Teacher’s Guide to Resume WritingCareer Development CenterPhone: 816.271.4205Email: careercenter@missouriwestern.eduwww.missouriwestern.edu/careerdevelopment/

Like any other industry-accounting, adverting/public relation, computer science, and social work-educators need to know how to develop a resume. Different professions require different formats and vocabularies. Your resume, therefore, must be specifically tailored to your profession. A resume that is suited for a web designer will be ill-suited for a third grade teacher.

The focus, emphasis, and vocabulary for a teacher’s resume will differ from those in the corporate world. Educators should not attempt to duplicate the dictates and formats of other occupations.

Resume DOs and DON’Ts

DO write your own resume. Your resume should be authentic and accurately reflect your goals and achievements; you are the best person to accomplish this task. You are the best person qualified to organize and develop your resume. Considering the importance in today’s competitive marketplace, it is in your best interest to allow anyone else to do it.

DO find your thesaurus. Select specific, action verbs that convey your experience, results, etc., as clearly as possible. Choose nouns, adjectives and adverbs with the same outcome in mind. For examples, see page 5.

DO use industry-specific language. Develop your resume with professional jargon and industry “buzzwords” appropriate to the particular occupation you are seeking. Increasingly, employers are relying upon computer programs that scan resumes for keywords – don’t let your resume be passed over for failure to include keywords that demonstrate your job-related skills.

DO ensure that your resume is error-free. Proofread your final draft and ask at least two other people to proofread it as well. Check for improper grammar, inconsistency in language or layout, spelling or punctuation errors, poor construction of the content, typos, etc. (Don’t rely solely on spell-check!)

DON’T go wild with the design of your resume. Avoid horizontal and vertical lines, script, shading and graphics, which can bleed or blotch when copied or faxed. Pick a readable font such as Century Gothic or Helvetica (at the very least 10 pt) and be sure to leave enough white space at the margins. All margins should be at least 0.7”.

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Resume Format

There are various sections to an effective resume. The sections, format and arrangement you use will depend on the resume type you select, and should be uniquely tailored to your education, background, and experience. All resumes should include a heading and education section, as well as a section describing your experience.

HEADINGItems to be listed in this section include:Full Name Email addressAddress Fax number (if appropriate)Phone Number(s)

Note: Only list your home (permanent) addresses if it is pertinent to your job search; for example, if you are looking for a summer internship in your hometown, you may want to list your address there as well as your local (campus) address.

CAREER OBJECTIVE When used, your objective or summary is the statement of purpose for your resume, creating a frame of reference for the reader. Be specific stating what grades the person is willing to teach (not which one you prefer). It is also advantageous to state that a “multicultural environment” is desired to teach in.

Examples of Career Objectives

Seeking a challenging position teaching English as a Second Language in a secondary or middle schoolPassionate, dedicated educator seeking a position in teaching elementary education in a public schoolSeeking an elementary, special education, or middle school math teaching position A secondary school teaching position in Social ScienceA school counseling position in a secondary school

EDUCATION

In this section, list your degrees in reverse chronological order. Note that after sophomore year, high school should not be on this list. Transfer students should only list the college from which they will actually earn a degree.

Degrees earned or expected date of graduation Schools attended, including study abroad GPA, 3.0 or above Areas of study pursued (majors, minors) Relevant coursework Academic honors and awards

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EDUCATION (cont)

List all teaching certifications you have achieved that you have or are eligible to receive

Clarify the status of each by indicating (Applied) or (Eligible to Apply) Honors and Awards. Include name of the award, date received and any affiliated

organizations. Explain the significance of the award if necessary, avoiding acronyms or abbreviations.

EXPERIENCE

This section can be a combination of paid and unpaid work, listed in reverse chronological order (starting with your most recent experience first).Organization name and location (city/state)Position title Dates of service (e.g., 2010-2011)

Be sure to include all your student teaching experiences. Start with the most recent and work backwards. Include any experiences, paid or volunteer, related to teaching.ACTIVITIES (may be co-curricular, community service-based or both)

Highlight organizations in which you are/were an active participant, offices held, and the results of your work:

Dates of involvement (year to year is sufficient) Honors received Name of Organization Noteworthy achievements/activities Offices held

SKILLS

This section typically relates to language skills such as level of fluency in speaking, reading, and writing a second, third, etc. language. You may also note any unique or specialized computer skills in this area.

