Thomas Jefferson

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ University of North Florida Career Services Founders Hall Building 2, Room 2086 620-2955 Resume Writing Tips For Teachers Written and Compiled by Rick Roberts, Director Career Services, Revised July 2006 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ BUILDING YOUR RESUME Your resume is like an advertisement of yourself to a prospective employer. You want your resume to look and sound appealing to enhance your chances of being selected for an interview. Your resume should be one to two pages in length, free of typographical errors, produced on high-quality bond paper, and organized so that it is easy to read. Since your resume presents a combination of your skills, abilities, and qualifications, you want it to show your best assets towards being a teacher. SKILLS COMMONLY POSSESSED BY EDUCATORS -Oral skills -Written skills -Ability to organize and coordinate -Intercommunication skills -Creativity -Mathematical ability -Ability to motivate others -Curriculum development expertise -Listening skills -Language skills -Special education skills -Counseling skills -Persuasive skills -Group dynamics knowledge EFFECTIVE RESUME LANGUAGE  Designed and implemented instructional activities…  Tested, tutored, and evaluated…  Designed, selected, and implemented instructional material…  Constructed, administered, and evaluated formal and informal tests  Maintained proper classroom management  Assessed student achievement  Designed progress reports to parents…  Effectively incorporated audio-visual materials into curriculum  Organized and directed play…  Plan and execute lessons…  Maintain a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning  Planned and implemented remedial reading program…  Administered test batteries and diagnosed reading difficulties   Developed curriculum… Created and taught lessons in… LETTERS OF REFERENCE You will need to gather letters of reference for your applications. References do not belong on your resume and should be on a separate page. Schools generally prefer to receive these from a third party rather than directly from you. Obtain letters from your supervising teacher, others who know your work with children and an appropriate professor. Do not wait until the last minute. Keep your references informed about your job search. ELEMENTS OF A RESUME The following elements are often included in resumes. Your unique educational and work experiences should be considered when deciding which categories will be most effective. Arrange whichever categories you use to reflect your strengths in the most advantageous way. CONTACT INFORMATION OBJECTIVE EDUCATION Your name, address(es), phone number(s) with area codes. It is acceptable to include your e-mail address. One sentence stating the kind of position you want, the task(s) you want to perform, or the environment in which you wish to work. Name of institution, city, state, degree, major, and month and year of graduation. Other information you may wish to include would be schools attended overseas; course work directly applicable to the desired job; minor; GPA (overall or departmental). The highest degree earned should be listed first, then continue backward. Include your area/level of certification and date received Name of organization, job title, city, state, dates of employment or service, and active verb descriptions (*) of responsibilities and duties usually in bullet form. For targeted Resumes you can highlight specific experience: "Counseling Experience," "Teaching Experience," "Volunteer Experience", "Internships," "Related Experience," "Other Experience," etc. Use short, concise sentences beginning with ACTION verbs to highlight your skills and accomplishments Provide a list of skills or qualifications that you would like the employer to know about you that may not come through in other headings. List computer languages, programs, systems, etc. For example: Excellent team player; Work well independently while also in team situations; Excellent oral and written communication skills; Punctual, reliable and dependable. Academic scholarships, grants, academic honors, awards (e.g. Geology Student of the Year) and Dean's List (may also be included under Education section) Foreign Languages: Define the level of your ability : "Fluent," "Literate," "Conversant" CERTIFICATION EXPERIENCE SKILLS HONORS/AWARDS LANGUAGES PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS INTERESTS/ ACTIVITIES REFERENCES Professional and community affiliations, clubs/organizations, and student groups. Include name of organization, dates of membership, and offices held, if any. Optional: Special interests, activities, or travel experiences. Note: - personal information has the potential to be used in a discriminatory way. Not Necessary but if you want, the statement "references available upon request"preferred. Do not list the names of your references. Choose 3 - 5 individuals who can speak to your skills and qualifications in a variety of settings, i.e. former supervisor, college instructor, colleague, another individual from extracurricular activities. Be sure to notify your references and leave them a copy of your resume and an idea of the work you would like to enter as a professional. List references on a separate page (name, address and phone) which matches your resume paper. Do not send with initial resume and cover letter; make them available upon request! Month and year you are available to start work. "Special Skills;" "Publications;" "Professional Development" (training, seminars, conferences, workshops), "Class Projects," "Study Abroad," "If you have something else to add that would be relevant, make a heading that's appropriate and include