Teachers/ Moms- Resume Gap??

carolineh · February 2011

Hi,

I was a teacher for 8 years, but have spent the last two on a leave of absence as a SAHM. Planning on going back to work in September, just trying to get my resume updated. I will have a job somewhere in my district, just not sure school/ grade level.

My problem is this, my resume is pretty strong for the 8 years I have under my belt. But these past two years I have done nothing to stimulate my professional growth (i.e. no PD, no grad classes, seriously- nothing). I have enjoyed these years with my kids so much!

Just wondering if I should try to hide this somehow on my resume, or just be completely upfront that I took a mental break from teaching to concentrate on my own children, but I am coming back 100% committed and ready to work. Would my cover letter be the place for this?

Thanks for any insight!!

megann831 · February 2011

you've been on leave right? I'd just put 2002-present. If you still have a job there I don't think you'd put down while you were on leave

Dr.Loretta · February 2011

No, don't hide it and don't state it as taking mental break from teaching. Don't even bring it up on the resume. State in the CL that you have been a SAHM for the last 2 years, but your 8 years of experience make you perfect for the job you're applying for because of X, Y, and Z skills.

GL

rubyiu · February 2011

Disagree with PP who said put 2002-present since you haven't been working. I wouldn't address it in the cover letter either. Just state your strengths and interests. If they ask you about the gap, you can say. They legally can't ask you if you have a family, are married, how many kids, etc. So you can answer that you were staying home with your kids and they really can't ask you more.

trigal · February 2011

I'm not sure I understand. Are you returning to the district you were working for before staying home? Were you taking a leave or did you completely resign your position?

If you were on leave, then why are you writing a resume? You should just be returning to your job (even though you may be in a different position). You shouldn't have to re-apply.

If you resigned, then be honest. They probably know why you resigned since you were working for them and quit after having a baby.

renebean319 · February 2011

I have nothing to add here except that your kids are adorable!

Danielle827 · February 2011

I had the same issue, except I wasn't returning to the same district, I will always just casually bring it up when they ask me about myseld that I decided to be a SAHM for the first years of my son being born. If you get your wording right they will most likely admire you for your decisions. My son was due in Jan and he was my first so I usually say something along the lines that I didn't think it would fair to the kids for me to be there for 4 months and then leave half through the school year when I was not sure if I would want to return right away or be home with my baby.

Teachers/ Moms- Resume Gap??

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