High School Teacher Resume Example
A high school teacher resume that shows your subject area and license, your results with students, and the extra programs you run beyond the classroom.
How to write a high school teacher resume that lands interviews
A great high school teacher resume isn't a list of responsibilities — it's a tight stack of quantified outcomes, written in language an ATS scores and a human reader believes. Below: the 8 bullets a strong candidate uses, the 4 they avoid, the keywords the ATS expects, the pay figures to anchor your negotiation against, and the FAQs we hear most often.
Sample bullets — good vs weak
Each “good” bullet leads with the outcome, includes a measurable result, and shows scope. The “weak” versions describe activities without showing impact. Use these as templates; rewrite them in your own voice with your real numbers.
✅ Bullets that get the call
- Taught five sections of Algebra I and Geometry to about 135 ninth and tenth graders each semester.
- Redesigned the Algebra I unit on linear equations with weekly quizzes and reteaching groups, raising the pass rate on the end-of-course exam for my sections by 11 points over two years.
- Used the school's learning management system to post assignments, give feedback in one day and keep families updated on missing work.
- Added accommodations from 12 IEPs and 504 plans, working with the case managers on testing conditions and assignment modifications.
- Coached the math team of 14 students to a regional finals appearance.
- Served on the department's professional learning community, building common assessments for all ninth-grade math teachers.
- Held tutoring three mornings a week, helping students raise failing grades before the marking period closed.
- Advised the school's student council, organizing two fundraisers for 300 students and a service day.
❌ Bullets to rewrite
- Taught high school math.
- Graded assignments and tests.
- Dedicated teacher.
- Helped with school activities.
ATS keywords to weave into your bullets
The four-component ATS rubric weights keyword density inside experience bullets more heavily than the keywords-only skills section. These are the 14+ keywords most often scored on a high school teacher resume — fold them into your bullets where they're honestly applicable.
High School Teacher salary
Annual pay across the United States, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of these workers earn between the 25th and 75th percentile figures. Your offer will depend on the state, the employer and the shift.
| Annual pay | Amount |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49k |
| 25th percentile | $60k |
| Median | $72k |
| 75th percentile | $93k |
| 90th percentile | $108k |
Want a deeper salary breakdown by city + role + experience? See the full High School Teacher salary guide →
Common mistakes (and how to fix them)
- Subject and license hiddenFix: Put certification, subject and grade range at the top.
- Only listing courses taughtFix: Add results, redesigns and how you supported different learners.
- Leaving out activitiesFix: List clubs, coaching and committees with a number or outcome.
- Using student-identifying detailsFix: Keep results at the section or course level.
ATS tips specific to high school teacher resumes
- Use the subject and course names from the posting, such as 'Algebra I' or 'AP Biology'.
- Write your state license and endorsements exactly in a Certifications section.
- Spell out 'Individualized Education Program (IEP)' once.
- Include the learning management system by name, for example the platform your school used.
Frequently asked questions
Drop your file. Get the ATS breakdown. The fix list is unlocked free with your email.
Start freeAbout this guideThe ApplyVita Career Team — The ApplyVita Career Team builds the resume-scoring and job-matching tools at the core of ApplyVita. Our guidance is grounded in the same four-component ATS rubric our product scores resumes on — content and impact, keyword match, formatting, and skills — and in current recruiter and hiring-manager practice. Every guide is checked against that rubric before it is published, and updated as hiring norms change.