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English Teacher Resume Examples

By Silvia Angeloro

Jul 18, 2024

|

12 min read

Craft the perfect English teacher resume: Stand out in a sea of educators with your resume writing skills. This guide will help you write a top-notch resume to teach others a lesson in impressing hiring managers.

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Writing an effective English teacher resume can feel tougher than deciphering Shakespeare's sonnets. As an English teacher, you might excel at teaching grammar or analyzing literature but translating those skills into a standout resume is another story. Crafting a resume that highlights your unique strengths and experiences while adhering to current hiring trends is essential. The competition for teaching positions can be fierce, and a generic resume won't cut it. Whether you're aiming for a position in a top-tier school or looking to elevate your current role, your resume must showcase your qualifications clearly and concisely.

Choosing the right resume template is crucial. A well-designed template ensures your resume is visually appealing and structurally sound, making it easier for hiring managers to focus on your content. The right layout not only highlights key information but also shows your professionalism and attention to detail.

We have more than 700 resume examples to help you write an effective resume, tailored to the needs of English teachers around the world.

Key Takeaways

  • Choosing the right resume template is essential; it ensures your resume is visually appealing and highlights key information effectively.
  • An English teacher resume should clearly showcase teaching credentials, any special qualifications, and successful classroom experiences, while logically organizing sections such as Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Teaching Certifications, and Skills.
  • Highlighting achievements and specific outcomes in your experience section, using measurable impact and action words, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your resume.
  • Including a well-crafted professional summary that concisely emphasizes your key skills and achievements is crucial for making a strong impression on hiring managers.
  • Incorporating additional sections like "Professional Development," "Awards and Honors," "Volunteer Experience," and including relevant certifications, can help differentiate your resume from generic submissions.

What to focus on when writing your english teacher resume

An English teacher resume should clearly showcase your expertise in language instruction and your ability to engage and inspire students. It must highlight your teaching credentials, any special qualifications, and successful classroom experiences. Convey a sense of your enthusiasm for literature and language, and your adaptability to various educational environments.

Boost Your Impact:

  • Highlight curriculum development experience.
  • Include any awards or recognitions.
  • List advanced degrees or certifications.
  • Mention particular strengths such as ESL teaching.

Must have information on your english teacher resume

Crafting a strong resume is essential for landing a job as an English teacher. Make sure to include these must-have resume sections:

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Work Experience
  • Education
  • Teaching Certifications
  • Skills

Additional sections like "Professional Development," "Awards and Honors," or "Volunteer Experience" can also set you apart. Each section should highlight relevant qualifications and achievements to ensure you stand out to hiring managers.

Which resume format to choose

For an English teacher resume, a functional or hybrid format is often best, especially if you have varied experience or gaps. Opt for modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat instead of the old-school Arial or Times New Roman. Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure it looks the same on any device. Keep your margins to one inch on all sides for a clean, readable look. Use clear section headings to help Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) identify your qualifications easily.

An English teacher resume should typically include the following sections:

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Education
  • Teaching Experience
  • Certifications
  • Skills
  • Awards and Honors
  • Professional Development

Use Resume Mentor's free resume builder to ensure all these elements are perfectly formatted.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Writing your resume experience section can feel overwhelming, but with a few tips, you’ll be able to craft a compelling narrative that showcases your skills and accomplishments as an English teacher. Start with listing your most recent job first and work backward. Generally, you should go back about 10 to 15 years, especially if you’ve held multiple relevant positions. Only include job titles that are directly applicable to teaching or that highlight transferable skills.

Focus on tailoring your resume for each job application. Look at the job description and mirror some of the language used, while incorporating your specific experience. Use action words like "developed," "implemented," and "increased" to demonstrate your achievements. Here’s how to put it into practice:

Experience
English Teacher
Springfield High School
Springfield, IL
Company Description
  • Taught English to grades 9-12
  • Worked with students to improve their grades
  • Helped plan school events
Substitute Teacher
Random School District
Smalltown, NY
Company Description
  • Filled in for absent teachers
  • Followed lesson plans provided
  • Managed classroom behavior

This first example lacks detail and does not highlight significant accomplishments or quantify your achievements. It looks more like a list of duties that most teachers perform.

