sample resume for teacher changing careers

Feeling stuck in your career change out of the classroom? click here!

GET THE COURSE

MEMBERS LOGIN

Let's find out!

I'm the founder of teacher career coach. i'm a former teacher who's worked for fortune 500 companies and some of the fastest growing edtech companies. i've been featured in wsj, forbes, and npr for my work helping thousands of teachers transition from teaching., get a breakdown of your strengths plus career recommendations based on your answers..

former teacher

The teacher career coach course has helped thousands of teachers step out of the classroom & into a new career. tap the button below to learn more..

Teacher Career Change Resume: Tips to Help You Land that Job!

TeacherCareerCoach

If you want to land that new job, you’ll have to work hard on your teacher career change resume. Remember, your teacher transition resume is your first impression. It’s all about showcasing those transferrable skills and highlighting why you’re the best fit for getting the job done.

If you need help leaving the classroom, check out the  Teacher Career Coach Course .  This step-by-step guide has helped thousands with a transition from teaching. Save time and get support with every step of picking a new path, rewriting your resume, and answering tricky interview questions. You’ll also get access to our judgement-free community of over 5,000 current and former teachers who bounce ideas and seek advice from each other.

It can be intimidating applying to jobs outside of the classroom, no matter how badly you want out! You may be having a hard time identifying the experiences to highlight on your resume. Maybe you’re struggling with how to write them in a way that applies to a job outside of the classroom. Anyhow, you’re about to break through that barrier! Here are some of my top tips from the Teacher Career Coach Course . These will help you put your best foot forward and land that interview! But first, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. You don’t have to start from scratch.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m just a teacher,” it’s time to look closely at all you do on a daily basis as part of that role. Honestly, teachers are some of the most skillful and multi talented professionals I know. The truth is, many teachers battle with Impostor Syndrome , often overlooking their achievements and the value they bring to the table in many careers. Whether you realize it or not, the skills and accomplishments you have already achieved will make a stellar resume. (Trust me.)

You are an asset to your school, and you’ll be an asset wherever your career transition takes you next. First, identify your career accomplishments as a teacher. Then you can effectively apply them to the next chapter of your working life. Without knowing the specifics of your teaching experience, as a former teacher, I know you have desirable skills and valuable experience. Don’t be afraid to brag about yourself. Your new career change resume should reflect your many achievements and in-demand teacher skills! 

Teacher Career Change Resume Resources

In this post, I gathered expert advice to help you master rewriting those resume skills. I want to help you avoid the most common mistakes teachers make when writing their teacher career change resume. Read on to learn how you can tweak your teaching-focused resume to highlight your skills and experience that apply jobs outside of the classroom.

You can also listen to my interview with HR and resume writing expert Alli Arney to learn how to effectively translate your teaching experience on your transition resume . 

Let’s get to rebranding your expertise, shall we? 

*But first a note!* Much of what you include in your resume and cover letter will be dependent on the job for which you’re applying. If you’re not sure what jobs you’re qualified for or even what’s out there, take a look at Best Jobs For Former Teachers . This post will give you an idea of what’s out there, who’s hiring, and what you need to qualify for a position.

Writing a Cover Letter for Your Resume

Every teacher career change resume needs a cover letter! Your cover letter introduces who you are and what you can offer in position X at company Y. A common mistake I see teachers make is creating a generic cover letter to send with all of their applications. 

Some hiring managers may approach your application with the assumption you’re willing to take any job outside of the classroom. Even if that’s the truth, you don’t want the hiring manager to know that. Use the cover letter and an opportunity to showcase why their job is a great fit for you and what you can bring to the table for their company. Hiring managers want someone qualified, excited about the position, and a good fit for the company culture. 

Make sure every cover letter is unique to the job and company you are sending it to. Add in specifics regarding what excites you about the role and how your experience will translate into the new responsibilities. Do research about the company and address how you are equally passionate about their core values and company culture. You will learn so much from a company’s website, including its mission statement and core values.

Get Started on Your Cover Letter

First, start with an introduction paragraph. This will likely stay the same on every cover letter as you introduce yourself. Next, add five to six bullet points about why you are qualified for this specific position and reflect on your qualifying achievements. For example, I am constantly focused on collaborative relationships and strategic partnerships that advance the mission, vision, and goals of the organization. Last, add a closing statement about the position to which you’re applying, why it excites you, and how you will be able to effectively fulfill the role and responsibilities.

Add an Elevator Pitch to Your Teacher Career Change Resume

An elevator pitch is basically highlights who you are, your area of expertise, and your career intentions. It’s clear, concise, and is key to a teacher transition resume. Think about it like this: Imagine being on an elevator and only having about 30 seconds to sell yourself to the hiring manager. You should utilize your elevator pitch on your resume and when you get in front of a hiring manager at an interview. Just like your cover letter, this pitch should always be catered to a specific audience rather than being overly generic. 

Practice your elevator pitch so that it is second nature. It may sound silly but practicing your pitch in front of a friend or even a mirror helps. You can gain confidence in front of a hiring manager or an interview committee after practicing.

Again, an elevator pitch goes beyond your resume. Have your pitch handy at networking events, in job interviews, on any social bios, and in your resume header. Let’s say you are an experienced teacher looking for a transition into a Training and Development Manager position. Here’s an example of an elevator pitch you could use at a networking event or in your LinkedIn bio:

Elevator Pitch Examples

“ I have more than 10 years of experience in training and development as a high school teacher where I have planned, directed, and coordinated various vocational programs. I am skilled in the ADDIE Model and various training methodologies, and I am currently looking to transition from the classroom to the corporate world. If you know anyone who is adding to their Training and Development Team, I hope you’ll send them my way. “

To adjust it to be more resume friendly, you could make the following tweaks:

“I have more than 10 years of experience in training and development as a high school teacher where I have planned, directed, and coordinated various vocational programs. I am skilled in the ADDIE Model and a variety of training methodologies, and I am currently looking to make a transition from the classroom to the corporate world as a Corporate Trainer at Company X.”

While your elevator pitch is short and sweet, you should always be prepared for follow-up questions. Make sure you are comfortable with the different occupational terms and acronyms associated with any career path you seek. This shows your audience that you are knowledgeable and ready to move into that field of work.

Developing Your Teacher Career Change Resume: Formatting Essentials

When it comes to your teacher transition resume, we need to talk about the big F-word: Formatting. 

A whopping 75% of resumes NEVER GET OPENED or seen by a hiring manager. One of the biggest culprits? Formatting. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through applications before they even make their way to a hiring manager’s hands. Luckily there are a few formatting tips that can help you pass the test. 

Length, File Format, and Other Tips for Your Teacher Career Change Resume

When it comes to the length of your resume, it really depends on your experience. While one-page resumes were once a rule-of-thumb, most resumes are now one and a half to two pages. However, if you have 15 years of work experience, you shouldn’t shy away from your accomplishments. In that case, it’s totally acceptable to have a 2-page resume. 

Next, you want to focus on another F-word: file format. There are different platforms and software, but I recommend you send your resume as a Word document, unless otherwise specified. So, when you go to save your resume file, be sure it’s saved in the .doc or .docx format. ATS will reject files saved in Pages, Excel, or JPEG format. 

The last big resume formatting tip is about style . If your go-to is a creative and colorful template that landed you your job in the classroom, it’s time for a change. Simple, chronological resume templates are your best bet in the corporate world, listing your experience starting with your most recent job. This is the most popular resume style, and it’s best for ATSs. It also happens to be preferred by recruiters and HR professionals, so you really can’t go wrong here. 

A chronological resume should be written to include the following elements in the listed order: 

• Header (including your personal information and your keyword-rich elevator pitch) 
• Technology experience and expertise 
• Current volunteer experience (if applicable)

Developing Your Teacher Career Change Resume: Spill About Your Skills (the Right Way). 

As a teacher, you already have skills that can be utilized in the corporate world. It’s time to brag about them. Before you can do that, you have to move past any Impostor Syndrome you may be experiencing and acknowledge the value, experience, and expertise you have to offer. Trust me. You have a lot more to offer in roles outside of the classroom than you may think.

For example, your organization and multitasking skills can easily transfer to administrative tasks. Parent-teacher conferences give you the experience to handle customer service situations, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement. You’re no stranger to goat setting or data tracking and analysis. Think about any committees or after-school activities you’ve contributed to or helped organize as project management experience. 

Related Resources: Creating your Instructional Designer Resume

WALKING THE WALK AND TALKING THE TALK

It’s not just about identifying your transferable skills but how you translate them on your resume.

Here are three of my biggest tips to help you effectively translate your transferable skills and experience on your teacher transition resume. 

First, be specific by quantifying your accomplishments . 

Second, unless you transition into an education-based role, leave out the teacher-specific terminology, acronyms, or pedagogy. One of the biggest mistakes teachers make on their transition resumes is not rewriting or translating their resume experience so that it is applied to the world outside of the classroom setting. 

Make sure you are showcasing your skills and experience in a way that translates into the new roles you are looking for. Hiring managers don’t want to see you as a teacher. They want to see you as someone qualified for and ready to take on the role you are applying for.  Depending on the role, managers don’t want to know about record keeping for 25 students, but that you managed a portfolio of 25 clients. They don’t want to hear about teaching pedagogy and lesson planning but about training strategy and training materials. The corporate world isn’t about grading and cumulative assessments but about data tracking and analysis. 

Go back to your career buckets. Figure out which teaching duties fall under each and then focus on translating the teacher-specific language into corporate-appropriate terminology.  Then you’ll have an already translated list you can easily pull from any time you need to tailor a resume for a new job. 

Do Your Research For Your Teacher Career Change Resume

Last but not least, do your research and include job and industry-specific language and keywords in your resume. These terms should be peppered throughout your elevator pitch summary and throughout your highlighted experiences throughout your resume. Not only will using the language make your experience and skills more relatable to the position you are applying for, but it will show the hiring manager that you have done the work and are fully committed to stepping into the role, rather than a teacher looking for any new job they can get. 

Insider tip? You can utilize job descriptions as a tool, looking for the keywords and experiences highlighted throughout. Find a way to incorporate the industry-specific language as you translate your skills and experiences. Just make sure you know enough to expand upon the ideas if asked in an interview.

If you don’t feel like you have experience in any of the major keywords that pop up, look them up before you write them off. You likely have more experience than you are giving yourself credit for. More often than not, teachers have the skills. They’re just used to calling it something else.

Acquiring New Skills for Your Teacher Change Resume

Even after translating all of your relevant experience, you might find that there are some areas where you are lacking and that’s okay. Depending on the experiences you had while teaching and the role you are looking to transition into, you might find that there are certain skills that would be beneficial to have to make you a more desirable candidate. 

The good news is you can work on new skills while you are still teaching in the classroom. There are a variety of online classes and tutorials you can take at home and add to your teacher transition resume. The added keywords will make it easier for you to find a new career and you’ll likely go into it feeling more confident and prepared. 

Developing your Teacher Career Change Resume: Final Thoughts.

I know that was a lot of information. Maybe you were already stressed about writing your career transition resume, and now you’re feeling even more overwhelmed. If that’s the case, start by taking a deep breath. (Right here, right now). You don’t have to write and send out a hundred resumes in one day, or even one week. 

In fact, you don’t have to write hundreds of resumes at all. 

A lot of teachers ask, “Do I have to create a million different resume templates for all of these jobs?”   Absolutely not. While you should tweak your resume to fit each specific position you are applying for, you can save time by creating a template for each general category of positions you apply to. For example, you might have one template for training-type positions and another for jobs that fall under curriculum writing and instructional design categories. 

One final word of advice? When it comes to taking resume writing advice, please, please, please vet your source to ensure the information applies to the position and industry you are applying to.

Teacher Career Change, Beyond the Resume

Developing a professional teacher transition resume is just the first step on your journey to a new career. If you have more questions like: How do I get employers to notice my resume? What kind of jobs am I qualified for? What do I do after I get the interview?!?

