Are you looking to write your perfect Chemistry Teacher CV?
A career in teaching chemistry can be both rewarding and fulfilling, but in a competitive job market, it’s crucial to present yourself effectively to potential employers. Your CV is your first opportunity to make a positive impression, so it’s vital to get it right.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the steps to create a compelling CV that highlights your qualifications, experience and achievements. We’ll provide you with valuable tips and real examples to help you craft a CV that stands out.
Ready to embark on this journey towards your dream teaching position? Let’s get started!
57 New Street York RG8 5DL Mob: 079 4212 3332 Email: [email protected]
Personal profile statement
I have enjoyed an extensive career teaching secondary school students Chemistry, which has allowed me to gain substantial knowledge and expertise in educating young adolescents. Not only am I highly educated in the Sciences, but my years of teaching have vastly improved my teaching abilities. I also believe that my friendly personality and calm temperament are very harmonious with the requirements of a good teacher. My communication skills are excellent; as are my interpersonal skills—which are useful during interactions with students, parents and school administrators alike. Given my teaching track record and my consistently competent performances; I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to any educational institution.
Achievements
Graduated with a 1:1 Honours Degree from Cambridge University
A longstanding member of the Royal Society of Chemistry which promotes and supports the education of Sciences in the UK
Education
1996-1997
MSc Further Chemistry
Cambridge University
Relevant Modules:
Inorganic, organic and physical chemistry
Theory and Practice of Chemotherapy
Bioactive Natural Products
Modern Methods in Drug Discovery
Chemical Process Technology and Design
1993-1996
BSc (Hons) Chemistry
Cambridge University
Grade achieved: [1:1]
Work experience
2008 – Present
Chemistry Teacher Edgehill Grammar School 11-18
Main duties performed:
Teaching students from 11-16 years old the Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry)
Assisting pupils in meeting grade targets
Working alongside my colleagues to provide consistent education for all students
Regularly performing experiments and teaching students how to replicate the experiments under safe conditions
Writing and marking examination papers
Marking homework, quizzes and tests weekly
Educating students on the health and safety regulations in a lab
Responsible for creating and designing PowerPoint presentations weekly for each individual class on varying subjects
Reporting back to school administrators on the progress and behaviours of all the staff in my department
Responsible for creating booklets and worksheets for my students to work on
Liaising with school administrators on matters of concern
Contributing to extra-curricular activities in the department
Assisting in the running of the Science Club
Responsible for the expenditure of laboratory equipment
Organising and delivering training sessions
Reporting to superiors and the Head of Sciences on any concerns I have about students
Jun 2006 – Dec 2008
Assistant Teacher Forrest Academy 11-16
Main duties performed:
Organising the lab inventory regularly, and ensuring nothing was lost or stolen
Keeping the laboratory tidy
Washing and cleaning all the lab equipment which was used during lessons
Helping students with any queries they have during classes
Assisting the Chemistry teacher with any tutorials and experiments in front of the class
Marking students’ homework
Printing out any worksheets and booklets which are needed for class
Working with students on both an individual and group basis on activities and workbooks
Monitoring students’ work performance
Qualifications
Undergone Initial Teacher Training (ITT)
Passed Skills Tests for Numeracy, Literacy and Science annually
Achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Attended and emerged successful in the annual workshops run by the school
Skills
My interpersonal and communication skills have improved immensely during the course of my long-running career, such that I can confidently interact with students, parents, fellow colleagues and my superiors alike.
I am highly methodical and have steadfast standards of organization—these strict guidelines I set myself to ensure that my teaching plans and marking schedules are often meticulous.
My punctuality and attendance rates are ideal for a professional
I am a caring and compassionate person who always goes beyond the call of duty to ensure my students are successful and thriving academically.
I am capable of dealing with troublesome students in a calm, professional way without losing my temper
Hobbies and interests
Outside of class, I like to spend quality time with my family on days out, especially visiting museums and art galleries. I’m also a member of the “Crazy about Science” club, which holds competitions and exhibitions regularly on a national scale.
References
Mr Leo Parry Head Teacher, Edgehill Grammar School Address: 95 Oak Road, Scarborough, YO25 7DE Tel: 0223 322 2412 Email:[email protected]
Mr Robert Vaughan Head of Science, Forrest Academy Address: 9 Fore St, Trench, FY5 2FQ Tel: 0280 2354 3423 Email:[email protected]
Preview
What makes this CV good and effective?
The personal details section is concise, including the candidate’s full name and contact information. It does not contain any irrelevant personal details such as marital status, date of birth, nationality, health information, religious or political affiliation or photographs. This omission ensures that the CV remains focused on the candidate’s professional qualifications and suitability for the teaching role.