Now, see an improved example. This focuses more on the impact you had in your roles:

Experience
Senior English Teacher
Springfield High School
Springfield, IL
A public high school serving grades 9-12.
  • Increased pass rates by 15% through targeted support
  • Designed a new curriculum receiving state recognition
  • Led after-school writing club raising student participation by 50%
English Teacher
Lincoln Middle School
Smalltown, NY
A public middle school serving grades 6-8.
  • Developed after-school tutoring program that improved student performance by 20%
  • Collaborated with colleagues to introduce a school-wide reading initiative
  • Implemented novel assessment techniques reducing student anxiety by 30%
Substitute Teacher
Random School District
Smalltown, NY
A school district providing K-12 education.
  • Maintained classroom discipline leading to a 10% decrease in disruptive behavior
  • Successfully covered for long-term absences ensuring continuity in learning
  • Received positive feedback from both students and permanent staff

This second example is far more detailed. It highlights achievements with clear numbers and factual data, making your impact in each role very clear. Employers will see not just what you did, but how well you did it, which is what really matters.

English teacher resume experience examples

Here's a truism: Effective teaching might not be rocket science, but it can definitely launch futures! Let's dive into some outstanding resume experiences that truly make the grade for any English teacher. 🚀

Achievement-focused

Highlighting your successes can showcase your effectiveness and dedication as an English teacher.

Work Experience

English Teacher

River Valley High School

August 2017 - Present

  • Implemented innovative teaching methods to increase student engagement.
  • Collaborated with other teachers to design interdisciplinary projects.
  • Received Teacher of the Year award for outstanding achievement.

Skills-focused

Emphasize the specific skills that make you an exceptional English teacher and how you've applied them.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Greenwood Middle School

May 2015 - July 2017

  • Developed and executed creative lesson plans.
  • Facilitated improvement in reading comprehension through literature discussions.
  • Conducted writing workshops to develop students' writing abilities.

Responsibility-focused

Showcase your ability to manage various responsibilities and how you handle them successfully.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Pinecrest Academy

September 2013 - April 2015

  • Oversaw the performance of 120 students across six classes.
  • Organized parent-teacher conferences and maintained communication.
  • Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs).

Project-focused

Demonstrating successful project execution can reflect your ability to lead and innovate.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Clearwater High School

January 2019 - June 2021

  • Organized and managed a large-scale theatrical production.
  • Secured funding and managed budget for project expenses.
  • Collaborated with local community to enhance student learning experience.

Result-focused

Mention specific outcomes or improvements that resulted from your teaching efforts.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Meadowbrook High School

August 2016 - May 2018

  • Integrated targeted SAT prep into the curriculum.
  • Conducted after-school tutoring sessions for additional support.
  • Analyzed test results to tailor instruction for individual needs.

Industry-Specific Focus

Focus on your experience and expertise that align specifically with the education sector.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Redwood Middle School

March 2014 - December 2016

  • Designed curriculum focusing on classic and contemporary literature.
  • Aligned lesson plans with Common Core Standards.
  • Collaborated with the state education board to improve materials.

Problem-Solving focused

Illustrate your ability to identify challenges and devise effective solutions in your teaching role.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Lakeside Elementary School

September 2015 - June 2020

  • Implemented positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS).
  • Developed a reward system to encourage student engagement.
  • Trained on de-escalation strategies to handle conflicts.

Innovation-focused

Show how you've brought new ideas or technology to your teaching practice.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Sunset High School

April 2018 - Present

  • Utilized online platforms to facilitate remote learning.
  • Implemented gamification techniques to enhance student motivation.
  • Introduced digital storytelling projects to improve creativity.

Leadership-focused

Highlight your leadership qualities and how you’ve guided others in your role as an English teacher.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Maplewood High School

August 2016 - March 2019

  • Led a team of 10 English teachers to enhance curriculum development.
  • Conducted professional development workshops for fellow educators.
  • Mentored new teachers for smoother integration into the school environment.

Customer-focused

In teaching, your 'customers' are primarily your students and their parents; emphasize your focus on their needs.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Oak Hill Elementary School

February 2015 - July 2017

  • Maintained regular updates with parents about student progress.
  • Organized parent workshops to support home learning strategies.
  • Responded promptly to parent inquiries and concerns.