I want you to know that if being in the classroom is no longer an option for you, there are many career options for teachers. As a former teacher who transitioned out of the classroom, I have been at that crossroads. I successfully moved from teaching into a new career that has left me happier, healthier, and more relaxed than I ever could have been in the classroom.

Next steps to a new career

One of the biggest mistakes that we see teachers make is that they try to  navigate this process alone . Often, they put off “researching” until the very last minute. Which sets them up for a very stressful application season. I want to help you get some clarity in the options available to you. To know EXACTLY what you need to do (and not do) in order to get your foot in the door. You don’t have to do this on your own. With the help of an HR expert with over 10 years of experience and a team of former teachers, I’ve created a guide to support you in the early stages of your transition out of the classroom.  Tap the button below to learn more .

free quiz: what career outside of the classroom is right for you? →

TERMS OF USE

©2024 DAPHNE WILLIAMS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SIGN ME UP ➤

Join our community of over 100,000 current and former educators to receive the advice, encouragement, and judgment-free support you need to start moving forward in your career.

Receive free tips straight to your inbox

How to Craft Your Teacher Career Change Resume + Ace Your Interview

Once you’ve decided that you want to leave the classroom, the next big question on your mind is, “What career am I going to pursue?”  Well, there are two different ways you can go…the employee route or the entrepreneur route.

The entrepreneur route means that you go into business for yourself. Maybe you start a website , a boutique , a virtual assistant business , an online tutoring business, a photography business , or a TpT shop . The career is irrelevant; the important thing to note is that as an entrepreneur, you are going into business for yourself.

The employee route means that you choose to work for another individual or company. Again, we are less concerned with who hires you and more interested in how to get you hired for the job of your dreams.

So in today’s episode, we are going to focus on the employee route and how writing a teacher career change resume will help you land some of the best jobs for teachers outside of education. The cool part about what I’m sharing is that these tips will help you in getting hired for ANY position.

But we are going to spend the majority of our time unpacking some of the specifics you might not have considered when you began thinking about landing the best jobs for teachers outside of the classroom .

So let’s discuss the 15 things you need to do to design a winning teacher career change resume and land your dream job outside of teaching.

Creating Your Teacher Career Change Resume

1| write specifically.

Everyone has a resume, but there is a lot of difference between a “leaving teaching resume that includes all of your teaching experience and literally nothing else” and a well-planned, well-executed specific resume.

Think about it like this. There are dollar store pens and then there are flair pens…I rest my case.

The whole point of writing a resume is to give the applicant board as much relevant information as possible in as little space as possible.

So you want your transition out of teaching resume to be unique and a nice reflection of you while still being completely tailored to the position for which you are applying.

Your resume shouldn’t be generic. I know this may feel frustrating when you’re applying for a lot of positions at once, but I promise it will pay off in the long run. You definitely want your resume to reflect specifics of the field and position into which you want to move.

Want a Free one-on-one

Discovery call.

Understanding what you need to include in your resume is crucial if you plan to leave the classroom. Let me give you personalized insight into your next best steps!

2| Research transferable skills

Be sure to listen to Episode #5 where we discuss the top transferable skills that teachers possess that makes you a prime candidate for any job you want. Think about what types of transferable skills you have that apply to the particular field you are interested in.

The most important part about this is remembering that each field of study and each niche has its own language. So you want to take time to figure out which of the skills are your strengths and then translate those into the niche-specific buzzwords that particular community uses.

Then add those words onto your teacher career change resume so the application board knows you have the skills they are seeking.

3| Use niche-specific language

I mentioned this in tip 2, but you want to make sure that you speak the language of the people in your potential career. Most professions have a “lingo” and you want to be sure that you know the lingo of your chosen field of interest.

Think about teaching. We use words and acronyms like social-emotional learning (SEL), individualized education plan (IEP), and curriculum-based assessment (CBA).

If you stopped people on the street and asked them what these acronyms meant, most probably wouldn’t have any idea what you were talking about. However, if you are a new teacher wanting to get hired, these acronyms are important for you to know.

This same rule applies for other fields. If you want to break into a community or niche outside of the world of education, you need to learn the lingo. The best way to do this is by using Google and type in common acronyms for (fill in the blank of the field).

Once you understand the common acronyms for that field, you will want to compare these to your transferable teacher skills and see which ones are similar. Then research the buzzwords in the niche of the job you hope to pursue to find even more gold to add to your teacher career change resume.

4| Be prepared

You would think this would be supremely obvious, but according to my husband, who does interviews regularly for his job, the number of individuals who come to interviews completely unprepared is staggering.

So after researching the lingo (including buzzwords & acronyms) of your potential profession, make sure you research the specific position you hope to get as well as the company you want to join.

Make certain that your career goals align with the motto and beliefs of this particular company . You don’t want to go through the trouble of interviewing, getting offered the position, and working for one day only to realize you don’t agree with the company’s position on an important issue.

Once you determine you are a good fit for the company, take some time to look online for interview questions related to your chosen field and formulate answers as a way to prepare for the questions you might be asked in an interview.

This will instill confidence in you and help you get into the mindset of someone who already has the position…before you ever walk through the door of the interview.

5| Reach out to someone at the company

If you want to be prepared for a potential interview, then you need to know about the company and also the workers there.

You can call the company and ask to speak with someone in the department to which you are applying or ask to speak with the supervisor about the position.

Be respectful of this individual’s time and ask if he/she has 5 minutes to answer a couple of quick questions about the position. If the person is busy, let him/her call you at a more convenient time because the last thing you want to do is be a nuisance.

Ask a few preselected questions that will help you understand more about the work environment, the position itself, and the supervisor. Remember, to write these ahead of time so you don’t waste time trying to think of them on the spot.

The point of this exercise is to get a little extra insight and to get your name in front of the individual early.

do you Need a

Resume refresh.

A comprehensive + uniquely individualized overhaul of your current resume, as well as the knowledge you need to replicate the process, resulting in an eye-catching document that secures the interview with your dream employer. 

Nailing Your Teacher Career Change Interview

6| know what you’re interviewing for.

This may seem ridiculous, but there are so many people who just saunter into interviews with no idea what they’re even interviewing for. My husband sees this all the time.

He is always astounded by how many individuals step into an interview completely clueless about the position. Ultimately, the interviewee is simply wasting everyone’s time.

This is a very frustrating situation…especially when an interview panel has a full day of interviews. Make sure you’ve spent time studying the position and dissecting the job requirements and duties so that you can answer the questions in an interview well.

Think about the specific skills you bring to the table that will allow you to be an asset to the company and how those skills set you up as the perfect candidate for the position.

7| Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses

In every interview, there is always the obligatory “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” question. While it may be phrased in a number of different ways, this is the moment for you to shine.

You want to spend time talking about what you have to offer the company that makes you the obvious choice of candidate. Then you want to be honest about your weaknesses in a way that does not make you look like a liability. Let me give you some examples.

Instead of saying this…

• I’m a terrible speller.
• I hate people.
• I’m OCD about organization.

Say this…

• I appreciate spell check as spelling isn’t my strong suit.
• I work best independently as I tend to be introverted by nature.
• I thrive in a tidy workspace . I’m not a fan of disorganization.

The point here is for you to admit your weaknesses, but in a way that doesn’t take you out of the running for this particular position.

8| Don’t assume anything

You cannot assume the interview panel knows anything you don’t say or that you haven’t told them during the meeting. You may have written something in your application or even in your resume, but you still need to mention it during the interview as needed. 

This is especially important if you happen to know someone on the interview board or you have worked at this particular company before. They are only able to write down things you say during the meeting and if you don’t say it, it might get overlooked elsewhere.

Also remember to avoid the word etcetera.

This is something people say when they’ve been asked a question that they aren’t fully prepared to answer. They will say “etcetera” to fill in the space of those things they can’t think of during the interview.

But remember, the interviewers don’t know what etcetera covers unless you clarify it. So just leave it out of the conversation completely.

9| Answer ALL of the questions

Another issue that my husband sees frequently in interviews is candidates not answering all of the questions. For example, the interviewer might ask you something like this…“Name some skills that you feel would be important to have to do this job effectively. Then tell us your strongest skill.”

Potential candidates answer with their strongest skill while completely ignoring the first part of the question. This isn’t an encouraging start for interviewers because they want an employee that actually listens.

So listen carefully to the questions asked and answer ALL of them as succinctly (and thoroughly) as possible.

Now what I just said might seem a bit like an oxymoron. How are you supposed to answer a question succinctly and thoroughly? Think of it like this…

You want to include as much information as needed to answer the question(s) completely without talking in circles and repeating yourself 53 times. You want to prove that you have a thoughtful answer while also being respectful of the interviewers’ time. 

10| Dress Appropriately

It doesn’t matter if you are applying for a non-profit, a grocery store, or a Fortune 500 company, you want to dress appropriately. Think about the old adage…Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have!!

Even if the place you’re interviewing at has “Casual Fridays” and you happen to be getting an interview on one of these days, you are not yet an employee and those rules don’t apply to you. So think about how a professional would dress and dress accordingly.

Men should wear a suit and tie or at the bare minimum a polo shirt and nice slacks. If you come in with wrinkled khakis and a shirt 2 sizes too small, you are not going to make a good impression.

Women should wear a nice pair of slacks or skirt with a MODEST dressy top or dress if you feel more comfortable. Leggings (unless under a dress), low cut or revealing tops, and bra straps make a terrible first impression.

Remember, you will be the face of this particular company to the world and they don’t want sloppily-dressed individuals representing their brand. And even the best teacher career change resume will not cover up the negative impression a poorly dressed applicant gives during the interview.

11| Don’t fidget

When we get nervous, we do annoying things without even realizing it. We tend to tap our pencils, shift in our seats, click our pens, or clear our throats because we literally don’t know what to do with ourselves. 

But this is super-distracting to the interviewers. That’s why practicing with someone prior to your actual interview can be really helpful.

You can simulate the interview environment (including paper, pen, or pencil on the table) to see if you have any fidget or annoying habit that will cause the interviewers to be distracted. After the simulation, the person can give you feedback on things you are doing well and things you need to work on before completing your interview.

12| Show interest

It is sad to even have to mention this, but another thing my husband has mentioned that amazes him is how little people seem to care about the job for which they are interviewing. There have been times he wanted to ask the interviewee if they actually even wanted the job.

To avoid this, be forthcoming with all of the information you have to share and don’t make the interview panel prod you for answers. This doesn’t make a good impression and since the goal is to land this job, you want to show interest.

If you don’t feel like you’ve had the opportunity to truly express why you want the job, at the end say something like…

• “I want this position because…”
• “I would like the opportunity to work here because…”

Then mention anything you gleaned during your conversation with the supervisor in your pre-interview phone conversation. This may be exactly what they’ve been waiting for someone to say!

13| Don’t be afraid to ask questions at the end

In many interviews, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions of the panel. Be sure to take advantage of the time and ask any clarifying questions.

You want to make sure you’ve already determined the types of questions you want to ask BEFORE you step into the interview though so you don’t forget them when you get nervous. You might even want to write them down and pull out your note at the end.

This will allow you to show the panel how serious you are about the position and also give you the opportunity to ask any questions that you would like answered related to work environment, their favorite things about working for the company, and how long they have been with the company.

Staying Front of Mind

14| send a thank you.

This is such an important part of the interview process. You want to thank the supervisor for the opportunity to interview for the position. This can be done “old school” style by sending a physical thank you note or card or it can be sent via email.

Make sure you are specific so that it doesn’t appear to simply be a canned response that you send to everyone. This is also one more way for your name to stay in front of the supervisor’s mind.

15| Ask for feedback

After you have sent your thank you email, you will find out whether or not you were chosen as the candidate for hire. If you did NOT get hired, don’t be afraid to reach out to the supervisor and see if he/she could give you a little insight into why you didn’t get the position.

This isn’t a power move; it’s simply a way for you to determine what you could have done better. But if you are going to go to the trouble of asking what you could have done better, be sure to listen carefully to feedback given to you.

Then take the time to turn that feedback into  better interviewing skills. And who knows? You may be able to use this insight to secure a different position with the company in the future.

