First Grade Teacher Resume Guide

First grade teachers are responsible for educating and caring for young children as they learn foundational skills. They create lesson plans, assess their students’ progress, provide support to families in the classroom setting, and establish positive relationships with their students.

You have a natural gift for teaching, but principals don’t know who you are. To make them aware of your abilities and experience as an educator, crafting a stand-out resume is essential.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

First Grade Teacher Resume

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

First Grade Teacher Resume Sample

Elta Mills
First Grade Teacher

Summary

Hard-working, creative first grade teacher with 8+ years of experience developing and delivering age-appropriate lessons to children in a safe and supportive learning environment. Proven track record of improving student engagement by 20% through the use of innovative teaching methods, such as hands-on activities, roleplaying, storytelling, cooperative games and more. Seeking to join ABC School’s team to continue making an impact on young minds.

Experience

First Grade Teacher, Employer A
Worcester, Jan 2018 – Present

Reorganized the classroom learning environment to accommodate 25 first grade students, resulting in an improved student-teacher ratio of 10:1 and enhancing overall teaching efficiency.
Reliably managed the day-to-day operations of a class with diverse learning needs; created individual lesson plans for each student and monitored their progress closely.
Implemented creative strategies including activities, projects and games to engage all students in the curriculum while fostering critical thinking skills among them.
Structured a positive classroom culture through encouraging appropriate behavior and providing consistent feedback that enabled 90% of students to excel academically as per school district standards by end of year 2020/21 academic year.
Instructed more than 20 different subjects across primary education such as language arts, mathematics, science & social studies using modern technology tools like Zoom & Google Classroom Platforms which were well received by both parents & teachers alike.

First Grade Teacher, Employer B
Ontario, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

Confidently provided instruction to a diverse first grade classroom of 25 students, integrating new technologies and methodologies for enhanced student learning.
Optimized the use of online resources and interactive activities to engage students in weekly lessons; saw an increase in average test scores by 8% from the previous year.
Demonstrated excellent communication skills when interacting with parents, guardians and other stakeholders regarding their children’s academic progress, resolving any issues that arose swiftly & efficiently.
Formulated creative lesson plans incorporating both traditional education methods (books, writing) as well as modern technologies like iPads or computers; regularly consulted peers for feedback on ideas & strategies implemented in class settings.
Advised administration on curriculum updates necessary to maintain adherence to state standards while providing engaging educational experiences for all learners in the school district; successfully developed 7+ curricula during tenure.

Skills

Teaching
Lesson Planning
Classroom Management
Elementary Education
Curriculum Development
Classroom
Curriculum Design
Tutoring
Differentiated Instruction

Education

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

Elementary Education Teacher Certification
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
May 2017

1. Summary / Objective

The summary/objective at the top of your resume is like a trailer – it provides the hiring manager with essential bits of information and, if written correctly, should compel them to read on. This is where you can highlight your best qualities as an educator; for example, you could mention how many years experience teaching first grade students you have or any awards/recognition received from parents or administrators. You could also talk about specific strategies used in the classroom that led to improved student performance.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Seasoned first grade teacher with 8+ years of experience creating nurturing, stimulating classroom environments for students. A passionate educator who has successfully developed and implemented individualized lesson plans to meet the academic needs of every student. Seeking a position at ABC School where I can continue to develop my skills as an elementary school teacher while helping young learners reach their full potentials.

Determined and dedicated first-grade teacher with a passion for educating young minds. Skilled in creating engaging lesson plans and classroom activities to foster student growth and development. At ABC School, managed an average class size of 22 students while implementing cutting-edge technology into the curriculum. Received Teacher of the Year Award two years running for outstanding performance as a first grade teacher.

Detail-oriented and creative first grade teacher with four years of experience. Focused on unlocking the potential in each individual student, while also emphasizing strong classroom management to ensure a safe learning environment. At ABC School, spearheaded an initiative that boosted reading comprehension scores by 37%. Proven record of successfully delivering differentiated instruction for diverse groups of students.

Talented first grade teacher with 5+ years of experience in creating a positive learning environment and developing innovative, interactive lesson plans. Track record of increasing student engagement by 24% while utilizing creative approaches to problem-solving. Passionate about inspiring young minds at ABC School, where I can apply my commitment to fostering an engaging classroom setting for students’ optimal growth.

Dependable and organized first-grade teacher with 5+ years of experience in developing lesson plans and implementing creative teaching methods. Awarded Teacher of the Year at XYZ School for outstanding contributions to student learning outcomes, including a 25% increase in reading comprehension scores. Looking to bring this same enthusiasm and dedication to ABC Elementary as their newest 1st Grade teacher.

