Best Middle School Teacher Resume Examples For 2024 (Template & Guide)

Edit This Example

Middle School Teacher Resume: Choose A Format

Writing a middle school teacher resume starts with choosing the right format. It’s crucial to pick a format that effectively highlights your qualifications in an engaging way to help you stand out among other candidates.

There are three types of resume formats that middle school teachers can consider.

Chronological Resumes for Middle School Teachers

The most popular and recommended format is the chronological resume, which strongly emphasizes the applicant’s relevant professional experience.

A teaching candidate should list all their pertinent experience in the work history section, such as previous teaching and teaching assistant positions.

Each work experience should include a detailed description of responsibilities and achievements, as well as the job title, employer name, location, and employment dates.

Responsibilities and achievements should be listed as bullet points with strong action verbs and quantifiable metrics to make them stand out and provide a unique context to your qualifications.

Chronological resumes are also very compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS), helping your resume pass the initial screening process.

Edit This Example

Functional Resumes for Middle School Teachers

Functional resumes emphasize the skills of an applicant and are best used when a candidate lacks relevant experience for the position.

For example, a recent graduate with a teaching degree specializing in secondary education might use the functional resume format and focus on the skills learned in school.

Since most employers place a higher value on work experience, functional resumes are less compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and may not engage employers as effectively.

However, this format can still be beneficial if you lack relevant work experience. Just understand its limitations and ensure your skills section effectively demonstrates your qualifications.

Combination Resumes for Middle School Teachers

A combination resume is a hybrid between the chronological and functional formats. It places equal emphasis on skills and experience, allowing candidates to showcase both effectively.

A middle school teacher’s resume might benefit from the combination format, especially if the dedicated skills section can help compensate for a lack of experience.

Edit This Example

Choosing a Format

Choosing the right resume format is a key step in writing a strong middle school teacher resume.

When in doubt, most experts recommend the chronological format. In this case, highlight your work experience, even if it’s not directly related to teaching. Look for transferable skills that demonstrate your qualifications.

For example, if you’re a recent college graduate who had one teaching internship and some camp counseling experience, but your work history mainly includes being a restaurant server or a help desk specialist, don’t hesitate to include those positions.

Show how that work history relates to your teaching abilities. Perhaps you trained fellow employees, educated customers and students, resolved conflicts, or demonstrated effective communication skills with different types of people.

These roles provide skills that can strengthen your resume and make you stand out as a qualified middle school teacher.

Edit This Example

How To Write A Middle School Teacher Resume

After choosing the right format for your middle school teacher resume, the next step is knowing how to write each section effectively.

A complete resume should include five key sections, along with the option to add extra sections to help strengthen your application.

The five essential sections that outline your resume are:

• • • • • Contact Information
        • Summary or Objective
        • Work History
        • Skills
        • Education

Each section plays a crucial role in helping you secure a job teaching at a middle school and setting you up for professional success.

Edit This Example

Summary or Objective

Most resumes feature a profile directly beneath the contact information to introduce the reader to the applicant.

You can choose between a resume summary or an objective:

Resume Summary: Offers a brief overview of your most relevant skills and experience, as well as your career goals. Ideal for candidates with a solid work history.

A strong resume summary for a middle school teacher might look like this:

“Accomplished Middle School Teacher with 8+ years of classroom experience. Successfully increased standardized test scores by 20% over the last three years while fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment. Proven ability to develop creative lesson plans that engage students in diverse subjects. Dedicated to academic achievement, social development, and character growth.”

Resume Objective: Focuses on your intentions and passion for the position. Suitable for candidates lacking experience but eager to demonstrate their qualifications and dedication.

A compelling resume objective for a middle school teacher could be:

“Enthusiastic and resourceful Middle School Teacher with a keen understanding of adolescent needs and exceptional problem-solving skills. Skilled at classroom management with over a year of experience supervising 25+ students. Passionate about enriching my pedagogical abilities and contributing to the school’s extracurricular activities to become a well-rounded educator.”

Note: Regardless of your choice, use the profile to highlight the most relevant keywords found in the middle school teacher job description. This will help your resume stand out to applicant tracking systems (ATS) and employers, increasing the chances that the rest of your resume will be read.

Edit This Example

Work History

Crafting a compelling “Work History” section in your middle school teacher resume is crucial for showcasing your relevant experience and qualifications.

Most employers want tangible evidence of your abilities, and this section provides a snapshot of your professional achievements.

Start with your most recent position and work backward, focusing on roles that align closely with the middle school teacher position you’re applying for.

Make sure to highlight responsibilities and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the job.

Pro Tip: Use strong action verbs that convey growth through accomplishments and responsibilities, and whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages. Metrics add credibility to your accomplishments and provide concrete evidence of your impact. This will help you stand out by showing the unique value you offer.

Here’s an example of what the work history section of your middle school teacher resume might look like:

Seventh Grade Science Teacher
Green Valley Middle School, Anytown, USA
08/2018 to Present

• • • • • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans, resulting in a 15% improvement in standardized test scores.

• • • • • Introduced an inquiry-based learning approach, leading to a 20% increase in student engagement and participation.

• • • • • Coordinated the annual science fair, which saw a 30% boost in student participation compared to previous years.

• • • • • Increased parent involvement by organizing quarterly workshops, resulting in a 25% increase in attendance.

• • • • • Led a curriculum development team that created a comprehensive critical thinking program, fostering analytical skills.

Edit This Example

Skills

In a dedicated skills section, list your most relevant hard and soft skills for the middle school teacher position on your resume.