These 15 tips are designed to help you create an amazing teacher career change resume and deliver an awe-inspiring interview that leaves the company begging for you to work for them.

You are an extremely enticing candidate, but it is your job to show these companies just how badly they need you on their team.

So take time to create a standout resume designed for the position to which you are applying, prepare for the interview, arrive at the interview dressed professionally and confident that you are the best candidate.

You can do this!

If you know you need some help designing a teacher career change resume and strategic interview coaching, I can help! As a coach, I love helping clients leave the classroom ready to begin their new career with confidence. Click the button below for your free 30 minute Zoom call.

Jennifer is a former elementary school teacher (M. Ed.) turned literacy interventionist, blogger, podcaster, TpT author, and homeschooling mom. When she's not with her husband & boys, she's sharing her love for Jesus, designing websites, helping other teachers pursue online businesses, organizing ALL THE THINGS, or watching New Girl. Read More >>

How to Craft an Effective Resume for a Teacher Career Change

Crafting an impressive teacher resume when changing careers so that you can land the job you really want.

A teacher resume for a career change will require emphasis on transferable skills. To write an effective resume for a teacher career change, begin with a summary that outlines your skills and areas of expertise. You can also mention your career objective in relation to the company’s goals and how you can uniquely contribute. In the work experience section, list previous roles, but only describe relevant achievements and tasks. In the education section, add formal qualifications. Lastly, include relevant skills in the skills section—if necessary, categorize them.

A teacher resume for a career change doubles down on transferable skills, not specific teaching subjects (unless relevant to the job description). 

Instead of focusing on lesson plans, highlight any technical and leadership skills that would be valuable in the new role you’re targeting. This could range from classroom management as project leadership to curriculum development as training expertise and student engagement as communication skills.  

As for technical skills, you can mention your proficiency in software tools and data analysis. These skills showcase your ability to lead and communicate, as well as organize information and use technology effectively. All of which are highly sought after qualities in many different fields.

The path you chose in the early years of your career doesn’t have to stick! You could lose interest in your current role or find something more fulfilling along the way.  

If you’re feeling discontented in your teaching career, you don’t have to keep pushing through. There are several career paths you can choose from by leveraging the transferable skills you’ve developed in your career so far. 

Today, we’ll guide you on crafting an impressive teacher resume when changing careers so that you can land the job you really want.

What Are Some Jobs For Former Teachers to Make a Career Change Into?

Here are some common teacher career changes that you could make:

• EdTech professional
• Instructional design
• Writer, author, or editor
• Corporate trainer

These are some new career paths available to former teachers based on desirable skills requirements. We’ll dive into a bit more detail below.

EdTech Professional

Turning to EdTech is the easiest career transition one could think of, as it allows you to continue impacting education but on a larger scale! Start from an entry-level role and fill the skill gaps by developing other relevant skills such as coding, design, product management, and data analysis. Course designing and content creation are some EdTech domains you could easily tap into as a former teacher.

5 key skills requirements:

• Strong communication 
• Problem-solving
• Web development 
• Knowledge of programming languages
• Data Analytics

See this example job listing for a Learning Experience Designer at Columbus State University. It’s a perfect opportunity for experienced university teachers with a passion for course creation.

Instructional Design

Instructional design is a division of EdTech that mainly focuses on creating effective learning experiences, including courses, manuals, learning simulations, and more. Your lesson planning and curriculum development skills will come in handy for this role. 

• Understanding of learning models
• Project management 
• Presentation technology knowledge
• Visual design and storyboarding
• Assessment development

See this example job listing for an Instructional Designer to direct adult learning in a workplace. If you’re looking to work in a corporate setting and have deep knowledge about workplace practices, this role could be perfect for you!

The love for reading and learning is second nature to most teachers, which is why a career as a librarian is a good next step for former teachers. They are skilled in creating and delivering course curriculums, which translates well to a librarian’s responsibility of curating collections and resources to meet the needs of diverse readers. 

• Organizational skills
• Community engagement
• Basic computer literacy
• Research skills
• Customer service

This example job listing for a Reference Librarian is ideal for someone who is great at research and has a knack for handling software related to library database management.

Writer/Author/Editor 

One of the most important skills a teacher possesses is the ability to articulate their thoughts and words effectively. If you’re great at this, you might want to consider writing or editing as your next career. You could try magazines, newspapers, websites, books, and any other publishing mediums that pay to write.

Additionally, you can tap into copywriting or advertising if consumer psychology and marketing excite you.

• Excellent writing ability
• Critical thinking
• Storytelling

See this example job listing for a copywriter, which is perfect for someone who excels at storytelling and editorial writing.

Assessing and evaluating a person’s skills are a daily part of teaching, and you can translate these skills into recruiting candidates for a company. All you need is an eye for good talent, and you’re gold.

• Interpersonal skills
• Negotiation skills
• Sales and persuasion

This example job listing is for Recruiters in the financial services space, perfect for former teachers with a commerce background.  

Corporate Trainer

How about teaching, but in a different setting and to a different audience? Offering training in a corporate environment allows you to experience a whole new world and expand your horizons. This role also allows for flexibility to set your own schedule—something that is a welcome reprieve from the rigid schedule of most educators.

• Presentation skills
• Technical literacy
• Analytical skills
• Cultural sensitivity

This example job listing for a Corporate Trainer is ideal for you if you love helping individuals perform better in their roles.

Teacher Career Change Resume Example

Your resume plays a critical role when switching from teaching to a more corporate role—it’s all about how you present your experiences and skills in a manner to make them attractive to any potential employer.  

Here’s one resume example that has the potential to get attention:

Why does this resume work?

• Using numbers and percentages to talk about results and transformations. This shows that the candidate is data-driven (which is perfect in the corporate realm) and the ability to drive results and productivity with their work. 
• Employers love resume keywords such as “goal-setting,” “planning,” “strategy,” and “feedback.” These show the applicant knows the industry skills required and helps form a positive first impression.
• The work history tells how the applicant has been more than just a teacher and has been involved in the development of their previous institution . This involves other relevant responsibilities such as leading a team of instructors, building partnerships with local schools, collaborating with faculties, designing training programs, and more.

How to Write a Resume When Transitioning from Teaching

Write a teacher resume for career change by highlighting transferable skills in the following sections: 

• Summary section. Mention your strengths and outline an objective that’s relevant to the job description and company’s goals. 
• Work experience section. Describe achievements and responsibilities using concrete action verbs. Specify the results using numbers. However, only prioritize details that are related to the job requirements. 
• Certifications section. List any relevant qualifications that prove your depth of knowledge in the field you’re applying for.
• Projects section. Showcase your success on a project you worked on that’s relevant to the job requirements. Anything where you have relevant experience can help you improve your chances of getting noticed. 
• Education section. Include formal academic achievements. 
• Skills section. List core competencies that are required and desirable for your target job position. When listing lots of different types of skills, categorize them for easier readability. 

Below, we’ll also go through a few tips when writing teacher resumes for a career change. 

1. Make the Most of Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are the experiences and qualities you develop in your teaching career that can also be applied to your new career. 

These skills not only include your hard skills (i.e., your expertise) but also include all soft skills (problem-solving, analytical skills, team-leading abilities, etc) you pick up along the journey. 

How to identify your transferable skills:

• Reflect on your teaching journey and note all your achievements, milestones, and the skills you demonstrated in those times.
• Review job descriptions of the roles you’re interested in and translate your skills per the specific job requirements. 
• Network with people from the industry you wish to join outside of teaching to learn about the potential roles you can apply to with your skills. 
• Consider all the training and courses you’ve done in your teaching career and use them to create a portfolio. You can create a mock project to showcase your skills in a real-world scenario. 

Suggested reading: Resume templates for various industries

2. Customize Your Resume for a New Field

One resume will not fit every job role. You must adapt the jargon, formats, and language specific to each field. Align your experiences and achievements with the requirements of your new field.

Here’s an example:

“Prepared and curated lesson plans for students.”

This line from a teacher’s resume becomes….

“Oversaw curriculum development to maximize learning for students while collaborating with team members and leadership.”

The updated version shows you’re a team player who likes taking end-to-end initiatives. 

3. Address Career Change Concerns

Transitioning from a teacher to a corporate role may raise objections and concerns from employers. 

Some of these concerns could be:

• Lack of experience in a corporate setting
• Being overqualified for entry-level roles
• Your ability to transfer and translate skills

You can address these concerns using the following strategies:

• Share instances from your teaching journey where you applied your transferable skills. For example,  instances where you led a team and contributed to the development of your past organization. Or where you navigated a change that increased students’ performance by a significant percentage. 
• Talk about the technical tools you’ve used in your past role and how they’ve helped you in the job.
• Prepare a solid answer to the question, “Why should we hire you.” Use your skills like adaptability, team player, problem-solving, critical thinking, etc, to lead the argument.
• Mention any courses, certifications, workshops, or additional education you have pursued or are pursuing to enhance your skills for the corporate role.

4. Showcase Accomplishments and Impact

Numbers speak louder than words, and quantifying your achievements emphasizes their impact. For starters, it shows the employer you really care about achieving results rather than just getting the work done. Secondly, it makes you look more credible and encourages the employer to trust you.

Here’s how to write a resume that highlights quantitative achievements:

• Avoid vague statements and be highly specific—always specify who you helped, how you helped, and the results you produced. 
• Highlight metrics relevant to the job you’re applying for, not just your old job.
• It doesn’t always have to be a percentage—you can include the number of people impacted or a range of data in case you don’t have the precise figures. 

Here are two examples of showcasing impact: 

• Led and managed a student mentorship program for senior students and helped 15+ students achieve scholarships to attend prestigious universities in Germany in 2022.
• Aligned with key stakeholders to manage additional events in the organization to drive student engagement and learning. Raised $20,000 from trustees for this cause. 

5. Include Professional Development and Upskilling

It’s good practice to focus on training and upskilling when transitioning to a different career. It helps you close the skill gaps between your old and new role and make you more qualified for corporate. 

Here are some places you can search for courses and certifications:

• Udemy: You get a huge library of courses for every field imaginable, at affordable prices.
• LinkedIn Learning: This comes with your LinkedIn premium subscription. Showcase the course certification as you finish; it’ll act as a huge employer magnet on your profile!
• Look for courses and certifications available in your local area. 

Don’t forget to highlight ongoing learning and upskilling on the resume. It shows the recruiter how invested you are in adapting to a new career path and the effort you put into making it happen.

Here’s an example of how to highlight it on your resume:

Currently pursuing a certification course, “Email Marketing Fundamentals”, on Udemy after finishing “Digital Marketing 101”, and “Basics of Branding” successfully. 

Let’s recap on how to write a teacher resume for a career change: 

• Provide an overview of your professional background and strengths. Include an objective statement that clarifies how you intend to uniquely contribute to the company you’re applying for.
• Use action verbs when writing bullet points to describe previous roles. Prioritize relevant achievements and responsibilities. Use numbers to emphasize your impact. 
• Consider including an additional section, such as certifications and projects. These should be relevant to the job responsibilities and help position you as a strong match for the position. 
• Tailor your skills section by including core competencies that show you’re capable of carrying out the main job duties. If necessary, categorize the skills listed. 

Transitioning from teaching into a new role can be a smooth ride if you know where to look and how to apply and position yourself. Your resume is your entry ticket into another role—make sure you create an excellent first impression!

Tailor your resume for the field you’re applying to and show off your transferable skills. Remain calm during the job hunting process and continue upskilling for new roles to complement your existing skills and experience.  

And if you want to fast-track the resume writing process and increase your chances of landing your dream job, consider giving the Rezi resume builder a try!

How do I write a resume for a career change from teaching?

Identify your transferable skills that fit the requirements for the role you’re applying to and follow these resume tips .

What do you put on a resume when leaving teaching?

Mention all your relevant experiences from your teaching background in your resume and tailor these experiences to the new role. 

How do I switch to a career in teaching?

Get clarity about who you want to teach and what should be your subject, and apply for all the necessary certifications to complete the process. 