Other special skills such as laboratory techniques are listed if they connect to your objective.

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Resume Style

The style or format you choose for your resume is essential to its impact. The style you choose should allow you to bring your most important accomplishments and experience to the top of your resume, and to focus the reader on those skills, experiences or achievements that connect most clearly with your career goals. The most common resume styles are:

Chronological

The most widely used format and the one most familiar to employers, this resume style is arranged in reverse chronological order, with the most recent experience listed first in each section. It is a good idea to first write your resume in a chronological format. The chronological resume is the best choice for most undergraduate students. This style organizes your information, ensuring that you cover all your pertinent experience.

Advantages: Focuses on the positions held and emphasizes the progression of your work experience. If the experience you have is career-related and reflects the skills and experience you wish to use in your next job, this style will serve you well.Disadvantages: If there is not a direct correlation between your previous experience and your future goals, this format may not focus the reader on your transferable skills or potential.

Functional

This format highlights skills that best categorize your experience and correlate with the abilities necessary to work in your chosen field.

Advantages: Emphasizes experience and skills that may be transferable to several fields rather than specific positions held. It allows you to group your most important qualifications under skill or experience headings that can link you to your career goals. This format may provide a distinct advantage to career changers and people with little or no direct experience in their field of choice.Disadvantages: Because your "employment history" typically appears at the bottom of this resume format and has no description, it may raise questions for the reader.

Sample Resumes

The following pages of this Guide contain a list of action verbs you may want to use on your resume as well as several samples to use as references when you develop your own resume.

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Sample Action Verbs

The following are sample action verbs to assist you in developing your resume, grouped by skill set:

CLERICAL/ADMINISTRATIVE:Approved Compiled Indexed Prepared Scheduled TabulatedArranged Dispatched Inspected Processed Screened UnifiedCataloged Executed Monitored Purchased Specified ValidatedClassified Generated Operated Recorded SystematizedCollected Implemented Organized Retrieved

COMMUNICATION:Addressed Convinced Edited Justified Persuaded RecruitedArbitrated Corresponded Enlisted Lectured Promoted SpokeArranged Developed Formulated Mediated Publicized TranslatedAuthored Directed Influenced Moderated Reconciled WroteCollaborated Drafted Interpreted Negotiated

CREATIVE:Acted Customized Established Initiated Invented PlannedBuilt Designed Fashioned Instituted Originated Revitalized Conceptualized Developed Founded Integrated Performed ShapedConstructed Directed Illustrated Introduced Pioneered

HELPING/SOCIAL SERVICE:Advocated Coached Diagnosed Expedited Guided ReferredAssessed Counseled Educated Facilitated Modeled RehabilitatedClarified Demonstrated Empowered Familiarized Motivated Represented

RESEARCH:Analyzed Diagnosed Extracted Interpreted Observed Summarized Clarified Evaluated Handled Interviewed Organized Surveyed Collected Examined Identified Investigated Researched SystematizedCritiqued Experimented Inspected Measured Reviewed

TEACHING/TRAINING:Adapted Communicated Enabled Facilitated Instructed SparkedAdvised Coordinated Encouraged Guided Motivated StimulatedClarified Demystified Evaluated Informed Persuaded StrengthenedCoached Developed Explained Inspired Set Goals Trained

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MWSU STUDENTAddressSt. Joseph, MO 64507(816) 555-4444mwsu.Student@missouriwestern.edu

OBJECTIVE Elementary School Teach

EDUCATION

Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MOB.S. Elementary Education, Expected May 20XXEmphasis: ReadingCumulative GPA: 3.72/4.0 Major GPA: 3.88/4.0

Certification: Missouri Certification K-6

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Soaring High Elementary School – Grade 5, Grand City, MOStudent Teacher Spring 20XXPrepared and implemented lesson plans in all subject areas to meet Grade Level Expectations (GLE) for 22 studentsCoordinated field trip to museum in conjunction with History unitOrganized self-instructional, audio-visual learning stations designed for multi-ability levels

