The challenge of creating a resume and cover letter for a teaching position is daunting enough when your credentials, experience, and qualifications are rooted in the educational community. However, the task becomes even more formidable when you are one of the 50,000 individuals who come to teaching every year via the alternative route certification program.

Many job seekers in this situation overtly play down their prior work experience, hoping to focus the prospective employer solely on the miniscule classroom experience they have gained through student teaching or practicum work. This is a big mistake!

What you should first do is identify those skills that are transferable between your former career and that of teaching. For instance, if you have spearheaded training programs or volunteered in an adult literacy program for non-English speakers, these are skills you can highlight on your resume, as they are indicative of your teaching abilities.

Second, you should lead off the resume with a strong, education-focused profile that details the strengths and unique value you bring to the classroom. Be sure to use thoughtful keywords to demonstrate your understanding of "teacher-speak," terms such as 'cooperative learning' or 'cognitive development' to describe your classroom style or objectives.

Third, use your cover letter to give your prospective reader some insight into why you elected to shift gears in your career with a transition into teaching. Seize the opportunity to discuss your talents and strengths, your enthusiasm and excitement, and your willingness to dig deep and do whatever it takes to make your dream of teaching a reality.

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At A+ Resumes for Teachers, we specialize in writing resumes and cover letters for clients who have entered the field of education via the non-traditional route. If you need assistance conveying the desire and passion you feel as you enter the exciting and rewarding field of education, please feel free to contact Candace by email at A+ Resumes for Teachers by clicking here or call toll-free 1-877-738-8052

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Success Stories

"Candace,

I am happy to inform you that I have accepted a permanent chemistry teaching position. I was impressed with the resume that you designed for me. I would think that it was not an easy task to capture 26 years of employment without the resume looking like a list. We have three colleges that graduate teachers within 15 miles of the school in which I will be teaching, so there is plenty of competition for teaching positions. I believe that the resume and cover letter definitely gave me a competitive edge. I sent out the thank you notes the day following the interview. Truthfully, I think that I was hired before the interviewers received the notes. But since I am working fulltime, I it was great having a thank you note prepared in advance. I would highly recommend your service.

Sincerely,"

D. W.

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Looking forward to working with you in the future,

Candace Signature 

Candace Davies ACCC, CRW, CIC, CPRW, CEIP, CECC
Find out more about Candace here.