Kels Styles

Kels is a career writer and editor with a background in entertainment, advertising, and startups. Kels aims to provide, reinforce, and organize authentic, digestible content that helps you take the next step in your career. 

Ready to build your resume?

Join over 3 million people who use Rezi to take control of their job search.

Done-for-You Resume + Join Me Live on Oct 29th, 2024

CHANGING EDUCATORS

A resume is a document that summarizes your education, experience, skills, and achievements, and is used to apply for jobs and internships. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind when creating a resume:

Keep it concise: Aim for a one-page resume, unless you have a lot of relevant experience or are applying for a more senior role.

Use clear and easy-to-read formatting: Use headings, bullet points, and white space to make your resume easy to scan and understand.

Tailor your resume to the job: Use keywords and language from the job posting to highlight your relevant skills and experience.

Include accomplishments and results: Rather than just listing your responsibilities, focus on the specific achievements and results you've achieved in your previous roles.

Proofread: Make sure your resume is free of spelling and grammar errors, as these can make a poor impression on potential employers.

Use an unprofessional email address: Avoid using email addresses like " [email protected] " and use a more professional email address instead.

Include irrelevant information: Don't include information that is not directly related to the job or that doesn't highlight your skills and experience.

Use cliches or buzzwords: Avoid using overused or vague phrases like "team player" or "results-driven" that don't add value to your resume.

Use a generic template: Avoid using a generic template that doesn't showcase your unique skills and experience.

By following these dos and don'ts, you can create a strong and effective resume that helps you stand out to potential employers.

TEACHER RESUME VS. TRAINING SPECIALIST RESUME

Let's take a look at the following training resume and see which of these would be appropriate to add in your resume as a transitioning educator:

TEACHER RESUME

Objective: To secure a position as a [Elementary/Middle/High] School Teacher at a dynamic and innovative school where I can inspire and challenge students to reach their full potential.

[Degree] in [Field] from [University], [Year]

[Certification] in [Subject Area]

Experience:

[School], [Location] | [Date] - Present

Taught [Grade Level] and developed lesson plans that aligned with state and district standards

Implemented a variety of teaching methods to engage and challenge students

Assessed student progress and provided feedback to students, parents, and school administration

Collaborated with colleagues to plan and implement school-wide events and initiatives

Student Teacher

[School], [Location] | [Date] - [Date]

Observed and assisted in a [Grade Level] classroom

Created and taught lesson plans under the supervision of a mentor teacher

Participated in professional development opportunities and meetings with school staff

Strong classroom management skills

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Proficient in using technology in the classroom

Ability to differentiate instruction for diverse learners

References: Available upon request

RESUME FOR TRAINING SPECIALIST POSITIONS

[Certification or additional degree, if applicable]

Training Specialist

[Company], [Location] | [Date] - Present

Developed and implemented a variety of training programs for employees at all levels, including new hire orientation, customer service skills, and leadership development

Conducted needs assessments to identify training gaps and developed customized training solutions to address those gaps

Delivered training sessions using a variety of methods, including in-person, online, and blended learning

Evaluated the effectiveness of training programs and made recommendations for improvement

Training Coordinator:

[Company], [Location] | [Date] - [Date]

Assisted in the development and delivery of training programs for employees

Coordinated logistics for training sessions, including scheduling, materials preparation, and venue setup

Assisted in the development of training materials, including handouts, presentations, and online resources

Maintained accurate records of training activities and participant feedback

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Proficient in learning management systems and other technology tools

Strong project management and organizational skills

Ability to design and deliver engaging and interactive training sessions

WHAT SIMILARITIES DO YOU NOTICE BETWEEN TEACHING WORK AND THAT OF A TRAINING SPECIALIST?

How to Update Your Resume for Teacher Changing Career - Learn and Make One Yourself 

Do you know how to update your resume for a teacher changing career? 

Following some simple steps like finding a suitable profession, translating the skills, and using the objectives, you can get into a non-teaching job quickly! 

Feature Image - How to Update Your Resume for Teacher Changing Career 

When teachers want to change their profession to another job, it is essential to update their resume. This will help you to highlight those skills and demonstrate to employers that you have the transferable abilities they are looking for. When updating your resume for teacher changing career jobs, it is essential to ensure that you present your most relevant skills and experience in an organized, professional manner. You also must remember that when looking at your resume, the keywords change when moving from the educational to the non-educational setting. 

Table of Content 

Why Update Resume for Changing Career from Teaching to Other Jobs? Alternative Careers for Teachers How to Update Your Resume for Teacher Changing Career 

Step 1 - Find the Suitable Profession 

Step 2 - Identify and Translate Your Skills on Your Resume 

Step 3 - Write a Teacher Changing Careers Resume Summary 

Step 4 - Use the Objectives for That Profession 

Step 5 - Change the Skills and Experience Fields with the Relevant Ones 

Step 6 - Change the Keywords in Your Resume 

Changing careers from teaching to other professions can be a daunting and intimidating prospect. However, updating your resume is essential for making the transition successful 

Figure 1 - Why Update Resume for Changing Career from Teaching to Other Jobs? 

Here are some reasons why you need to update your resume to change your career from teaching to other jobs:

● Your resume is your key to networking, getting interviews, and eventually securing a new job. So, you need to update your current resume to apply for other jobs. 

● It is essential to tailor your resume to showcase the skills you have acquired from your teaching experience. For a new workplace, they will be advantageous. 

● Skills and knowledge you honed from your teaching career can be an excellent asset for your next job. So, updating them in the resume can help you get your job without hassle. 

● You will be able to demonstrate to potential employers that you are committed to your new career path and that you take the time to keep your resume current. 

Alternative Careers for Teachers 

If you are in this section, you are looking for a possible career other than teaching. And you are in the right place. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, those with teaching experience are in growing demand. From the corporate sector to government agencies, many career opportunities extend beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. Here are a few alternative careers for teachers to consider - 

1. Human Resources Manager - Teachers have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. This makes them well-suited for human resources, recruiting, and training roles. The average salary of a human resources manager is around $113,000 per year, adding base and additional pay. 

2. Management Consultant - Those with teaching experience are well-equipped to serve as management consultants. With their background in instruction and guidance, teachers can help guide organizations as organizational instructors. 

3. Corporate Trainer - A teacher is the best communicator of all. People listen to a person who can adequately teach lessons. It will be engaging and appropriate for your audience. 

Hence, a teacher can have a career option as a corporate trainer as a great alternative. 

4. Curriculum Representative - Curriculum representative can be a great alternative career option for those seeking to make a difference in the education sector. With the need for innovative approaches to teaching and learning ever-increasing, curriculum representatives play a crucial role in driving positive changes. This can involve helping to develop and implement curriculum, as well as providing support and advice to teachers and other education professionals. 

5. Life Coach - Life coaching can be a great alternative to teaching in many ways. Life coaching focuses on helping individuals reach their personal and professional goals by developing their strengths and utilizing their available resources. Life coaching does not involve a curriculum or lesson plans but provides a supportive and encouraging environment for clients to reach their goals. This can be a great alternative to teaching for individuals looking for a different professional experience or having a passion for helping others achieve their goals. 

Here is a histogram where you can find the suitable profession with fair salary (yearly). 

Figure 2 - Survey Result of Different Alternative Teaching Career Jobs 

Figure 3 - Survey Result of Different Alternative Teaching Career Jobs 

There are many more options you can choose from. 

You can check different reputed companies online and apply in their career any job that you may like or have experience in. 

How to Update Your Resume for Teacher Changing Career 

Before applying for a non-teaching institution, updating your resume should be the priority. Do you know why a reputed company's hiring manager does not open most transitioning outlines? The reason behind this is they need to follow the proper formatting method. Here are some steps to update your resume effectively - 

1. Find the Suitable Profession 

2. Identify and Translate Your Skills on Your Resume 

3. Use the Objectives for That Profession 

4. Change the Experience Fields with the Relevant Ones 

5. Change the Keywords in Your Resume 

It is vital to carefully consider the type of role that best suits your skills and experience. Research the different roles available and take the time to explore the areas of non-teaching you are interested in. 

You can find other alternative career options besides the teaching section above. Try to search for the one that can help you to thrive 

Figure 3 - Looking for The Most Suitable Non-Teaching Job Is Essential 

When transitioning from a teaching job to a non-teaching job, it is essential to identify and translate your skills to ensure your resume is relevant for the new position. As a teacher, you have likely developed various skills that can be transferred to other industries and roles. You should be able to showcase these skills on your resume in a way that is clear and easy to understand. Start by making a list of all the skills you have developed over the course of your teaching career. Transferable skills include communication, organizational skills problem-solving, and data analysis. 

Once you have identified these skills, think about how you can best articulate them on your resume. The transferable teaching skills you can put into the resume are -

● Management skills

● Instruction and presentation skill

● Problem-solving skills 

● Good communication skills

● Multitasking skills

● Time management

 ● Collaboration

 ● Adaptability

Step 3 - Write a Teacher Changing Careers Resume Summary Writing 

A teacher changing careers resume summary can be an invaluable tool for those transitioning from teaching to a non-teaching job. It’s essential to demonstrate to potential employers that you have the transferable skills and experience necessary to be successful in a new field. A resume summary highlights your skills and qualifications transferable to a non-teaching role. It can also emphasize any achievements you have made as a teacher that could be relevant to the new job. This can be a great way of showing potential employers that you are a valuable asset and can hit the ground running in a non-teaching role. 

Step 4 - Use Your Objectives to Show the Passion for That Profession

When pursuing a non-teaching profession, you must showcase your passion through your objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and a drive to succeed can be a great way to get noticed by potential employers. When writing your objectives, include specific goals and milestones that show your commitment to the field. Be sure to focus on the long-term goals you want to achieve and how you plan to get there 

Additionally, don’t forget to emphasize your strengths and the advantages you bring to the profession. Showcase your ambition and your dedication to the profession, and you will be sure to make an impression on the hiring team.

Step 5 - Change the Experience Fields with the Relevant Ones

You can provide the experiences of teaching fields in your resume, but the affairs of the professional field you are looking for are also vital to attach. So, make sure you change the experience field and add more experiences attached to the job you are looking for. Although you may not have professional experience in that field, you can partake in it with your educational skills. Add those experiences to the resume. 

Step 6 - Change the Keywords in Your Resume

When the interviewer interviews people who applied for the job, they look for relevant keywords. What will happen if he finds keywords of the teaching profession in the resume when they are taking interviews for a corporate job? Start by researching the job position you are applying for and examining the job posting closely. Look for terms and phrases that are used throughout the job posting and make a list of keywords that are relevant to the position. Include job titles and industry-specific terms the employer will likely use when searching for potential candidates. Then, rewrite the job description in your resume to include the keywords you have identified. Is It a Right Option to Change from a Teaching Profession to a Non-teaching Profession? When considering a career change, it is essential to understand the potential outcomes, pros, and cons associated with the transition. Moving from a teaching profession to a non-teaching profession is no different. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether this is the best choice for you. Ultimately, you will need to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks to determine if a switch is right for you 

Many teachers want to change their career to their manner, but can not change it eventually because of the Imposter Syndrome. For this reason, they often overlook their gains to the table in many careers. Some pros of making a career transition from teaching to another profession include the opportunity to explore new interests and challenge yourself in different ways. Additionally, depending on your chosen career, it can offer more stability, higher pay, or better working hours. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What Is a Good Second Career after Teaching? 

HR positions can be an excellent second career for individuals in a teaching position. They have all the capabilities to assist, take duties, analysis, evaluation, etc., which are some essential skills an ideal HR should have. Teachers with a bachelor’s degree in human resources can get this position job quickly.

2. Why Do So Many Teachers Quit Teaching?

Research shows that many teachers leave the field searching for other opportunities. This can be attributed to various factors, including low wages, lack of resources, excessive workloads, and inadequate support from school administrators. As a result, teachers may feel overwhelmed and undervalued, leading to decreased job satisfaction and motivation. Additionally, teacher burnout is a real threat, with many teachers feeling exhausted, disheartened, and unable to continue in their roles. 

