating classroom impact through concrete results – Showcasing quantifiable accomplishments, such as raising test scores or implementing engaging lesson plans that led to improved student participation, highlights the candidate’s effectiveness and dedication. Such achievements signal to schools that the teacher doesn’t just fulfill routine duties but actively elevates learning outcomes in a middle school environment.
- Exhibiting flexibility with wide-ranging instructional experiences – A resume that highlights the ability to adapt to various teaching environments, such as handling diverse classrooms, integrating special needs students, or utilizing different curricula, signals resourcefulness. Evidence of leading extracurricular activities or stepping in for colleagues further underscores the applicant’s willingness to thrive amid changing classroom dynamics.
- Ensuring information stands out through thoughtful organization – Presenting content in a clean, readable structure with clear section headings, concise bullet points, and logically arranged experiences allows key strengths to shine. Strategic formatting not only enhances visual appeal but also makes it easy for school administrators to pinpoint critical qualifications quickly.
High School Technology Teacher
- Showcasing tangible student accomplishments – Illustrating the direct effect on student outcomes, such as students winning technology competitions, achieving industry certifications, or creating innovative projects, emphasizes the teacher’s capacity to foster meaningful progress and real-world skills in the classroom.
- Demonstrating alignment with the school's mission and ethos – Reflecting an understanding of the institution’s educational philosophy, whether it's through references to the school's STEM initiatives or integration of district-specific teaching methodologies, highlights the applicant’s intent to contribute to the school’s unique goals and collaborative culture.
- Emphasizing flexibility through diverse instructional experiences – Detailing involvement in areas like curriculum development, extracurricular robotics clubs, or adapting to remote teaching during technology shifts signals a readiness to thrive in varied learning environments and take on multiple roles as needs evolve.
High School Special Education Teacher
- Unified professional presence across platforms – A standout High School Special Education Teacher resume aligns seamlessly with its LinkedIn profile, utilizing a similar visual layout, terminology, and key achievements. This cohesion builds a credible personal brand, allowing principals and hiring managers to immediately recognize expertise and consistency whether reviewing a PDF or an online profile.
- Evidence of flexibility in diverse teaching settings – Demonstrating adaptability is key; candidates who detail experiences in co-taught classrooms, resource rooms, and inclusive settings show they can tailor instruction for various student needs. Highlighting successful collaboration with general educators, therapists, and families further indicates an ability to thrive amidst changing environments or unexpected challenges.
- Balanced tone combining competence and passion – The most compelling resumes maintain a clear and polished tone while also communicating genuine enthusiasm for supporting students with disabilities. Well-chosen action verbs and succinct examples convey professionalism, while a carefully worded summary or accomplishment reflects a heartfelt commitment to inclusive education.
High School History Teacher
- Distinctive educational philosophy highlights – A high school history teacher's resume draws attention when it showcases a personalized teaching philosophy, such as fostering critical thinking or multicultural awareness, that clearly separates the applicant from peers and communicates a passion for connecting historical concepts to students’ lives.
- Demonstrated flexibility in diverse learning environments – Versatility is evident when the resume details successful adaptation to various teaching modalities, including in-person, hybrid, and remote classrooms, or mentions accommodation of a spectrum of student needs, such as differentiated instruction for varying abilities and backgrounds.
- Information presented with clean organization and efficiency – A compelling resume for this role makes an impact through a streamlined layout with succinct bullet points, minimal jargon, and only the most pertinent achievements, allowing hiring committees to quickly assess the candidate’s fit.
High School Drama Teacher
- Crafting a captivating career introduction – An impressive High School Drama Teacher resume grabs attention right away with an engaging summary, spotlighting both a passion for adolescent learning and a strong background in theatre arts. A well-written opening illustrates not just expertise but also the candidate’s enthusiasm for nurturing young talent, instantly conveying a sense of dedication and energy to the recruiter.
- Emphasizing distinct creative contributions – What truly elevates a candidate is showcasing a history of inventive program development, such as creating inclusive productions or launching after-school performance workshops that increased student participation. Highlighting these achievements demonstrates a unique ability to invigorate a school’s drama department and inspire a diverse array of students to take the stage.
