To help you get started, we have created a wealth of online career resources, including how-to guides, articles, and samples.
Job Application Resources
As you embark on the journey of seeking employment opportunities within the realm of education, you have likely gathered a plethora of experiences that set you apart from other candidates. While conventional resume-building tools undoubtedly serve their purpose, it is important to recognize the unique attributes that define a teacher's resume. Here are a few examples:
Licenses & Certifications
Depending on the state, by law, teaching jobs require certifications. When drafting a teacher's resume, you want to prominently display your licenses and certifications. This information should be highlighted under the education heading of your resume.
Section Headings
Highlighting your experience is crucial. While resumes in other fields may use section headings such as “Relevant Experience” or “Work Experience” we recommend using “Teaching Experience”. This ensures your teaching background is clearly presented, making it easy for employers to find this information.
Length
While most students will be creating one-page resumes, students graduating with degrees in education often have resumes that are longer due to student teaching experiences.
Your resume should always represent your unique experiences and background. If you are concerned about creating a stand-out education-related resume, reach out to your career advisor for guidance.
Additional Resume Resources
Now that you have created a great teacher resume, it is time to add a cover letter. The primary purpose of a cover letter is to craft a compelling narrative that makes a strong impression and increases your chance of getting an interview. Here are a few educator-specific cover letter tips:
Start With a Powerful Introductory Statement
One of the main reasons cover letters get rejected is that candidates do not spend enough time on the opening paragraph. Start your cover letter with a “hook”, this is a story or a fact that makes the recruiter want to read more.
Highlight Your Academic Background
Most states require teachers to have specific credentials. Therefore, it is important to showcase your education, license, and certifications at the start of your cover letter. This immediately shows the hiring manager or recruiter that you have met the necessary qualifications for the role.
Show You Belong Together
Show how you are a good fit based on the job description. This demonstrates to the recruiter that you have done your research and thoughtfully considered the role. Share a compelling story to capture the recruiter’s attention, rather than simply restating what is already in your resume.
Mention Qualifications That Make You Stand Out
Often, candidates applying for teaching positions mention the same tasks or disciplines in their cover letters. To distinguish yourself, highlight unique qualifications or impactful projects you have worked on. This is your opportunity to stand out and showcase what makes you an exceptional candidate. Take this chance to shine.
Your cover letter should always represent your unique experiences and background. If you are concerned about creating a stand-out education-related cover letter, reach out to your career advisor for guidance.
Additional Cover Letter Resources
In education job applications, diversity statements are increasingly common. These statements serve to demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. If this is your first time writing a DEI statement and you are unsure where to start, here are a few tips to guide you.
Do background research
Visit the company’s website, social media channels, and news outlets to learn about its DEI mission. This research will help you understand the values of the organization and whether your principles align. Look for key terminology and consider incorporating similar language into your DEI statement.
Share your personal experience and be specific
Mention specific experiences and how they have shaped your understanding of DEI. For instance, consider any obstacles you have overcome to reach your current position and discuss them. This is your statement, so make it a reflection of who you are. Highlight your uniqueness and commitment to DEI through these personal experiences.
Discuss your future goals
Discuss how your values related to DEI will enable you to contribute to diversity and inclusion as an educator. Provide examples of how you will foster diverse student perspectives and integrate these perspectives into your teaching.
If you have any questions about writing a DEI statement, please make an appointment with your career counselor.
Additional Diversity Statement Resources
When applying for a teaching job, you may be required to write a teaching philosophy. Even if it is not explicitly requested, you could be asked to articulate your teaching philosophy in an interview. Therefore, it is wise to prepare one in advance.
A teaching philosophy is a document that introduces you as a teacher to a hiring manager or recruiter. It is a narrative essay that outlines your core beliefs about teaching, provides a high-level overview of your methods, and includes examples of your teaching philosophy in practice. This document should showcase your intentionality, reflectiveness, and goal-oriented approach.
A well-crafted teaching statement should align with the position you are applying for and assure the reader that you can effectively handle the teaching-related aspects of the job. Be honest and base your statement on your actual experiences.
If you are a recent graduate and are concerned about not having enough experience to write a teaching philosophy, you can describe how you “plan” to teach. Additionally, many activities are considered “teaching” that can inform your statement. Some of those activities include:
- Guest lecturing
- Conducting workshops or training sessions
- Teaching assistantships
- Mentoring
Once you have drafted your teaching philosophy statement be sure to send it to your career advisor or trusted mentor for review.
Additional Teaching Philosophy Resources
For newly licensed teachers, a portfolio is a collection of highlights from your time as a student of education. A portfolio summarizes your experience, accomplishments, and examples of you in action that go far beyond a resume. While a portfolio is a useful tool for reflecting on your time as a student, it is also something you can keep updated throughout your career to reference when preparing for interviews, applying for jobs, promotion reviews, and personal reflection.
Common elements of a teaching portfolio include:
- Career Summary
- Teaching Philosophy Statement
- Teaching Methods and Strategies
- Student Work Samples
- Classroom Management
- Professional Development
- Reflective Practice
- Awards and Recognition
Portfolios come in different forms such as a traditional print portfolio, a personal website, or in digital form. Each has its own style and shows the personality of the creator. When putting together a portfolio remember to be authentic, honest, and have fun!