Sunnyside Elementary School – Grade 3, Parkside, MOStudent Teacher Spring 20XXTaught math, entire class and small groups in connection to State standards

Silverside Elementary School – Grade 1, Overly, MOSubstitute Teacher 20XX to 20XXTaught Reading, Language Arts, Music and Social StudiesCreated web activities for students connected to Mo-Show-Me standards for MAPT testing

Singing Brook Elementary School, Rainbow City, MOStudent Teacher Spring 20XXObserved a first grade classroom working in small groups in Reading, Art, Math and Language Arts

ACTIVITIES & HONORS

Dean’s ListThe Write Traits WorkshopMissouri State Teacher’s Association, Student Chapter

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MWSU STUDENTAddressCity, State Zip Codemwsustudent@missouriwestern.edu(816) 222.2222

SPECIAL SKILLS AND INTERESTS

Collaborative Planning Cooperative LearningProactive Classroom Management Team TeachingCommunity Service Emphasis Individualized LearningThematic Approach to Lesson Design InclusionMulticultural Awareness and Teaching Style Technology Integration

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts Degree, with honors Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MO December 20XX

Major: Elementary Education; Area of Specialization: English/Language Arts and Technology

STUDENT TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Carlton High School – Grade 9, Kansas City, MOStudent Teacher Spring 20XX

Initiated, planned, and implemented service learning project Integrated reading and writing, grammar, phonetics, and spelling into a holistic

and individualized curriculum Enhanced and increased the use of technology in the class Organized homeroom and beginning-of-day activities

Mercy Middle School – Grade 8, Kansas City, MOStudent Teacher Spring 20XX

Participated in middle school team approach to teaching Prepared interdisciplinary lessons and units

Other Employment

Washington Lake Swim Club, Lake Ozark, MO Summers 20XX-20XXLifeguard and Swim InstructorManaged pool, scheduled life guards, provided safe environment for swimmers. Taught intermediate and advanced swimming to youths aged 10-16.

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STUDENT TEACHERAddress

St. Joseph, Missouri 64505(816) 333-4444

student.teacher@sbcglobal.net

EDUCATION

Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MOBachelor of Science in Education May 20XXMajor: Elementary Education

Certification: Type 03

STUDENT Success High School – Grade 9-12, Paradise, MOTEACHING Student Teacher Spring 20XX

Planned and organized materials for thematic units for self-contained classroom Effectively utilized systematic lesson plans that emphasized long and short term

goals and assessment Successfully implemented positive classroom management strategies Used cooperative learning strategies Assisted with parent-teacher conferences

PRACTICUM

Whiteside High School – Grade 9, Whiteside, MOTeacher’s Assistant Fall 20XX

Observed and assisted in reading and language arts classes Assisted with skills development reading program

RELATED Barney’s Science Center Day Camp Riverdale, ILEMPLOYMENT Camp Counselor Summers 2000-2003

Monitored groups of 10-12 campers ages 7-10 Instructed beginning swimmers in basic techniques and water safety Planned and organized field trips exposing campers to the application of

scientific principles in everyday life

ACTIVITIES Student Member – National Education AssociationAssistant Coach – Community Youth Organization

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MWSU STUDENT4525 Downs Drive

St. Joseph. Missouri 64507anystudent@missouriwestern.edu

(816) 271.0000 (mobile) (816) 777– 7777 (home)

SKILLS AND INTERESTS

Teaching skills in Elementary Education K-8 with strong academic training in science and social studies

Taught in diverse settings with at-risk and special needs International teaching experience

EDUCATION

Missouri Western State UniversityBachelor of Arts, May 20XX

Major: Elementary EducationMinor: Science and Social Studies

STUDENT TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Fifth/Sixth Grade, Evander Elementary School, Old Town, MO Fall 2008 Implemented a positive and proactive classroom management system Evaluated student behavior and academic performance in preparation

for student and parent conferences Guided students through checkpoint reading system and Writing

