How To Write an Elementary Teacher Resume
Although many states and school districts continue to experience severe teacher shortages, create an accomplishment-driven resume to bolster your chances of landing your next job opportunity. The best school districts are often highly competitive, so highlight the most engaging aspects of your teaching career to make a positive impression on prospective employers.
For example, demonstrating your knowledge of emerging trends, such as cooperative and holistic learning, may help separate you from other applicants. You can also emphasize your contributions to extracurricular programs and activities, showing administrations you’re truly involved in your school communities. We’ll provide valuable insights to help you translate your teaching experience into an impactful marketing document.
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
1. Write a brief summary of your elementary teacher qualifications
To make a strong first impression on the hiring manager, include three to four teaching methodologies that align with the job description in your opening sentence. This will immediately show prospective employers you have the ideal teaching experience for their organizational needs. Your remaining sentences should provide more insights into who you are as a teacher. For instance, you could showcase your ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary education teams or create safe and inclusive classroom environments.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Profile
An innovative elementary school teacher with over 10 years of experience specializing in holistic learning, differentiated instruction, and individualized education plans (IEPs). A proven track record of developing elementary teachers to improve the quality of education and drive student engagement with course materials.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Profile
A certified elementary school teacher with one year of experience specializing in curriculum development, e-learning, interactive learning, and IEPs. Adept at tailoring lesson plans to meet the individual learning needs of elementary school students.
2. Add your elementary teacher experience with compelling examples
Elementary teacher resumes often read similarly, as the job responsibilities are largely standardized across grade levels. One way you can reframe job duties as achievements is by focusing on the positive impact you’ve had on your students, faculties, and school communities. Consider featuring data to show how your lesson plans improved test score averages or goal attainment for your classes. As you build your professional experience section, focus on telling your unique story as an educator.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Professional Experience
Elementary Teacher, Addison Elementary, New York, NY
August 2016 – present
- Deliver engaging lessons to classes with over 20 fifth-grade students using a variety of teaching methodologies, including holistic learning, project-based learning, hands-on learning, and cooperative learning techniques
- Tailor lesson plans to individual student needs, conduct student assessments, and develop strategies to facilitate academic growth, resulting in a 15% increase in GPA averages
- Serve as Grade Level Chair for three consecutive years, manage and develop a team of six teachers, and provide coaching and mentorship to drive professional growth
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Professional Experience
Elementary Teacher, Addison Elementary, Boston, MA
August 2022 – present
- Teach language arts, math, science, and social studies lessons to classes of over 20 fifth-grade students, develop curriculum, plan lessons, and monitor student performance
- Utilize differentiated instruction techniques and tailor lessons to individual student needs, contributing to a 15% in goal attainment for reading comprehension
- Collaborate with teachers and faculty to plan school events and field trips to broaden student education, including museums, aquariums, and live theater
3. Add elementary teacher education and certifications
For any elementary teacher resume, include your teaching credentials. These often vary from state to state, so be sure to research these requirements. Also, consider obtaining your master’s in education or pursuing additional teaching certifications. This will bolster your job application and help you achieve higher salaries as you advance your education career.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example
- Bachelor of Education (B.E.) Elementary Education
- Boston Central College, Boston, MA September 2018 – June 2022
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- K-4 Teacher Certification, State of Pennsylvania, 2017
4. List key skills and proficiencies for elementary teachers
School administrations rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to identify qualified candidates for teaching positions. Incorporate keywords from the job description into your resume to get your document through the initial screening process and into the hiring manager’s hands. In addition to listing these terms in your skills section, provide examples of using these skill sets in classroom environments. Below, you’ll find a list of common keywords you may encounter during the job search:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Behavioral analysis | Classroom management |
| Communication | Cooperative learning |
| Curriculum development | Differentiated instruction |
| Education technology | E-learning |
| English as a Second Language (ESL) | Holistic learning |
| IEPs | Interactive learning |
| Lesson planning | Secondary education |
| Student advocacy | Student assessment |
| Student-centered learning | Teaching |
| Team leadership | Tutoring |
How To Pick the Best Elementary Teacher Resume Template
You’re not alone if you are overwhelmed when selecting your resume template. With various options available, finding the ideal fit for your personal brand and professional needs can be hard. When in doubt, prioritize structure and organization over style. Hiring managers will be focused on your teaching qualifications first and foremost, so avoid overuse of color and bulky graphics, as these elements can often distract the reader from your content.
Elementary Teacher Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- Example #1
- Example #2
- Example #3
Mina Sayed
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Philadelphia, PA 12345
Profile
A dynamic elementary teacher with six years of experience specializing in differentiated instruction, curriculum development, and student-centered learning. Adept at building relationships with students to facilitate academic and personal growth.
Professional Experience
Elementary Teacher, Williamson Elementary, Philadelphia, PA
August 2019 – present
- Manage a classroom with 20 to 25 third-grade students, develop curriculum and group learning activities to facilitate academic growth and enrichment, and successfully increased goal attainment for students from 75% to 83%
- Establish a positive classroom environment centered on diversity and inclusion
- Coordinate with teachers during the transition to virtual learning and develop strategies to maintain the quality of instruction in Zoom classrooms
Elementary Teacher, North Philadelphia Charter School, Philadelphia, PA
August 2017 – June 2019
- Delivered engaging lesson plans to classes of over 20 second-grade students using a variety of techniques, including cooperative learning and differentiated instruction
- Collaborated with faculty and parents to lead diversity initiatives to support equity in education, including the implementation of holistic learning methodologies
Key Skills
- Curriculum development
- Differentiated instruction
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
- Holistic learning
- Student-centered learning
Education
Bachelor of Education (B.E.) Elementary Education
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA September 2013 – June 2017
Certifications
K-4 Teacher Certification, State of Pennsylvania, 2017
Frequently Asked Questions: Elementary Teacher Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for elementary teacher resumes?-
It’s easy to run out of action verbs during the resume-building process. Often, a limited number of words accurately convey your career experience, especially as an education professional. That being said, utilizing a variety of action verbs will enhance the reading experience for the hiring manager. We’ve compiled a list of verbs to build your professional experience section:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyzed | Conducted |
| Created | Delivered |
| Designed | Developed |
| Educated | Enhanced |
| Evaluated | Identified |
| Implemented | Improved |
| Led | Managed |
| Oversaw | Partnered |
| Performed | Planned |
| Provided | Supported |
| Taught | |
How do you align your resume with a job description?-
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary teacher positions are expected to grow 4% over the next decade. Despite the growing need for skilled educators, it’s important to align your resume with the job description. Competition remains high for the most lucrative districts, so tailor your application to individual schools.
For example, if a school is heavily invested in cooperative learning or project-based learning techniques, give examples of employing these methodologies in your work history. If an organization is focused on DEI, provide insights into how you created positive and inclusive classroom environments. By aligning your resume with the job description, you’ll greatly increase your odds of landing the interview.
What is the best elementary teacher resume format?-
Elementary teacher resumes should utilize a reverse chronological format in most instances.
This ensures your most relevant and impactful experience is featured toward the top of your document. It’s best to avoid functional resume formats, even if you’re transitioning from another career, as this approach won’t allow you to detail your qualifications and achievements properly.
Craft your perfect resume in minutes
Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!
A matching cover letter can provide several advantages for elementary teachers. This is an opportunity to highlight what you find compelling about the organization and why you’re the ideal culture fit for their school. Avoid simply repeating every detail from the resume and instead focus on showcasing the nuances of who you are as an education professional. For more information, view our elementary teacher cover letter guide.
