WRITING RESUME FOR TEACHERS APPLYING TO USA / INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

Introduction

Introduction

In this article, I’m going to provide you with some essential tips on crafting a resume that will catch the eye of potential employers. It will be concise, easily readable, and packed with all the critical information that school and district administrators, both in the US and abroad, look for in teachers.

Make sure to subscribe to my updates and like this content if you find it helpful. You can also follow my Facebook page for more insights on teaching in the US and other countries.

Keep It Short and Sweet

When assembling your resume, aim to keep it brief. Ideally, your resume should be no more than two pages. If you can fit everything onto one page without compromising the content, that's even better. There are plenty of free online resume generators that you can use and customize to meet your needs.

Some Visa sponsors and placement agencies have their prescribed format, so be sure to follow their guidelines. Note that some Visa sponsors and recruitment platforms don’t even require a resume.

Personal Information

Include only your essential contact details: home address, email, and phone number. There’s no need to add excessive personal information.

Objective Statement

Your objective section can be straightforward, such as "To secure a position as a high school physics teacher." It doesn't need to be overly dramatic or wordy.

Educational Background

Skip listing your basic schooling and start with your most recent degree. If you have advanced degrees like a Master’s or Doctorate, list these first, followed by your Bachelor’s degree. Always specify the program and inclusive years.

Work Experience

State the name of the school, its location starting with the city and then the country, the grade or year level, and subjects you taught. Include the inclusive years you worked at the school and summarize your job responsibilities. You can also mention any extra activities you're involved in, such as being a class advisor or a coach for a sports team or club.

Recommended Reading

I wrote a book called "A Foreign Teacher's Guide to US Teaching Application" to help you stay organized and manage the application process. It also helps you make your American dream a reality. Purchasing this book comes with a year of coaching via Google Meet and Google Classroom. My coaching will guide you through the ins and outs of securing a teaching job in the US on a J1 or H1B Visa and provide insights on landing a teaching career at International Schools.

Skills

Include only skills relevant to the position you're applying for. These might be:

• Teaching programs or curricula like Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge, Common Core State Standards, and New Generation Science Standards.
• Learning Management Systems such as Moodle, Canvas, Edmodo, Google Classroom, and Schoology.
• Proficiencies in Microsoft Office suite, Google Workspace, curriculum development, mentoring, club moderating or sponsoring, and public speaking.

Certifications

Include any certifications you hold along with their validity periods. This can include your home country teaching license and any other teaching licenses, such as a Microsoft Certified Educator endorsement.

Languages

Since you are applying to teach in another country, include any languages you speak. Put down any language certifications you possess as well.

Professional Photo

If a photo is required, choose a professional one where you are smiling. However, if a photo is not required, you don't need to include one.

Trainings and Seminars

Only include training sessions and seminars if they are internationally recognized, like an IB teacher training program.

Conclusion

Remember, your resume should be no more than two pages. If possible, make it one page. Lastly, always follow the Visa sponsor or recruitment platform's specific format if they have one.

Thank you for reading, and I hope these tips help. See you in the next article!

Keywords

• Resume Writing
• Teachers
• USA Teaching Jobs
• International Schools
• Teaching Application
• Educational Background
• Work Experience
• Teaching Skills
• Certifications

FAQ

Q: How long should my teaching resume be? A: Keep your resume to no more than two pages. If you can fit everything onto one page without losing essential information, that is even better.

Q: What personal information should I include in my resume? A: Include only your contact details such as home address, email, and phone number. There's no need to add excessive personal info.

Q: How should I list my educational background? A: Start with your most recent degree. If you have graduate degrees, list them first followed by your Bachelor’s degree. Specify the program and inclusive years.

Q: What should I include in the skills section of my resume? A: Include skills relevant to the position, such as familiarity with specific teaching programs, learning management systems, curriculum development, mentoring, and public speaking.

Q: Do I need to include a professional photo on my resume? A: Only include a professional photo if it is required. If it is not required, you do not need to add one.

Q: Should I list all the training sessions and seminars I’ve attended? A: Include only those training sessions and seminars that are internationally recognized. For instance, mention an IB teacher training program if you attended one.