Is It a Right Option to Change from a Teaching Profession to a Non-teaching Profession? 

Why Update Resume for Changing Career from Teaching to Other Jobs? 

Final Thoughts 

If you update your resume for a teacher changing career, you may benefit from getting into the dream job you are looking for. Start by researching the new industry and its terminology today, and update your resume so that you can get that job.

Finally, include any new certifications or credentials you have earned to enhance your qualifications. By following these tips, your resume will be effective in helping you make the transition to a new career.

Next Lesson 8: Cover letter for non-teaching related jobs

Back: Lesson 6 - Applying for remote non-teaching jobs on Indeed.com and other websites

• • Developed innovative sales strategies, driving a 25% increase in regional sales revenue within the first year.
• • Led a team of 10 sales professionals, generating over $3M in software solution contracts with school districts.
• • Initiated and maintained strategic partnerships resulting in a 40% increase in client retention rates.
• • Successfully navigated complex sales cycles, shortening the average deal closure time by 15%
• • Deployed CRM tools like Salesforce to enhance prospecting efforts, achieving an 80% lead conversion rate.
• • Implemented data-driven approaches to tailor pitches, which resonated with unique client needs, elevating customer satisfaction scores by 30%.
• • Achieved top-performer status in Q2 and Q3, reaching 150% of the quarterly sales target.
• • Facilitated over 200 product demonstrations for prospective clients, significantly contributing to a robust sales pipeline.
• • Coordinated with marketing teams to create compelling content for campaigns, increasing lead generation by 55%.
• • Acted as a liaison between product development teams and customers, providing feedback that guided three major product updates.
• • Customized client solutions, enhancing customer satisfaction and securing repeat business.
• • Managed a portfolio of 100+ customer accounts, consistently achieving a monthly retention rate above 95%.
• • Collaborated with sales and technical teams to resolve issues, reducing average resolution time by 20%.
• • Delivered comprehensive training sessions on product features to clients, ensuring optimal product utilization.
• • Gathered customer feedback through surveys, streamlining product improvements and enhancing user experience.

10 Transitioning Teacher Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

The role of a transitioning teacher involves guiding students through educational changes and fostering their academic growth. Highlight your experience in curriculum development, classroom management, and student assessment on your resume. Consider adding communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities to demonstrate your effectiveness in the classroom. Mention successful initiatives that led to improved student engagement and any relevant certifications that enhance your professional credibility.

All resume examples in this guide

Single Column

Resume Guide

Resume Format Tips

Resume Experience

Skills on Resume

Education & Certifications

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

As a transitioning teacher, articulating your extensive classroom management skills in a way that resonates within a corporate environment can be particularly challenging. Our guide provides tailored strategies to help you translate your educational expertise into corporate lingo, ensuring your resume appeals to a broad spectrum of employers.

• Apply best practices from professional resumes to spotlight your application;
• Quantify your professional experience with achievements, career highlights, projects, and more;
• Write an eye-catching transitioning teacher resume top one-third with your header, summary/objective, and skills section;
• Fill in the gaps of your experience with extracurricular, education, and more vital resume sections.

We've selected, especially for you, some of our most relevant transitioning teacher resume guides. Getting you from thinking about your next career move to landing your dream job.

• Tutor Resume Example
• Child Care Teacher Resume Example
• Piano Teacher Resume Example
• Distance Learning Teacher Resume Example
• Technology Teacher Resume Example
• Professor Resume Example
• Science Teacher Resume Example
• After School Teacher Resume Example
• Creative Art Teacher Resume Example
• Middle School Teacher Resume Example

Optimize your transitioning teacher resume format to pass the recruiters' assessment

What recruiters are looking for is systematised content that is clear and coherent. Thus, your transitioning teacher resume needs to answer requirements and why you're the best candidate for the role from the get-go.

• Sorting your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your most recent and relevant roles. This is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals;
• Writing your contact information (e.g. personal phone number and email address ) and your portfolio or LinkedIn link in your transitioning teacher resume header. If you're wondering to include a photo or not, always make sure that it's appropriate for the country you're applying in;
• Use the basic, most important transitioning teacher resume sections - your experience, education, summary, etc. Use your resume's real estate wisely to tell a compelling, professional story and match job description's keywords;
• Don't go overboard with the length of your resume. One page is absolutely fine if you happen to have under a decade of relevant experience.

Are you still wondering if you should submit your transitioning teacher resume in PDF or Word format ? The PDF has a few more advantages, as it doesn't change the format and the text can't be altered upon application.

Format matters most when your transitioning teacher resume is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS).

The ATS parses resumes, looking for specific keywords, skills or experience that match the job description.

P.S. We recently did a study on how the ATS works and were able to demystify three of the biggest misconceptions about how it assesses candidate resumes.

To pass the ATS evaluation, select any of the serif or sans-serif fonts. Popular choices that would help your transitioning teacher resume stand out include Raleway, Exo 2, Montserrat, etc.

Most traditionalists go for Arial or Times New Roman, but it's often the case that many candidates choose these fonts, and you'd thus lose points on the uniqueness front.

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Always remember that your transitioning teacher certifications can be quantified across different resume sections, like your experience, summary, or objective. For example, you could include concise details within the expertise bullets of how the specific certificate has improved your on-the-job performance.

The six in-demand sections for your transitioning teacher resume:

• Top one-third should be filled with a header, listing your contact details, and with a summary or objective, briefly highlighting your professional accolades
• Experience section, detailing how particular jobs have helped your professional growth
• Notable achievements that tie in your hard or soft skills with tangible outcomes
• Popular industry certificates to further highlight your technical knowledge or people capabilities
• Education to showcase your academic background in the field

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Demonstrated ability to design and implement lesson plans that accommodate different learning styles and achieve curriculum objectives.
• Experience in classroom management and student engagement techniques to maintain a positive learning environment.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex concepts and collaborate with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Proven track record of using assessment and feedback to guide student learning and measure progress towards learning goals.
• Flexibility and adaptability in using a variety of pedagogical approaches and technology tools to enhance the educational experience.

Adding your relevant experience to your transitioning teacher resume

If you're looking for a way to show recruiters that your expertise is credible, look no further than the resume experience section.

Your transitioning teacher resume experience can be best curated in a structured, bulleted list detailing the particulars of your career:

• Always integrate metrics of success - what did you actually achieve in the role?
• Scan the transitioning teacher advert for your dream role in search of keywords in the job requirements - feature those all through your past/current experience;
• Dedicate a bullet (or two) to spotlight your technical capabilities and how you're able to use the particular software/technology in your day-to-day roles;
• Write simple by including your responsibility, a job advert keyword or skill, and a tangible outcome of your success;
• Use the experience section to also define the unique value of working with you in the form of soft skills, relevant feedback, and the company culture you best thrive in.

Industry leaders always ensure that their resume experience section offers an enticing glimpse at their expertise, while telling a career narrative. Explore these sample transitioning teacher resumes on how to best create your resume experience section.

• Developed and implemented an interdisciplinary curriculum, boosting student engagement by 30% through the integration of technology and real-world applications.
• Led professional development workshops for a team of 20 teachers focusing on innovative teaching strategies, which increased department-wide student performance metrics by 25%.
• Spearheaded a literacy improvement project that helped narrow the reading gap for underperforming students, improving average reading levels by nearly two grades.
• Orchestrated a STEM program for grades 6-8 that resulted in 85% of participants successfully completing advanced mathematics courses.
• Integrated assistive technology in the classroom to support students with special needs, leading to a 40% increase in individual student performance.
• Collaborated with local businesses to provide real-world problem-solving experiences, raising student achievement scores by 20%.
• Championed a district-wide initiative to integrate digital learning tools, which was adopted by 15 schools and enhanced the learning experience for over 10,000 students.
• Secured a $50,000 education grant to fund a technology-enriched curriculum, resulting in signficiant improvements in statewide test scores for our students.
• Piloted a coding and robotics after-school program that led 95% of participants to pursue technology-related electives the following year.
• Coordinated a student exchange programme with international partners, enhancing cultural awareness and language skills for over 200 students.
• Implemented project-based learning initiatives that increased student mastery of complex concepts by 35%, as evidenced by project assessments and standardized testing.
• Authored a grant that secured $30,000 in funds for new classroom technologies, directly improving the learning environment for 500+ students.
• Created and executed a groundbreaking interdisciplinary project that linked mathematics with social studies, helping students enhance their analytical skills and historical understanding.
• Drove student participation in national math contests, with 10 students placing in the top 100 rankings, demonstrating excellence in problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Mentored and advised the school's robotics club, leading to a first-place victory in the state robotics competition, reflecting the effectiveness of applied learning strategies.
• Established a community partnership program, bringing in local leaders to create a mentorship network that improved student aspirations and career readiness.
• Initiated a technology integration plan which saw a 50% increase in the use of educational software tools, diversifying instruction and catering to varied learning styles.
• Organized school-wide science fairs, resulting in a 60% increase in student-led research projects and a heightened interest in scientific inquiry and innovation.
• Headed a bilingual education program that improved English proficiency levels for 90% of participants, enabling better integration and academic success in mainstream classes.
• Launched a peer tutoring and mentoring initiative that supported over 300 students, promoting a culture of academic collaboration and student leadership.
• Evaluated and revamped the social studies curriculum to incorporate multicultural perspectives, leading to more inclusive classroom discussions and an increased sense of community.
• Curated a school garden program tied to science education, teaching about ecology and sustainability, which enhanced student awareness and interest in environmental science.
• Facilitated the adoption of a flipped classroom model, increasing student homework completion rates by roughly 40% and allowing for more interactive and personalized classroom instruction.
• Developed partnerships with local technology companies to provide students with hands-on experiences, inspiring 25% of graduating students to choose tech-focused college majors.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Include the number of students you have taught or managed to demonstrate your ability to handle large groups and individualize attention.
• List any improvements in test scores or grades under your tutelage to show measurable success.
• Specify the percentage of students who achieved proficiency or advanced levels on standardized tests to highlight achievement benchmarks.
• Mention the number of educational projects or curricula you have developed to exhibit your initiative and planning skills.
• Quantify the amount of budget you managed for school events or programs to demonstrate financial responsibility.
• State the number of teacher workshops or professional development sessions you've conducted to show leadership and expert knowledge.
• Detail the number of educational conferences or seminars attended to underscore a commitment to ongoing learning and networking.
• Present a count of any extracurricular activities or clubs you have supervised to illustrate additional responsibility and engagement with students.

Action verbs for your transitioning teacher resume

Lacking relevant transitioning teacher resume experience?

Learn how to write your transitioning teacher resume experience in spite of having no real-world (or applicable) experience for the job.

You should:

• Feature relevant projects or publications that could impress recruiters or showcase that you have the basic skill set for the job
• Shift the focus towards your people (communication, organization, etc.) skills to demonstrate that you're a quick learner and can easily adapt to a new environment
• Use the resume objective to not only highlight your accomplishments but also map out how your career plans are perfectly aligned with the company's vision
• Select either the functional-skill-based resume format (that puts the focus on your skills) or the hybrid one (balancing expertise with skills).

Recommended reads:

• How to List Expected Graduation Date on Your Resume
• Perfecting the Education Section on Your Resume

List all your relevant higher education degrees within your resume in reverse chronological order (starting with the latest). There are cases when your PhD in a particular field could help you stand apart from other candidates.

Defining your unique transitioning teacher skill set with hard skills and soft skills

In any job advertisement, a blend of specific technologies and interpersonal communication skills is typically sought after. Hard skills represent your technical expertise and indicate your job performance capacity. Soft skills, on the other hand, demonstrate how well you would integrate within the company culture.

Incorporating a balanced mix of both skill types in your transitioning teacher resume is crucial. Here's how you can do it:

• In your resume summary or objective, incorporate up to three hard and/or soft skills. Make sure to quantify these skills with relevant or impressive achievements;
• The skills section should list your technical know-how.
• The strengths section is an ideal place to quantify your competencies by focusing on the achievements facilitated by these skills.

