When applying for teaching positions, schools want to see that you have experience relating with people, developing lessons, and of course, teaching others. Adopt resume conventions that emphasize these skills while also highlighting your devotion to the teaching profession. Try to see your resume from a potential employer's point of view, and consider whether it communicates your most relevant qualifications quickly.

Combined Usually the Best Choice
The website Education Canada provides samples of two resume formats: the chronological style and the combined style. The chronological format lumps all of your experience together and lists your accomplishments starting with the most recent. The combined format breaks your work experience up into separate categories and lists positions in reverse chronological order within each section. According to a document about resume writing published by the University of the Incarnate World, schools care the most about your teaching experience. Since teachers generally have related volunteer and work experience outside their teaching roles, the combined resume format works best for most applicants. Hopefuls can subdivide their experience into "Teaching Experience," "Related Work Experience" and "Volunteer Work," highlighting at a glance what's most important to prospective employers without leaving out any important details.

Lead with a Strong Objective
Your objective is the first thing employers read, so writing a strong one at the top of your resume can set you apart from the competition. Your objective should wrap up your strengths, teaching philosophy and career aspirations in one succinct statement. For example: A special education professional with five years of experience, looking to apply my values of inclusion and flexibility within a progressive elementary school environment. Making your objective memorable helps you stand out in the minds of recruiters.

Emphasize Planning, Creativity and People Skills
According to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, schools look for teachers with experience in lesson-planning and taking the lead. If you're a first-time teacher, emphasize times when you planned activities or made presentations. For example, if you worked as a camp counselor one summer, discuss your role in choosing each day's activities. Experienced teachers should focus on how they tailored lessons to meet the needs of students. Include positions that involve managing, leading and training people. Try to think of times when you used your conflict resolution skills or creativity to get out of a sticky situation at work.

Consider What Sets You Apart
"Honors and Activities" and "Special Skills" are optional resume sections. Whether you want to include these sections and what you should say depend on your mix of skills and the job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying to teach a digital media course at the high school level, your knowledge of graphic design software is probably important to mention in the "Special Skills" section. If you're applying to teach in a multicultural area of town, being a fluent Spanish speaker is an asset you want to mention. Ask yourself what attributes set you apart from other well-qualified teaching applicants.