Identify and incorporate qualities relevant to the position you seek in your job search documents. Start your resume with a vital area of strengths and skills section to showcase you are a viable career changer job applicant. If you have little classroom experience, you may wonder how to find them.
An excellent way to determine your areas of expertise (or areas of knowledge if you prefer not to call yourself an “expert”) is to examine the different topics you covered while completing your education. Reflect on your classroom observations or practicum experiences to identify the teaching skills you strengthened or issues you excelled in.
Items you may wish to include are:
- Use of manipulatives
- Technology integration
- Guided reading
- Individualized support
- Parent-teacher conferences
- Hands-on learning
- Group projects
- Graphic organizers
- Creative learning environment
Additional items to include:
- Needs assessment and analysis
- Performance management
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Group discussions
- Brainstorming sessions
- Motivation
- Mentoring
If you find it hard to develop education-related skills as a career changer, this last group could have easily been experienced (and perfected) at one or more of your other positions in your past career. Incorporate qualities that school principals will be seeking in new teachers.
Regardless of the areas you wish to include, ensure they are relevant to the grade level you want to teach. For instance, if you hope to be a high school chemistry teacher, you will want to discuss hands-on experiments instead of guided reading. If you apply to be an early childhood educator, you will include cooperative learning or socialization skills instead of career preparation.
First, determine your top-notch vital areas of knowledge and relevant skills. The next step is to incorporate qualities you want to highlight in your resume and other job search documents.
Highlight Your Relevant Skills in a ‘Key Skills’’Section
Your resume will have an entirely separate section devoted to these unique skills. The header will read “Areas of Expertise” or “ Areas of Knowledge”.
Use the following alternatives for a section title, which is located after the resume profile summary:
- Core Competencies
- Key Strengths
- Skills Summary
- Proficiencies
- Specialized Skills
- Technical Proficiencies
- Strengths & Qualifications
- Professional Skills
- Occupational Abilities
- Expertise Highlights
- Industry Competencies
- Career Proficiencies
Arrange your topics in bullet point format in two separate columns to draw the reader’s eye readers want to include more than ten points; you may wish to arrange them in a horizontal list, spread across three lines, with markers such as • or ~ in between them.
Either format will make these words pop and let the reader know immediately you have what it takes to be an outstanding new teacher.
Integrate Traits and Showcase Your Abilities in Your Cover Letter
When crafting your career change cover letter, it’s essential to present your qualities and skills subtly. Avoid mere listings or bullet points of skills; illustrate how you apply these skills or characteristics to enrich the learning experience. Present a brief narrative spanning three or four lines, elaborating on your areas of expertise in full-sentence format.
For example:
• By incorporating manipulatives, complementary activities, and small group projects, I can establish a hands-on classroom environment that entices all students to learn or
• By utilizing different forms of technology such as the Internet, SmartBoard, and digital cameras, I can successfully reach out to all students and facilitate their unique learning styles or
• I encourage student learning by developing and implementing exciting lesson plans that convey meaningfully and relatable information.
Incorporate Qualities – Desired By All School Districts
Besides skills and job responsibilities, there are personal traits that all school districts look for in their teachers and support staff. A good educator teaches a student the core subjects and helps the student develop academically and socially.
To make the shortlist for job interviews, you must demonstrate that you are far more than just “good.” Show potential school district representatives that you are incredible and would be a real asset to their school or district.
Passion for Teaching and Learning
One quality you must be able to demonstrate is a passion for teaching and learning. If students see you are excited about learning, they will too. Remaining enthusiastic and keeping the drive to educate alive will always make your job meaningful and rewarding.
Supportiveness
Another quality valued by administrators and educators is a nurturing and supportive attitude. It is crucial to recognize each student’s individuality, with their distinct goals, needs, learning styles, talents, and challenges. Familiarize yourself with your students and tailor your approach accordingly. Make it clear to your students that you can provide support and assistance whenever needed.
Creativity
Potential school district representatives highly desire creativity. Spice up your lectures, incorporate new complementary resources, and find innovative ways to reach students; you will gain an edge over your competition.
Dry lectures are a thing of the past. Teachers need to facilitate auditory, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic learners – types that can vary by grade level. Use creativity to bring the classroom to life and keep students engaged in learning.
Goal-Driven
Another quality you should possess is a goal-driven nature. This trait goes hand in hand with enthusiasm. If you are already eager to help your students learn, set the bar high and help them achieve greatness in your classroom.
Your goal should be to ensure no student gets left behind, and everyone reaches their potential—set goals for yourself as a teacher and your classroom. Encourage students to participate in goal setting and achievement.
Cooperative
Cooperation is a must and highly desired. As an educator, you will work with a diverse population, including students, staff, and parents. You must understand how to communicate and get along with others, regardless of personality type. Convey a willingness to cooperate with others in the school population, listen to their thoughts and concerns, and collaborate to develop effective solutions.
By consciously incorporating qualities in your resume and cover letter, you will surely pique the reader’s interest and gain a better edge for landing a teaching interview.
When you receive that call for the interview, remember these above qualities that helped you get there. During your meeting, reiterate them and work to keep these traits healthy during your new profession as an educator.
If you need help writing a resume and cover letter, reach out for help. Email Candace or call toll-free at 1 877 738 8052. Check out the services we offer or the resume samples on our website.
