Transitioning Teacher Resume Example
If you're hoping to start a career as a transitioning teacher, you'll need experience in collaborating with colleagues and updating skills continuously. A professional resume for transitioning teacher applications will showcase your relevant skills and career achievements, to help you stand out from the crowd. In this article, we'll explain how to write a winning resume for transitioning teacher applications that best showcases your skills and experience.
The aim of this article is to equip you with all the knowledge required to create a resume that positions you to succeed in your transitioning teacher applications. You'll learn how to show employers you've got the relevant qualities, skills and experience for the job, all presented in a format that employers prefer to see. The article also includes tips for formatting your resume according to your experience and strengths. Read on to learn how to write a perfect transitioning teacher resume, from the advice of careers experts at Jobseeker.
Main elements of a transitioning teacher resume
Although the content of a transitioning teacher resume may differ according to your experience and seniority, the main sections will remain the same.
Your resume layout and structure may differ depending on your experience levels, but make sure your resume includes the following:
Header and Personal Information
The resume header is the place to add your name and contact details, along with your LinkedIn URL if you have a profile, so employers can find more information about your career journey and skills. You don't typically need to add a photo, or any other personal information to this section. Be aware of the amount of space your resume header takes up. You don't want your contact details to take space away from the main content of your resume, so keep this section as brief as possible.
Only include professional, name-based email addresses in your resume header. If you have an old email address that uses nicknames, puns, references to your personal interests or anything else that could appear unprofessional, set up a new email just for your job applications. Finally, always double-check your contact details are correct and up-to-date before sending your resume.
Stella Reyes
stella.reyes@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
123 Sesame Street, New York, NY
linkedin․com/in/stella–reyes123
Resume Objective
In your resume summary, write a short paragraph that highlights two or three of your key achievements and skills for transitioning teacher roles. You could also call this section 'resume objective' or 'personal profile'. A resume summary covers your career experience to date, while a resume objective focuses more on your ambitions for the future. Furthermore, when writing your profile, focus on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for transitioning teacher roles.
Alternatively, use this section to emphasize your career objectives and explain how and why this role is a suitable step for you at this stage of your career.
The best resume summaries reflect the job description and focus on qualities that are relevant to working as a transitioning teacher, while highlighting elements of your personality that make you an ideal candidate. They also quantify the information provided with evidence. The graphic below showcases some good examples of what to include in your transitioning teacher resume summary.
Good example:
Innovative and dedicated educator with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, transitioning from a successful role as a Learning and Development Specialist. Expertise in designing and implementing effective educational programs, fostering student engagement, and utilizing data-driven strategies to enhance learning outcomes. Proven ability to collaborate with educators and stakeholders to develop curriculum that meets diverse learner needs. Passionate about leveraging technology and best practices to create dynamic, inclusive, and impactful learning environments
Bad example:
Educator with some background in curriculum and teaching, moving from a job in learning and development. Worked on creating educational programs and trying to get students interested. Used data to help with learning. Worked with others to make curriculum for different students. Interested in using technology and new ideas to make learning better
On the other hand, an unsuccessful resume summary is one that mentions irrelevant skills, qualities and achievements and fails to differentiate you from other candidates. The graphic above shows some of the pitfalls to avoid when creating your resume summary.
Work History
Under your work experience section, add any jobs you've had in the past that are relevant to the position of a transitioning teacher. Mention only the most appropriate and relevant jobs you've had in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent and working backwards. Add your job title, the name of the employer, the location of the role and your dates of employment.
Also include some bullet points for each job mentioned, showcasing your achievements so the employer can see the impact you made on the company. Pay attention to the job description and make sure each point is relevant to transitioning teacher roles.
The best resume work experience sections focus only on the most relevant previous jobs, and link each bullet point back to a skill or experience listed in the job description. It's also critical to provide evidence that shows the value you added to each role in a quantifiable way, such as project outcomes, key performance indicators or feedback from customers, colleagues or managers. See below for some good examples of what to include in your resume work experience section.
Good example:
Learning and Development Specialist, January 2022 - Present
EduVantage Solutions, Houston
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive onboarding program that reduced new hire ramp-up time by 30%
- Developed and facilitated over 50 training workshops, enhancing employee skills and increasing overall productivity by 25%
- Spearheaded a mentorship program that improved employee retention rates by 15% over two years
Bad example:
Learning and Development Specialist, January 2022 - Present
EduVantage Solutions, Houston
- Created and executed various educational programs to enhance learning experiences for students
- Developed and led numerous workshops to improve teaching methodologies and classroom management
- Initiated a mentorship initiative to support teacher development and foster a collaborative school environment
In the graphic above, you'll see some examples of less effective resume work experience sections. Less effective resume work experience sections might take a more vague, descriptive approach to previous jobs. They focus on responsibilities and everyday duties rather than referencing career achievements and the value you've added for previous employers.