The personal profile effectively summarises the candidate’s passion for teaching Chemistry, their years of experience and their commitment to fostering a love for the subject in students.
The work experience section is tailored to the teaching role, highlighting relevant positions held in the past and specifying the duration of each. It provides a detailed breakdown of all their responsibilities and achievements, giving employers a better picture of their skills and abilities.
Overall, this CV is effective because it presents the candidate’s qualifications, achievements and teaching experience in a clear and compelling manner, while adhering to best practices for CV formatting and tailoring to the job.
Use clear headings: Utilise clear, bold headings for each section of your CV, such as “Personal Profile” “Professional Experience” and “Education.” This makes it easy for the reader to navigate your document. Use a larger font size for the headings (e.g. 16pt) than the main text (e.g. 12pt) of your document. As in the example above, you may also use minimal design features such as horizontal lines to make the headings stand out further.
Chronological order: Present your work experience and education in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For example, your latest chemistry teaching position should come first. Why adopt this format? Because it ensures that the employer will see your most recent, significant and relevant qualifications and work experience first.
Professional language: Write in a professional, formal tone, avoiding colloquial language or slang. Use action verbs to begin your bullet points, such as “Developed”, “Managed” or “Instructed.”
Quantify achievements: Include quantifiable achievements, like “Improved A-level chemistry exam pass rates by 15%,” to demonstrate your impact as a competent and effective chemistry teacher.
Highlight technology skills: Emphasise your proficiency in using educational technology and software, like interactive whiteboards or online teaching platforms.
Consistent formatting: Ensure consistent spacing, alignment and formatting throughout your CV. A well-structured document conveys professionalism.
Next, you need to write a compelling profile statement.
A personal profile statement is a brief, powerful introduction that tells potential employers who you are and what you can offer.
It’s vital as it’s the first thing employers often read, and it should briefly highlight your skills, experience, and your enthusiasm for the role you’re applying for.
Experienced chemistry teacher with over 8 years of dedicated teaching in secondary education. Proven track record in improving student exam scores by 20% through innovative teaching methods and fostering a passion for chemistry. Committed to creating engaging learning environments and nurturing the next generation of scientists.
Achievements and awards
In the achievements and awards section of your CV, you showcase the key accomplishments and recognitions that demonstrate your excellence in your career, education or life in general.
This can include awards received, promotions earned, exceptional grades and any notable successes that highlight your skills and dedication in your field.
It’s a valuable section for making a strong impression on potential employers and highlighting your successes.
Example:
Attained the ‘Outstanding Teacher of the Year’ award for exceptional teaching performance.
Raised £3,000 for a local charity through a school-sponsored event.
Achieved a first-class honours degree in Chemistry from the University of London.
Volunteered as a mentor for struggling students, helping them achieve better grades.
Employment and work experience
The employment section of your CV outlines your work history, detailing your previous job positions, the companies you’ve worked for, the dates of employment and your key responsibilities and achievements.
The type of jobs you can include here encompasses any relevant positions, both full-time and part-time, paid or unpaid, internships and work placements that directly contribute to your qualifications for the role you’re seeking.
As long as the roles have equipped you with transferable skills, relevant experience or notable accomplishments that demonstrate your suitability for the position, they should be included in your employment section.
Planning and delivering engaging chemistry lessons, ensuring alignment with the curriculum and learning objectives.
Creating and implementing effective teaching strategies to cater to diverse learning styles and abilities.
Providing continuous assessment of student progress and offering constructive feedback for improvement.
Developing and maintaining a positive and inclusive classroom environment to promote effective learning.
Integrating technology and modern teaching tools into lessons to enhance the learning experience.
Organising and supervising practical experiments and laboratory work to reinforce theoretical concepts.
Collaborating with colleagues to develop and refine the chemistry curriculum and teaching materials.
Participating in parent-teacher conferences and meetings to discuss student performance and address concerns.
Offering additional support and guidance to students during revision and exam preparation.
Staying updated on the latest developments in the field of chemistry and integrating relevant knowledge into teaching practices.
Education
When crafting the education section of your CV, you should list your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent qualification.
You should typically include your university degrees, A-Levels, GCSEs, diplomas or any other relevant academic qualifications. However, if you’re highly qualified, for instance, if you have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you don’t need to include irrelevant school-level or even college-level qualifications such as GCSEs or A-Levels.
This section helps potential employers understand your educational background and the qualifications that make you suitable for the job.
Example:
September 2008 – June 2012
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
University of Manchester
Degree Classification: First Class Honours.
Subjects Studied:
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry,
Physical Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Quantum Chemistry
Biochemistry
September 2006 – June 2008 Results: Chemistry: A, Biology: B, Mathematics: A.
