How to Write an Impactful Teacher CV in 2024 (Guide with Examples)

Being a teacher is not only a rewarding profession, but it also gives you the opportunity to shape someone's life and bring out their true potential. Just as they inspire and empower their students, your CV should captivate and impress employers. A good CV is a golden ticket to get you through the door of your desired school.

If you’re a graduate or PhD looking for a new role or seeking a career change in the education sector, this step-by-step guide provides examples and practical tips to help you align your CV with the latest UK standards. Knowing how to write a teacher CV and what to include makes you more likely to succeed in your teaching career. Draw inspiration from our CV writing guide and teacher CV template below.

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Teacher CV Example

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An established bilingual educator, Lisa Pearse, selected the Hopkins template to showcase key knowledge and skills. Her work experience and skills sections provide a detailed yet concise overview of relevant skills in an easy-to-read form. Lisa’s profile presents her as creative, engaging, and adaptable for work in different classroom environments. With a deep understanding of pedagogy and teaching methods supported by her educational degree in English language and literature, she is a suitable candidate for her next job position.

Explore our related teaching assistant CV example or teaching assistant cover letter example for more inspiration!

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How to write a CV as a teacher with no experience?

If you lack experience as a teacher, consider emphasising sections such as education, courses and certificates, and additional experience. Within them, you can highlight your transferable skills or related positions you can use in your next teaching position. Alternatively, consider creating a skills-based CV where you can focus more on your technical proficiencies and projects.

If you have little to no experience, consider creating a skills-based CV or highlighting transferable skills from previous roles.

What to include in a teacher CV?

When creating a CV as a teacher in the UK, it’s essential to include main sections, providing a comprehensive overview of your skills, experience, and accomplishments. These include the following:

• Personal details

• Personal profile

• Work experience

• Education

• Skills.

For more practical tips and examples, check out our blog article on job-specific vs master CV.

As for the optional sections, you can include volunteer roles, courses and certificates, or technical proficiencies. By effectively highlighting these sections, you demonstrate your value as a teacher. Your CV showcases how you are successful in promoting a thriving learning experience.

See our academic CV guide for more inspiration and examples of how to list your publications.

How to write a personal profile on a teacher CV

Your personal profile, also known as a summary, is the first section that catches the eye of the recruiter. It serves as a brief professional statement that reflects your career aspirations and goals. A personal profile for a teacher or other education-related roles highlights your unique qualities and showcases versatility and adaptability. It also provides a glimpse into your teaching experience and passion for learning.

For more examples and tips, explore our blog article on how to write personal profile on a CV.

What skills to include on a CV as a teacher

When crafting a teaching CV, highlight the soft and hard skills you have gained throughout your career. This section can be challenging, but we advise you to conduct thorough research about the job requirements. Oftentimes the job post will mention different hard and soft skills required for the job.

As a teacher, you possess a versatile skill set and the ability to handle various responsibilities. Whether you're working with children or university students, teachers should have excellent communication skills, manage student progress, develop curriculums, and adapt to different learning styles.

For more information, please refer to the article on how to improve your CV.

How to write work experience on a teacher CV

When writing work experience, highlight experience and achievements directly related to the role you’re applying for. Remember that recruiters want to see specific, measurable achievements from your career. Below are a few tips on how to write a work experience section:

• Start sentences with action verbs such as ‘coached’, ‘developed’, and ‘improved’ without using first-person pronouns.

• Use a reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent ones and working backwards.

• Back up your teaching career with evidence. Instead of describing, try demonstrating why you're qualified and best suited for the role.

• Use numbers and percentages to quantify your achievements.

• For experiences older than ten years, exclude the dates and add them into a custom ‘Additional Experience’ section instead.

• Showcase what you did versus what you achieved by writing down your duties, supported by ideally two achievements that should be listed in bullet point format.

• Use industry-specific terms and acronyms to demonstrate your competence.

Examples of how to put work experience on your teacher CV:

Secondary School Teacher, Oxford High School, 2017-Present

Employ interactive teaching methods, ensuring the active involvement of each student while fostering a positive learning environment. Provide regular feedback and maintained a record of student progress while proactively addressing improvement areas. Attend departmental meetings, parents' evenings, and school-wide training events.

• Successfully applied a hybrid learning model by combining face-to-face and online teaching during COVID-19.

• Improved grade average from 55% to 70% in one year by introducing additional after-school lessons.

• Developed lesson plans for Years 9, 10, and 11 with a class of an average of 20 to 25 students.