- Demonstrating a seamless fit with school environments – Experiences from previous teaching roles, community theatre involvement, or youth mentorship should be weaved into the resume in a way that clearly ties those achievements back to the educational context. Detailing moments where lessons were adapted to suit varying learning styles or where collaboration with other educators led to school-wide events helps prove that the candidate not only has the right skills but understands the particular needs of a high school setting.
High School Vocational Education Teacher
- Crafting a strong introductory snapshot – An outstanding resume for a High School Vocational Education Teacher immediately grabs attention by outlining relevant certification, years of classroom experience, and familiarity with industry tools within the opening lines. This concise preview demonstrates the candidate’s background in both practical trades and pedagogical methods, enticing reviewers to explore further.
- Conveying genuine passion for student success – A standout document clearly expresses the applicant’s drive to empower teenagers through skills-based education, not simply seeking employment but aspiring to guide students toward career readiness and lifelong learning. By highlighting specific motivations—such as closing skills gaps or fostering independence—the resume reveals authentic commitment.
- Projecting readiness and fit for the school environment – The first visual scan of the resume should reassure readers that the candidate can thrive in a dynamic secondary education setting. Consistent formatting, focus on measurable achievements (like certification pass rates or student project highlights), and integration of varied instructional methods all work together to underscore a strong match for the teaching role.
High School Math Teacher
- Showcasing mathematical expertise through curriculum development – A standout resume details hands-on experience designing lesson plans that incorporate Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, and Statistics, demonstrating not only subject mastery but also a capacity to tailor instruction for students at diverse skill levels. References to differentiated instruction methods and scaffolding strategies signal a well-prepared teacher ready to adapt content to classroom needs.
- Integrating sector-specific practices and language – Successful math teacher resumes highlight proficiency in assessment techniques such as formative and summative evaluations, familiarity with Common Core or state-specific standards, and effective classroom management systems. Including terms like "math intervention," “STEM integration,” or “formative data analysis” shows a deep understanding of educational frameworks and resonates with school administrators.
- Relating previous roles to educational impact – When prior professional or volunteer experiences are clearly connected to fostering analytical thinking, mentoring youth, or collaborating in team-driven environments, it enhances alignment with the demands of a high school setting. Demonstrating achievements like leading math clubs, coaching competitive teams, or implementing technology-enhanced learning indicates transferable skills well-suited for a teaching environment.
High School Business Education Teacher
- Effective use of sector-specific vocabulary – A standout resume for a High School Business Education Teacher integrates terms like "curriculum alignment," "project-based learning," "CTE pathways," and "entrepreneurship instruction," demonstrating the candidate’s grasp of both pedagogical strategies and core business concepts. This communicates familiarity with current educational trends and ensures credibility with hiring administrators.
- Clear articulation of educational drive – Employers are impressed by resumes where applicants clearly express their enthusiasm for shaping students’ understanding of business, financial literacy, and career readiness. A strong resume shares personal motivation and links it directly to making a tangible impact, such as empowering young learners with real-world business skills.
- Captivating and targeted introduction – An opening statement that immediately establishes the applicant’s specialized teaching background, such as emphasizing experience in mentoring DECA teams or integrating technology into business classrooms, grabs attention right away. This assures the reader from the outset that the candidate’s focus and achievements are closely aligned with the position requirements.
High School Foreign Language Teacher
- Demonstrates clear alignment with teaching requirements – A standout resume immediately communicates passion for language instruction and adaptability to diverse classroom environments. Highlighting multi-language proficiency, cultural competence, and prior experience fostering student engagement signals not only suitability for the high school setting but also an understanding of the distinct challenges and rewards associated with adolescent language learning.
- Presents a confident and proactive conclusion – An impressive closing statement does more than reiterate interest; it confidently reinforces the candidate’s unique value, such as innovative curriculum contributions or measurable student progress. A compelling call to action—inviting discussion about how their skill set aligns with the school’s vision—leaves a memorable impression and prompts the hiring committee to envision the candidate making a tangible impact.