Top skills for your transitioning teacher resume:

Classroom Management Software

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Curriculum Development Tools

Assessment and Evaluation Tools

Educational Technology Integration

Data Analysis Software

Online Collaboration Tools

Interactive Whiteboards

Virtual Learning Environments

Content Creation Software

Communication

Adaptability

Problem-Solving

Conflict Resolution

Time Management

Showcase any ongoing or recent educational efforts to stay updated in your field.

The basics of your transitioning teacher resume certifications and education sections

Improve the education and certification sections of your transitioning teacher resume by:

• Dedicating more prominent space to certificates that are more recent and have helped you update your skill set
• Keeping all the information you list to the basics: certificate/degree name, institution, and graduation dates
• Writing supplementary information in the details of your certification or education section, only if you lack experience or want to show further skill alignment
• Including your credential or license number, only if the information is valid to your application or certification

Within transitioning teacher job adverts, relevant education, and certification are always listed within the key prerequisite for the role.

Ensure you meet all job requirements with some of the leading certificates in the industry:

The top 5 certifications for your transitioning teacher resume:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management Institute (PMI)
• Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) - Association for Talent Development (ATD)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - (ISC)²
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) - HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) - Scrum Alliance

If you failed to obtain one of the certificates, as listed in the requirements, but decide to include it on your resume, make sure to include a note somewhere that you have the "relevant training, but are planning to re-take the exams". Support this statement with the actual date you're planning to be re-examined. Always be honest on your resume.

• When Should You Include Your High School on Your Resume?

Deciding between a resume summary or objective for your transitioning teacher role

Understanding the distinction between a resume summary and an objective is crucial for your transitioning teacher resume.

A resume summary, typically three to five sentences long, offers a concise overview of your career . This is the place to showcase your most pertinent experience, key accomplishments, and skills. It's particularly well-suited for those with professional experience relevant to the job requirements.

In contrast, a resume objective focuses on how you can add value to potential employers. It addresses why they should hire you and outlines your career expectations and learning goals. Therefore, it's ideal for candidates with less experience.

In the following section of our guide, explore how resume summaries and objectives differ through some exemplary industry-specific examples.

Resume summaries for a transitioning teacher job

• With over a decade of experience in secondary education and a proven track record of enhancing student performance through innovative curriculum development, this seasoned Biology teacher is seeking new challenges in a dynamic school district. Accomplishments include raising state test scores by 20% and leading a science department restructure for efficiency.
• Dedicated English educator with 15 years of experience fostering a love for literature among high school students. Recognized for integrating technology into classroom instruction to improve engagement and learning outcomes, culminating in a 25% increase in students' standardized reading scores within two academic years.
• Ambitious financial analyst with 8 years of experience at a Fortune 500 company, eager to pivot into the educational sector. Brings a strong proficiency in data analysis and quantitative reasoning, which will be leveraged to teach mathematics and financial literacy, inspiring practical and impactful learning.
• Former healthcare professional with 5 years of experience in patient education and advocacy, aiming to translate this background into a health science teaching career. Expertise in public health initiatives and health technology will drive the development of a forward-thinking health education curriculum.
• Seeking to draw upon a rich history as a community organizer and volunteer in diverse educational settings. While new to formal classroom teaching, enthusiasm for educational equity and a robust foundation in pedagogical methods will be dedicated to achieving excellence in elementary education.
• As a recent graduate with a Master's in Education and a passion for innovative educational approaches, committed to fostering a positive learning environment for students of all backgrounds. With fresh pedagogical knowledge and a drive for continuous improvement, determined to contribute meaningfully to curriculum design and student success.

Extra transitioning teacher resume sections and elements

Creating a winning transitioning teacher resume isn't about following a rigid formula. The key is to tailor it to the job requirements while maintaining your unique personality.

Consider including these additional resume sections to enhance your profile:

• Awards - Highlight industry-specific awards as well as any personal accolades to demonstrate recognition of your expertise and achievements;
• Hobbies and interests - Share your interests outside of work. This can provide insights into your personality and indicate whether you'd be a good cultural fit for the organization;
• Projects - Detail significant projects you've been involved in, focusing on your contributions and the outcomes;
• Publications - If you've authored or co-authored academic papers or other publications, include them to establish your credibility and in-depth knowledge of the field.

These sections can give a more comprehensive view of your capabilities and character, complementing the standard resume content.

Key takeaways

Writing your transitioning teacher resume can be a structured and simple experience, once you better understand the organization's requirements for the role you're applying to. To sum up, we'd like to remind you to:

• Always select which experiences, skills, and achievements to feature on your resume based on relevancy to the role;
• In your resume summary, ensure you've cherry-picked your top achievements and matched them with the job ad's skills;
• Submit your transitioning teacher resume as a one or two-page long document at the most, in a PDF format;
• Select industry leading certifications and list your higher education to highlight you have the basis for technical know-how;
• Quantify your people's skills through various resume sections (e.g. Strengths, Hobbies and interests, etc.) to show recruiters how your profile aligns with the organizational culture.

Looking to build your own Transitioning Teacher resume?

• Resume Examples

Quitting Your Job Without Another One Lined Up: Pros and Cons

Portfolio on resume, 129+ resume objective examples and how-to guide for 2024, how to write a goodbye message to colleagues on your last working day (+15 examples), microsoft word resume templates, what i learned from creating donald trump's resume.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Templates
• Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• AI Resume Review
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• [email protected]
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

Made with love by people who care.

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Be a member for as little as $20 a month.

In the spirit of transparency and equitable access to news focused on education, our website is free, and we will not use a paywall. So, we rely on donations to fund our work. Donate here .

The Educators Room

Empowering Teachers as the Experts

Revamping Your Resume for a Career Change

Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click  here  and support independent journalism!

Almost three years ago, I wrote an article entitled, “ Jobs For Teachers Who Leave the Profession ” about the various jobs teachers could do outside of being in the classroom. After being shared over 1,000,000 times, I figured we should do an update about HOW teachers can transition into jobs that seem unattainable for a teacher.

Over the years, we’ve had numerous comments from readers like Mark who said

“I have found that many businesses don’t hire former teachers because they assume teaching is an easy job and that teachers have no “real” transferable skills. It is unfortunate that assumptions are the roadblocks to entering a different field”

Or from Lizette from Facebook who said,

“…I have applied to everything possible in the last 5 years to leave teaching. I have not had one single phone call or interview…”

The job market is extremely fickle, but after three promotions, I’ve discovered that there are ways for teachers to transition into other careers if they don’t approach it like they are getting their first teaching job. What do I mean? Be confident and know that you have the skills needed to be successful- teachers are basically project managers who work in customer service on a daily basis. So what’s next?

The first step of changing a career is to take a good look at a career you would like to transition to- for the purpose of this article, we will use the Corporate Trainer job listed below.

The first step would be to then go through each job description detail and see if you can align it (using the same keywords) to what you already do in your current job. For example, the first job duty is to “ manage the design, delivery and continuous improvement of the New Hire Training programs as well as on-going learning opportunities…”

Does that sound familiar to what you do in your school? If not, think about your work with new teachers and how you come up with programs to help acclimate them to the building.  The next step would be to figure out how to use the same keywords to convey your teaching experience. (Note: For the first job description, the keywords would be manage, delivery, learning opportunities, and organization.) Then brainstorm the times that you’ve trained and worked with new or in-service teachers. Write down everything you did with those teachers to do on the job training, and then put it in terms that will remain truthful to your work, but will also use the same keywords.

Here’s an example. “ Manage the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of the New Teacher program and Liberty Middle School as well as teaching opportunities that support the school organization’s needs…”  You would need to align the job duties of the job you want to the current job you have. This will take time, but when you finish make sure to save the file as CorporateTrainer_Yourname.PDF so that you can use it time and time again.

After you’ve formulated your resume with the correct keywords, it’s critical for you format your resume so that it looks like you are the person for the job. For this step, I scoured the internet for hours and found several templates that worked well for me.

One of the examples that I liked was that it was clear that I was not looking for entry-level work and I had space for me to “brag” on career highlights and to summarize my professional life.

Another way to go is go “trendy” but this should be done with careful consideration to the job you are applying to. It’s tempting to go to a graphic organizer to create one of these resumes, however, use free programs like Canva  to create these resumes for free.

As you start to format your resume for careers outside the classroom, keep in mind these tips and/or hacks:

• Have a designated day and time to search for jobs that you may be interested in applying to.
• You should customize your resume for each job you apply to.
• Save all your resumes as PDFs and keep them in Dropbox or Google Drive so that you can quickly access them.
• Have a cover letter available so that you can quickly change them as you need.
• Use LinkedIn to create a profile so that you can become searchable online for your job skills.
• Utilize your school district’s resources to see if they have any certification classes (i.e. Project Management) you can take for little to no charge.

To sign up for our 4-week course entitled, “ How to Leave Your Job in Education: A Guide for Teachers to Get Out of the Classroom “, click here.  

Related posts:

Franchesca Warren

For fifteen years Franchesca taught English/Language Arts in two urban districts in Atlanta, Georgia,... More by Franchesca Warren

Join the Conversation

Thank you for all of the helpful insight! This is an amazing resource!

Do you have a link for the resume template image?

2nd, I would like a link to the resume template. Revamping my resume is the one thing holding up my transition out of teaching.

Here is the link to the resume example picture shown in the article: https://www.livecareer.com/resume/templates/classic

What’s giving the most trouble is the professional summary. How do I summarize 9 years of teaching for a job out of the field?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Leave a comment

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Have You Seen Our List of Favorite Graphic Novels?

Leaving Teaching? How To Make Your Resume Stand Out in the Corporate World

Make the most out of your job search!

If you’re a teacher leaving the profession in search of a career that can give you more flexibility, creativity, and autonomy, you’ll need some teacher resume tips to help you stand out from the crowd.

Don’t think of yourself as “just a teacher.” Your experiences and skill set align with many jobs outside of teaching. It’s just a matter of how you present it in your resume. For example, teachers have a level of work ethic and determination that can translate to many different roles.

Here are three resume tips to make teachers more desirable to potential employers:

Resume Tip for Teachers #1: Relate the job description to your experience.

When you apply to teaching positions, you typically think about your experience and outline it on your resume. Usually, it looks something like this:

• Taught third and fifth grade while serving as a member of the Leadership Team
• Served as an Instructional Coach
• Guided district teachers in effective instructional practices
• Mentored student teachers through the credential process

Unfortunately, this experience might not be relevant to the job you’re applying for. Honestly, recruiting and hiring managers may have no idea what these experiences mean. Instead, identify elements in the job description that relate to your experience and list them out to explain the connection.

Let’s look at this job description for an ed-tech job:

• Develop new material including courses, lesson plans, challenging problems, and other educational resources for in-person courses
• Work with Curriculum Team Leads, Senior Curriculum Developers, and other Curriculum Developers to plan new material
• Review and provide feedback on material created by other team members and incorporate feedback from others into your materials

How can your experience and skills fit the job description? Think about it in terms of your professional planning and lesson plan experience.

Change your wording:

• Developed lesson plans and other educational resources for in-person and hybrid courses
• Worked with team members, as part of a Professional Learning Community , to plan and develop new course material, lesson plans, and assessments
• Reviewed and provided feedback on lessons and assessments created by other team members and received feedback on my materials in order to improve learning for students

This description embeds the key words that are listed in the job description. It also relates to the work you did as a teacher. Change your experiences in your resume for every job you apply for in your job search . It’s important to relate your experiences to the specific requirements listed in the job description. This will help the hiring manager see the connection between your skills and the job they’re hiring for.

Resume Tip for Teachers #2: Be specific with numbers.

Your resume is an opportunity to showcase your skills through data and numbers. Be specific about the work you’ve done, and write it in a way that will show hiring managers you can increase productivity.

Your resume might look like this right now:

• Led and supported school staff through the process of PBIS implementation
• Supported teachers in integrating 21st-century skills into their lessons
• Created and organized an intervention program in grades 3 through 5

Although these experiences are noteworthy, they don’t really paint a picture for hiring managers. So use data and numbers to make your experience more compelling.