Primary School Teacher, St. Mary's Primary School, London, 2018-Present

Implemented dynamic teaching strategies to engage young learners, fostering a stimulating and inclusive classroom environment. Conducted regular assessments to monitor student progress and tailored instructional approaches to meet individual learning needs. Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects and initiatives.

• Organised and led educational field trips to historical landmarks and cultural institutions, enriching students' understanding of the curriculum.

• Integrated outdoor learning experiences into the curriculum, such as nature walks and gardening activities, to promote environmental awareness and physical well-being.

• Utilised technology to enhance learning opportunities, including interactive whiteboards and educational software, to support differentiated instruction and increase student engagement.

Secondary School Teacher, Manchester Grammar School, 2016-2018

Employed innovative teaching methods to challenge and inspire students, fostering critical thinking skills and academic excellence. Developed comprehensive lesson plans aligned with national curriculum standards and examination requirements. Provided timely feedback and support to students to facilitate continuous improvement in academic performance.

• Initiated a peer tutoring program leading to a 15% improvement in students' exam scores, demonstrating enhanced academic outcomes and collaborative learning.

• Organised and facilitated extracurricular activities such as debating club and science fair competitions, fostering student leadership and teamwork, which resulted in a 20% increase in student participation.

• Participated in professional development workshops and training seminars to enhance teaching practices and stay abreast of educational trends and research.

How to include education on a teacher CV

Knowing how to include your education on your CV is important to showcase the appropriate qualifications. To become a teacher in the UK, you typically need to obtain a relevant degree or specialised training. However, if you are currently studying to become a teacher, you can mention this within your personal profile or cover letter instead. You can also include phrases such as ‘in progress’ or ‘expected date of completion’ to demonstrate your current situation and career aspirations.

Placing education above work experience on a CV for a teaching job depends on the specific role. For entry-level roles such as newly qualified teachers (NQT) or teaching assistants, prioritising the education section can be more beneficial, especially if the job description strongly emphasises the requirements. However, for highly qualified teaching roles such as headteacher or principal that value practical experience, emphasising work experience may be more effective. If unsure, opt for the skills-based layout where you can elaborate on your relevant areas of expertise.

Example of education in a teacher CV:

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Postgraduate Certificate in Education in English, University of London, UK, 2024

• Distinction in Teaching Practice

• Relevant coursework: Literature Pedagogy, Language Acquisition, Classroom Management.

Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics (MAT), University of Manchester, UK, 2023

Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), University of Glasgow, UK, 2021

Salaried PGCE

Salaried Primary Teacher Training Program, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK, 2020

Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship

Secondary Education Teaching Apprenticeship, University of Birmingham, UK, 2019

School Direct

School Direct Primary Education Training, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, 2017

Leadership Development Programs

Teach First Leadership Program, London South Bank University, UK, 2016

Undergraduate Degrees:

Bachelor of Education (BEd) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), University of Nottingham, UK, 2015

Tips on how to arrange education on a teaching CV:

• Begin with your highest level of education and work backwards in chronological order.

• List the degree name fully and the name of the institution where you have obtained your qualifications.

• Include the year of completion or say 'in progress' if you still haven't graduated.

• Include any relevant coursework or professional training relevant to your job target, especially if you’re a recent graduate.

• Mention any academic honours, awards, publications, or other pertinent achievements.

• If applicable, mention any relevant teaching certifications or licenses you have obtained.

• Keep the education section concise, providing a single line for each degree or certification.

When to include additional experience on a teacher CV?

The additional experience section on your CV allows you to include relevant experiences that fall beyond your primary qualification. These include volunteer work, courses and certificates, hobbies and interests, or student society involvement. Including this section can demonstrate your commitment and eagerness to learn. For example, volunteering with children in or outside an educational setting will help you develop teaching experience, such as being a nanny. You can develop transferable skills or expand your network to support your future teaching responsibilities.

What accomplishments to list for a teacher CV?

Adding career accomplishments or achievements to a teacher CV can be a great addition. Furthermore, they show your aspirations and what motivates you to teach. Use actionable descriptions and apply them to your desired role. Additionally, when mentioning career accomplishments, elaborate on how they are relevant to your career goals or skills you obtained. Keep them concise and aim for one to two lines per achievement.

Examples of achievements for a teacher CV:

• Supported 10 students by managing lesson planning and providing thorough feedback to help them improve their language learning.

• Designed new teaching strategies to engage students with a broad range of learning styles, prioritising one-on-one education and taking a whole-child approach.

• Achieved remarkable academic progress, increasing the grade average from 55% to 70% within one academic year by means of introducing after-school lessons.

