Are you seeking employment as an English teacher? The quality of your application papers shapes your first impression, so ensure it is exceptional. A strong resume should highlight your experience and skills in a clear and concise manner.

In this article, we will show you with English teacher resume examples and provide guidance on crafting your own. With the right format and content, your resume will improve your likelihood of securing that dream job.

English teacher resume examples

Sample resume for English teacher

Sample resume for English teacher
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High school English teacher resume example

Results-oriented High School English Teacher with 7 years of experience creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Proven track record of inspiring students to achieve academic success while fostering critical thinking and communication skills. Expertise in curriculum development, technology integration, and collaborative teaching approaches.

Experience

High School English Teacher

Harmony High School, Champaign, IL

August 2019 - Present

  • Plan and deliver dynamic English lessons to students in 9th and 10th grades.
  • Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students and accommodate various learning styles.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes student engagement and participation.
  • Implement technology tools and resources to enhance learning experiences.

Student Teacher

Liberty Middle School, Champaign, IL

September 2017 - May 2019

  • Completed 16 weeks of student teaching in an 8th-grade English classroom.
  • Designed and implemented lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
  • Assessed student learning through various formative and summative assessments.
  • Provided constructive feedback to students to support their academic growth.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in English Studies

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL

Graduated: May 2017

Skills

  • Curriculum Development;
  • Technology Integration;
  • Student-Centered Instruction;
  • Differentiated Teaching;
  • Collaborative Learning;
  • Effective Communication;
  • Classroom Management;
  • Formative and Summative Assessment;
  • Parent-Teacher Communication.

Professional Memberships

  • National Council of Teachers of English (Member, 2019 - Present)

ESL teacher resume example

ESL teacher resume example
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Writing tips

When crafting an English teacher resume, it is crucial to maintain a polished and succinct format. The language should be clear and highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

Employ bullet points to enumerate your tasks and successes, rather than crafting extensive paragraphs. This way your educator resume will become more visually engaging and effortless to skim through for potential employers.

The optimal length for a resume is generally considered to be one page for entry-level to mid-level professionals and two pages for more experienced individuals.

Customize your English teacher resume for each application by using action verbs that align with the specific job requirements and the values of the educational institution.

Examples of words and phrases that you can include in your English teacher resume:

Teaching:

  • Curriculum development;
  • Lesson planning;
  • Classroom management;
  • Differentiated instruction;
  • Student engagement;
  • Assessment and grading.

Teaching methods:

  • Inquiry-based learning;
  • Project-based learning;
  • Collaborative learning;
  • Socratic seminars;
  • Literature circles.

Literary knowledge:

  • British literature;
  • American literature;
  • World literature;
  • Genre expertise (e.g., poetry, drama, novels);
  • Literary analysis.

Classroom environment:

  • Fostered a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere;
  • Implemented student-centered activities;
  • Created a culturally responsive classroom.

Achievements:

  • Improved student test scores by [percentage];
  • Recognized for excellence in teaching by [school or district];
  • Implemented successful literacy initiatives.

Extracurricular involvement:

  • Adviser for [literary magazine, debate club, etc.];
  • Organized [language-related events or competitions];
  • Contributed to [school newspaper, blog, etc.].

Contact information

When filling in the personal information in your educator resume, it's crucial to provide accurate and professional details. This will allow potential employers to easily reach out to you.

Here's how to effectively fill in this section:

  • Placement. Place your contact information at the top of your resume. This is typically the first section employers look at so it should be easily accessible.
  • Essential information. Begin with your full legal name and the professional title. Use a slightly larger font or bold formatting to make it stand out.
  • Contact details. Add your phone number and your professional email address. Make sure you have a professional voicemail and avoid using nicknames or unprofessional handles.
  • Location. Include your city and state. While a full address is generally not necessary, providing your location can be beneficial, especially if you are applying for local teaching positions.

Experience

Effectively organizing your experience in a resume for an English teacher position is crucial to showcasing your accomplishments and qualifications.

