How to write a teacher CV

Start from the phase and subject in the advert. A primary application should not lead with a secondary scheme.

Elliot Ward is fictional, and so are the schools in the example.

1. State QTS and the phase

Say whether you have QTS, and the ages you teach. If you are unqualified, say so and describe the classes you have covered.

2. Describe classes, not personality

Year group, subject and what you assessed. “Passionate about young people” fits every application.

3. Show marking and behaviour as records

Criteria, a returned essay, a note written the same day. Do not claim an observation grade you cannot show.

Before and after

Before

Delivered outstanding lessons and inspired pupils.

After

Taught GCSE English from the department scheme and returned essays with one next step against the criteria on the board.

Before

Excellent behaviour management.

After

Recorded behaviour the same day and contacted a parent only after the note said what had already been tried.

Checklist

  • No pupil can be identified.
  • Phase and subject match the advert.
  • QTS is stated accurately.
  • Results belong only to classes you taught.
  • A teaching assistant role is not retitled as teacher.
  • The document is a CV.

A finished example

Elliot Ward is fictional.

Elliot Ward

Leeds · elliot.ward@example.com

Eligible to work in the UK · QTS in this sample

Personal statement

Secondary English teacher with five years in a mixed comprehensive. I plan a lesson around one text, mark against the criteria I gave the class, and write the behaviour note the same day. Looking for a department that shares schemes of work.

Experience

English teacher

Calder High (fictional comprehensive) · September 2021 – present

  • Teach English to Years 7 to 11, including a GCSE class, using the department scheme rather than a new worksheet every night.
  • In a made-up sample term, marked a set of essays against the criteria on the board and returned them with one next step, not a paragraph of general praise.
  • Record behaviour on the school system the same day, and phone a parent only when the note says what happened and what I have already tried.
  • Run a weekly reading group for pupils who are behind, with a short list of books the librarian can actually supply.

English teacher

River College (fictional sixth form) · September 2019 – August 2021

  • Taught A-level English Language to two groups and marked the coursework sample the exam board asked for.
  • Wrote cover notes that named the page, the task and the homework, so a cover teacher was not guessing.

Education

  • PGCE Secondary English, 2019
  • BA English, 2018

Skills

  • Lesson planning from a shared scheme
  • Marking against published criteria
  • Behaviour notes written the same day
  • GCSE and A-level English
  • Cover work another teacher can follow

Use it on your own CV

FAQ

Should I include a personal statement?

Yes, four to six lines: phase, subject, and one habit such as marking against criteria. Leave out a childhood story.

Can I mention safeguarding?

Yes. Name the training and the year if the advert asks. Do not describe a real case.

What if I am an early career teacher?

Placements and the classes you taught on them are the evidence. Say which parts you planned and which you taught from someone else’s plan.

Is there a teaching assistant example?

Yes. Use the teaching assistant CV if that was the job, and this page if you are applying as a teacher.

Free job-ready CV checklist

A one-page checklist for any role. No name, and no account.