• Led a community outreach program and successfully distributed over 500 books to children, resulting in higher literacy rates and access to reading materials within the target population.

• Volunteered at a local non-profit organisation, assisting with event coordination, resulting in a 20% increase in funds raised compared to last year.

When to include references on a teacher CV?

If you get shortlisted for a job interview, and the hiring manager requests references, it would be appropriate to include them. To do so, add them at the end of your CV and list your full name, job title, employer name, and type of professional relationship. Alternatively, you can always say instead ‘references available upon request’ at the bottom of your CV.

Examples of references on a CV:

• Emma Johnson (Line Manager and Supervisor), Head of English Department, Oakwood Secondary School.

• James Wilson (Former colleague), Headteacher, Maple Primary School.

• Dr. Rebecca Turner (Teaching Advisor), Education Consultant, Education Services UK.

How to add courses and certificates to a teacher CV

When listing courses and certificates on a teacher CV, you need to list the course or certificate name, the institution name where you acquired it, and the year of completion. Include courses and certificates most relevant to the teaching role you are applying for. Additionally, you can briefly describe key learnings or pertinent knowledge to demonstrate your suitability for your job target. Using one of the courses and certificates for teachers below, you can leverage your degree or work experience to teach English within the UK or abroad:

• Start with a dedicated section called 'Courses and certificates' or 'Professional development'.

• List the course or certificate name, followed by the provider or institution name.

• Include the year of completion for each course or certificate.

• If applicable, mention any notable achievements or key learnings.

• Prioritise courses and certificates that are directly related to the teaching field or that enhance your skills and qualifications for the specific job you are applying for.

• If you have completed multiple courses or certificates, consider grouping them to make your writing more cohesive.

• Include a brief description of the skills acquired from each course or certificate.

• Highlight any practical experience or practicum components in your training.

Examples of courses and certificates:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Department for Education, 2022

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme, Academies Enterprise Trust: Essex, 2021

• English as a Foreign Language, TEFL, 2021

• Classroom Management, Udemy, 2020

• Certificate in the Principles of Special Educational Needs, South Devon College, 2020

To learn more, see the article on different routes to get into teaching.

When to include languages on a teaching CV?

The best way to include language skills on a CV is to create a separate section called 'Languages'. Strong language skills are essential for a teacher as you need to interact with colleagues or students on a daily basis. Moreover, some students may not be native speakers and might struggle to speak a language fluently in the classroom. Hence, having bilingual or multilingual skills as a teacher could benefit professional and personal growth.

Tips on how to add languages to a teacher CV:

• Take a recognised test to evaluate your language proficiency.

• Only add relevant language skills that you can use in a professional setting.

• Include language proficiency using the CEFR language framework.

• Mention your ability to work in a multilingual environment in the personal profile or work experience section.

• Additionally, you add the name of the credited provider or university where you acquired your diploma.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when writing a teacher CV

If you're receiving multiple rejections on your job applications, it could happen because of wrong information or lack of focus on your CV. Ensure to provide tangible examples of how you acquired each skill and keep your CV no longer than 1 or 2 pages long. See further tips below:

• Irrelevant information: personalise your CV for each job, ensuring there is no generic or excessive information.

• Wrong format: opt for a clean design with bullet points and chronological CV format to maintain high readability.

• Grammar mistakes: proofread meticulously to maintain a professional appearance and meet the employer's expectations.

• Lack of proof: support your claims with specific examples of certifications, projects, or experience.

• Missing sections: double-check you've included all the must-have sections, such as personal profile or education to submit a complete application.

Key takeaways

Knowing what to include and how to include it on your teacher CV is important to be one step ahead of the competition. Use our English CV sample for teachers to teach yourself the best strategies and navigate the education sector. Remember, a successful CV aims to market yourself and leave a long-lasting impression while showing relevant qualifications and a keen interest in teaching. If unsure how to create a CV for a teaching job, customise our teacher CV example to create your own career documents for a specific job.

CV tips for a teacher:

• Focus on your most recent teaching experience or related roles.

• List relevant degrees, certifications, and specialised training in the education field.

• Highlight your soft skills, such as patience and communication and hard skills, such as classroom management or lesson planning.

• Highlight your additional experience that could include a professional development program, conferences, or other training qualifications.

• Demonstrate your ability to work in different classroom environments to address diverse student needs.

• Include volunteer work or extracurricular activities that display leadership and community involvement.

• Showcase technical proficiencies such as Learning Management System (LMS) or Assessment software such as School Information Management System (SIMS).

