Functional Resume for Teachers
If you are an experienced teacher, you may choose to build what is known as a "chronological resume," which focuses on steady, consistent teaching experience. However, if you are a less-experienced teacher who has limited time in the classroom, a functional resume may be the better choice for you. With this "functional" format, you can focus the resume on skills and attributes, rather than on actual teaching experience.
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Appearance
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For any teacher, a professional appearance is a must for a resume. Print your resume on high-quality resume paper, and type it in a standard, professional font, such as Times New Roman, Arial or Verdana, in 10 to 12 point size. Leave at least 1-inch margins around the page.
Education
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The "Education" category is an important element of your functional resume. Although you may mention more specific elements of your coursework and educational experience in the primary skill categories, this is the category that should make clear the degrees you have earned and where you earned them. List the degree, date earned, institution and date of certification (if you are indeed a certified teacher). Include the GPA if it is noteworthy.
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Skills
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For the functional resume, the various "skills" categories are the most important for the newer teacher. Think about your primary skills or attributes that have a direct impact in the classroom. One category might be labeled "Pedagogical Experience." If you do have some teaching experience, then a category labeled "Teaching and Instructional Experience" is also a wise category to include. Also consider general experience with school-age children as a possible "Skills/Experience" category. The idea is to match the skills and experience you have attained in various ways and in various places with the expectations placed on a teacher in a teaching position.
Examples
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Show what kind of experience you have that demonstrates the skills you have listed. Under the "Pedagogical Experience," consider listing pedagogy classes you have taken (with grades earned, if noteworthy), special workshops you've attended, lectures you have heard, and special licenses or certifications you have earned that are specific to pedagogy. For "Teaching Experience," you could mention substitute teaching, tutoring, student teaching or any other experiences that demonstrate some exposure to instruction. Likewise, working in a day care, private babysitting and working with summer camps for children would all fit under a "Experience with Children" category.
Be creative but honest, and think hard about how your various experiences have prepared you to be a teacher.
Special Skills/Training
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Finally, include a "Special Skills" section that lists any other competencies you have that are relevant but may not have fallen into any of the main skill categories. For example, if you are bilingual, that is worth mentioning as a special skill. Even knowledge in things like CPR or basic first aid training might help your job application.
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