it! AVAILABILITY OTHER HEADINGS ACTION VERBS FOR RESUMES This action word list will guide you in listing your accomplishments and skills on your resume. They are divided into five sections for easy reference. Use those that accurately describe your duties. PLANNED analyzed appraised created discovered designed DIRECTED adapted authorized awarded commanded conducted EXECUTED accelerated achieved activated administered altered approved arranged assembled assumed attached attained augmented authored balanced built classified SERVICED accommodated aided assisted audited communicated conserved constructed ADVISED acquainted advertised advised advocated arbitrated conferred determined developed devised estimated evaluated controlled coordinated designed directed eliminated collected combined completed compounded computed conceived condensed consolidated converted curtailed demonstrated disclosed discontinued dispatched distributed economized corresponded delivered disclosed dispensed educated endorsed guaranteed consulted counseled criticized demonstrated detected diagnosed examined identified interpreted investigated measured founded governed guided headed instituted employed enforced established exchanged executed expanded expedited extended formulated generated implemented improved increased introduced invented invested informed installed instructed interviewed lectured logged ordered displayed disproved edited encouraged exhibited familiarized organized originated planned prepared produced maintained managed navigated operated oversaw merged minimized modernized modified motivated notified observed obtained performed presented procured produced published rectified reduced reorganized prepared processed provided purchased received represented routed illustrated informed prescribed proposed protected publicized researched revamped reviewed solved studied regulated removed supervised transferred vetoed repaired replaced restored selected sponsored stabilized strengthened supplemented terminated transformed unified updated utilized wrote serviced supplied sold taught tested trained translated recommended referred reported suggested Format 1. Is format choice (targetedl, functional, combination, etc) appropriate to general resume objective? 2. Are general headings (education, experience, etc) consistently presented and set apart in some way from the other material (by capitalizing, underlining, spacing, bold-facing, etc)? 3. Does the order of material presented emphasize what you intend it to? Is the order logical? If the resume is chronological, are the items in reverse chronological order (i.e., most recent experience first)? 4. Is the length of the resume appropriate to the amount of material presented and to the job objective? 5. Does the resume have an overall neat, readable appearance? Is it easy to scan? Is there sufficient but not excessive white space? Content 1. Are the topic headings specific enough to invite reader interest? Do the headings hang together in some way? 2. Is the information presented specific and concise? Is it quantitative where appropriate? 3. Are accomplishments and problem-solving skills emphasized? 4. Are the name, address, and telephone number at the top of the first page? If there is a second page, is your last name and "page 2" at the top? 5. Is all important information included? 6. Is extraneous material eliminated? Extraneous information includes hobbies, marital status, age, irrelevant memberships, repetitious information, information that is assumed or information that is out-of-date. Style 1. Do sentences begin with action verbs or prominently contain action verbs? 2. Is grammatical style consistent throughout? 3. Is choice of vocabulary appropriate to your job target? 4. Are punctuation and spelling correct? 5. Are sentences and paragraphs of a readable length? (Paragraphs ideally should be no longer than a few lines; if you are using a functional format, and you have paragraphs longer than this, consider breaking down your topic headings into more specific headings--(e.g. "administration" could become "development" and "budgeting".) 6. Have extraneous phrases, such as "duties included" been eliminated? 7. Do any of your phrases or sentences contain personal pronouns? Printing Your resume should be word-processed or typed. Have it printed on "wove" paper ("laid" paper is difficult to read for those with reading disabilities). Use pale colors such as white, ivory, gray, cream, beige, or off-white. Avoid loud and garish colors and bright white. You have several options for printing: 1. If you are proficient at word-processing, by all means do your own. It is important that you use a letter quality or laser printer. 2. Copied on a high-speed COPIER machine 3. If you do not type or word process, check the bulletin boards around campus and see if someone will do it on their computer for a reasonable fee. Cost-wise, printing your resume on a laser printer is the best option. If you choose to have it copied at a copy store (e.g. Kinko's) simply take a clean copy of your resume to the copy store and ask them to copy it onto "resume paper." They will have samples of their paper for you to examine and choose. The copies are very good and the cost can't be beat! Layout 1. Fonts: Avoid using Courier, it is a wide font and takes up too much room. Common resume fonts include Times Roman, Helvectica, Palatino. There are many new fonts that look great too. Experiment with your font menu! Font Size: 11pt is a good size for a one page resume. 12 pt is probably too big and 10 pt too small. 2. Margins: .5 inch margins top, bottom, right and left are recommended for most resumes to give you the maximum amount of space for text. In Microsoft Word go to "File" then "Page Setup" and change each margin. The default margins are too much and it is almost impossible to have a one page resume with the default margins. 