Here's how to structure this section:

  1. Relevant heading. Use a clear and prominent heading such as "Teaching Experience" to signal the beginning of this section.
  2. Order. Begin with your most recent or current teaching position. List your experiences in reverse chronological order, emphasizing your recent roles and accomplishments.
  3. Job details. Clearly state your job titles and the names of the schools or institutions where you've taught.
  4. Employment dates. Specify the start and end dates for each position. This helps to demonstrate the duration of your experience in each role.
  5. Job descriptions. Use concise bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements in each role.
  6. Formatting. Consider using bold or italics to make key details, such as job titles and institution names, stand out in your English teacher resume.

Whenever possible, use quantifiable data to showcase your achievements. For example, mention improvements in student test scores or successful implementation of a new teaching method.

Example:

English Teacher

Highland Secondary School, Rocky Mount, NC

September 2018 - December 2023

  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans for high school students, focusing on literature analysis, grammar, and creative writing.
  • Increased student performance on standardized tests by 15% through the incorporation of interactive teaching methods and personalized learning approaches.
  • Established and advised the school's literary club, organizing monthly events to foster a passion for reading and writing among students.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to create an integrated English curriculum, ensuring alignment with educational standards.

ESL Instructor

Riverdale Academy, Rocky Mount, NC

September 2016 - April 2018

  • Taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to diverse groups of adult learners, incorporating multimedia resources and interactive activities to enhance language acquisition.
  • Designed and implemented a specialized curriculum for business English courses, tailoring content to meet the language needs of professionals in various industries.
  • Conducted language assessments and provided individualized feedback to help students improve their English proficiency.
  • Facilitated workshops on cultural competency, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Education

Your education is a crucial aspect that employers will look at in the English teacher resume. Hence, it is necessary to accurately record and arrange information in this resume section.

1. Order and placement

  • Reverse order. Begin with the most recent educational attainment and work backward.
  • Position. Generally, the education section is placed near the top of the resume, especially for recent graduates or those with limited work experience.

2. Essential information

  • Degree. Specify the degree you earned (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Master of Education).
  • Field of study. Mention your major or field of study.
  • University. Include the name of the university or institution from which you graduated.

3. Dates

  • Graduation date. Clearly state the month and year of your graduation. If you are a current student, mention your expected graduation date.

4. Optional details

  • Achievements. If you graduated with honors, such as cum laude or magna cum laude, or received any notable achievements or awards, mention them.
  • GPA. If your GPA is 3.0 or above, you can include it. However, if it's lower or you have significant work experience, you may choose to omit it.
  • Relevant coursework. If you are a recent graduate, include a relevant coursework section that aligns with the position you're applying for.

Example:

Master of Education in Second Language Instruction

Boston University, Boston, MA

Graduated: May 2018

  • Relevant coursework: Curriculum Design for ELLs, Methods of Teaching ESL, Assessment and Evaluation for Learners of English as a Second Tongue.
  • Thesis: Examining the Efficacy of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) in Enhancing Proficiency and Motivation

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Culture

University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH

Graduated: May 2016

  • Relevant Coursework: Modern American Literature, Composition and Rhetoric, Shakespearean Studies.
  • Awarded Dean's List for academic excellence.

English teacher resume skills

It is essential for any educator to not only possess strong teaching abilities but also showcase a diverse set of soft and hard skills on their resume.

  • Soft skills exemplify the individual's proficiency in successfully communicating and connecting with students, colleagues, and parents. An English teacher must have a strong command of the language and be able to effectively convey complex concepts to students of varying levels.
  • Hard skills refer to specific technical abilities that a teacher possesses. These skills showcase an individual's teaching proficiency and aptitude for utilizing various tools to improve the learning experience for their students.

A well-rounded resume that showcases both types of skills can significantly enhance an English teacher's chances of securing their desired job.

Hard skills:

  • Proficiency in various teaching methods;
  • Knowledge of educational technology;
  • Curriculum development;
  • Lesson planning;
  • Grading and assessment;
  • Classroom management;
  • Differentiated instruction;
  • Fluency in second language;
  • Experience with exam preparation courses (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS);
  • Classroom technology integration.

