Teacher CV Template and Example
A strong Teacher CV goes beyond listing duties. It demonstrates measurable impact on student outcomes, shows familiarity with current curricula and assessment methods, and highlights your ability to manage a classroom and support diverse learners. This guide provides a full sample CV and practical advice to help you craft a document that hiring managers in schools will notice.
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Teacher CV example (Professional template)
A full-page example built for this role. Use it as a structure reference — replace every line with your own experience.
Skills hiring managers look for in a Teacher
- Curriculum Development (KS3 & KS4)
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Assessment for Learning (AfL)
- Data Analysis & Target Setting
- Google Classroom & Microsoft Teams
- SEN Support & EHCP Implementation
- Behaviour Management (PBIS)
- Lesson Planning & Resource Creation
- Parental Communication & Reporting
- GCSE Mathematics Specification (AQA & Edexcel)
- Interactive Whiteboard & EdTech Tools
What to include in a Teacher CV
A Teacher CV should include your personal details, a professional summary, relevant skills, teaching experience, education, certifications, and any additional sections such as projects or achievements. Unlike many professions, teaching CVs often benefit from a 'Professional Summary' at the top that encapsulates your teaching philosophy and key strengths. This is your chance to make a strong first impression.
Your experience section is the core. For each role, list your job title, school name, location, and dates. Under each, use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and, crucially, your achievements. Quantify where possible: exam pass rates, progress scores, number of students impacted, or improvements in engagement. This provides concrete evidence of your effectiveness.
Education and certifications are vital. List your degree, PGCE, and QTS status. Include any additional training such as safeguarding, first aid, or subject-specific courses. If you have led projects or initiatives, a 'Projects' section can showcase leadership and innovation. Finally, include languages if relevant, and any awards or publications.
How to write experience bullets for a Teacher CV
Teaching experience bullets should follow a simple formula: action + context + measurable result. Avoid generic statements like 'Taught mathematics to KS3 students.' Instead, specify what you did, how you did it, and what changed as a result. For example, 'Raised GCSE pass rate from 68% to 82% by implementing weekly low-stakes quizzes and targeted intervention.' This shows initiative and impact.
Use numbers whenever possible. Metrics like exam results, student progress, attendance, or engagement scores are powerful. If you led a project, mention the outcome: 'Piloted a mastery-based approach, resulting in a 20% increase in students meeting age-related expectations.' This demonstrates your ability to improve teaching and learning.
Focus on achievements rather than duties. Hiring managers know what a teacher does day-to-day; they want to know how you did it better. Highlight differentiation, innovative teaching methods, or leadership roles. Also, tailor bullets to the specific school or role you're applying for, emphasising relevant experience such as SEN support or pastoral care.
Skills hiring managers scan for in Teacher CVs
When reviewing Teacher CVs, hiring managers look for a mix of pedagogical knowledge, classroom management, and interpersonal skills. They scan for evidence of curriculum planning, assessment for learning, and differentiation. Familiarity with technology tools like Google Classroom or interactive whiteboards is increasingly expected.
Specific skills vary by subject and age group. For secondary teachers, knowledge of exam board specifications (AQA, Edexcel) is important. For primary, phonics and early numeracy might be key. Special educational needs (SEN) experience is highly valued, as is behaviour management training such as PBIS. Mentioning these explicitly in your skills section can help your CV pass initial screening.
Soft skills matter too: communication with parents, collaboration with colleagues, and a commitment to professional development. However, avoid listing vague traits like 'hard-working' without evidence. Instead, integrate these into your experience bullets to show how you've applied them.
Common mistakes in Teacher CVs
One of the most common mistakes is writing a CV that reads like a job description. Listing duties without outcomes fails to differentiate you from other candidates. Always aim to show impact. Another mistake is neglecting to tailor the CV to the specific school or role. Research the school's ethos and priorities, and reflect them in your summary and bullets.
Overlooking the format can also cost you. A CV that is too long, poorly organised, or full of jargon may be discarded. Keep it to two pages, use clear headings, and ensure consistent formatting. Proofread carefully; spelling and grammar errors are particularly damaging for a teacher.
Finally, failing to include relevant certifications or training can be a red flag. Schools need to know you're up-to-date with safeguarding and first aid. Also, avoid generic phrases like 'passionate about teaching' without evidence. Show your passion through concrete examples of your work.
Certifications and additional sections for Teachers
Certifications are a critical part of a Teacher CV. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is essential in the UK, and you should list it prominently. Other relevant certifications include first aid, safeguarding (often level 2 or 3), and subject-specific training. If you have a specialism, such as SEN or EAL, include those qualifications.
Additional sections can strengthen your CV. A 'Projects' section can highlight curriculum development, extracurricular clubs, or research. An 'Achievements' section can list awards, publications, or significant results. If you speak additional languages, include them with proficiency levels, as they can be an asset in diverse schools.
Remember to keep these sections concise and relevant. Only include what adds value to your application. For example, if you led a successful maths club, that shows initiative and commitment to student enrichment. If you published an article, it demonstrates expertise and reflective practice.
Teacher CV — frequently asked questions
How long should a Teacher CV be?
A Teacher CV should typically be two pages long. This gives you enough space to detail your experience, skills, and certifications without overwhelming the reader. If you have extensive experience, you might stretch to three pages, but keep it focused and relevant. Early-career teachers can often fit everything on one page.
What should I include in a Teacher CV if I have no formal teaching experience?
If you're just starting out, focus on your education, teaching placements, and any voluntary or tutoring experience. Highlight transferable skills like communication, organisation, and subject knowledge. Include details of your PGCE or QTS if you have them, and any relevant projects or certifications. Tailor your CV to show your potential and enthusiasm for teaching.
How do I quantify achievements in a Teacher CV?
Use numbers wherever possible: exam pass rates, progress scores, number of students taught, or improvements in attendance or engagement. For example, 'Improved GCSE pass rate from 68% to 82%' or 'Led a maths club with 25 attendees, 90% of whom met their target grade.' If you don't have exact figures, use estimates or percentages to convey impact.
What certifications do I need for a Teacher CV?
In the UK, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is essential. You should also include safeguarding training, first aid, and any subject-specific certifications. If you have SEN or EAL qualifications, list them. Schools often look for evidence of ongoing professional development, so include any recent courses or workshops you've attended.
Should I include a teaching philosophy on my CV?
A brief teaching philosophy can be included in your professional summary, but keep it concise. Instead of a separate section, weave your philosophy into your summary and experience bullets. For example, 'Committed to fostering a growth mindset' can be supported by a bullet about how you implemented growth mindset strategies in the classroom.