Elementary Teacher Resume Examples: Pro Guide + Tips
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Elementary teachers are educators responsible for teaching students in grades K-5, typically ranging in age from 5 to 11. They play a crucial role in the development of young minds, introducing students to a variety of subjects and helping them build a strong foundation for future academic success.
In the same way that an elementary teacher reflects the brand of a school district, your resume should reflect your brand and who you are as a person. If you’re not sure how to write a resume that does this effectively, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide to creating a professional elementary teacher resume, along with our elementary teacher resume examples, will help you call attention to the skills and traits that set you apart from the pack to land an interview with your target employer.
Elementary teacher with 15+ years of experience
Check out our collection of resume samples to help you find an elementary teacher resume sample to inspire you!
Elementary Teacher with 10+ years of experience.
Start by editing these elementary teacher resume templates, or explore our library of customizable resume templates to find the best option for your needs.
Elementary teacher resume sample (text version)
Denis Thomas
Newark, NJ 07101
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
Professional Summary
Collaborative and empathetic elementary teacher with over a decade of experience known for creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment. Adept at implementing differentiated instruction to address diverse learning needs. Skilled in fostering positive relationships with students, colleagues and parents. Committed to promoting a sense of belonging and ensuring every student has the support needed to succeed academically and socially.
Work History
September 2020 – Current
Newark Public Schools – Newark, NJ
Elementary Lead Teacher
- Lead a team of 10 teachers and spearhead professional development workshops on effective literacy strategies for fellow educators.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive and engaging curriculum, resulting in a 25% improvement in student performance based on standardized test scores.
- Participate in monthly department meetings to provide input to colleagues about the achievements and improvements of 100 students.
June 2014 – August 2020
Newark Public Schools – Newark, NJ
Elementary Teacher
- Incorporated multiple teaching strategies into classrooms with an average of 20 students.
- Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers and coursework.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
September 2013 – May 2014
KIPP Public Schools – Newark, NJ
Student Teacher
- Collaborated with a mentor teacher to co-plan and co-teach engaging lessons to diverse student populations.
- Created and executed innovative writing assignments that improved 13% of students’ written expression and analytical skills.
- Assisted in parent-teacher conferences and provided valuable insights into student performance and growth.
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Assessment and evaluation
- Educational technology integration
- Parent-teacher communication
- Communication and teamwork
- Problem-solving
Education
- Montclair State University Montclair, NJ
Master of Arts Educational Leadership - Montclair State University Montclair, NJ
Bachelor of Arts Educational Foundation
Certifications
New Jersey Teaching Certification – (Updated 2023)
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential – (Updated 2023)
CPR/First Aid Certification – (2022)
5 essentials of a top elementary teacher resume
Contact details
Add your contact information to the top of your resume so employers can get in touch with you for an interview. As our sample resume for an elementary teacher shows, your contact information must include your full name, city, state and ZIP code, phone number and professional email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile or any other professional networking profile, add this last.
Professional summary
Most resumes begin with a personal statement, also known as a professional summary, that introduces the job seeker and their most notable credentials. In no more than five sentences, an elementary teacher resume summary should highlight job-relevant skills, note one or two key accomplishments and stipulate years of work experience. The only time you wouldn’t use a summary is if you’re applying for your first job or changing careers. In these cases, it’s better to use an elementary teacher resume objective that both emphasizes important skills and sheds light on your career goals.
Here’s an example of a great elementary teacher resume summary:
“Experienced and dedicated elementary teacher with five years of teaching experience. Committed to creating a positive learning environment for students and fostering a love for learning. Skilled in creating engaging lesson plans, differentiating instruction, and implementing effective classroom management strategies. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a proven track record of building strong relationships with students, parents and colleagues. Passionate about helping students reach their full potential and instilling a lifelong love for learning.”
Skills
Grab the hiring manager’s attention by creating an elementary teacher resume skills section that features job-relevant capabilities in a bulleted list. Ensure the skills you include keywords that match the job description so hiring managers can see that you meet their needs. It’s best to include both hard skills like classroom technology management and soft skills like patience.
Work history
Include a section on your elementary teacher resume to display your work experience. Add current and previous employers and provide school names, locations and the dates you worked for them. Include three bullet points of measurable achievements for every job you list. If you don’t have any paid work experience yet, focus on supervised classroom experience from your training, volunteer work, and community service.
Your elementary teacher resume accomplishments might look like this:
- Increased student math scores by 15% through hands-on learning activities and instruction techniques.
- Developed and implemented a successful reading program that resulted in 90% of students meeting or exceeding grade-level reading standards.
- Created a classroom budget and successfully managed $5,000 in funds for the school year, providing students with the necessary materials and resources for academic success.