Soft skills:

  • Strong verbal and written communication;
  • Empathy;
  • Patience;
  • Adaptability;
  • Time management;
  • Active listening;
  • Creativity;
  • Cultural sensitivity;
  • Collaboration;
  • Conflict resolution.

English teacher resume summary

Creating a standout resume summary for an English teacher role is essential to grab the attention of potential employers and showcase your unique qualifications.

Here's a guide on what to include in an effective summary:

  1. Strong opener. Begin with a compelling opening statement that immediately communicates your passion for teaching and your commitment to fostering a positive learning environment.
  2. Teaching philosophy. Clearly express your teaching philosophy. Briefly articulate your approach to English language instruction, emphasizing student engagement, critical thinking, and fostering a love for literature.
  3. Specialized skills. If you have specialized skills such as experience with language assessment tools, proficiency in integrating technology, or expertise in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), explicitly mention these skills.

Aim for a concise summary, typically around 3-4 sentences. Be direct and use impactful language to convey your message without unnecessary details.

Example:

Devoted language teacher with 5 years of experience instructing literature, grammar, and writing abilities to a wide range of students. Established a history of boosting students' test performance and instilling a love for learning by utilizing imaginative teaching strategies and interactive class discussions. Possesses excellent communication skills and is able to adapt teaching methods to meet individual student needs.

Optional sections

Hobbies

Your resume can greatly benefit from including hobbies, as they give insight into your personal interests and passions. Hobbies such as reading, writing, or traveling can demonstrate your love for language and culture, which are valuable qualities for an English teacher.

Courses

Courses focused on teaching the English language should also be listed on your resume. This shows that you are constantly seeking opportunities to improve and enhance your skills. It also highlights your willingness to go above and beyond the basic requirements.

Languages

In today's globalized world, being multilingual is highly valued in any profession. As an English teacher, being fluent in multiple languages can be a significant asset. This can help you communicate with students from diverse backgrounds effectively.

Awards

Awards and recognition demonstrate your dedication and excellence in the field of education. It also enhances the validity of your qualifications and can leave a positive impression on the recruiter.

References

Including references is not necessary, but it can be helpful to have them readily accessible upon inquiry. Ensure that you obtain permission from your references before adding them to your English teacher resume example.

Internships

This section is especially beneficial for new teachers with limited teaching experience. It also demonstrates your practical knowledge in collaborating with students, which may be attractive to prospective employers.

Use a resume builder

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of creating an English teacher resume from scratch? Stop searching, because our online platform provides numerous pre-made resume templates to increase your efficiency.

Advantages of using Resume Trick:

  • Save time and effort. Instead of spending hours formatting and organizing your educator resume, you can simply choose a template that fits your needs and start filling in your information.
  • Standard resume format. The templates follow the professional standard, making it easier for recruiters to find the information they need. This enhances the likelihood of being noticed and securing an interview.
  • Customization level. The templates can be customized with colors and sections, allowing you to add your personal touch while still maintaining a professional layout.
  • AI assistant. The resume builder offers content suggestions. This takes away the stress of having to come up with the perfect wording and allows you to focus on showcasing your qualifications.

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Cover letter for English teacher

When applying for a teaching position, your cover letter must showcase your strong writing skills and passion for teaching. It serves as your first impression to potential employers and can make or break your chances of getting an interview.

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Here are some overall tips on how to write a cover letter that will elevate you as a standout applicant for an English teacher vacancy:

  1. Customize to the particular position. Each teaching job is unique, and so should your cover letter. Research the school and its values and incorporate this information into your cover letter to show how you can contribute to its success.
  2. Introduce yourself. Start your document by introducing yourself and stating the position you are applying for. Briefly mention your relevant qualifications and experience.
  3. Showcase the philosophy. Briefly outline your teaching philosophy. Highlight key principles that align with the school's educational approach.
  4. Emphasize achievements. Quantify your achievements where possible. Discuss improvements in student performance, successful curriculum development, or any recognition you've received.
  5. Address potential concerns. If you are changing careers or have a gap in your employment history, address these issues briefly in a positive manner. Focus on your transferable skills or any professional development during gaps.