Try something like this:

• Led and supported school staff through the first-ever implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and decreased student referrals from 37% to 12%
• Through leadership with PBIS, student attendance across grades 1 and 2 increased from 67% to 89% within three months of structured interventions
• Supported teachers in integrating 21st-century skills into their lessons and helped 42% of teachers increase their evaluation scores from 3 to 4
• Created and organized an intervention program in grades 3 through 5 and increased student academic achievement in math from 43% proficiency to 78% proficiency

Including this type of data will show hiring managers that your hard work and skills increased productivity within your organization. ADVERTISEMENT

Resume Tip for Teachers #3: Be specific in your cover letter.

Make your application stand out with a cover letter. It’s your chance to be specific about your experience. You can drive home the relevance of your skills and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.

Instead of starting off with the typical …

Please accept this letter as an application for the position of _ for _. I am passionate about instructional design and have a strong foundation in instructional coaching and assessment design and trends. I have a deep understanding of K-12 education, as well as connecting assessment to instruction through data interpretation.

… be honest with the hiring manager. Start off with something that lets them know you’re changing roles. Your experiences can translate to the new role even though your only experience is teaching.

It can sound something like this:

I am writing to express interest in the position of _ for _. As an experienced educator, I have the skills and disposition to excel in this role.

I am making the change from classroom teacher to a role in _ and feel my abilities and experiences would be an asset to your team.

These are some of the skills I can bring to your company:

• List out skills that relate to the job description and your skills.
• Make connections, add data, and be specific.
• Limit it to three points and use the keywords from the job description.

The most important thing to keep in mind is don’t give up.

Transitioning out of teaching is hard and there is a lot of competition out there, but companies are hiring ( labor shortage , anyone?). Create a LinkedIn profile and use these same tips to showcase your experience. Start connecting with recruiters, hiring managers, and employees at the companies you want to work for.

When it’s interview time, check out some ways AI can help you nail your next interview .

Plus, if you need help with your resignation letter, check out these resignation letter examples .

For more articles like this, be sure to subscribe to our newsletters .

You Might Also Like

36 Jobs for Teachers Who Want To Leave the Classroom but Not Leave Education Entirely

Take stock of your skills and make your move. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• Free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

11 Career Change Resume Examples [& Templates]

Marketing Manager

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

Resume Builder

Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

• Career Change Resumes
• Changing Careers To Resumes
• Changing Careers From Resumes
• Career Change Resumes for Teachers

Noah breathed a sigh of relief as he found a few accounting job descriptions that intrigued him. After spending years in various financial roles and racking up some impressive creds as a financial analyst, he felt confident in this career switch. But was he as prepared to  make a resume as he was for his career change?

Noah’s confidence went up when he found our library of career change resume examples and time-tested hints. Plus, he knew he’d be able to expand upon his career objective and add even more value by making a cover letter ! The notes he took while preparing his application materials even helped him navigate a victorious interview.

Whether you’re looking to change careers in accounting, teaching, or any other profession, check out our handy resources to build your own success story like Noah did!

Career Change Resume

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• A summary merges your background with the opportunities you’re seeking. In other words, a summary demonstrates how your experience has prepared you for your new field. However, you should only use a summary if you’ve had  at least 10 years of experience.
• Choosing a  professional resume template  and  resume format  can help make your resume look professional and cohesive without much effort.

Multiple Career Resume

• The keywords you include will help tie your expertise together and prove that you have the right abilities for the job. 
• Start by listing hard skills (aka technical, learned skills) listed in the job description. If you don’t have a lot, then simply use soft skills like “analytical” and collaboration.”
• Whatever jobs you’ve held, find a common thread between them and the new job, then sew that thread into every job experience. It’ll be a subtle but powerful tool to increase credibility despite multiple career changes. 

Career Change To Accounting Resume

• If you’re applying to be an accountant but it wasn’t your most recent role, be sure to add a certifications section highlighting that you are a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Career Change To Administrative Assistant Resume

• Enhance your career change to administrative assistant resume with a short summary that shows recruiters where to draw parallels between your past experience and target title.

Marketing Manager Career Change Resume

• There are numbers everywhere; look for percentages relating to your skills, like how you boosted efficiency or increased sales from last quarter. The sky’s the limit!
• If you can’t find (or don’t have access to) percentages, then use plain numbers relating to how many team members you worked with, how many clients you took on, or how many referrals you gained.
• Things like only using active verbs and avoiding personal pronouns might seem minor, but they make reading your resume easier, which is huge for recruiters and hiring managers.
• And speaking of details, always  double-check your resume  for proper grammar, punctuation, and overall flow.

RN Career Change Resume

• An objective is only two to three sentences, so make sure each word packs a verbal punch by showing off your years of experience, skills, and desire for the role you’re seeking.
• For example, mentioning your adherence to HIPPA guidelines can demonstrate to hiring managers that you will stick to the rules. On the flip side, explaining how you used active listening to assist patients will show your compassion and customer service skills.

Journalist Career Change Resume

• Start by keeping your resume to a single page. Otherwise, you’ll overwhelm hiring managers (who will likely toss your resume into the recycling).
• It’s best to use reverse-chronological formatting on your resume to keep your most relevant job history at the top. While other formats are necessarily wrong, they aren’t standard, and they’re harder for hiring managers (and the ATS) to read.
• In your contact header, include your email address (make sure it’s a professional email), your phone number, and your location. 
• Consider adding a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile if you have a LinkedIn account.

Mechanical Engineer Career Change Resume

• Consider asking a friend, relative, or even a career advisor from your alma mater to scan your resume for errors and discrepancies.
• Nothing tells a recruiter you’re not the right person for the job like saying you’re great at “time management.” 
• Put color in your section headers (or company titles) and your contact header. This will add visual interest without being overwhelming.
• If you’re applying to work at a conservative financial firm, you may want to stick to traditional colors rather than pastel pink or lavender.

Teacher Career Change Resume

• Look for ways to connect your previous duties to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
• Many skills  indirectly  transfer from one job to another. Consider your collaboration skills: your ability to work well with fellow teachers will help you work on team projects at your next job.
• Of course, if you have any skills, projects, or experience in your new field, include them, and explain how you’ve mastered them in your career change cover letter .
• Using a  resume template  is invaluable here, as you can easily scooch sections to the side, adjust your margins, and fix your font type to give you some extra wiggle room.

Teacher to Project Manager Resume

• The work experience bullet points to occupy the largest share of your CV—no more than four bullets for each role. As for your contact info, education, skills, hobbies, and certifications, a side column will do the trick. The cherry on top is restricting the entire resume to one page.

Teacher to Human Resources Resume

• But more importantly, mention the relevant transferable skills you bring to this entry-level role, a requirement Elijah executes well in his teacher to human resources resume. Better yet, let your bullet points show how you used these proficiencies in previous teaching roles.

Related resume guides

• Engineering

How to Change Careers to Teaching OR Transition Out of Education

Do you want to make a job or career transition and enter the field of education? Or leave the education field? Maybe you have thought about a career change to higher education .

If so, we can certainly help you make the process easier, quicker, and with less stress. Transitioning into teaching or education as a second career is quite common. For 16+ years, we have helped many people worldwide make career changes with great success. They find happiness and we truly love assisting them to reach their goals of having a better quality of life.

Any career change to teaching or out of teaching takes time, effort, and an effective job search plan with steps to get results.

Embarking on a second career in teaching or education or changing educational jobs can be overwhelming. With the right tools to land education job interviews in your desired field will lift a heavy burden from your shoulders.

Do you want to enjoy your job or career by going after your goals and professional dreams of teaching?

Do you know there are many career options for teachers? Alternative careers for classroom teachers are increasing; you can review these 10 career trends for teachers .

Do you want to know how to enter this new field from another sector, ensuring that you end up with a great teaching position?

Then let me tell you... we can help you every step of the way.

Tips to make a career transition into the education sector or to transition out of teaching, school administration, or higher education.

We know all the job search steps involved with making a career change to teaching, including resume writing, cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile writing, job search and interview coaching that will get your foot in the door to the school or organization you desire to work for.

Changing careers can be a very difficult task. You are going from the known to the totally unknown of a new job. If you have never taught a class in your life, you may be wondering how you can show prospective schools that you do actually have what it takes. If you look hard enough, you will find that somewhere along your career path, you have in fact taught children or mentored colleagues.

What is holding you back from making the decision to move forward with the career transition?

Is it, that you are concerned you will not like it? Wondering how others will react — will your family and friends think you are crazy? Wondering if you will do well in the position?

PUSH the negative thoughts to the back — move forward and have no regrets — meaning if you don’t do it, you will be in the same position next year as you are now.

When the naysayers tell you that you can't, just turn around and say watch me!

Are you tired of seeing other teachers and career changers land your dream job that you are just as qualified for?

Many professionals reach a point in their careers where they don’t feel fulfilled. They are looking for a job where they can really feel that they are making a difference in the world. This is why so many professionals decide to change their careers to teaching. Teaching allows you the opportunity to affect change in the lives of the students you teach. It’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling!

So, if you are one of these professionals who have chosen to make the change, congratulations! You are on your way to fulfilling your professional and personal goals. When it comes to landing that perfect teaching job, however, there are many steps you need to complete to have a successful job search.

You need to know where to find teaching opportunities, it is CRITICAL to have an excellent resume and other job search marketing documents, you have to know how to ace the interview, and you need to know how to market yourself properly to schools.

If you slip up on any of these steps...then you are possibly setting yourself up for failure. You won’t be able to effectively show potential schools how you are special and unique...you won’t be able to grab their attention and get yourself to an interview... and you won’t have the ability to land yourself a teaching job.

If you don’t successfully make yourself stand out from the other applicants in a positive way, then you won’t stand a chance in securing the position you so desperately want.

If you've ever considered pursuing a teaching career because your current job is so stressful or unfulfilling... or if you wish to transition out of education we can help.

You could benefit from our services to begin your new teaching career as a career changer... as well as secrets to successfully navigate a teacher job search!

That’s right, we can help you:

Write Your Career Change Resume, Cover Letter, LinkedIn Profile to Overcome Job Search Transition Barriers

• Get started as a teacher or school administrator
• Choose the correct teacher or academic CV curriculum vitae or resume format
• Look for teaching or school administrator jobs
• How to use LinkedIn to connect and secure job opportunities
• Writing an application letter to showcase your passion and value
• Uncover your transferable teaching skills and traits
• Find and showcase your relevant education accomplishments
• Prepare and practice for a teacher job interview or a video job interview
• Coach you on presenting a demo lesson plan during a job interview
• Transition from specific industries into teaching or out of education
• Successfully complete the post-interview follow-up

We want to help you successfully transition into a teaching as a second career , school administration, or any other position you desire!

That's why it's so important that you discover the BEST and most innovative job search tips for career changers available to make you career transition easier and more successful without tons of stress. For example, you can review how applicant tracking system ATS software screens career change CVs curriculum vitas or resumes.

You need to create a rewarding career based on your teaching or other skills, authentic passion and talent, allowing you to be happier in your home-life, more successful in your career, and make a bigger impact in the world!

You deserve to land your dream job and be successful in your new career. Why settle for a job that you’re not satisfied with?

Not only is now a great time to focus on switching jobs or gaining meaningful employment, it is also time to make yourself happy and that makes you more successful!

Your Success is Our Success!

We Work With You Until You Are 100% Satisfied.

Don't you owe it to yourself to be as prepared as possible for your new teaching, administrator or any other career you wish to enter? This could be the opportunity you've been waiting for your whole life. So don't be unprepared and unsure and risk missing out on great career opportunities! Get started with your new teaching career today!

We will show you how to perfect your job search methods for a teaching job hunt, so that you will be able to quickly land a new position as a career changer!

This is your chance to say goodbye to all the unnecessary stress and burnout associated with focusing your energies in the wrong areas.

This is your chance to discover how to successfully make the transition from your current career to teaching.

Don’t procrastinate on making a change – it is action that will make it happen. You’ll be happy you got started to make the career transition you have been wishing to make.