Educational Achievements
The education section provides space to list your highest and most recent academic achievements that are relevant to working as a transitioning teacher.
To work as a transitioning teacher, employers tend to require candidates to have a specialist degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Education. If you have this degree, focus on it in your education section, while also mentioning any educational achievements that show your MS Office suite or project management techniques.
Include any qualifications relevant to the role. For each, add the name and level of the award, the institution name, its location and your dates of study. If you have space, include some bullet points outlining any specialist areas of study, awards or high grades, so the employer can learn more about your unique skill set and knowledge.
Membership or leadership of any societies, clubs or causes while studying can also make a positive impression on hiring managers. Consider adding these to your education section for more insight into how you used your time as a student.
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, 2017 - 2020
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Skills
Adding a list of your key skills provides a quick reference for the reader of what you can bring to a transitioning teacher role. Skills such as data analysis proficiency or effective communication skills are particularly useful for transitioning teacher jobs. Once more, review the job description and pick out any key transitioning teacher skills listed that match yours. Focus on these skills and any other key transferable skills that make you a strong candidate for the job.
Highlighting your hard skills
Hard skills are the key technical skills required for transitioning teacher positions. They include specific industry knowledge and abilities that you could learn on the job, or through a specialist qualification. Furthermore, it's important to show these skills in a transitioning teacher resume as they provide a strong indication of your experience in the sector. If possible, add four or five hard skills that reflect the requirements of the job description. These will boost your chances of success in your applications.
For an effective resume hard skills section, focus on the technical skills that are most essential in the job description, and that match your specific expertise. Some examples of the best hard skills for a transitioning teacher resume are listed below.
- Data analysis proficiency
- LMS platform management
- Curriculum development expertise
Showcasing your best soft skills
Soft skills are the personal skills and qualities that make you a good fit for the job. They include transferable skills and strengths that help you settle into the role, adapt to new challenges and build effective working relationships. In fact, you can develop soft skills throughout your career, and they tend to be suitable for various roles and professions. It's best to aim for four or five soft skills that match the job description and reflect your strongest personal qualities.
Your soft skills section should make the most of your unique personal qualities and strengths, while also reflecting the requirements laid out in the job description. See below for some examples of useful soft skills for a transitioning teacher resume.
- Effective communication skills
- Classroom management expertise
- Adaptability and flexibility
Certifications and Training
Under certifications and licenses, add any further qualifications that show you're a good fit for the job. Add any official certifications or accreditations that increase your level of qualification and suitability for working as a transitioning teacher. Therefore, make sure you list the dates of your certifications and licenses so employers can see they're up-to-date and valid.
See below for some suggestions of relevant certifications for a transitioning teacher resume:
- Project Management Professional (PMP), 2022
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), 2022
- Google Educator Certification, 2022
Additional Information
In addition to the core sections of a transitioning teacher resume, there are several optional sections you could include to enhance your chances. Add any of the sections below that help you showcase your key skills and experience.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Including your hobbies and interests can be a valuable way of showing your key skills and qualities. These are particularly useful for your resume if you're short of work experience and need to showcase a particular skill or experience. Only include hobbies and interests that showcase your personality and personal qualities, and add something different to your application.
Voluntary Work
This section can be valuable for a transitioning teacher resume, if you've done any voluntary work that showcases your relevant skills. Add any voluntary roles, including your position, the name of the organization, the dates of your voluntary work and a brief explanation of your responsibilities and achievements.
References
It's not typical to include references in a transitioning teacher resume, but some employers might ask for them. Don't add references unless requested by the employer. Before adding any referees to your resume, ask them for their assistance and prepare them for contact by the employer.
References are available upon request.
Best action words for your transitioning teacher resume
Add strong verbs to your work experience section to show the hiring manager the impact you made in your previous roles. Choose verbs from the suggestions below that highlight your key skills or those mentioned in the job description.
- Facilitated
- Developed
- Implemented
- Coordinated
- Instructed
- Designed
- Managed
- Assessed
- Motivated
- Guided
Jobseeker's clean, attractive resume formats can help your applications make a strong impression on employers. Check them out for help designing a winning resume, and see our cover letter templates to help win over recruiters and hiring managers.
Example of a transitioning teacher resume
Using each of the sections above, we've created this example transitioning teacher resume, to help guide you when creating your own:
123 Sesame Street, New York, NY
•
stella.reyes@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/stella–reyes123
Dynamic and adaptable professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and extensive experience as a Learning and Development Specialist. Proven track record in designing and implementing effective training programs, fostering a positive learning environment, and enhancing employee skills and performance. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a passion for education and a commitment to facilitating growth and development in diverse learning settings. Ready to leverage expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, and adult learning principles to transition into a teaching role.
