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Primary Teacher CV example

School boards read teaching CVs for three things: your certification, the year levels you've taught, and how you lift learning for every child. This primary teacher example makes each clear.

Written for New Zealand, with notes for Australia · Checked

Free. Then compare it with a real Primary Teacher job ad.

The example

A Primary Teacher CV, start to finish.

Emma Walsh is made up, and so are the employers. The layout and the wording are what New Zealand employers expect: no photo or date of birth, the most recent job first, and every bullet showing what was done and what came of it.

Emma Walsh

Primary Teacher, Years 3 to 6

Palmerston North · 021 555 0167 · emma.walsh@email.com

Profile

Fully certificated primary teacher with six years in Years 3 to 6, including two years leading literacy across the syndicate. Plans engaging, inclusive lessons, uses assessment to target teaching, and works closely with whānau.

Skills

Literacy and numeracy · Structured literacy · Assessment for learning · Differentiated planning · Te reo Māori in the classroom · Working with whānau · Leading a syndicate area

Experience

Classroom Teacher and Literacy Lead, Tōtara Primary School

Palmerston North · 2022 to now

  • Teach a class of 28 Year 5 and 6 students
  • Lead literacy across a syndicate of four classes, running moderation and planning sessions
  • Introduced structured literacy approaches in the syndicate after professional learning
  • Hold learning conferences with whānau each term

Classroom Teacher, Kererū School

Feilding · 2020 to 2022

  • Taught Year 3 and 4 classes, planning across the curriculum
  • Used assessment data to group students and target teaching
  • Ran the school's kapa haka group with a colleague

Education

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary), Massey University

2019

Bachelor of Arts, Massey University

2018

Other details

Certification
Full (Tūturu) practising certificate, Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
Safety checked
Yes, under the Children's Act

Referees

Two referees available, including my current principal

Emma wrote a cover letter to go with it. Read the primary teacher cover letter

Skills and keywords

What primary teacher job ads look for.

Use the ad's own words where they're true of you. An ATS, and a recruiter skimming, both look for them.

  • Practising certificateSay whether it's full or provisional.
  • Year levelsName the years you've taught. Boards hire for specific classes.
  • Structured literacyA common focus in New Zealand primary ads.
  • AssessmentShows you use data to target teaching.
  • Te reo MāoriAds often ask how you bring it into the classroom.
  • Whānau engagementSchools want to see how you work with families.
  • LeadershipA curriculum or syndicate role shows you're ready for more.

Bullet points

8 strong lines to borrow from.

Each says what was done, how, and what came of it. Swap in your own facts: a line is only strong if it's true.

  1. 1Taught a class of 28 Year 5 and 6 students across the curriculum
  2. 2Led literacy across a syndicate of four classes, running moderation and planning sessions
  3. 3Introduced structured literacy approaches in the syndicate after professional learning
  4. 4Used assessment data to group students and target teaching each term
  5. 5Held learning conferences with whānau every term
  6. 6Wove te reo Māori into daily routines and class learning
  7. 7Ran the school's kapa haka group with a colleague
  8. 8Mentored a provisionally certificated teacher through their first year

Common mistakes

What costs primary teacher CVs interviews.

  • Leaving out your certification status.

    Say whether your practising certificate is full or provisional, and that you're safety checked.

  • Describing teaching in general terms.

    Name the year levels, class size and what you led, and show how you use assessment.

  • Forgetting how you work with whānau.

    Schools look for it. Show how you involve families in learning.

New Zealand and Australia

What changes across the Tasman.

New Zealand

Teachers in New Zealand need a practising certificate from the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, and schools must safety check staff under the Children's Act.

New Zealand CV format

Australia

Teachers in Australia register with the teacher regulatory authority in their state or territory. Australian employers usually say resume rather than CV, and expect about two pages.

Australian CV format

Sources: Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership.

Jobs open now

Education jobs in New Zealand, ready for your CV.

76 open roles, straight from employers' career sites. Apply directly with the employer, and tailor your CV to each primary teacher ad before you do.

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    Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington · 1001-5000 employees

    A university centre for academic development providing innovative programmes, curriculum development, and educational technology support.

    Wellington
    OnsiteFull timeMid level

    Teaching courses · Supervising students · Seeking research funding

    PhD in Educational Psychology or applied psychology; expertise in child and human development, learning, and social-emotional development; culturally sustaining practices; ability to teach and mentor students; commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

  • Education14 hours ago

    Early Childhood Teacher - Kilbirnie

    Kindercare Learning Centres · 201-1000 employees

    A childcare centre providing early childhood education and care for children aged 0 to 5.

    Wellington
    OnsiteFull timeEntry level

    Teaching children · Building partnerships · Creating environments

    ECE qualified and registered teacher with current NZ provisional or full practising certificate; NZ residency or valid NZ work visa required; full-time 40 hours/week.

    Generous leave
  • Education3 days ago

    Kaiako Tautāwhi | Teacher Aide - Jackson Park

    Central Kids · 201-1000 employees

    An early childhood education provider committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnerships and supporting tamariki and whānau.

    Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
    $29.90 an hourOnsitePart timeNo experience needed

    Supporting tamariki · Assisting teachers · Advocating for children

    Entitled to work in New Zealand; passion for working with tamariki; strong communication; adaptable; team player; understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnerships.

See all 76 education jobs

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Something else on your mind? Email support@smartcvs.ai and a person will reply.

Should I include my teaching philosophy?

A line in your profile is enough. Save the fuller version for your cover letter or interview.

How do I show relief teaching?

List it as one entry with the schools and year levels, rather than a separate entry for every school.

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