Amicable first-grade teacher with 8 years of experience creating a safe and encouraging learning environment for diverse learners. Passionate about teaching 21st century skills, such as problem solving, collaboration and innovation. Seeking to join ABC School District to continue helping students reach their full potential while providing engaging activities that foster lifelong learning habits.

Well-rounded first grade teacher with a decade of experience creating engaging learning environments for young students. At XYZ School, implemented an innovative teaching approach that resulted in higher student achievement outcomes and improved parent satisfaction levels by 30%. Passionate about helping children become life-long learners through fun and interactive activities.

Energetic and innovative first grade teacher with 5+ years of experience in teaching and curriculum development. Successfully created a learning environment that is both stimulating and supportive, resulting in improved student performance across the board. Passionate about providing quality instruction to young learners while fostering an inclusive classroom culture.

2. Experience / Employment

The work history/experience section is where you provide details on your employment history. This should be written in reverse chronological order, meaning the most recent job is listed first.

Stick to bullet points when writing this section; doing so makes it easier for the reader to take in what you have said quickly and easily. You want to think carefully about each point and include as much detail as possible while also providing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact or achievements.

For example, instead of saying “Taught 1st grade,” you could say, “Successfully taught a class of 25 students aged 6-7 years old using innovative teaching methods which resulted in an average test score increase of 10%.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

Instructed
Assessed
Monitored
Encouraged
Facilitated
Developed
Implemented
Collaborated
Supervised
Adapted
Motivated
Evaluated
Supported
Organized
Communicated

Other general verbs you can use are:

Achieved
Advised
Compiled
Coordinated
Demonstrated
Expedited
Formulated
Improved
Introduced
Mentored
Optimized
Participated
Prepared
Presented
Reduced
Reorganized
Represented
Revised
Spearheaded
Streamlined
Structured
Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

Effectively managed a class of 25 first grade students, ensuring that lesson plans and activities addressed each student’s individual learning needs; increased academic performance by 20% for the entire class.
Utilized various educational tools to create engaging content for classroom lessons such as hands-on projects, group work exercises and interactive multimedia presentations.
Supervised after-school programs including reading clubs, homework assistance sessions and field trips; organized monthly events to celebrate student achievements with parents present in attendance.
Mentored 3 at-risk students on an individual basis which helped them reach their full potential academically despite difficult family situations or special needs; improved grades from C+/B− average to A−/A+.
Adapted teaching methods according to the changing nature of curriculum requirements while maintaining high standards in terms of quality instruction delivery; achieved 100% compliance rate with state education board mandates within 2 months of hire date.

Compiled weekly lesson plans for a classroom of 25 first grade students, utilizing Common Core standards to ensure that educational objectives were met.
Reduced student disciplinary issues by 30% through consistent implementation of motivational techniques and positive reinforcement programs.
Monitored student progress closely, holding regular one-on-one meetings with parents to discuss their children’s academic performance; identified problems early on and crafted individualized learning strategies accordingly.
Prepared exciting hands-on activities such as science experiments, art projects & field trips which enhanced the curriculum in creative ways while reinforcing fundamental concepts like math skills & reading comprehension at the same time.
Proficiently utilized technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and online quizzes to facilitate fun yet effective instruction methods within the classroom setting.

Motivated and inspired a classroom of 25 first graders, consistently boosting their academic and social skills with hands-on activities that increased student engagement by 30%.
Consistently monitored students’ progress in Mathematics, English Language Arts (ELA), Science & Social Studies; provided personalized assistance to struggling learners and raised overall class average test scores by 10% within the school year.
Presented lessons using multimedia tools such as interactive whiteboards, audio recordings and video demonstrations to maintain student interest while reinforcing core educational objectives.
Coordinated field trips for students to visit local attractions related to curriculum topics such as art galleries or science museums; introduced activities designed to stimulate creativity and collaboration among peers during outings.
Introduced modern teaching methods in the classroom including flipped learning strategies which enabled better understanding of concepts among students and improved individual grades significantly across all subjects involved (+15%).

Spearheaded the implementation of effective teaching methods to support over 25 first graders in achieving grade-level educational milestones; raised overall class performance by 8% within one school year.
Participated in a wide range of curricular activities, including reading and writing projects, math games and science experiments that enhanced students’ understanding of core concepts across various subject areas.
Assessed student learning progress through regular tests and observations; provided individualized instruction for those who needed extra help or enrichment opportunities as necessary.
Represented the school at parent/teacher conferences to discuss student achievements, behavior or any other issues that required attention from both sides; successfully resolved 92% of cases with positive outcomes for all parties involved.
Accurately tracked enrollment data on a daily basis using computer systems such as PowerSchool & Schoology, ensuring accurate record keeping and compliance with district regulations at all times.