Growth-focused

Show how you've contributed to the personal and academic growth of your students.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Brookside High School

January 2017 - November 2019

  • Provided personalized feedback to promote self-improvement.
  • Encouraged participation in extracurricular activities.
  • Mentored students in public speaking and debate skills.

Efficiency-focused

Demonstrate how you’ve streamlined processes or improved efficiency in your classroom or school.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Hampton High School

September 2018 - Present

  • Implemented digital grading to reduce paperwork and increase feedback speed.
  • Standardized lesson plan templates for efficient preparation.
  • Automated attendance tracking using school management software.

Technology-focused

Showcase your ability to integrate technology into your teaching to enhance learning outcomes.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Sunrise Middle School

June 2014 - December 2017

  • Integrated interactive whiteboards to enhance lesson presentations.
  • Used educational apps to support personalized learning.
  • Incorporated multimedia resources to diversify lesson formats.

Collaboration-focused

Highlight your ability to work well with others to achieve common teaching goals.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Cedar Ridge Elementary School

March 2016 - August 2019

  • Worked with fellow teachers to create cross-curricular activities.
  • Participated in professional learning communities (PLCs).
  • Shared best practices in regular team meetings.

Training and Development focused

Emphasize your involvement in fostering the growth and development of colleagues or students.

Work Experience

English Teacher

Mountain View High School

February 2018 - April 2021

  • Organized workshops on advanced teaching strategies.
  • Developed training materials for new teachers.
  • Provided ongoing support and mentorship to peers.

Write your english teacher resume summary section

Writing a resume summary for an English teacher should highlight your key skills, experience, and enthusiasm for teaching. This section is a brief overview of your professional history and abilities. Focus on your strengths, and be concise and specific.

Describing yourself effectively in a resume summary involves showing your passion and unique qualifications. Use action words and highlight your expertise, whether in classroom management, curriculum development, or any other specialized area.

The difference between a summary and a resume objective is important to understand. A summary highlights your skills and experiences, while a resume objective focuses on your career goals. A resume profile is similar to a summary but can be more detailed. A summary of qualifications is a list of bullet points that outline key achievements and skills.

SUMMARY
I am an English teacher with lots of experience in teaching. I have taught high school students, and I can do lesson plans. I am good at classroom management and helping students.

This example is poorly written because it uses vague language and lacks specifics. Saying "lots of experience" does not convey a clear measure of your expertise. Words like "good" and "helping" are not descriptive or strong enough to make an impact.

SUMMARY
Dedicated English teacher with over 8 years of experience teaching high school students. Proven ability to create engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs. Skilled in classroom management and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Fluent in integrating technology to enhance student learning. Committed to helping students excel academically and personally.

This example is well-written because it includes specific achievements, qualifications, and skills. Phrases like "over 8 years of experience" and "proven ability" are measurable and impactful. The summary also highlights adaptability and a student-centered approach, which are key traits for an English teacher.

Listing your english teacher skills on your resume

When writing your resume as an English teacher, your skills section is crucial. You can either include a standalone skills section or incorporate your skills into other sections like your experience and summary. This approach makes your resume versatile.

Your strengths and soft skills define how well you engage with students and collaborate with colleagues. Hard skills are technical and specific abilities you must perform your tasks effectively. Highlighting these skills and strengths can help your resume get noticed by automated resume screening systems as well as human readers because they often act as critical keywords.

Example of a standalone skills section:

Skills
Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Content Development, Literary Analysis, Grammar and Syntax, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, Assessment Design

This skills section works well because it lists relevant, specific capabilities that an English teacher needs. It covers both instructional abilities and content expertise. The skills are varied and address different aspects of teaching, from planning lessons to evaluating student performance. This variety shows depth and breadth of experience.

Best Hard Skills to Feature on Your English Teacher Resume

When selecting hard skills, they should demonstrate your ability to perform specific tasks and meet job requirements. They should communicate your expertise in these areas:

Hard Skills

  • Lesson Planning
  • Classroom Management
  • Curriculum Development
  • Literary Analysis
  • Grammar and Syntax
  • Public Speaking
  • Writing and Editing
  • Assessment Design
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Technology Integration
  • Language Proficiency
  • Standardized Test Preparation
  • ESL Instruction
  • Student Evaluation
  • Educational Research

Best Soft Skills to Feature on Your English Teacher Resume

Soft skills are equally important and show how you interact with your students and colleagues. They should communicate your interpersonal effectiveness and adaptability.

