Whether you are applying for a teaching position, a research role, or an academic fellowship, your CV is one of the most important documents you will prepare. Unlike a regular resume, an academic CV or teacher CV focuses heavily on your educational background, research, teaching experience, and professional development.
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If you are unsure how to present your achievements or where to start, you are not alone. This guide will help you structure a strong academic CV or teacher CV and provide real examples you can adapt for your own applications.
What is an Academic CV?
An academic CV is a detailed record of your educational and professional background. It is longer than a standard job resume and includes teaching experience, research activities, publications, awards, grants, presentations, and affiliations.
Academic CVs are most often used when applying for:
- University teaching roles
- Research positions
- Postdoctoral opportunities
- Fellowships
- Academic conferences
Unlike corporate resumes, there is no strict page limit for an academic CV. The focus is on thoroughness and relevance rather than brevity.
What is a Teacher CV?
A teacher CV shares many similarities with an academic CV but is generally more concise. It emphasizes educational qualifications, certifications, teaching experience, classroom skills, and contributions to curriculum development. Teacher CVs are typically used when applying to:
- Schools (primary, secondary, or high school)
- Educational institutions
- Online teaching platforms
- International teaching positions
While teacher CVs can include professional development and extracurricular involvement, the language and structure are often more straightforward compared to academic CVs.
Key Components of an Academic CV
- Contact Information
- Personal Profile or Summary
- Education
- Research Interests
- Teaching Experience
- Publications and Presentations
- Grants and Fellowships
- Awards and Honors
- Professional Affiliations
- Languages
- References
Key Components of a Teacher CV
- Contact Information
- Professional Summary
- Education and Certifications
- Teaching Experience
- Skills
- Professional Development
- Awards and Achievements
- Extracurricular Involvement
- References
Academic CV Example
[Your Name]
[Address] | [Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile] | [Academic Portfolio Link]
Personal Profile
Dedicated and passionate historian with a focus on twentieth-century European studies. Experienced in undergraduate and graduate teaching, archival research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Seeking a research and teaching position at a leading university.
Education
PhD in History
University of Example, City, Country
Completed: Month, Year
Master of Arts in Modern European History
Example College, City, Country
Completed: Month, Year
Bachelor of Arts in History (First-Class Honours)
Example University, City, Country
Completed: Month, Year
Research Interests
- Twentieth-century European history
- Nationalism and identity politics
- Oral history methodology
Teaching Experience
Lecturer in European History
University of Example, City, Country
Month Year – Present
- Designed and taught undergraduate modules on European political history
- Supervised undergraduate dissertations
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Example University, City, Country
Month Year – Month Year
- Led seminars for courses on nationalism and post-war Europe
Publications
- “Memory and Identity in Post-War Europe.” Journal of Modern History, Volume, Year.
- “Nationalism and Conflict: A Comparative Analysis.” European Review of History, Volume, Year.
Conferences and Presentations
- Presenter, “Oral Histories and National Memory,” Conference on Contemporary History, City, Country, Year.
Grants and Fellowships
- Research Grant, National History Foundation, Year.
- Fellowship, European Studies Institute, Year.
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Historical Association
- Member, European Studies Network
Languages
- English (native)
- German (fluent)
- French (intermediate)
References
Available upon request.
Teacher CV Example
[Your Name]
[Address] | [Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Professional Summary
Committed and enthusiastic secondary school teacher with over five years of experience fostering a supportive and creative classroom environment. Skilled in lesson planning, curriculum design, and student-centered learning strategies. Seeking a position where I can inspire students and promote academic success.
Education
Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education (Mathematics Specialization)
University of Example, City, Country
Completed: Month, Year
Teaching Certification
Certified Teacher, City/State/Province
Issued: Month, Year
Teaching Experience
Mathematics Teacher
Example Secondary School, City, Country
Month Year – Present
- Taught Algebra, Geometry, and Advanced Calculus to students aged 14 to 18
- Implemented differentiated learning strategies to support students of varying abilities
- Led extracurricular Math Club activities
Substitute Teacher
Various Schools, City, Country
Month Year – Month Year
- Adapted lesson plans across multiple subjects for short-term teaching assignments
- Maintained classroom management and student engagement
Skills
- Lesson planning and curriculum development
- Classroom management
- Student mentoring and support
- Educational technology integration (Google Classroom, Edmodo)
- Assessment and evaluation
Professional Development
- Workshop: Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners, Year
- Certification: Google Certified Educator, Year
Awards and Achievements
- Teacher of the Year, Example Secondary School, Year
- Organizer, Annual Mathematics Olympiad, Year
Extracurricular Involvement
- Advisor, Student Council
- Volunteer, After-School Tutoring Program
References
Available upon request.
Tips for Writing a Strong Academic or Teacher CV
- Be clear and detailed:
Especially in academic CVs, detail matters. Include dates, institutions, and specific roles. - Prioritize relevant information:
Customize your CV for each application. - Use professional formatting:
Stick to clean, easy-to-read layouts without fancy graphics. - Focus on impact:
Highlight achievements rather than just listing duties. - Keep it updated:
Add new publications, courses, workshops, and teaching assignments as you complete them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including irrelevant information
- Using overly casual language
- Omitting dates or job titles
- Forgetting to proofread for errors
- Overloading the CV with jargon