Facilitated the learning of 30+ first grade students, planning engaging activities and lessons to develop their literacy, math and science skills.
Organized classroom events such as field trips, arts & crafts sessions and hands-on experiments; successfully increased student participation in these activities by 12%.
Developed inquiry-based teaching methods that improved comprehension scores among students by 25%, leading to higher rates of academic success for all learners.
Actively monitored each student’s progress on a daily basis through formative assessments and discussions with parents, providing timely feedback to ensure individual needs were met effectively.
Improved communication between home and school environments by arranging weekly parent meetings; saw an increase in parental involvement from just 20% at the start of the year up to 70%.

Revised the curriculum for first grade students to ensure mastery of essential skills, resulting in a 15% increase in test scores over the course of one year.
Communicated with parents and guardians on a regular basis via email and phone calls, providing updates on student progress and addressing any concerns they may have had.
Thoroughly evaluated individual goals for each student by monitoring their daily performance using observation sheets and provided feedback to help them reach their milestones faster.
Expedited report writing time from 3 hours per week to 1 hour through the implementation of new organizational techniques; increased accuracy rate from 50% up to 90%.
Collaborated with other teachers within the school district when developing lesson plans that integrated technology into classroom activities; improved learning engagement among students by 30%.

Streamlined lesson plans and grading process to improve the efficiency of classroom operations, resulting in a 15% reduction of paper waste.
Evaluated student progress against set learning objectives; identified areas for improvement and implemented targeted interventions that raised overall test scores by 10%.
Encouraged creative thinking through hands-on activities, group projects and discussions; helped students develop problem-solving skills while fostering healthy relationships with peers.
Supported social-emotional growth within the classroom environment by providing individualized attention when needed, helping 80+ children maintain positive attitudes towards learning and acquire age appropriate knowledge & life skills over three years of teaching experience.
Independently managed daily tasks such as attendance tracking, lunchroom supervision and parent communication without any administrative support during busy school hours/events.

3. Skills

Two organizations that have advertised for a position with the same title may be searching for individuals whose skills are quite different. For instance, one school may be looking for a teacher who is proficient in teaching math and science, while another might require someone with experience working with English language learners.

It is essential to tailor the skills section of your resume to each job that you are applying for – this will help ensure that applicant tracking systems recognize it as being relevant. Additionally, you should also elaborate on any key abilities or qualifications in other parts of your resume such as the summary or work history sections.

Some common first grade teacher skills include: classroom management; lesson planning; communication and collaboration; data analysis; assessment development and implementation; technology integration into instruction; student engagement strategies etc.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

Classroom
Classroom Management
Curriculum Design
Curriculum Development
Differentiated Instruction
Early Childhood Education
Editing
Educational Leadership
Educational Technology
Elementary Education
Fundraising
Guided Reading
Higher Education
Instructional Technology
Language Arts
Lesson Planning
Literacy
Nonprofits
SmartBoard
Special Education
Staff Development
Teacher Training
Teaching
Teamwork
Time Management
Tutoring

4. Education

Including an education section on your resume is essential for a first grade teacher role. Your educational background should be listed below your resume objective and include the name of any degrees you have earned, as well as relevant courses or specializations related to teaching.

If you are still in school working towards a degree, mention the expected graduation date along with any relevant coursework completed so far. If applicable, also list any certifications that make you qualified to teach students at this level such as Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification or other specialized programs like Montessori training.

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in a given field. Employers will be interested in seeing what certifications you have obtained, as it shows that you have taken the initiative to stay up-to-date with industry standards.

Including any relevant certifications on your resume can help give employers an idea of how qualified you are for the job and make them more likely to consider your application.

Elementary Education Teacher Certification
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Elta Mills, this would be Elta-Mills-resume.pdf or Elta-Mills-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter is a great way to add more context and personality to your job application. It’s usually made up of 2-4 paragraphs that provide the hiring manager with additional information about who you are and why you’re an ideal fit for the role.

Cover letters can be beneficial even if they aren’t mandatory, as it gives recruiters a chance to get to know you better before making their decision. They also serve as an opportunity for you to explain any potential gaps in your resume or highlight specific skills that make you stand out from others applying for the same position.

Below is an example cover letter:

I am writing to apply for the first grade teacher position at your school. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and I have been teaching for 5 years. In my previous positions, I have taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade.

Teaching is my passion, and I firmly believe that all children can learn. My teaching style is based on building relationships with my students and their families, differentiating instruction to meet each child’s needs, using technology in the classroom, and incorporating hands-on learning experiences. I have seen firsthand the difference that this approach makes in student achievement.

In addition to being an effective teacher, I am also highly organized and efficient in managing a classroom. This includes maintaining discipline through positive behavior management techniques such as cooperative learning groups and morning meeting activities. Classroom management is key to creating a safe and supportive learning environment where all students can succeed.

If you are looking for an experienced first grade teacher who is passionate about education and committed to helping every child reach his or her potential, then please contact me to arrange an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time!