A-Levels
Manchester College
Qualifications & training
This section of your CV is dedicated to listing any additional training, certifications or qualifications that further support your suitability for the job, beyond your formal education and degrees.
Include any relevant teaching certifications or qualifications, such as a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education).
Example:
PGCE in Secondary Education – University of Manchester
QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) – Department for Education (DfE)
Certified Chemistry Teacher – Royal Society of Chemistry
Safeguarding and Child Protection Training – NSPCC
Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Clearance – UK Government
Health and Safety in the Classroom – National Union of Teachers (NUT)
Skills and abilities
The skills section is where you highlight the specific abilities and qualities that make you an effective educator.
It should contain a mix of technical skills like subject expertise in chemistry and the ability to teach effectively, as well as soft skills such as communication, classroom management and adaptability.
For example, you can include skills like curriculum development, student engagement, laboratory management, effective communication, and assessment and evaluation to demonstrate your competency in both the subject matter and teaching methodologies.
Student engagement: Proven ability to create interactive and engaging lessons, resulting in a 15% increase in student participation and interest.
Effective communication: Strong communication skills demonstrated in clear explanations of complex Chemistry concepts, leading to improved student comprehension and learning outcomes.
Practical laboratory skills: Proficient in organising and supervising practical experiments, ensuring safety and reinforcing theoretical concepts.
Curriculum development: Designing educational materials and lesson plans that align with the Chemistry curriculum.
Assessment and evaluation: Designing and grading assessments to track student progress and provide feedback.
Classroom management: Maintaining a positive and disciplined learning environment that promotes effective teaching.
Technological integration: Incorporating educational technology to enhance the learning experience.
Safeguarding and child protection: Ensuring the safety and well-being of students through awareness of safeguarding practices.
Subject knowledge: In-depth understanding of chemistry concepts and principles.
Time management: Efficiently managing classroom time for effective learning.
Organizational skills: Managing course materials, records and resources efficiently.
Conflict resolution: Resolving conflicts and maintaining a positive classroom environment.
Professional development: Commitment to ongoing learning and staying updated on educational trends and best practices in chemistry teaching.
Hobbies & interests (optional)
The hobbies and interests section of your Chemistry teacher CV offers a glimpse into your personality and outside interests.
It should contain hobbies and activities that reveal your well-rounded nature and qualities that may benefit your teaching, such as a passion for science-related hobbies, involvement in community organisations, or interests that demonstrate your commitment to personal growth.
For example, you can include hobbies like amateur chemistry experiments, volunteering for science outreach programs or even being a member of a local astronomy club, as they showcase your enthusiasm for the subject and your dedication to fostering a stimulating learning environment.
I am passionate about fostering a love for chemistry in students both inside and outside the classroom. I enjoy conducting amateur chemistry experiments and volunteering for science outreach programs to inspire the next generation of scientists. I’m also an active member of a local astronomy club, which further enhances my understanding of the sciences and connects me with like-minded individuals who share a similar enthusiasm for the subject.
Professional references
The references section of your CV provides contact information for individuals who can vouch for your professional qualifications and character, typically including names, positions, and contact details, so potential employers can verify your credentials.
Your referees can include former employers, colleagues or mentors who are familiar with your work and can provide insights into your suitability for the job you’re applying for.
It’s highly recommended to ask for permission from your referees before listing their contact information on your CV, ensuring they are willing and prepared to vouch for you when contacted by potential employers.
Dr. Richard Smith Head of Science Department, St. John’s School Address: 25 Summerfield Street, London SW1A 1AA Tel: 020-123-4567 Email:[email protected]
Victoria Lawson Principal, City High School Address: 12 Bromley Road, Birmingham B4 3ZZ Tel: 0121-876-5432 Email:[email protected]
Note: If you do not wish to disclose your references on your CV, you should write, “References are available upon request.”
Highlight key achievements: Showcase your accomplishments, such as improving student performance or receiving teaching awards. If you haven’t already, create a dedicated “Achievements” on the first page of your CV and mention your proud accomplishments there.
Tailor for each role: Each role is different and so is each employer. Customise your CV for specific teaching positions, aligning your qualifications with the job requirements. For example, if you’re applying for a chemistry teacher role at a secondary school, emphasise your experience in teaching adolescents.
Incorporate relevant key words: Include industry-specific keywords like “STEM”, “curriculum development”, and “lab management” to make your CV more searchable by employers using applicant tracking systems. Using the same key words as the job advert also makes your CV appear more targeted.
Include student success stories: Provide examples of students’ success stories, such as pupils achieving higher grades or winning science competitions under your guidance.
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).