Like your work history, focus on skills that are most relevant to the specific job and show that you have a balance of abilities.

Consider any technical skills or interpersonal skills that best highlight your qualifications.

Although you will want to customize your resume to the specific middle school teacher job description you are applying for, here are some of the most popular hard skills and soft skills to give you a better idea:

Top 5 Hard Skills for Middle School Teacher Resumes

• • • • • Curriculum Development: Designing engaging and effective lesson plans that align with educational standards is essential for a middle school teacher.

• • • • • Classroom Management: Middle school teachers must create a well-structured, positive learning environment to ensure effective teaching and student engagement.

• • • • • Differentiated Instruction: In diverse classrooms, middle school teachers need to tailor teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and special needs.

• • • • • Subject-Matter Expertise: Demonstrating proficiency in specific subjects like math, science, English, or social studies is crucial for success as a middle school teacher.

• • • • • Educational Technology: Familiarity with integrating technology and into lessons enhances learning experiences. List any software or other computer skills to demonstrate your commitment to staying current with new tech.

Top 5 Soft Skills for Middle School Teacher Resumes

• • • • • Patience: Middle school teachers require exceptional patience when working with adolescents. Highlight this skill to show your ability to stay calm and collected.

• • • • • Adaptability: Adapting to changing educational needs, curriculum updates, and classroom dynamics is crucial for success as an educator.

• • • • • Interpersonal Skills: Successful middle school teachers build strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.

• • • • • Organizational Skills: Maintaining a well-organized classroom and staying on top of administrative tasks is essential.

• • • • • Creativity: Infusing creativity into lessons to make learning enjoyable and memorable for young students sets great teachers apart.

Here’s an example of what the skills section on a middle school teacher resume might look like:

Skills

• • • • • Educational Technology: proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and educational software
        • Classroom Management: adept at fostering positive, inclusive learning environments
        • Subject-Matter Expertise: skilled in teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies
        • Differentiated Instruction: experienced in customizing lesson plans for diverse learning needs
        • Collaboration: effective in working with teachers, parents, and administrators to achieve common goals
        • Patience & Adaptability: calm and flexible when working with students of varying learning styles

Edit This Example

Education

The education section of your middle school teacher resume should include your highest degree obtained, the name of the institution, and its location. You can also add your graduation date, relevant coursework, and any honors or certifications received.

You may choose to include some of this information in separate sections if it’s highly relevant to the job you’re applying for and if space allows.

Here’s an example of what the education section on a middle school teacher’s resume might look like:

University of Texas
Austin, TX
Master’s in Education (M.Ed.)

Most states have specific education requirements for public school teachers, so be sure to clearly provide all necessary information.

Private schools generally have less strict requirements, but you’ll still want to follow their expectations closely. Review the job description carefully to identify what information to provide.

Edit This Example

Additional Sections

You can include additional sections on your resume if they’re relevant and don’t take up unnecessary space.

For a middle school teacher, consider additional sections like:

• • • • • Certifications: Any relevant teaching certifications (e.g., state teaching license).

• • • • • Volunteer Experience: Volunteering with educational or youth-focused organizations.

• • • • • Professional Associations: Memberships in organizations like the National Middle School Association.

• • • • • Awards and Honors: Any teaching awards or recognitions.

• • • • • Relevant Hobbies: Include activities that show your passion for teaching or education.

Edit This Example

Top 5 Certifications for Middle School Teachers

Certifications are particularly important for middle school teacher resumes, as most teaching positions require professional endorsement of your skills and abilities.

This is crucial since you’re entrusted with shaping a positive learning environment for adolescents.

Here are five valuable certifications for middle school teachers:

• • • • • State Teaching Certificate: Obtaining a state-approved teaching certificate is a fundamental requirement for middle school teachers. Requirements vary by state but generally involve passing subject-specific exams.

• • • • • National Board Certification (NBC): National Board Certification is a rigorous, voluntary certification that showcases excellence in teaching and commitment to professional growth. It is available across various subjects and age groups.

• • • • • ESL (English as a Second Language) Endorsement: An ESL certification is valuable if you plan to work with diverse classrooms or students who speak English as a second language.

• • • • • Special Education Certification: This certification is for educators who want to teach students with special needs or disabilities. It demonstrates a commitment to educating every student, regardless of circumstances.

• • • • • Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Certification: This certification demonstrates your qualifications to work with gifted students and shows your commitment to providing differentiated instruction for all learners.

Edit This Example

8 Tips for Writing a Middle School Teacher Resume

Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application to align with the school’s specific requirements and qualities described in the job posting.

Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your teaching accomplishments and responsibilities. Words like “collaborated,” “designed,” “motivated,” “enabled,” or “adapted” can create an engaging resume.

Highlight Achievements: Showcase quantifiable achievements, such as improved test scores or innovative teaching methods. Use numbers and percentages whenever possible to validate your accomplishments.

Keywords: Include relevant keywords from the middle school teacher job description to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and emphasize your qualifications.

Classroom Management: Highlight your classroom management skills and your ability to maintain a positive learning environment. Use examples in your work history to demonstrate your capacity to handle a busy classroom.

Parent Communication: Mention your experience in effectively communicating with parents to keep them informed of students’ progress. Highlighting your ability to build positive relationships with parents will help you stand out.

Technology Integration: Describe your proficiency in incorporating technology into lessons for interactive learning experiences. Highlight your knowledge of software or applications commonly used in education.

Proofread: Ensure your resume is error-free, with correct grammar and spelling, to create a professional impression and showcase your attention to detail, which can be crucial in selecting a teaching candidate.