Should I De-Teacherize My Resume?

Let me be clear: to de-teacherize does NOT mean hiding or ignoring your experiences as a teacher. You have gained numerous highly sought after transferable skills during your time as an educator. It also does NOT mean you will lie on your resume.

To "de-teacherize" your resume means to translate teaching-related language into corporate language in order to present a more transferable skill set that is applicable to non-teaching positions. So, given this definition, the short answer to the question “should I de-teacherize my resume” is yes.

When de-teacherizing your resume, you would typically focus on highlighting skills, experiences, and achievements that are relevant to the job or industry you are targeting, while rephrasing teaching-specific terminology or responsibilities. This helps to present yourself as a versatile candidate who brings massive value from the classroom.

Below are the proven ways to “de-teacherize” your resume while still capitalizing on your teaching experience.

Tailor Your Summary Statement

Instead of emphasizing your passion for education or teaching goals, focus on how your skills can be applied in your desired role/industry.

Here is an example of a resume summary for a teacher applying to become a Customer Service Specialist at a company outside of EdTech:

Highlight Your Transferable Skills

Identify the skills you have acquired as a teacher that are applicable to the new industry, such as communication, organizational skills, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership abilities. Emphasize these skills in your resume, using examples from your teaching experience to illustrate them.

For help identifying your top skills, check out the 33 Most In-Demand Transferable Skills of Teachers and find out how what you’re already doing is used in the corporate world.

Optimize Your Job Experience Descriptions for Corporate Positions

While you should still include your teaching experience, rephrase your experience descriptions to highlight the transferable skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the new industry. Use the action verbs listed in the job description and quantify your achievements where possible.

Prioritize Relevant Experiences

If you have had any non-teaching experiences, such as internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs in the desired industry, remember to include them prominently in your resume. This demonstrates your broader experience and ability to adapt to different work environments.

Update Your Education Section

If you have additional education or training that is relevant to your new career path, include it!

Remember, the goal of de-teacherizing your resume is to showcase your transferable skills, adaptability, and suitability for positions outside of the education field, NOT hide your teaching experience. Tailoring your resume to the specific job or industry you are targeting will significantly enhance your chances of landing interviews and opportunities in the corporate world.