By Chelsea Gillon, Communications Manager at Epic Special Education Staffing
The start of a new school year is the perfect time to reflect on your professional journey and refresh your resume to reflect your most recent accomplishments. Whether you’re a Special Education Teacher, Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, or another school-based clinician, your resume should evolve alongside your experience. A strong, well-organized resume not only helps you stand out to hiring managers but also opens the door to the opportunities you’re most excited about. Use these updated tips to ensure your resume is working as hard as you do.
1. Start Strong with a Clear, Confident Summary
Before they even get to your experience, hiring managers should already have a good idea of who you are. Your summary is your headline, so make it count! In two or three sentences, highlight your discipline, areas of expertise, and the student populations you’ve supported.
Example:
“Passionate Special Education Teacher with five years of experience supporting students with emotional and behavioral disorders in inclusive and self-contained classrooms. Skilled in IEP development, data-driven instruction, and positive behavior interventions.”
A strong summary sets the tone and lets school administrators or recruiters quickly understand your value. Be sure to personalize it based on the roles you’re applying to, emphasizing the grade levels, settings (inclusion, resource, self-contained), and challenges (e.g., behavioral, developmental) you’re most experienced in.
2. Tell Your Story with Experience That Shows Results
Your experience section should go beyond listing job titles and dates. Focus on the ways you’ve made a difference. Did you streamline IEP processes for a caseload of 30 students? Develop sensory-friendly lesson plans in collaboration with your OT team? Train paraprofessionals to support behavior plans? These are the stories that show how you put your skills into action.
Break out each role with a few bullet points that include:
- The setting (public school, charter, early intervention center, etc.)
- Populations served (e.g., students with autism, emotional/behavioral disorders, speech delays)
- Key accomplishments or responsibilities that demonstrate growth over time
Don’t forget to list any recent certifications, state licensure updates, or professional development courses like a CEU in trauma-informed practices or a conference you attended on literacy for diverse learners. These additions underscore your commitment to professional growth and best practices.
3. Use the Right Keywords Specific to Special Education
Many schools and staffing agencies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they ever land in front of a hiring manager. To make it through those filters and stand out to human readers, your resume should include terminology that aligns with your discipline and reflects language commonly found in job descriptions.
Not sure where to start? Pull phrases directly from the roles you’re applying to and be specific about the services, supports, and tools you use in your work. Here are a few examples of role-specific keywords across some of the disciplines we support:
- Special Education Teachers: “IEP development,” “behavior intervention,” “inclusion support,” “differentiated instruction”
- Speech-Language Pathologists: “AAC implementation,” “articulation therapy,” “language-based learning disabilities,” “collaborative goal-setting”
- Occupational Therapists: “sensory integration,” “fine motor skill development,” “classroom modifications,” “self-regulation strategies”
- School Psychologists: “FBAs and BIPs,” “psychoeducational assessments,” “crisis intervention,” “MTSS team collaboration”
- Physical Therapists: “mobility support,” “gross motor development,” “adaptive equipment,” “school-based rehabilitation”
- Behavior Specialists/BCBAs: “ABA principles,” “data-driven behavior plans,” “staff training,” “positive behavior support systems”
- School Social Workers: “individual counseling,” “trauma-informed care,” “family engagement,” “community resource coordination”
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a helpful starting point. Tailoring your resume with discipline-specific keywords not only increases your chances of getting noticed but also shows that you’re fluent in the language of your profession and ready to make an impact.
4. Refresh and Strengthen Your References
Your resume gets you in the door, but strong references help seal the deal. Hiring teams want to hear from professionals who’ve seen you in action, especially in the unique and collaborative environment of Special Education. Take time now to reconnect with recent colleagues or supervisors who can confidently speak to your skills, work ethic, and impact on students.
A few tips to make your references work for you:
- Always ask permission before listing someone; you want them prepared, not surprised.
- Confirm their current title and contact details to ensure accuracy.
- Give them a heads-up about the types of roles you’re applying for so they can tailor their recommendation accordingly.
Think beyond just former supervisors. Strong references can include principals, lead Special Education teachers, school psychologists, counselors, department heads, or any team members you’ve closely collaborated with. Prioritize people who can speak to your clinical expertise, your rapport with students, and your ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary team. The more specific and recent the reference, the more powerful the endorsement will be.
Final Touches for a Standout Special Education Resume
A strong resume is more than a list of responsibilities. It’s a reflection of the heart, skill, and dedication you bring to the world of Special Education. By updating your summary, showcasing your impact, using targeted keywords, and strengthening your references, you’re giving yourself the best chance to stand out this school year. The students you serve deserve the best, and so do you.
Looking for your next school-based role? Epic Special Education Staffing is here to help you find the right fit for your skills, goals, and career growth. Connect with us today!
About the Author
Chelsea Gillon is the Communications Manager for Epic Special Education Staffing. With over 15 years of experience in communications and marketing, Chelsea specializes in developing strategic messaging that authentically represents the needs of educators, clinicians, and school districts. She is passionate about crafting compelling narratives that highlight the critical work being done to support students and enhance educational outcomes.
