Zen Educate Content Team
14 Mar 2025
5
min read
When applying for a new teaching role, teachers need to highlight not just their skills and experience but also their key achievements. These accomplishments demonstrate the value you bring to a school, helping you stand out from other candidates—both on paper and in person.
Whether you’re a newly qualified teacher or an experienced head of department, showcasing your teaching achievements effectively can strengthen your CV and give you compelling examples to discuss in interviews when you're asked that classic interview question: "What are your greatest achievements as a teacher?"
Schools want to see the impact you've made in previous roles, from improving student outcomes to leading initiatives that enhance the learning environment.
In this article, we’ll explore four key teacher achievements examples that can help you make a strong impression—whether you’re applying for a permanent role or supply teaching.
1. Remarkable Student Progress
One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your commitment, enthusiasm, and skill in teaching is by showcasing the progress your students have made under your guidance. Whether you have successfully transitioned students several grades higher than predicted or your whole class has achieved outstanding exam results, student progress is an excellent metric to boost your CV.
To highlight this achievement, provide specific examples of how you have increased student engagement to excel in their studies. You could mention the percentage of students who achieved higher than their predicted grades or the number of students who achieved their predicted grade or above in important examinations. This tangible evidence will impress schools and showcase your ability to inspire and engage students.
2. Additional Responsibilities
Your teaching CV should not only demonstrate your teaching skills but also your ability to contribute to the school as a whole. Taking on additional responsibilities shows your time management skills, your caring approach, and your focus on continuous improvement. By showcasing your involvement in various aspects of school life, you can make your CV shine and prove that you add value both inside and outside the classroom.
Include any extracurricular activities you have initiated, such as successful after-school clubs or volunteering as a school representative for community events. Also, mention any leadership roles you have held, such as leading year groups or departments. These additional responsibilities demonstrate your versatility and dedication to the overall development and well-being of your students.
3. Effective Strategies for Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
With a significant number of students dropping off the school rolls and a considerable percentage of them having special educational needs, your expertise in this area can be a valuable asset.
Being specific about how you've supported students with specific conditions like autism or ADHD can help a great deal, here. This could include how you've adapted lessons, developed the curriculum, managed classrooms, to meet the leads of all learners. You may have implemented assistive technologies, or facilitated inclusive activities. By emphasising your dedication to creating an inclusive learning environment, you demonstrate your commitment to the success and well-being of all students.
4. Exceptional Exam Results
Exam results remain a vital measure of a teacher's impact on student learning. Leveraging your success in this area can make your CV stand out. Rather than using vague phrases, make your achievements more compelling by incorporating specific numbers and percentages.
Compare these two hypothetical statements:
❌ "Many of my students achieving better exam results."
✅ "My teaching methods led to 30% of students outperforming their predicted grade."
The second statement is far more impactful because it provides concrete evidence of your effectiveness. These measurable outcomes clearly demonstrate your teaching ability and give schools a stronger understanding of your impact on student success.
Conclusion
When applying for a new teaching role, your achievements can set you apart from other candidates—both in your CV and during interviews. Interviewers will be looking for signs that you've not only achieved success in previous roles but also your attitude to professional development. Talking up your achievements demonstrates how in tune you are with your performance as an educator.
By highlighting remarkable student progress, leadership in additional responsibilities, effective strategies for supporting SEN students, and exceptional exam results, you can demonstrate your real impact as an educator.
To make your achievements stand out, use specific examples, include measurable data, and reference any positive feedback you've received. These details will not only strengthen your CV but also provide compelling talking points for interviews—especially when answering the common question, "What are your biggest achievements as a teacher?"
By clearly showcasing the difference you’ve made in previous roles, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate and increase your chances of securing your next teaching opportunity.
Zen Educate can match you with a job today
With Zen Educate, finding your next teaching role couldn’t be easier. We help teachers to find the perfect roles that meet their needs. Whether you're looking for a permanent or supply position, in a secondary or primary school, we support teachers and Teaching Assistants of all experience levels. Educators deserve better than the time consuming, unnecessarily lengthy processes that come with teaching agencies. We’ll match you with relevant roles, provide free training, and support you every step of the way.