- Exhibits polished organization and visual clarity – Attention to formatting details, such as consistent headings, bullet-pointed achievements, and judicious use of whitespace, enhances readability and allows administrators to quickly spot key qualifications. Logical sequencing of sections—beginning with a summary, followed by education, certifications, teaching experience, and relevant skills—creates a streamlined narrative tailored to the expectations of academic recruiters.
High School Art Teacher
- Expressing a blend of professionalism with creative energy – A resume shines when it communicates not only the candidate's reliability and organizational acumen but also a genuine zest for fostering artistic growth among students, capturing attention with both competence and heartfelt passion.
- Illustrating a seamless bridge from prior experience to education – Detailing specific instances where previous roles in the arts, whether through classroom teaching, community workshops, or personal practice, have developed skills directly transferable to guiding and inspiring high school artists makes qualifications especially persuasive.
- Showcasing a well-defined personal drive to teach art – A standout application underscores its purpose through clear statements about why shaping young creative minds is rewarding, highlighting a sincere commitment to making a positive difference through art education in a secondary school environment.
High School Music Teacher
- Clear personal narrative reflected throughout materials – A standout high school music teacher resume is unified in its messaging, with language and accomplishments that align seamlessly with the educator’s LinkedIn profile. This coordinated approach not only reinforces a clear and memorable professional identity but also assures hiring committees of the candidate’s deliberate, thoughtful career trajectory in music education.
- Evidence of alignment with school culture and priorities – Exceptional resumes include specific references to the institution’s music program, values, or noteworthy achievements. By tailoring achievements and teaching philosophy to echo the potential employer’s mission, the applicant demonstrates both deep interest and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the school’s unique objectives.
- Introduction that captures attention right away – The initial paragraph makes an impact by highlighting a signature teaching achievement or philosophy, instantly conveying the candidate’s passion and effectiveness. This opening sets a positive tone, proving both dedication to music education and the potential to inspire students in a vibrant high school setting.
High School Health Education Teacher
- Demonstrating a passion for fostering student well-being – A standout resume communicates a genuine dedication to empowering adolescents with lifelong health skills, making it clear that the applicant is drawn to the role not only for subject expertise but because they value cultivating healthy habits and critical thinking in youth. This motivation is effectively conveyed when personal teaching philosophies link directly to the transformative influence of health education.
- Incorporating relevant language from health education pedagogy – Effective resumes embed terminology such as "skills-based instruction," "comprehensive school health programs," "social-emotional learning," and "evidence-based curriculum" to signal up-to-date knowledge of instructional trends and requirements, indicating preparedness to meet contemporary classroom and district standards.
- Ending with a proactive and confident invitation – An impressive closing paragraph briefly reiterates enthusiasm, underscores alignment with the school’s mission, and directly invites the reader to initiate conversation. Strong candidates don’t just express appreciation—they also propose further dialogue, ensuring the hiring committee remembers their application and is encouraged to take tangible next steps.
High School Agriculture Teacher
- Showcasing a unified professional image – A standout resume for a High School Agriculture Teacher presents a clear and consistent narrative of the candidate’s expertise, both in application materials and online profiles such as LinkedIn. When credentials, achievements, and teaching philosophy are aligned across platforms, it establishes trust and emphasizes a focused commitment to agricultural education, reinforcing the applicant’s reliability and vision to employers.
- Employing visually inviting formatting choices – Exceptional resumes draw the reader in with strategic use of spacing, distinct sections, and easy-to-read fonts. Well-organized content, broken into concise bullet points and short, digestible paragraphs, ensures credentials and accomplishments are instantly accessible. Effective use of white space and logical progression cater to busy administrators quickly assessing a candidate’s potential contribution to their school.
- Crafting a memorable summary statement – The opening paragraph serves as a compelling first impression when tailored to highlight both teaching skills and a passion for agricultural sciences. By immediately addressing classroom experience, hands-on agricultural expertise, and a student-centered approach, the introduction captures interest while distinguishing the candidate as someone who blends educational best practices with industry-specific knowledge.
How to Format a High School Teacher Resume
Teachers are organized, professional, and have great presentation skills. Your high school teacher resume format needs to communicate this.
Format is the first thing principals will notice about your resume. Send a clear message with a clear and organized format.