Soft Skills

  • Communication
  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • Empathy
  • Organization
  • Flexibility
  • Problem-Solving
  • Collaboration
  • Leadership
  • Time Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Motivational Skills
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Adaptability
  • Enthusiasm

How to include your education on your resume

An education section is an important part of your resume. This section should be tailored to the job you are applying for, meaning you should include only relevant education. Omitting irrelevant education keeps the focus on what matters most to the employer. If you have a notable GPA, including it can highlight your academic achievements. Titles like "cum laude" should also be included if applicable. List your degree clearly, with the institution's name, location, and dates attended.

Here is an example of a poorly written education section:

Education
Bachelor of Arts in History
Unknown University

This example is bad because the degree is in history, which is not relevant to an English teaching job. The institution is not well-known, and the GPA is low and hidden.

Now, here's an example of a well-written education section:

Education
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature
University of Oxford
GPA
3.8
/
4.0

This example is good because it shows a relevant degree in English Literature from a prestigious institution. The GPA is high and clearly stated. This makes it evident that your education aligns well with the job requirements for an English teacher.

How to include english teacher certificates on your resume

Including a certificates section in your English teacher resume is crucial. List the name of each certificate clearly. Include the date you received each one. Add the issuing organization for each certificate. Show the certificates in the header for quick visibility.

Certificates
TESOL Certification
International TEFL Academy
CELTA
Cambridge English
Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Certificate
College Board

This example is good because it shows certificates relevant to teaching English. Each certificate includes the full name, date, and the issuing organization, making it easy for employers to verify credentials. Using well-known certification bodies ensures credibility. The order highlights the most prestigious ones first. Visually separating the certificates section helps it stand out. Whether in the main body or the header, these details can boost your job prospects.

Extra sections to include in your english teacher resume

Crafting a resume for an English teacher involves highlighting various sections that can set you apart from the competition. Beyond showcasing your teaching experience and educational background, integrating unique resume sections can paint a fuller picture of who you are and what you bring to the table.

  • Language section — Mention additional languages you speak. This can demonstrate your ability to connect with diverse student groups and expand your teaching scope.
  • Hobbies and interests section — Include personal interests related to literature or education. This helps convey your passion for the subject and can be a conversation starter in interviews.
  • Volunteer work section — List relevant volunteer activities where you've taught or helped in educational settings. This displays your commitment to education and your willingness to contribute beyond a paid role.
  • Books section — Reference influential books you've read or contributed to. Highlighting these can show your engagement with English literature and educational theory.

Incorporating these sections makes your resume well-rounded and demonstrates your multifaceted involvement in the field of English education. Make each detail count to reflect your skills and passion for teaching.

Pair your english teacher resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a one-page document that you send with your resume when applying for a job. It introduces you to the hiring manager, details your qualifications, and explains why you're the best fit for the position. This piece of writing can set you apart from other candidates by providing insight into your personality and communication skills.

For an English teacher, your cover letter should highlight your teaching experience, your ability to engage students, and your passion for literature and language arts. Emphasize specific achievements, like improving students' reading levels or winning awards for your teaching methods. Mention any relevant certifications and your familiarity with modern teaching tools and techniques.

To create a polished cover letter easily, use Resume Mentor's cover letter builder. It simplifies the process and allows you to export your letter as a PDF, ensuring your content and formatting remain intact. Start crafting your standout cover letter today with Resume Mentor and take the next step in your teaching career.

Samuel Moore

Charlotte, North Carolina

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@resumementor.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

My commitment to fostering an engaging learning environment alongside my extensive experience with the IB curriculum aligns well with [School Name]'s dedication to academic excellence. The prospect of contributing to your team, known for its innovative approach to education, genuinely excites me.

During my tenure at San Diego High School, I played a crucial role in implementing a comprehensive IB curriculum that resulted in a 20% increase in student performance over two academic years. This success was driven by my ability to design and deliver lesson plans that not only met the IB standards but also significantly enhanced student engagement and participation.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my background in advanced curriculum development and my dedication to student success to the esteemed team at [School Name]. I look forward to discussing how my experience and skills can contribute to the continued excellence of your educational programs. Please feel free to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,

Samuel Moore, English Teacher
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