Next steps?

If you need to iron out inconsistencies in your CV or want to create your teaching CV from scratch, we have designed an all-on-one career platform to assist you in every step. Using our intuitive CV maker, you can choose from one of the 20 professional templates to create a modern CV. If you want a CV or cover letter review, check out our CV Writing Services. Additionally, check out our blog article on good interview questions to ask during a job interview.

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FAQ

How to write a good CV for a teacher?

A good CV for a teacher should demonstrate a candidate's passion for teaching, ability to foster positive relationships, and resolve conflicts. A strong CV should showcase your educational background, teaching certifications, and relevant work experience. Focus on skills or achievements that could differentiate you from other candidates who may have similar qualifications. Additionally, highlight your areas of expertise and ability to engage and inspire others as a teacher.

What is the best CV format for teachers?

The best teacher CV format is reverse chronological, starting with your most recent teaching position and moving your way backwards. While the look of your CV is important, it should not overshadow the content. Instead, select the appropriate format and layout that best showcases your qualifications and teaching experience.

Consult our guide on the best font for your CV and the best colour for your CV for more valuable advice to increase your job prospects.

How long should a teacher CV be?

The CV length for teachers ranges from one to two pages. Focus on your most recent experience and qualifications, strongest skills, and career accomplishments relevant to your job targets. Ensure to avoid repetitive information.

For more information, check out our related blog article on how long should a CV be.

How much do teachers get paid in the UK?

According to the UK Department of Education, the median salary for a teacher in the UK ranges from £28,000 to £38,000 a year, with the salaries in London fringe ranging from £29,000 to £40,000 a year. Experienced teachers can earn even more by progressing into the upper pay range or becoming leading practitioners.

What kind of teaching jobs are available in the UK?

The UK offers a wide range of teaching opportunities. Depending on your career aspirations or motivations, there is a teaching job to suit you and align with where you are in your career. You can find teaching jobs in secondary or primary schools, be a teaching assistant, or look for a role in special education.

How long does it take to become a teacher in the UK?

Before you apply for teaching training, you first need to obtain your QTS. It can take anywhere from 9 months full-time or up to 24 months part-time.

How do I get a teaching license in the UK?

To obtain a teaching license in the UK, you need to complete a recognised education programme and obtain a pedagogical diploma (PGCE). Additionally, you must demonstrate proficiency in English, gain practical teaching experience, and pass a criminal background check. Once you've fulfilled these requirements, you can apply for certification through the relevant authority.

The typical requirements for teachers in different regions of the UK are as follows:

England and Wales requirements:

• Initial Teacher Training (ITT) or Initial Teacher Education (ITE)

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

• GCSE C/4 or above

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• Experience working with children in a mainstream UK school in the age group for which you're applying

• Relevant degree in a subject you wish to teach

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

• Induction period

• Postgraduate teaching apprenticeship

Scotland requirements:

• Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

• Teaching Qualification (TQ)

By incorporating one or more of these criteria and tailoring your CV to a specific role, you can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed. It's important to align your CV with the vision and values of your desired school and demonstrate how you can contribute to preparing students for their future success.

What are the responsibilities of a teacher?

Teachers are in charge of organising and giving lessons, assessing student performance, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. Moreover, they communicate with children's parents, collaborate with different school departments, and participate in whole school initiatives, such as drama plays, debates, community service, and others.

How many skills on a teacher CV?

Include around 6 to 8 key skills on your teacher CV, focusing on abilities such as lesson planning, classroom management, communication, adaptability, and student assessment. Remember to include soft skills in your personal profile and hard skills in a separate section.

See our related blog article on the best soft skills to add to your CV and the top skills employers look for in your CV.

How to talk about teacher training year in CV?

Include the program name, institution, and year of graduation in your CV education section. Additionally, you could add one or two bullet points, elaborating on achievements and skills gained from the training year. Show how it has prepared you for the teaching career and emphasises your lesson planning and classroom management skills.

How to write a CV as a graduate teacher?

Change the focus from your work experience to education, relevant certifications, tutoring, and any internships or volunteer work related to education. Show your interest in teaching, eagerness to learn, and genuine passion to contribute to the student's growth. Highlight transferable skills gained through academic projects or part-time jobs.

Do I need to add a photo to my teacher CV?

Adding a photo is not a requirement for most jobs in the UK. Unlike the US and other European countries, recruiters and hiring managers would not usually ask you to have it on career documents, unless stated otherwise in the application form.

For more information, see our blog article on how to add a photo to a CV.