When principals view your resume for an entry-level teacher position, your formatting should show the following:
- Reverse chronological layout - A reverse chronological layout focuses on work experience in reverse chronological order. Show your journey as a high school teacher with a work history timeline that highlights a strong career path.
- Professional header - With a ton of resumes to sort through, principals need to be able to reach you quickly and efficiently. Include a header at the top of your high school teacher resume that clearly states your title, phone number, professional email address, and URL to your LinkedIn profile or other online portfolio.
- Single page - Principals and school administrators are busy. Don’t give them pages of information to sort through, even if you have years of experience. Keep every section of your resume short, concise, and relevant. Format it as a PDF instead of a DOC to ensure readability and preservation of formatting.
- ATS optimized - Be sure to use fonts that are optimized for ATS readability. Some of the best ATS-optimized fonts like Rubik, Lato, Montserrat, Raleway, Exo 2, and Volkhov are available in Enhancv’s resume builder. Show off your creativity skills with a mix of fonts, but keep it professional.
Create your high school teacher resume in our resume builder for ATS optimization and easy formatting.
Different markets have specific resume formats – a Canadian resume could vary in layout.
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The top sections on a high school teacher resume:
- Education section: Showcases relevant degrees and certifications, crucial for teaching roles.
- Teaching experience: Highlights previous teaching positions, demonstrating practical skills and expertise.
- Skills section: Lists specific teaching-related abilities, important for educational environments.
- Professional development: Includes workshops and courses, showing commitment to ongoing learning.
- Awards and honors: Displays recognition and achievements, indicating excellence in teaching.
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Classroom management skills: Essential for maintaining a productive learning environment.
- Subject expertise: Demonstrates in-depth knowledge, crucial for effective teaching.
- Adaptability to diverse learning styles: Shows ability to cater to different student needs.
- Experience with curriculum development: Highlights ability to design and implement educational programs.
- Technology proficiency: Important for incorporating digital tools into the classroom.
How to Write Your High School Teacher Resume Experience
The experience section of your resume lists your work history along with a few bullets highlighting your top accomplishments in the role. This section shows potential employers what you will bring to their organization.
Show school principals that you’ve had strong career growth by telling a story with your experience section. List your work history along with key achievements from each role.
Highlight accomplishments and skills from previous roles will show potential employers what you will bring to their school.
Let’s look at an example of a high school history teacher.
Experience
High School History Teacher
Bayside Elementary
02/2021 - 11/2022 
Baltimore, MD
- •Taught history to high school students
- •Followed curriculum and wrote lesson plans
- •Prepared students for standardized tests
WRONG
What doesn’t work in this example:
- Lists duties instead of accomplishments - this candidate lists general daily tasks instead of what they achieved in the role. Don’t just show hiring managers that you’re capable of the general requirements, show how you will achieve success.
- No action verbs - high school teacher roles are dynamic and require diverse skill sets. Don’t bore readers with passive statements. Use action verbs on your resume to show your vibrant and relevant skills.
- No evidence of outcomes - high school teachers are expected to achieve positive student outcomes, so your resume should show how you’ve impacted academic achievement. Show school principals how you will impact student success at their school.
Let’s make a few changes and look at that example again.
Experience
High School History Teacher
Bayside Elementary
02/2021 - 11/2022 Baltimore, MD
- •Taught AP World History and American History to 180 high school students
- •Adhered curriculum to Common Core standards and created scaffolded lesson plans
- •Improved student scores for state history test by 20%
RIGHT
What works in this example:
- Uses industry keywords - using industry keywords on your resume like “Common Core” and “scaffolding” show that you have up-to-date knowledge in your field and improve ATS optimization.
- Quantifies impact with real numbers - showing success with real numbers and data tells principles exactly how you have achieved positive outcomes. Including “180 high school students” and “improved student scores for state history test by 20%” provide clear evidence of claims.
- Includes specialized knowledge - including specific classes like AP World History or training in specialized areas like special education to show your unique skills as a candidate and increase employability.
How to quantify the impact on your resume
To show school principals how you have achieved high student outcomes, you must quantify the impact on your high school teacher resume.
