Whether you are new to teaching, or returning to it after time away, there are a number of questions which employers will want to know about you, that are specific to these types of positions. You must therefore ensure that both your resume and cover letter address these questions, and that you are prepared to be quizzed about them during your interview.

So what are these questions?

1. Why do you want to be a teacher?

What you want to get across to answer this question is your passion for teaching, as well as your commitment to students and their education. This is one of the most crucial things that teaching employers look for, so you must have sure you clearly communicate it in both your resume and cover letter.

- Spend some time preparing a statement for the Career Objective section of your resume, that demonstrates these qualities. While you don’t want to go overboard, it’s okay to be a little longer than you would if applying for a typical corporate job.

- Your cover letter should elaborate on your teaching goals and style, as well as mentioning the qualifications and experience that make you suitable for the job. The ideal candidate for most teaching job is not only somebody who is qualified, but somebody who is committed to education – and you want to demonstrate that is you!

2. Do you have the necessary qualifications?

It’s no good being passionate about teaching, if you are not qualified to do so. Immediately after your Career Objective, your resume should contain section entitled “Academic Credentials”, which lists all your degrees and certifications. Make sure you list everything – do not sell yourself short! If you have taken a cluster of courses which makes you qualified to teach a particular subject, be sure to mention it!

Many teachers have written articles that have been published in academic journals, or even textbooks. If you have, create a list of such items in a section of your resume under the heading of “Publications”.

3. What professional experience do you have that qualifies you to be a teacher?

This is prinicipally addressed by a list of previous teaching jobs that you have had. However, it would be a mistake to think it’s entirely about teaching jobs – otherwise how would any new teacher get a position? Other things you should mention include:

- If you have done any teaching course which involved coursework

- Any teaching assistant positions that you have had

- If transferring from the corporate world, any training or courses that you have done which are relevant to your goal of becoming a teacher

- Any community or volunteer work that you have done. For example, if you volunteered your time to work with an organization like Big Brother, Big Sister, the Scouts, etc., or if you have mentored a child, be sure to mention it.

4. What are your long term professional goals?

Just like corporate employers, teaching organizations want to know what candidates long term goals are, as it allows them to determine whether they are a good match for the organization. Whether you want to eventually pursue further study yourself, become a dean, learn to teach additional subjects, move from teaching at grade school to high school, or become a university department chair, whatever your goal is, be sure to mention it. You should also aim to show that you have a plan to working towards your goal, your are following that plan, and that the things which you have already done, are in fact steps on that journey.

By: Sunil Tanna

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