In this guide
Role-specific resume and interview guides
Teacher resume: qualified status, phase and evidence of pupil progress
How teachers can show qualified status, phase and subjects, pupil progress, behaviour and inclusion work on a resume or school application form.
Qualified status depends on where you teach
- England: qualified teacher status (QTS), with the Teaching Regulation Agency responsible for teacher regulation.
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland, the Education Workforce Council or the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland respectively.
- United States: a teaching licence or certificate issued by the state, with subject and grade endorsements.
- If you trained in another country, say where and check how the destination recognises the qualification before you apply.
Phase, subject and setting
Put the phase or grade range and subjects in each role heading so a panel sees your fit immediately: for example, 'Teacher of science (key stages 3 and 4), comprehensive secondary school' or 'Third-grade classroom teacher, public elementary school'. Add the type of school and any specialist provision you worked in.
Evidence panels look for
| Area | Example evidence |
|---|---|
| Pupil progress | Group outcomes against starting points, without naming pupils |
| Behaviour and relationships | Routines you introduced; changes in sanctions or attendance for a class |
| Adaptive teaching and inclusion | How you planned for pupils with special educational needs or who were new to English |
| Curriculum | Schemes of work or units you wrote or improved |
| Wider responsibilities | Form tutor, clubs, trips, subject or year lead roles |
| Safeguarding | Training completed and that you followed procedures; no case details |
Illustrative example
Secondary teacher
Before
Taught GCSE science.
After
Taught combined science to four GCSE groups, rewriting the year 10 electricity unit around practical work; the department adopted the unit and end-of-topic assessment results improved the following year.
Illustrative example
Primary teacher
Before
Supported pupils with SEND.
After
Planned phonics interventions for six pupils in year 2 with the SENCo and teaching assistant, tracking progress every fortnight and adapting the groups as pupils moved on.
Resume or application form?
Schools in the UK commonly ask for an application form and a supporting statement, and safer recruitment practice means the form will ask about employment history and gaps. Some independent and international schools accept a resume with a letter. In the US, districts often use online application systems with a resume upload. Keep one master document of evidence and adapt it to the format each school asks for.
Before submitting a teaching application
- Qualified status or registration is stated for the right nation or state.
- Every role heading shows phase or grade and subjects.
- Employment history is continuous, with any gaps explained.
- Pupil evidence is anonymised and aggregated.
- Referees include your current or most recent headteacher or principal where the school asks for one.
Trainee and early-career teachers
Describe your placements as experience: the schools, phases and classes, what you planned and taught independently, and feedback themes from your mentor. Subject knowledge from your degree and relevant work with young people, such as coaching or youth work, also count.
Common questions
Should teachers include exam results on a resume?
Aggregated class or group outcomes can be useful evidence if you can explain the context and starting points. Never include data that identifies a pupil.
How long should a teaching resume be?
Two pages is common for experienced teachers. Follow any length limit the school gives for supporting statements.
Sources
- Qualified teacher status (QTS): qualify to teach in EnglandGOV.UK (Department for Education) · England · checked 3 October 2026
- Teachers' standardsGOV.UK (Department for Education) · England · checked 3 October 2026
- General Teaching Council for ScotlandGTC Scotland · Scotland · checked 3 October 2026
- Education Workforce Council (Wales)Education Workforce Council · Wales · checked 3 October 2026
- General Teaching Council for Northern IrelandGTCNI · Northern Ireland · checked 3 October 2026
- CareerOneStop License Finder (state occupational licences)CareerOneStop, sponsored by the US Department of Labor · US · checked 3 October 2026
Put it into practice
See how Luceria helps with thisDrafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.