Learning and Development Specialist
2020
-2022
InnovateGrowth Solutions (Anchorage)
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive onboarding program, reducing new hire ramp-up time by 30%
- Designed and delivered over 50 training workshops, resulting in a 25% increase in employee productivity
- Spearheaded a company-wide e-learning platform, leading to a 40% improvement in course completion rates
Data analysis proficiency
LMS platform management
Curriculum development expertise
Effective communication skills
Classroom management expertise
Adaptability and flexibility
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Key tips for a transitioning teacher resume
Tips to write the best resume
- List your relevant work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent job.
- Use action words that show how you've made an impact in different transitioning teacher jobs (e.g. developed, designed, motivated).
- Quantify the impact you've made in different roles by offering evidence of your key abilities and your contribution.
- Make a strong first impression with a concise, impactful transitioning teacher resume summary that showcases your key qualities.
- Add your relevant education details, including any high grades such as your GPA or degree result.
Avoid these common mistakes on your resume
- Don't fill up your transitioning teacher resume with unnecessary information that contributes nothing to your chances of success.
- Don't list irrelevant work experience as it will likely do nothing for your chances of success.
- Don't use an email address that creates an unprofessional impression. Instead, create an email address for job applications based on your name.
- Don't add hobbies and outside interests unless they help you prove a skill required for the role.
- Don't use overly decorative formatting and layouts that can detract from the content and make your transitioning teacher resume harder for scanning by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Making an ATS-friendly resume
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are one of the key ways recruiters and employers manage the hiring process. The systems can screen candidates by scanning and ranking resumes based on each candidate's likely suitability for the vacancy. When drafting your transitioning teacher resume, there are a few guidelines to follow to give you the best chance of passing the ATS screening stage and progressing with your application.
Here are a few quick tips for creating an ATS-friendly resume:
- Use a traditional resume layout, such as a reverse-chronological or functional format. This will mean your resume includes all the necessary sections, in the expected order.
- Use of job description keywords throughout your resume will help it rank higher in the ATS scanning stage, as it will more closely match the requirements laid out in the job description.
- Use clear headings that break your resume up into readable, scannable sections that match the standard content employers expect from a resume.
- Adopt a resume design that uses clear, professional design principles and leaves white space for your content to breathe. Use the most readable fonts and incorporate subtle design elements to enhance the readability of your document.
- Keep your resume as concise as possible, to make it easier to read, and for ATS software to scan.
For help crafting a winning resume, read our in-depth career blog and review our resume examples for inspiration.
FAQs for a transitioning teacher resume
As well as writing a professional transitioning teacher resume, you'll need a cover letter to introduce yourself and emphasize your credentials.
Before you write your cover letter, think about whether you need a formal, professional letter or if a brief, less formal email might be more suitable.
If you decide you want to write a traditional cover letter, follow the standard letter-writing conventions around layout and structure. In the main body of the letter, write an opening paragraph to introduce yourself and explain why you're applying for the transitioning teacher role. Your second paragraph is typically where you highlight your key relevant skills and achievements. Finally, close by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and leave a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to make contact with you.
If you want to impress employers with a professional cover letter, use Jobseeker's simple and beautiful cover letter templates.
Writing a transitioning teacher resume with no experience needn't be a daunting task. There are still plenty of ways to impress hiring managers with your resume. Opt for a skill-based resume format instead of a traditional layout. This places your skills and education in a more prominent position on your resume. Make the most of additional sections such as hobbies and interests, volunteer work, certifications and internships. These can help you showcase skills that you've developed outside traditional work settings.
Use a resume headline to make it easy for the reader to start assessing your suitability for transitioning teacher positions at first glance. A well-written resume headline is also a way to increase your chances of passing the ATS resume scanning stage, by referencing keywords that match the job description. Write a short, snappy heading for your resume including the job title and a reference to your experience, your track record or one or two of your key skills.
Here's an example of a strong resume headline:
- Aspiring Educator Seeking Growth Opportunities
- Experienced Educator Seeking New Opportunities
- Experienced Educator Seeking New Opportunities
The best resume format for you depends on two things. Firstly, it depends on your experience level. Secondly, it depends on the type and level of position you're applying for. For roles where you're lacking experience, such as graduate jobs or career changes, you could use a functional or skills-based resume format. This places your skills and education above your work experience. If, however, you have relevant work experience in the industry, it's typically best to use a reverse chronological resume format. This highlights your achievements in work, which is probably the most important factor for hiring managers to consider.
Key takeaways for your transitioning teacher resume
The best resumes focus on your skills and the value you've added to previous roles, rather than focusing on your duties and responsibilities. Choose the most suitable resume format for your experience levels, and focus on tailoring your resume based on the requirements listed in the job description.
HR-approved resume templates and other tools by Jobseeker are the easiest way to create a winning job application. Sign up and follow the simple instructions to complete a resume that stands out from the crowd. To make the best possible impression with your applications, write a cover letter with the help of Jobseeker. You can also find plenty of expert-designed cover letter examples for inspiration.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