Education
Follow the lead of our elementary teacher resume samples and include an education section in your resume to showcase your training and qualifications. In reverse-chronological order, use bullet points to display the names of schools, colleges and/or training academies you’ve attended and the years you graduated. If you did not attend college, list your high school information and the programs and courses you’ve completed since graduating.
Educational requirements for elementary teachers might include:
- Bachelor’s degree. To become an elementary teacher, one must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. Some states also require a specific number of credit hours in education courses.
- Teacher certification. Most states require teachers to be certified to work in a school. This involves passing a state-approved teacher preparation program and passing a certification exam.
- Student teaching experience. Many education programs require students to complete a student teaching experience, where they work alongside an experienced teacher in a classroom setting.
- Courses in education. As part of a bachelor’s degree in education, students will typically take courses in child development, teaching methods, curriculum design and educational psychology.
- Special education training. Elementary teachers may also be required to have some special education training, as they often work with students with special needs.
- Continuing education. Some states require teachers to participate in ongoing professional development to maintain their certification and keep up to date with new teaching methods and practices.
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Action verbs for a standout elementary teacher resume
To make sure your resume is memorable and impactful, use a combination of strong action words and numbers to describe your experience and achievements.
Here’s a short list of perfect action verbs for an elementary teacher resume:
- Teach
- Instruct
- Guide
- Facilitate
- Educate
- Mentor
- Coach
- Lead
- Demonstrate
- Explain
Need a professional resume now? Our Resume Builder has all the tools you need to create a strong, polished resume in minutes! Just fill in one of our elementary teacher resume templates or any other template that appeals to you. You can then make edits as you go, download your finished resume and save it in any file format you want. It’s that easy!
Top skills for an elementary teacher resume
To select appropriate elementary teacher resume skills, review the job description closely and carefully match the required competencies to your capabilities and traits.
Some of the skills that you might want to list on your resume for an elementary teacher role include
- Empathy
- Problem-solving
- Positive attitude
- Technology proficiency
- Differentiation
- Collaboration
- Time management
- Flexibility
- Classroom engagement
- Assessment and feedback
Certifications for an elementary teacher resume
A certification on your elementary teacher resume demonstrates a commitment to high standards of professionalism, ethics and accountability. It shows that you are dedicated to professional growth and have put in the time and effort to expand your knowledge and skills. For this reason, certifications can set you apart from other applicants and greatly improve your chances of securing a job.
- National Board Certification for Teachers (NBCT)
- State Teaching Certification
- Elementary Education Certification (varies by state)
- Early Childhood Education Certification (varies by state)
- Praxis Certification (specific to subject and grade level)
- Montessori Teacher Certification
- Waldorf Teacher Certification
- International Baccalaureate Teacher Certification
Pair your resume with a matching cover letter
Elementary teacher resume FAQ
What should I put on my resume for an elementary teacher role?
What you put on your resume will depend in part on the specific elementary teacher job you are applying for. Your resume must, at the very least, display your contact information, hard and soft skills, job history, education and training. But what you choose to highlight should be guided by the position’s requirements. Here’s some key information to include:
- Technical skills that show your ability to do technical aspects of the job, like classroom management and differentiated instruction.
- Accomplishments that illustrate your ability to deal with children effectively and remain calm and in control in stressful situations.
- Relevant work experience with emphasis on measurable achievements from past positions.
- Any college coursework you’ve completed in early childhood education, alongside details about your training and additional teaching certifications you’ve earned.
- Important keywords from the job description so that your resume isn’t rejected by an applicant tracking system (ATS).
- Awards and honors, such as an Excellence in Teaching Award from a local parent-teacher association.
If you’re still unsure of what to put on your resume, refer to a sample elementary teacher resume to get more ideas.
What is a good objective for an elementary teacher resume?
To write a good elementary teacher resume objective, you’ll need to succinctly summarize both your career goals and the skills and credentials that make you a top-tier teacher. Try to mention unique qualities and accomplishments that make you stand out from other applicants, and always emphasize how you could add value to a police department or agency.
Here’s an example of a good elementary teacher resume objective:
“My goal is to secure a position as an elementary teacher in a dynamic and supportive school district where I can utilize my passion for education and strong instructional skills to create a positive and engaging learning environment for students. As a first-time teacher, I am eager to work collaboratively with colleagues and utilize innovative strategies to help students achieve their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. I am committed to fostering a love of learning in my students and making a positive impact in their lives.”
Remember that you should only use an objective statement if you have no work experience or have very little work experience. If you’ve already held several jobs and have a lot of experience behind you, it’s better to use an elementary teacher summary for your resume. Most well-written elementary teacher resume samples will feature a good professional summary that you can refer to for guidance.
What is the best resume type for an elementary teacher position?
The type of resume format that most hiring managers prefer to see is the chronological resume. It’s also the resume type with the highest chance of being scanned accurately by an ATS. This format emphasizes your job history, organized in reverse chronological order and should show how you have progressed through your career over the years.
