Applicant Tracking Systems, or ATS, scan resumes for keywords and readable structure. They rank and filter applicants before a human ever sees your resume.

For a Math Instructor, ATS looks for subject keywords, teaching skills, and certifications. Use specific math terms like Algebra I, Calculus, Geometry, Statistics, and Trigonometry. Also include pedagogy and tools like lesson planning, differentiated instruction, formative assessment, Common Core standards, Google Classroom, Canvas, Desmos, and GeoGebra.

Best practices:

• Use standard section titles: Work Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills.
• Put keywords naturally in bullets and summaries.
• Avoid tables, columns, headers, footers, images, and text boxes.
• Use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Save as .docx or PDF, but skip heavily designed templates.

Write clear experience bullets. Start each bullet with an action verb. Quantify results like class size, score improvements, or pass rates.

Certifications matter. List your teaching license, grade range, and dates. Add training like PLC work, curriculum development, or classroom management workshops.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Using creative headers like "My Story" instead of "Work Experience".
• Replacing exact keywords with vague synonyms.
• Hiding dates or contact info in headers or footers.
• Loading the file with graphics that block parsing.

Follow these tips and you’ll increase the chance an ATS surfaces your resume for a Math Instructor role.

Pick a clean, professional layout for a Math Instructor. Use reverse-chronological order so your recent teaching roles and certification appear first. This helps hiring teams and applicant tracking systems read your file without trouble.

One page works for early and mid-career instructors. Use two pages only if you have long-term teaching experience, publications, or curriculum design work that directly ties to the role.

Use simple, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Keep consistent line spacing and margins so sections breathe.

Structure your sections with standard headings. Use headings like Contact, Summary, Teaching Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills, and Select Projects. Put dates on the right and roles on the left for easy scanning.

Avoid over-design. Skip columns, heavy graphics, or text boxes that can break parsing. Use bold and bullet points to guide the eye instead of colors or icons.

Use clear bullet points that start with action verbs and include measurable results. Show class size, assessment improvements, curriculum changes, or exam score gains when possible. Keep each bullet to one or two short sentences.

Watch common mistakes. Don’t use rare fonts or tiny text. Don’t cram every job you ever held. Don’t leave long unexplained gaps in dates. Keep spacing consistent and don’t mix many typefaces.

Double-check file type before you send. Save as a Word DOCX or PDF depending on the job posting. Name the file with your name and role, for example: "ScottyMraz_MathInstructor.docx".

Why a tailored cover letter matters

A tailored cover letter shows you care about this Math Instructor role. It adds context to your resume and explains why you fit the class and school.

Key sections breakdown

• Header: Put your contact details, the school's contact if you have it, and the date.
• Opening paragraph: Name the Math Instructor role, say why you want to teach at that school, and mention your top qualification or where you found the job.
• Body paragraphs (1-3): Link your classroom experience to the job. Highlight lesson plans, assessment methods, and tools you use. Mention specific skills like curriculum mapping, formative assessment, or differentiated instruction. Include one clear result, like improved test scores or increased student engagement.
• Closing paragraph: Restate your interest in this Math Instructor role and the school. Ask for an interview or meeting and thank the reader.

Tone & tailoring

Keep your tone professional, confident, and warm. Write like you are talking to a hiring leader. Use words the job description uses. Swap any generic line for a detail about the school or the curriculum.

Writing tips

Start strong and keep each paragraph short. Use specific examples and one or two numbers. Show how you will help students learn. Edit every sentence to remove extra words.

Final note

Customize each letter. Avoid copy-paste templates. A focused paragraph about the school can make the rest of your letter feel personal and relevant.

Teaching math requires clarity, proof, and care. Your resume should show those same traits.

Small mistakes make hiring teams doubt your attention to detail. Fixing them can help you land interviews and show you can teach both content and process.

If you teach math, this set of FAQs and tips will help you shape a clear, skills-focused resume. You’ll find guidance on what to highlight, how to show student impact, and how to present certifications and projects so hiring teams can quickly see your fit.