Example of a good English teacher cover letter:

  • Dear Ms. Ramirez,

    I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the English teaching position at Pinecrest Middle School, as advertised on your school's website. With a Master's degree in Education and a passion for fostering a love of literature and language in students, I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to the academic community at your school.

    In my previous role as an English teacher at Beacon Academy, I developed and implemented a dynamic curriculum that focused on both classic and contemporary literature, encouraging critical thinking and analytical skills among students.

    One of my notable achievements at my previous school was the implementation of a school-wide reading initiative, which resulted in a 15% improvement in students' reading comprehension scores over a year.

    I am eager to discuss how my educational background, teaching experience, and passion for English literature align with the goals of Pinecrest Middle School. I am confident that my innovative teaching methods make me a strong candidate for this position.

    Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences meet the needs of your school. Please find my resume attached for your reference.

    Sincerely,

    James Johnson

Example of a bad cover letter:

  • Hi!

    I saw your job posting for an English teacher, and I thought, why not give it a shot? I mean, I've taught English before, so I guess I could do it again. Anyway, here's my application.

    I graduated a few years ago from a university with a degree in English. I don't remember my GPA, but it wasn't that bad. I mean, I passed, so that's something, right? I also did a bit of student teaching, but honestly, it wasn't that exciting. I did my best, I guess.

    I'm applying for this job because, you know, I need a job. I've been looking for something for a while, and teaching seems like a decent option. I heard your school is okay, so I figured, why not try my luck there?

    I don't have a lot of experience, but I think I'm good with kids. I mean, how hard can it be, right? I can teach them some grammar and stuff. As for lesson plans, I can just figure it out as I go along. Who needs detailed plans anyway?

    I'm attaching my resume, but honestly, it's not that impressive. I'm not great at writing cover letters, as you can probably tell. I hope that's not a big deal.

    Thanks for considering me.

    Sincerely,

    Mike

Example of a cover letter for English teacher without experience:

Dear Mr. Stolle,

I am writing to apply for the open position of English Teacher at Summit Hills High. As a recent graduate with a background in English literature and a passion for teaching, I am thrilled for the chance to embark on my journey in education.

Although I do not have any formal work experience as an English teacher, I have worked as a camp counselor for two summers, where I honed my communication and leadership skills while working with children of all ages.

I believe that my educational background and practical experience make me a great candidate for this position. My degree in English literature has equipped me with a comprehensive grasp of the subject material and has also improved my capacity for dissecting intricate texts.

As an enthusiastic learner myself, I am eager to continue developing my skills as an educator. I am committed to staying current with innovative teaching methods and incorporating technology into the classroom.

Furthermore, my fluency in German will allow me to engage with individuals whose first language is not English and aid them in developing their linguistic proficiency.

I am sure that my passion for teaching and dedication to student success make me a strong fit for the role of English Teacher at your school. Thanks for considering my application. I can't wait to discuss how my abilities can aid in fulfilling your school's mission.

Sincerely,

Marianna Cruz

Proofreading

A candidate's initial introduction to an employer is often through their resume and cover letter, and any errors or mistakes can seem as a lack of attention to detail and communication abilities.

Here are tips on proofreading your application papers:

  • After completing your application papers, take a break before proofreading. This helps you approach the text with fresh eyes and a clearer perspective.
  • Read the documents aloud as this helps identify any awkward phrasing or missing words.
  • Ask a friend or a family member to review the resume. This can also provide an objective perspective and catch any mistakes that may have been missed.
  • Use online tools such as Grammarly or Hemingway to check for any grammatical errors and suggest alternative word choices.
  • Reading a hard copy can help you catch errors that may be overlooked on a computer screen.
  • Double-check all factual information, including dates, names, contact details, and any specific data. Accuracy is crucial in professional documents.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting an effective English teacher resume requires careful attention to detail and a strategic approach to showcase your qualifications and experiences.

By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can create compelling application papers that not only highlight your educational background and teaching credentials but also emphasize your unique teaching philosophy and accomplishments.

Tailoring your resume to the specific needs of the educational institution will further enhance your chances of getting invited to a job interview.