Do’s and don’ts for building an elementary teacher resume
- Use measurable achievements to describe your elementary teacher skills and experience. For example, “Improved students’ math scores by 10% on standardized tests compared to the previous year.”
- Use action words like increase, develop and implement to make an impact on your elementary teacher resume.
- Tailor your resume to your target elementary teacher job.
- Use keywords from the job description throughout your elementary teacher resume.
- Format your resume so that it is easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
- Lie about your elementary teacher experience and skills.
- Boast about your achievements. Instead, focus on your past achievements, like “Utilized technology in the classroom to enhance student learning, resulting in an increase of 15% in technology proficiency among students.”
- Add skills and experience that don’t relate to an elementary teacher role.
- Forget to proofread!
Top 4 tips for acing an elementary teacher interview
Research.
It’s vital to take the time to learn about the police department, federal agency or institution you’re applying to before the job interview. Doing so conveys interest, passion and commitment—traits that can set you above the competition.
Some things to consider:
- School culture and values: It is important to research the school’s culture and values to ensure that they align with your own teaching philosophy and values. This will help you determine if you will be a good fit for the school.
- Student demographics: Understanding the student demographics of the school will give you an idea of the diversity and backgrounds of the students you will be teaching. This can also help you prepare for any potential challenges or differences in teaching styles.
- Curriculum and teaching methods: Look into the school’s curriculum and teaching methods to see if they align with your teaching style and if they are in line with current educational standards and practices.
- Reputation and performance: Research the school’s reputation and performance in terms of academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and overall student success. This will give you an idea of the school’s priorities and how it values student success.
- Professional development opportunities: Look into the professional development opportunities offered by the school. This can include workshops, conferences, and other training opportunities that will help you grow as a teacher and advance in your career.
- Support and resources: Find out what kind of support and resources the school offers to its teachers. This can include mentorship programs, classroom materials and technology resources that can enhance your teaching experience.
- Collaborative environment: Consider the level of collaboration and teamwork among teachers at the school. A positive and supportive working environment can greatly impact your job satisfaction and overall success as a teacher.
- Location and commute: Take into account the location of the school and your commute to work. Consider the cost of living, housing options and transportation options in the area.
- Salary and benefits: Research the salary and benefits package offered by the school. This will help you determine if the compensation is fair and if it meets your financial needs.
- Growth opportunities: Find out if there are opportunities for growth and advancement within the school. This can include leadership roles, specialized teaching positions, or other career development opportunities.
Practice.
Practice does make perfect. To prepare for your interview, start by reviewing the most common interview questions, such as What motivates you to do a good job? and be ready to answer job-specific questions such as:
- How do you handle classroom management and behavior management?
- Can you provide an example of a successful lesson you have taught in the past?
- How do you incorporate technology into your teaching?
- What is your approach to differentiated instruction and meeting the needs of diverse learners?
- How do you collaborate with colleagues and parents to support student learning?
- How do you assess student progress and differentiate instruction accordingly?
Write down two or three possible answers for each question, then practice answering them with a friend or family member.
Ask questions.
Always have at least three questions ready for each person you speak with during the interview process. Doing so shows that you’re genuinely interested in the job and have been paying close attention.
Some questions you might ask for an elementary teacher job are:
- What is the school’s philosophy and approach to teaching?
- How does the school support its teachers’ professional development?
- Can you tell me about the curriculum and resources used in the classroom?
- How does the school handle discipline and behavior management?
- What is the class size for each grade level?
- Can you provide information on the school’s diversity and inclusion initiatives?
- How does the school involve parents and families in the education process?
- Can you tell me about any extracurricular activities or programs offered at the school?
- What is the school’s policy on assessment and grading?
- How does the school promote a positive and inclusive classroom environment?
Prepare references.
Have professional references ready before you interview — you never know if the hiring manager might want to contact them immediately. Ask a former teaching supervisor and two former colleagues who can speak about your performance as an elementary teacher and who you know will give you an excellent review.
Cover letter examples for the next step in your teaching career
- Adjunct Professor Cover Letter
- Assistant Teacher Cover Letter
- Elementary Teacher
- Graduate Assistant Cover Letter
- Instructor Cover Letter
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Master Teacher Cover Letter
- Preschool Teacher Cover Letter
- Student Assistant
- Student Teacher Cover Letter
- Summer Teacher Cover Letter
- Teacher
- Teaching Assistant Cover Letter
- Tutor Cover Letter
- Teacher’s Aide Cover Letter
CV examples for the next step in your teaching career
How we reviewed this article
Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.
Sources
- Teachers of Tomorrow. Blog. What Does an Elementary School Teacher Do: Requirements and Skill Sets for Elementary Teacher
- University of Southern California. Blog. How to Become and Elementary School Teacher
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Kindergarten and Elementary Teachers
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Elementary Teacher Resume Example
Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in digital media. She is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.
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