Use real numbers and data on your resume to show exactly what results you achieved. This will show potential employers how you will impact success in your role.
As you write your resume, consider the following areas that emphasize your impact as a high school teacher:
- Include the number of years teaching, showing depth of experience and stability in the role.
- Mention class sizes managed, demonstrating the ability to handle various group dynamics.
- State the number of subjects taught, reflecting versatility and breadth of knowledge.
- Quantify improvements in student test scores, showcasing effectiveness in boosting academic performance.
- Detail the percentage of students passing key exams, highlighting success in achieving educational goals.
- List the number of educational projects or initiatives led, indicating leadership and innovative capabilities.
- Specify the amount of training or professional development hours completed, showing commitment to self-improvement.
- Include the number of extracurricular activities supervised, exhibiting engagement beyond traditional teaching duties.
How do I write a high school teacher resume with no experience
Writing a high school teacher resume with no experience can be intimidating, but it is possible. Everyone has to start somewhere!
As a new teacher or someone making a career change, the first thing you want to do is format your resume to focus on transferable skills.
A functional resume focuses on transferable skills rather than work history, making it the ideal choice for a new teacher at the start of their career.
Show principals how you’ve developed relevant skills like communication, time management, and creativity.
It may be tempting to fill space with every job you’ve ever had but don’t pad your experience section with irrelevant jobs.
Include only prior roles where you developed skills that are relevant to your target position.
How to List Your Hard Skills and Soft Skills on Your Resume
Skills are an important part of your high school teacher's resume. Show principals your teaching-related abilities that are important for education environments.
Your skill section has two major categories. Hard skills are the technical knowledge and abilities needed to perform job duties, whereas soft skills are the interpersonal and communication skills needed to interact with others.
Hard skills tend to be straightforward and can be listed without explanation. Here is an example of a hard skills section on a high school English teacher's resume.
Skills
RIGHT
Soft skills can be left up to interpretation, so it’s best to support them with context. Highlight your best soft skills by including an achievement with each example.
Here is an example of a soft skills section on a high school science teacher resume.
Strengths
Creativity
Recognized for Most Creative Classroom by School Board in 2021
Organizational Skills
Assessed grades for students in 4 different courses and increased test scores by 15%
Student Engagement
Registered 92% of students for afterschool STEM program
RIGHT
Below are additional hard skills and soft skills to consider adding to your high school teacher resume.
Best hard skills for your high school teacher resume
- Lesson Planning
- Curriculum Development
- Classroom Management Software
- Educational Technology Integration
- Subject Matter Expertise
- Student Assessment Tools
- Digital Grading Systems
- Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Interactive Whiteboard Technology
- Online Learning Platforms
- Special Education Strategies
- Language Proficiency (if applicable)
- STEM Teaching Techniques
- Advanced Placement (AP) Curriculum Knowledge
- Classroom Presentation Tools
- Educational Research Methods
- Data Analysis for Student Performance
- Laboratory Equipment Handling (for science teachers)
- Audio-Visual Equipment Operation
- Conflict Resolution Techniques in Education
Best soft skills for your high school teacher resume
- Communication Skills
- Patience
- Adaptability
- Empathy
- Conflict Resolution
- Time Management
- Creativity
- Team Collaboration
- Leadership
- Organizational Skills
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Problem-Solving
- Motivational Skills
- Emotional Intelligence
- Critical Thinking
- Flexibility
- Student Engagement
- Resilience
- Active Listening
- Mentoring
How to List Your Certifications and Education on Your Resume
Certifications and education are crucial on a high school teacher's resume. Most traditional schools have strict qualification policies and will require that their teachers hold, at minimum, an active state teaching certificate.
Many will also require a bachelor’s degree in education or the teaching subject area.
Some educational institutions, like Montessori or alternative schools, may have different education requirements.
Due to the high importance of certifications and education on your high school teacher resume, you want to be sure they are listed clearly and prominently.
Here is an example of an education section on a high school teacher's resume.
Education
BS in Education
University of Texas
02/2018 - 11/2022 Austin, TX
GPA
4.0
4.0
RIGHT
Your education section should include:
- Name of institution
- Name of degree
- Location
- Years attended
There is no need to include details like coursework or GPA unless specifically requested, especially for teachers with a long work history.
