Resume Examples for Biology Teachers: Everything You Need To Get Hired
Here are some tips for creating a resume for biology teachers that will stand out from the crowd and impress prospective employers.
Updated 5 min read
As a biology teacher, you are responsible for teaching students about the complexities of life. You are in charge of developing lesson plans that will challenge your class with questions that explore the natural world. You are responsible for keeping up to date with all the scientific discoveries in the field so you can relay them in a way that is understandable to your students. It’s an important position- one with many responsibilities. Here is everything you need to know about obtaining a job in biology teaching, including resume samples and salary information.
The Biology Teacher - What You Do
As a biology teacher, you are responsible for teaching students about the complexities of life. You are in charge of developing lesson plans that will challenge your class with questions that explore the natural world.
You are responsible for keeping up to date with all the scientific discoveries in the field so you can relay them in a way that is understandable to your students. It’s an important position- one with many responsibilities.
Requirements of a Biology Teacher
You will need to have a bachelor's degree in biology, genetics, or related field. You should also have at least three years of experience working with students in either a high school or college-level biology course.
Biology teachers are hired by public schools, private schools, colleges and universities. There are also teaching jobs available through charter schools, tutoring companies, and online education companies.
Resume Examples for Teaching
If you’re looking for a way to get your foot in the door for a teaching position, one of the best ways is to submit a resume and cover letter.
The resume should be well-written and concise. Include information about your past educational experiences and any relevant work experience. Your resume should also list your educational background, including degrees earned and when they were earned, as well as any honors or awards received during that time.
A teaching resume should highlight teaching experience in schools or internships with schools at all levels (K-12). It is also important to include any relevant skills, such as computer literacy and fluency in other languages. If applicable, list any additional education or training (e.g., professional development programs) you’ve completed relating to teaching in hopes of getting an interview.
Salary Information for Teaching Biology
The median annual salary for a biology teacher is $47,000. However, salaries can vary depending on the location and school district.
Choose the Right Format for your Biology Teacher Resume
One of the first steps in applying for a biology teaching position is to put together a resume. If you are unsure about what format to use, here are some tips to help you decide:
- Standard chronological: This format lists your work experience and education chronologically and generally goes from most recent to oldest.
- Functional: This format separates your work history and education so they’re easier to digest.
- Chronological with highlights: This format highlights key points such as degrees or certifications that might be more valuable than other portions of your work experience.
Biology Teacher Resume Summary or Resume Objective
- Provide in-depth education in the areas of biology and science
- Familiarity with classroom management and lesson design
- Ability to deliver content in a way that is understood by students
Education Section
Teaching requires a bachelor’s degree in biology. You will need to write your undergraduate thesis on some aspect of the subject. Coursework should include general biology, genetics, ecology, and laboratory techniques.
It is also recommended that you take advanced courses in biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, human physiology, molecular biology, or microbiology.
List your Skills as Bullet Points
- Develop challenging lesson plans that explore the natural world
- Maintain up to date with new discoveries in the field
- Help students understand complex concepts
Attach a Cover Letter for your Biology Teacher Resume
In your cover letter, introduce yourself and explain why you are the perfect biology teacher for the position.
Dear ________,
As a recent graduate from Stanford University with a degree in Biology, I am excited to explore the possibility of working as an educator. My education has given me extensive experience with hands-on learning, which I believe will be beneficial to your classroom. I enjoy teaching students about biology and would love to further my career in this field. I am available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Key Takeaway
Biology teachers are responsible for teaching students about the complexities of life. They are in charge of developing lesson plans that will challenge their class with questions that explore the natural world, including the animal kingdom. They are responsible for keeping up to date with all the scientific discoveries in the field so they can relay them in a way that is understandable to their students. It’s an important position- one with many responsibilities.
There are many different routes to becoming a biology teacher, but most people obtain their degree in this subject area before pursuing careers in education. There are various ways you can go about getting your degree, including taking classes online or at a community college.
If you want to teach biology at the high school level, generally you must hold a bachelor's degree and complete requisite coursework, which includes topics like anatomy and physiology, ecology, evolution, and genetics. You may also be required to pass certain exams, such as Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) exam- which tests reading comprehension and classroom instruction skills- before being granted certification.