How to write a teaching CV that gets you shortlisted in Kenya

Head teachers and school boards read many CVs for every teaching post. A strong teaching CV makes three things obvious within seconds: what you teach, that you are registered and qualified, and what difference you have made to learners. Here is how to write one.

What should go at the top of a teaching CV?

Your name, phone number, a professional email address and your town. Directly below, put your teaching subjects and registration, for example "Secondary teacher of English and Literature, TSC No. 123456". Schools check this first.

How do you write a teaching profile?

Write three or four lines that say what you teach, at which level, and what you are known for: "Secondary teacher of chemistry and biology with four years in county and private schools. Raised the chemistry mean score in my form three class by a full grade, and run the school's science and engineering fair team." Avoid generic lines such as "a dedicated and passionate teacher".

How should you describe your teaching experience?

List each school with your role, the subjects and classes you taught, and the dates. Under each, add two to four points with results or responsibilities:

• "Improved the form two mathematics mean score from 4.2 to 5.6 in one year."
• "Class teacher for a stream of 48 learners for two years."
• "Coach of the school volleyball team, county finalists in 2025."
• "Coordinated CBC portfolio assessment for grade 7 and 8 learners."

Include teaching practice, TSC internship, and board of management or private school posts. They all count.

Which qualifications and training should you list?

Your teaching degree, diploma or certificate with the institution and year, your TSC registration, and any relevant short courses, such as CBC training, special needs education, ICT integration or guidance and counselling.

What mistakes get teachers overlooked?

• Leaving out your TSC number or your teaching subjects.
• Listing duties every teacher has, such as "taught learners" and "marked books", instead of results and responsibilities.
• Including your ID number, date of birth, marital status or a photo when the advert does not ask for them.
• Spelling mistakes. For a teacher, they are especially costly.
• Sending one general CV to every school. Name the level, subjects and curriculum each school asks for, so the head teacher sees the match straight away.

The fastest way to a good teaching CV

Use the free Monica CV builder for a clean layout, then check your CV against a real advert with the CV checker. Browse teaching jobs in Kenya when you are ready to apply.