How to Write Chinese Teaching Resumes
When writing a resume for a Chinese teaching position, don't stray too far from traditional formatting. Even if your resume is about teaching Chinese, you should still include basic information such as name and address, objective and educational background. Above all, a teaching resume should highlight your experience and your ability to handle the Chinese language and culture.
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Instructions
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List your teaching experience in chronological order, starting with the most recent job you held. Because language teaching is often done in non-traditional settings, such as private groups and travel/work communities, don't worry about mixing school jobs with less significant positions.
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Highlight any cultural or travel experience directly related to China. Don't limit yourself to activities related to teaching Chinese, either. If you spent a year teaching English in China or traveled extensively around the country as a young backpacker, you have a better understanding of the culture and the real-life use of the language than most teachers. Many schools prefer a Chinese native speaker that obtains a teaching certification in the United States (rather than a U.S. teacher who learns Chinese), so let potential employers know your nationality if you think it will benefit you.
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List any specific certifications you have for teaching Chinese. If no particular ones are required for the teaching position you are applying for, start with the most recent. Otherwise, highlight any university degrees first and then list smaller certifications, lectures or workshops.
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Consider taking a certification that allows you to teach Chinese in official settings. Certificates such as the Chinese Bilingual Teacher Education Program, offered by Loyola Marymount University, or the Penn Chinese Language Teachers' Institute certification, can help those interested in being teachers fulfill either part or all of the requirements to become certified without attending a four-year university.
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Be specific. Most jobs teaching Chinese will require you to be in Modern Standard Chinese (putonghua), so note that and let employers know if you can speak other versions as well. You should also be clear about your knowledge of U.S. classroom pedagogy and teaching methods, especially if you have been trained overseas.
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Tips & Warnings
Many teachers of Chinese language work in non-traditional settings, often with adults. Understanding human psychology and knowing how to deal with busy professionals is another asset that should be highlighted in a resume.
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- Photo Credit Nicolas Raymond