3. Bullets: Or bold dots are used to highlight verb statements on a resume. FINALLY.....Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!! EXAMPLE: TARGETED RESUME George Washington 1 American Way Jacksonville, Florida 32224 (904) 123-4567 EDUCATION University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida Master of Education (NCATE and State Approved Program), May 2006 Major: Special Education Track: Varying Exceptionalities, (K-12) University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida Bachelor of Education (NCATE and State Approved Program), December 2004 Secondary Social Science (6-12), GPA 3.5 TEACHER CERTIFICATION TEACHING EXPERIENCE Florida Teaching Certificate in Secondary Social Science (6-12) 2006 Duval County School System, Jacksonville, Florida (January 2004-Present) Substitute Teacher, 2 days per week • Teach middle and high school classes in history, English and exceptional education. Mandarin High School, Jacksonville, Florida, (August 2005-December 2005) Social Sciences Intern, Grades 10 -11, 400 hours/5 classes • Developed lesson plans and taught Geography and American Government • Co-Advisor to Student Government Association • Participated in parent teacher conferences • Developed a unit plan on the importance of voting • Tutored students in social sciences Ed White Middle School, Jacksonville, Florida (January 2005-May 2005) Pre-Intern II in Social Sciences, Grade 7, 50 onsite hours • Developed and taught 5 lesson plans on Civics • Assisted with field trip to the Duval County Court House • Co-chaperoned 50 students on social sciences field trip to Washington, DC Landon Middle School, Jacksonville, Florida (August 2004-December 2004) Pre-Intern I in Psychology, Grade 9 (50 onsite hours) • Taught 5 lessons and team taught with supervising teacher other lessons • Assisted teacher in administrative duties: attendance, and testing RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE Museum of Science and History (MOSH), Orlando, Florida (2002 -2003) Museum Guide • Assist with daily presentations and tours • Give presentation to summer camp students • Provide customer service and operate cash register Olive Garden Restaurant, Server/Host, Mandarin, FL (2004-2006) Yotagi Toyota Dealers, Sales Representative, Orange Park, FL (Summer, 2004) Pizza Hut Restaurants, Training Specialist, Kansas City, MO (2001-2004) • Word Perfect • Page Maker • Student Council for Exceptional Children • Student Government Association • Dean’s List • Golden Key National Honor Society • Excel • Page Microsoft • History Club • Best Buddies Volunteer • Junior Achievement Scholarship • Phi Alpha Theta OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE COMPUTER SKILLS PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS HONORS EXAMPLE: TARGETED RESUME DESIREE SUPERINTERN 1 Jaguar Lane Jacksonville, Florida 32224 (904) 123-4567 CAREER OBJECTIVE Seeking an elementary teaching position in the Duval County School System ACADEMIC HISTORY AND FLORIDA CERTIFICATION University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida Bachelor of Education, December 2005 Major: Elementary Education (1-6), GPA: 3.8 (NCATE and State Approved Program) Florida Teaching Certificate, Grades 1 - 6 PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES • Demonstrates open flexible teaching style and variety of teaching methods • Creates a learning environment which fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity • Utilizes exploration and cooperative learning methods to enhance critical thinking skills • Provides effective and appropriate learning activities and materials for individualized instruction • Possesses thorough knowledge of subject areas with ability to identify primary concepts and skills INTERNSHIP AND FIELD EXPERIENCE San Pablo Elementary School, Fifth Grade, Jacksonville, Florida, Fall 2005 Elementary Education Student Teacher, 400 hours (16 weeks) • Prepared and presented daily lessons in all curriculum areas • Actively participated in parent-teacher conferences • Appropriately integrated technology in classroom instruction • Designed and implemented integrated science/social studies unit on rain forests • Performed administrative duties: attendance, recording grades, playground duty • Employed effective, positive, and equitable classroom management techniques • Utilized variety of techniques/instruments to assess student achievement level and performance San Jose Elementary School, Third Grade, Jacksonville, Florida, Spring 2005 Elementary Education Field II Pre-Intern, 50 hours (10 weeks) • Taught reading in individual and group sessions • Developed and taught history lessons based on field trip to Fort Caroline. • Designed and instructed integrated math/science and language arts/social science lessons Crown Point Elementary, First Grade, Jacksonville, Florida, Fall 2004 Elementary Education Field I Pre-Intern, 50 hours (10 weeks) • Reviewed and assessed child cumulative folder • Presented lessons in math, science, and language arts • Assisted teacher in small group reading instruction RELATED VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE St. Johns County School System, Chapter 1, Third Grade, St. Augustine, Florida, Spring 2004 Language/Literacy Development Volunteer, 20 hours (4 weeks) • Assisted the Reading Specialist with individual and group reading instruction LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES • President, FTP National Teachers Association Student Program • Treasurer, Student Government Association Senate • Participant in professional development workshops