2 answers
Kaelyn
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
12
Questions
Asked
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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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2 answers
Shanayha Alvarez, aPHR
3
Answers
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
Shanayha’s Answer
As a young aspiring elementary school teacher, you're already on an excellent path by gaining early experiences like babysitting your cousins and helping teach dance classes. These experiences demonstrate responsibility, patience, and the ability to work with children, which are crucial skills for future educators. To further develop your resume and prepare for a teaching career, consider seeking out volunteer opportunities that involve working with young children. Look for positions at local libraries during children's reading hours, volunteer as a junior counselor at summer camps, or offer to assist in after-school programs at community centers or religious institutions.
Your high school years are a perfect time to build a strong foundation for your future teaching career. Take advantage of any child development or education-related electives your school might offer. Join clubs or organizations that involve mentoring or working with younger students, such as peer tutoring programs or student leadership groups that interact with elementary school children. Consider seeking part-time or volunteer positions that allow you to gain experience in educational settings, like being a teacher's aide during study halls or helping with school events that involve younger children.
Developing a diverse set of skills will make you a more attractive candidate for future teaching positions. Focus on improving your communication skills, patience, creativity, and ability to manage groups of children. Learn about child development stages, practice active listening, and work on your ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms. Additionally, start building a portfolio of your experiences, keeping track of specific achievements, positive feedback, and any additional training or certifications you complete. While you're young, concentrate on gaining varied experiences that showcase your passion for working with children and your potential as a future educator.
Your high school years are a perfect time to build a strong foundation for your future teaching career. Take advantage of any child development or education-related electives your school might offer. Join clubs or organizations that involve mentoring or working with younger students, such as peer tutoring programs or student leadership groups that interact with elementary school children. Consider seeking part-time or volunteer positions that allow you to gain experience in educational settings, like being a teacher's aide during study halls or helping with school events that involve younger children.
Developing a diverse set of skills will make you a more attractive candidate for future teaching positions. Focus on improving your communication skills, patience, creativity, and ability to manage groups of children. Learn about child development stages, practice active listening, and work on your ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms. Additionally, start building a portfolio of your experiences, keeping track of specific achievements, positive feedback, and any additional training or certifications you complete. While you're young, concentrate on gaining varied experiences that showcase your passion for working with children and your potential as a future educator.
Akhilesh Unde
14
Answers
Updated
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!