Learn more about Candace, an  academic resume writer  with 16+ years of expertise helping educators and others to move their career forward. Review our  resume and curriculum vitae CV services  and packages.

Candace Alstad-Davies  |  Email: [email protected]

Toll Free: 1-877-738-8052  |  Local / Int'l: 780-513-0010

Privacy Policy  |  About Us  |  Contact

© A+ Resumes for Teachers   2001 - 2025

Free Interview Questions and Answers - Instant Download

Teacher Career Change CV Example

Cv guidance.

• CV Template
• How to Format
• Personal Statements
• Related CVs

CV Tips for Teacher Career Changes

• Highlight Your Teaching Certification and Specialization : Specify qualifications like QTS, PGCE, or TEFL. Detail specializations such as primary, secondary, or special needs education early on in your CV.
• Quantify Your Impact : Share achievements with numbers, like a 20% improvement in student grades or a 30% increase in school participation rates.
• Tailor Your CV to the Job Description : Match your CV content to the job's needs, highlighting relevant experiences like curriculum development or classroom management if emphasized by the employer.
• Detail Your Tech Proficiency : List proficiency in educational software like Google Classroom, Blackboard, or Moodle, and any experience with digital learning tools or virtual teaching platforms. These matter.
• Showcase Soft Skills and Leadership : Briefly mention leadership, teamwork, or your knack for explaining complex concepts in simple terms.

The Smarter, Faster Way to Write Your CV

• Implemented a new curriculum that increased student engagement by 30%, leading to a significant improvement in overall class performance and student satisfaction.
• Developed and executed a comprehensive teacher training program, enhancing teaching skills and methodologies, which resulted in a 20% increase in student test scores.
• Introduced innovative teaching tools and technologies, improving the learning environment and leading to a 15% increase in student attendance.
• Managed a team of 5 teachers, fostering a collaborative environment that led to a 25% improvement in team efficiency and a 10% increase in student performance.
• Initiated a school-wide literacy program that improved reading skills of students by 40%, significantly reducing the number of students requiring additional tutoring.
• Implemented a new student assessment system, providing real-time progress tracking and personalized feedback, which improved parent-teacher communication by 30%.
• Designed and executed an inclusive education program, accommodating students with diverse learning needs, leading to a 20% increase in overall student performance.
• Collaborated with the school administration to secure a $50,000 grant for the development of a new science lab, enhancing the school's STEM program.
• Introduced a peer mentoring program that improved student relationships and reduced instances of bullying by 30%, creating a safer and more supportive school environment.
• Curriculum Development
• Teacher Training and Development
• Implementation of Innovative Teaching Tools
• Team Management and Leadership
• Literacy Program Development
• Student Assessment and Progress Tracking
• Inclusive Education Program Design
• Fundraising and Grant Acquisition
• Peer Mentoring Program Implementation
• Improvement of School Environment and Student Relationships

Teacher Career Change CV Template

• Collaborated with [teams/departments] to implement [educational initiative or program, e.g., new curriculum, after-school tutoring], demonstrating strong [soft skill, e.g., leadership, teamwork].
• Managed [classroom or administrative function, e.g., student behavior, parent-teacher communication], optimizing [process or task, e.g., disciplinary procedures, parent meetings] to enhance [educational outcome, e.g., student engagement, parent involvement].
• Championed [system or process improvement, e.g., the adoption of new teaching methods, revision of grading system], resulting in [quantifiable benefit, e.g., 20% improvement in student grades, increased parent satisfaction].
• Played a key role in [project or initiative, e.g., school-wide literacy program, annual science fair], which led to [measurable impact, e.g., improved student reading levels, increased student interest in science].
• Directed [type of analysis, e.g., student performance assessment, curriculum evaluation], employing [analytical tools/methods] to inform [decision-making/action, e.g., teaching strategies, curriculum changes].
• Instrumental in [task or responsibility, e.g., lesson planning, student counseling], ensuring [quality or standard, e.g., educational standards, student welfare] across all teaching responsibilities.
• Major: Name of Major
• Minor: Name of Minor

100+ Free Resume Templates

How to format a teacher career change cv, begin with a career objective, highlight transferable skills, detail relevant experience, emphasize professional development, include a summary of qualifications, personal statements for teacher career changes, teacher career change personal statement examples, what makes a strong personal statement.

Compare Your CV to a Job Description

CV FAQs for Teacher Career Changes

How long should teacher career changes make a cv, what's the best format for an teacher career change cv, how does a teacher career change cv differ from a resume, related cvs for teacher career change.

Career Coach CV

Learning and Development Specialist CV

Substitute Teacher CV

Teacher Assistant CV

Childcare Director CV

Try our AI Resume Builder

• QUICK LINKS
• How to enroll
• Career services

Changing careers from teaching in the classroom

Written by Camilla Andersson

Reviewed by Pamela M. Roggeman , EdD, Dean, College of Education

In this article

• Identify transferable skills
• Research alternative career paths

Take the first step toward changing careers from teaching

Are you considering moving on from classroom teaching? Fortunately, if you’re a teacher with years of experience, you may possess a range of useful skills that can transfer to other careers. For example, teachers often have leadership and problem-solving skills that can translate well to the right opportunity.

While moving on from teaching can feel like the end of an era, rest assured you’re not the only one. According to a National Education Association (NEA) survey, a large percentage of teachers are considering leaving their profession earlier than planned, partly because of burnout caused by understaffing and heavy workloads. Looking to the future and where you might want to go next is a logical next step.

Learn more about changing careers from teaching and what to look for when choosing a new profession.

Why consider changing careers from teaching?

There can be many reasons that lead you to look toward the future with a new career in mind. Moving on to a career you’re excited about may lead to better job satisfaction. Or the newness of it might help spur personal growth . There’s no predicting what positive outcomes the change may bring.

Of course, not everyone’s move out of teaching is because of personal preference. According to the NEA survey, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated long-standing problems in the profession, including budget cuts and staffing shortages that can trace their origins to the economic crisis of 2009. A shortage of teachers means those who stay in the profession often take on, by choice or circumstance, more responsibility — and that is leading to burnout.

Whatever your reasons for moving on, it’s normal to experience mixed emotions. The good news? You don’t necessarily have to leave education entirely if you’re looking to quit classroom teaching. You can explore roles within school administration, for example, to stay in the same field but experience a new role.

Identifying transferable skills

Changing careers from teaching can be a smoother transition if you find a job that builds on some of the skills you already have. That doesn’t mean you won’t have to learn new skills. In fact, acquiring a role’s requisite hard skills may require a return to school in some form. But transferable skills can significantly help the transition.

Here are some transferable skills teachers tend to develop in the classroom:

• Communication : Communication may be the most important skill teachers have, because it’s impossible to do the job well without it.
• Conflict resolution : Was your time teaching filled with well-behaved students, cooperative parents and a school district that gave you all the resources you needed? If yes, you were a unicorn. If not, the good news is you likely developed some good negotiation skills while resolving a variety of conflicts and challenges throughout your teaching career.
• Organization : From grading papers to tracking overall grades, you had to keep a lot straight and likely developed organizational skills along the way. These can likely transfer well to administrative jobs at the school district and beyond.
• Leadership : As a teacher, you’re used to leading the classroom, holding meetings with teachers and parents, enforcing rules and much more. This can lead to big-picture thinking, strategizing and being comfortable with leading conversations to meet goals.

Transferable skills can be as valuable as job-specific skills, but they may be harder to describe in a job application. The best way to showcase transferable skills on your resumé and cover letter is through specific details of your job responsibilities and accomplishments.

It’s also helpful to quantify them whenever possible. For example, rather than saying, “I developed a program to improve reading comprehension,” use quantifiable language like, “My math intervention and tutoring strategy led to an 18% improvement in math test scores.”  

As a teacher, you also possess insight into what works and, more importantly, what doesn’t work when it comes to the ways schools are run. If you have ideas about how schools or teaching could improve, this knowledge can be invaluable for administrative roles within the school district.

Common career changes for teachers

When choosing between different career paths, first consider whether you want to stay in the education field. School administration jobs naturally share several characteristics with teaching jobs, which can be negative or positive depending on your reasons for changing careers in the first place. If your reasons for leaving are specific to teaching but not education as a whole, you might find a career in administration more rewarding. 

Careers in school administration

There are jobs in school administration at several levels: school, district and state.

If you want to have a more direct say over how a specific school is run, consider pursuing a position as a principal . This may require previous leadership experience, including but not limited to a role as a vice principal.

If you are more interested in the academic side of things, you may want to look into becoming a curriculum director or an instructional designer. In those roles, you may help develop educational material and assess its impact and effectiveness.

These and similar jobs will have varying requirements for education and experience. To evaluate what you need for a job you’re interested in, explore credible online sources such as BLS.gov .

Careers outside of school administration

If you’re ready to leave K–12 education behind for good, you may still be able to leverage your soft and hard skills in your next role. Leadership, communication and conflict resolution, for example, are skills that can apply to a variety of industries.

Before you switch fields completely, however, consider options that bridge education with other sectors. Training and development managers, for example, don’t necessarily work in the K–12 space, which offers a welcome change for some educators. They do, however, leverage many of the same skills. In this way, educators can, with sufficient education and experience, move out of the classroom or even administration to pursue a new career.   

Preparing for a career transition

A career change from teacher to administration may require a master’s degree on top of your teaching experience. Once you’ve decided which path appeals to you most, create an action plan for your career transition. If you want to pursue a career path that requires you to go back to school, online classes can offer you the flexibility necessary to continue teaching while you prepare to change careers.

There are other ways to prepare for your new job while you remain in your current position. For example, you can look into new networking opportunities through professional organizations aligned with the industry where you’d like to work.

Additionally, conferences and continuing education classes can improve your knowledge of the field and allow you to develop necessary hard skills while also potentially making new connections.

It’s wise to leave a job on good terms. This will help you get references, make a better impression during job interviews and leave the door open should you choose to return. Ideally, this means that you should time your resignation so that you leave at the end of the school year, unless you’re a substitute teacher or otherwise not under a contract.

If you belong to a teachers’ union, be sure to consult it regarding terms of resignation so that you’ve addressed all considerations before leaving your position.

Overcoming challenges in career change

You may wonder what happens to your benefits, and especially your pension, when you leave your teaching job. The answer to that depends on the state and school district you work in, your contract and local union agreements.

Just as the first day of the school year can feel chaotic, making the transition out of teaching can feel overwhelming at first. Overcome challenges by seeking support and guidance from people who work in your new profession or industry. One way to do this is to join networking groups or professional organizations. Mentorship and volunteering opportunities are other ways to obtain this support. 

If you’re looking to change careers from teaching, it may be your turn to become a student again.

You can return to the classroom virtually by enrolling at University of Phoenix. Not only is this a convenient way to learn new skills, but it also allows you to maintain your current schedule and role while earning a new degree or certificate.

University of Phoenix offers a Master of Arts in Education/Administration and Supervision as well as a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degree options.

Get more information on how University of Phoenix can help you educationally prepare to pursue a new career by getting in touch with an enrollment representative . 

Teachers develop a range of skills teaching in the classroom, not the least of which is critical thinking. So many employers claim that this trait is scarce, but they see evidence of it when they visit their own child’s classroom and are impressed by that classroom teacher.

Pamela Roggeman, EdD Dean, College of Education

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Camilla Andersson is a writer with a degree in journalism. She has written and edited content for trade magazines, blogs, white papers and newsletters. Camilla lives in Los Angeles and is a graduate of San Francisco State University. She grew up in Sweden, where she published her first work, an op-ed in the newspaper Aftonbladet, at the age of 15.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

As dean of the University of Phoenix College of Education, Pamela Roggeman has spent over a decade in higher education teacher preparation in both the public and private sector. Her experience has included national partnerships that help to advance thought leadership in the field of education. Dr. Roggeman also serves as the President of the Arizona Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors.

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.  Read more about our editorial process.

Read more articles like this:

August 07, 2023 • 9 minutes

October 12, 2023 • 8 minutes

April 01, 2021 • 5 minute read