with supervising instructor HONORS • Dean's List • Golden Key National Honor Society • Kappa Delta Pi REFERENCES AND PORTFOLIO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST Example: Combination Resume: Thomas Jefferson 123 Central Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32224 904-555-1234 Career Changer QUALIFICATIONS Organization and Implementation of recruitment functions, marketing seminars, and admissions programs. Extensive administrative experience. Strong interpersonal public, speaking, interviewing, and evaluating skills. EDUCATION EXPERIENCE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA, Jacksonville, FL Bachelor of Arts in Psychology May, 2006 DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, Jacksonville, FL (7/05-present) Evaluation: Research and evaluate the effectiveness of a technical training course for computer engineers. Created and distributed questionnaires to control and experimental groups. Compiled, analyzed, evaluated, and presented research findings to middle management in Education and Training, and Electronic Storage Departments. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA CAREER SERVICES, Jacksonville, FL (9/05-6/06) Administration: Organized and oversaw an annual Career Fair for 250 employers and students, and two Career Networking Receptions for over 200 students and alumni. Prepared invitation lists, maintained phone and written contact with employers and alumni, made arrangements for receptions, and evaluated effectiveness of programs. WEST NOTTINGHAM ACADEMY, Colora, MD (3/00-6/03) Training and Development: Designed and implemented the Nottingham Admissions Network. Instructed 4 regional alumni and parent groups of 10-25 people by instructing them on strategies for contacting prospective students, advertising in local newspapers, and interacting with local public school counselors. Recruiting and Marketing: Developed marketing strategies that increased enrollment by10%, phone and written contacts with students and consultants by 12%, and number of interviews by 8%. Traveled extensively in Mid-Atlantic region to public and private schools. Met with educational consultants to recruit students. Interviewed, counseled, and evaluated prospective students. Administration: Managed admissions/financial aid office procedures and guidelines. Supervised student tour guides. Researched and presented data to Board of Trustee on current enrollment and demographic trends. ALBRIGHT COLLEGE, Reading, PA (6/99-3/00) Training and Development: Coordinated the Albright Alumni Liaison program. Instructed 5 regional alumni groups of 20-30 people on admissions recruiting and procedures. Evaluated effectiveness of program. Coordinated and operated seminar for state-wide conference of the Pennsylvania Association of College Admissions Counselors. Recruitment and Marketing: Interviewed, counseled, and evaluated applicants. Represented Albright at numerous high schools while speaking to counselors and students. Traveled extensively in New England and Mid-Atlantic regions. Administration: Coordinated and oversaw open house for 750 prospective students and families. Oversaw various admissions receptions, staff college night schedule, and recruitment travel schedule. COMPUTER SKILLS INTERESTS Solid computer experience in statistical analysis (SAS, WORMSTAT, BASIC) Running, cycling, and swimming; photography, camping, backpacking and canoeing; cooking, music and creative writing. Targeted Resume: Susan B. Anthony 417 Agatha Street Jacksonville, FL 32224 (904) 555-1234 sbanthony@aol.com OBJECTIVE Seeking a position teaching elementary level mathematics and/or science. EDUCATION University of North Florida Bachelor of Science Degree: Elementary Education Areas of specialization: Mathematics and Science CERTIFICATION Eligible for Florida Teacher Certification Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) RELEVANT COURSEWORK Calculus I & II Linear Algebra Computing with FORTRAN Organic Chemistry I & II Anatomy and Physiology Statistics TEACHING EXPERIENCE Rowe Elementary School, Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonville, Florida (January 2006 – May 2006)  Student Teacher-Grade 2 and Departmentalized Math  Taught in both a self-contained and departmentalized classroom setting; utilized the methods of the writing process, whole language, and the integrated language arts; applied a variety of math problem-solving techniques; field-tested new math curriculum. Activities include: First Grade Math Bee coordinator, Social Committee Chairperson, Campus Coordinating Committee Member, Jacksonville Teachers’ and Community Advocacy Committee Representative. Aaron Carter Jr. YMCA, Jacksonville, Florida (Summer 2006)  Coordinator and Instructor – “Live and Learn,” a program for middle school students identified as at-risk.  Designed and presented life-skill lessons through group discussions, guest speakers, field trips, and active participation.  Actively involved business leaders in life-skill program. Eisenhower Elementary School, Jacksonville, Florida (Spring 2005)  Student Teacher-Grade 4  Developed and taught poetry unit; instructed and supervised computer lab; worked with individuals in math; introduced and helped maintain daily journal writing; helped organize an all-school environmental awareness project. Dover Elementary School, Jacksonville, Florida (Fall 2004)  Practicum Teacher-Grade 6  Developed and taught science lessons  Assisted with computer activities and individual work in math and science. Physics Microbiology 2006 Jacksonville, Florida May, 2006 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES Classroom Management Quest Peer Coaching NASA Math Improving Student Writing Newspapers in Education