Workshop

PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE

Fifth Grade, Service learning, Roosevelt Elementary School, Spring 20XXMultiage Grouping, Remedial reading, Evander Elementary, Fall 20XXFifth/Sixth Grade, all subject areas, Soaring Elementary, Spring 20XX

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Volunteer reader, Hear Me Read Program, St. Joseph Public LibraryBig Brothers Big SistersAmerica Reads, Tutor

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REFERENCES

Do not list the names of your references on your resume – in fact, you do not even need to state that references are “available upon request.” An employer will request references after you have reached the interview stage. Instead, prepare a reference list to bring with you to interviews. The reference list provides a listing of individuals who can attest to your qualifications for a particular position. These individuals should also be familiar with your skills and personal attributes.

References should be individuals who know you professionally and know you well. They may include:

Supervisors from internships, full-time, part-time, or volunteer work Professors Academic advisors Student group advisors

Avoid using personal references (family members, neighbors, etc.).

Make sure to contact your references first to ask their permission to be listed--then give them a copy of your resume and information about the positions for which you are applying, so that they will be prepared if someone contacts them. Make sure you feel the individuals you are considering will give you a positive recommendation.

Your reference list should include the following information:

Name of Reference Title/Position Organization/Employer Complete Work mailing address Work phone number E-mail address (if appropriate)

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MWSU STUDENT4525 Downs Drive

St. Joseph. Missouri 64507anystudent@missouriwestern.edu

(816) 271.0000 (mobile) (816) 777– 7777 (home)

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

NAME TITLE ORGANIZATION PHONE

Dr. Janice Hughes Principal

Evander Elementary School

816.555.5555

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Credential Files

A credential file is a packet of material that you provide to an employer to support your application for a teaching position. It should look professional. Credential folders with envelopes are available from the Career development Center for a nominal fee. It is highly recommended that you use these folders for your credentials. Do not design your own using pastel paper and “cute’ red school houses or other educational logo designs.

Your Credential File Should Contain the Following:

Resume

List of Professional References (cooperating teacher, supervising teacher, principal)

Letters of Recommendation (these are optional professional references) Student Teaching Evaluation Copies of Teaching Certificate(s) Background Investigation Report Transcript(s) (transcripts are available from the Registrar’s Office. They do not

have to be official for the purposes of applying.

Tips for Using You Credential File

Keep your documents in a safe and clean place Make sure that the copies you make are high quality, without smudges or stray

marks Organize the documents logically Do not send your credential file indiscriminately Send your credential file only to schools that request it Do not include character references, personal references, academic references,

employment evaluations, awards, or merits Remember, the point is to make a positive impression to the employer

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INTERVIEWING FOR A TEACHING POSITION

What to do before the interview:

1. Be Prepared. Research the school district before the interview. Access their web page if they have one. Read all printed information about the district. Talk with other teachers in the school. Find out who is on their school board. Talk with parents of children in the district. Talk with members of the community about the district.

2. Appearance. First impressions count. Dress appropriately. You should look like you fit into the classroom for that age group. Do not chew gum, smoke, drink coffee, or bring a cell phone.

3. Be on Time. There is NO excuse for lateness!4. Be cordial and respectful to everyone you meet. Office employees are

very observant and they may let the personnel director know what kind of an impression you made on them.

5. Attitude. You should convey the message that this is the job you really want. Let the interviewer know what you can do for their children.

6. Provide all information and paperwork the school district wants. (Every school district is different so be sure to ask) Answer all questions on the application. Do not say, “see resume” or “see attached.” Be neat. Always (double) check grammar and spelling.

7. Questions? Do not hesitate to contact the Career Development Center, Eder 202, or email dturner7@missouriwestern.edu.

What to do After the Interview:

Be sure to send Thank You letters within 24 hours to all those you interviewed with

Be sure to have the correct mailing address and spelling of names If the school district requests additional information, get it to them promptly

R.E.A.P

What is R.E.A.P.? the Regional Education Applicant Placement Program is an online placement service specifically designed by college career officers and education human resource directors to create a more efficient networking system for new education graduates and experienced professionals to find teaching positions. The online application is a statewide system available to all students at Missouri Western at: www.reap.net.

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