Similarly, your certification section will be short and straight to the point. Your high school teacher certification section only needs to include the name of the certificate and the issuing institution.
Here is an example of a certification section on a high school teacher's resume.
Certification
Texas Teaching Certificate
Texas Education Agency
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Austin University
RIGHT
A great way to enhance your high school teacher resume and increase your employability is by earning additional certificates in specialized areas.
Here are a few certifications to consider for your high school teacher resume.
Best certifications for your high school teacher resume
- First Aid & CPR Certification - National Safety Council
- Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS-HDFS) - American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
- National Board Certification - Early Adolescence/English Language Arts - National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
- Certificate to Teach English as a Foreign Language (CTEFL) - Worldwide Teachers Development Institute
- Educational Leadership Certification - Various programs offering certification for educational leadership roles
How to Write Your High School Teacher Resume Summary Or Objective
A summary or objective is your first introduction to school districts and hiring managers. It captures your career history and top accomplishments in 3-4 sentences.
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between a summary and an objective.
A summary is a brief introduction that communicates your position and value in your industry. An objective looks to the future and captures what you are hoping to achieve in your new position.
A summary is more suitable for candidates with experience in the field, whereas an objective focuses on the future and is better for candidates who are just starting out.
A good strategy for your high school teacher resume is to combine them by summarizing your career, sharing a top accomplishment, and a goal shared between you and your target school.
Let’s take a look at an example of a high school teacher resume summary.
Summary
Teacher with K-12 classroom experience. Passionate about English literature and inspiring students. Seeking opportunity as High School English Teacher.
WRONG
What doesn’t work in this example:
- Blanket statements - “Passionate about English literature and inspiring students” doesn’t say anything about the candidate or their accomplishments. Be specific and take the opportunity to share your best accomplishments.
- No numbers or metrics - the summary is a good opportunity to catch a hiring manager’s eye with a top accomplishment. Share measurable results of an impressive achievement to make a strong impression.
- Not tailored to the target job - blanket resumes sent out to countless job openings won’t do you any favors. Companies want to know that you’ve done your research and want to work for them specifically.
Let’s update this summary and take another look.
Summary
High School English Teacher with 10 years of classroom experience and Special Education Certification. Improved student SAT scores in reading and writing sections by 35%. Seeking an opportunity to improve academic achievement as High School English Teacher at Lincoln Prep Academy.
RIGHT
What works in this example:
- Supports claims - specific examples of “10 years of experience” and “Special Education Certification” highlights important qualifications right away.
- Industry achievement - “Improved student SAT scores in reading and writing sections by 35%” is an impressive example of academic achievement and students success that shows strong execution of teaching skills.
- Shared goal - this candidate shows how their experience will help their target school “improve academic achievement” in a shared goal.
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Additional Sections for a High School Teacher Resume
Additional sections on your resume can be a great way to show how you’ve developed important skills outside of the traditional career path.
Any project or experience where you developed teaching-relating abilities can be a good addition to your high school teacher resume.
Here are a few sections to consider adding to your high school teacher resume:
- Languages - speaking multiple languages can be a great skill for teachers, especially if you will be teaching students with diverse language backgrounds.
- Professional development - continuous learning is a critical aspect of teaching. Presenting professional development experiences like workshops and conferences shows a commitment to your career and skill development.
- Projects - projects you have done with previous students or extracurricular activities can be an opportunity to show additional skills and industry achievements
Key Takeaways for Writing a High School Teacher Resume
Now you have a high school teacher resume that impresses principals and gets callbacks! Let’s review a few key points before we wrap up.
- Format your experience sections in reverse chronological order to show your career path as a high school teacher and convey your creativity skills with a clear design.
- Quantify the impact on your high school teacher resume by using real numbers and data to show positive outcomes and academic achievements that principals want to see.
- Use a combination of hard skills and soft skills to show that you have teaching abilities as well as the interpersonal skills required to fill the role.
- Display your education and certification sections prominently on your high school teacher resume so that potential employers see your qualifications right away.