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Kaelyn
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
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If I am interested in being a teacher or a career in the education field, what types of jobs, experiences, or skills are employers looking for on a resume?
I'm only 14 and a freshman in high school but my plans are to become a teacher for k-2 grade students. Some experiences I already have are watching my little cousins and helping teach dance classes. I want to know some other experiences I could put on a resume.
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Akhilesh Unde
14
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Akhilesh’s Answer
It's awesome that you already have a clear career goal and are gaining experience! For becoming a K-2 teacher, here are some activities, skills, and experiences that can build your resume and show your passion for teaching:
1. Volunteer Work with Children
Classroom Assistant: Look for opportunities to volunteer at local elementary schools. Helping a teacher or assisting with younger students in any capacity is valuable experience.
Tutoring: You could tutor younger kids in subjects like reading or math, either at school, through local community centers, or online.
Library Story Time or After-School Programs: Many libraries and community centers offer programs for young children, and they often appreciate volunteers. You could help with reading, activities, or organizing events.
2. Leadership in Extracurricular Activities
Clubs & Teams: Join or lead clubs that involve kids or education, such as a "Future Teachers" club if your school has one, or student council to develop leadership skills.
Babysitting & Childcare: Regular babysitting, even outside of family, can show responsibility, patience, and experience working with kids.
3. Teaching-Related Experiences
Camp Counselor: This is a great summer job once you’re old enough, as it provides hands-on experience working with groups of kids.
Dance, Sports, or Art Instruction: If you’re already involved in dance, consider helping lead more structured classes or assisting teachers in other activities. It’s also a great way to develop communication and planning skills.
4. Education-Focused Clubs or Events
Book Drives or Literacy Programs: Organize or volunteer in programs that support literacy, like book drives for children. Schools or libraries often have these programs and welcome volunteers.
Homework Helpers or Mentoring Programs: Some schools or community centers have after-school programs where older students can help younger ones with homework or be reading buddies.
5. Skills Development
Public Speaking & Communication: Skills in public speaking, whether through debate club, theater, or presentations, are highly valuable for teachers.
Organization and Planning: Planning activities, events, or study sessions is great practice for classroom management.
Creativity & Problem-Solving: Teaching young kids requires coming up with fun, engaging ways to learn, so participating in art, creative writing, or similar activities can help show your creative approach.
6. Courses and Certifications
CPR & First Aid: Many schools prefer teachers and caregivers to know basic CPR and first aid, so you could take a certification class if it’s available to teens in your area.
Online Education Programs: Some organizations offer online courses about child development, early education, or teaching techniques.
7. Technology Skills
Educational Software: Familiarize yourself with software used in classrooms, like Google Classroom, Zoom, or learning apps for younger children. Many schools use tech in K-2 classrooms now, so having knowledge of educational technology is helpful.
Building a Strong Resume
Even at your age, you can start a resume that lists:
Volunteer roles (dance class helper, babysitting, tutoring)
Skills you’re developing, like patience, organization, and communication
Courses or certifications (like CPR) if you take any
As you gain experience, keep updating your resume, and by the time you're ready to apply for teaching internships or college programs, you’ll have a strong background that shows your commitment to teaching young kids!
1. Volunteer Work with Children
Classroom Assistant: Look for opportunities to volunteer at local elementary schools. Helping a teacher or assisting with younger students in any capacity is valuable experience.
Tutoring: You could tutor younger kids in subjects like reading or math, either at school, through local community centers, or online.
Library Story Time or After-School Programs: Many libraries and community centers offer programs for young children, and they often appreciate volunteers. You could help with reading, activities, or organizing events.
2. Leadership in Extracurricular Activities
Clubs & Teams: Join or lead clubs that involve kids or education, such as a "Future Teachers" club if your school has one, or student council to develop leadership skills.
Babysitting & Childcare: Regular babysitting, even outside of family, can show responsibility, patience, and experience working with kids.
3. Teaching-Related Experiences
Camp Counselor: This is a great summer job once you’re old enough, as it provides hands-on experience working with groups of kids.
Dance, Sports, or Art Instruction: If you’re already involved in dance, consider helping lead more structured classes or assisting teachers in other activities. It’s also a great way to develop communication and planning skills.
4. Education-Focused Clubs or Events
Book Drives or Literacy Programs: Organize or volunteer in programs that support literacy, like book drives for children. Schools or libraries often have these programs and welcome volunteers.
Homework Helpers or Mentoring Programs: Some schools or community centers have after-school programs where older students can help younger ones with homework or be reading buddies.
5. Skills Development
Public Speaking & Communication: Skills in public speaking, whether through debate club, theater, or presentations, are highly valuable for teachers.
Organization and Planning: Planning activities, events, or study sessions is great practice for classroom management.
Creativity & Problem-Solving: Teaching young kids requires coming up with fun, engaging ways to learn, so participating in art, creative writing, or similar activities can help show your creative approach.
6. Courses and Certifications
CPR & First Aid: Many schools prefer teachers and caregivers to know basic CPR and first aid, so you could take a certification class if it’s available to teens in your area.
Online Education Programs: Some organizations offer online courses about child development, early education, or teaching techniques.
7. Technology Skills
Educational Software: Familiarize yourself with software used in classrooms, like Google Classroom, Zoom, or learning apps for younger children. Many schools use tech in K-2 classrooms now, so having knowledge of educational technology is helpful.
Building a Strong Resume
Even at your age, you can start a resume that lists:
Volunteer roles (dance class helper, babysitting, tutoring)
Skills you’re developing, like patience, organization, and communication
Courses or certifications (like CPR) if you take any
As you gain experience, keep updating your resume, and by the time you're ready to apply for teaching internships or college programs, you’ll have a strong background that shows your commitment to teaching young kids!