Teacher or Teacher Assistant CV example

A Teacher or Teacher Assistant CV for South African employers: what to write, the duties and skills to list, a cover letter and tips.

Updated 29 October 2026 · By Tumelo Vincent Tau

1. An example profile

A short profile at the top of your CV says who you are and what work you want. Change it to fit your own experience:

2. Duties to list

Under each job like this in your work experience, list three to five of the duties you really did:

• Plan and present lessons according to CAPS
• Prepare, mark and record assessments
• Manage the classroom and learner discipline
• Support learners who struggle and report progress to parents
• Take part in extra-mural activities
• Keep learner records up to date

3. Skills and certificates

Skills employers look for in this job:

• Lesson planning
• Classroom management
• Communication
• Patience

Also list, if you have them:

• SACE registration number (required to teach)
• Qualification (B.Ed, PGCE or diploma) and the phase and subjects you can teach
• School assistant or tutoring experience

4. Tips for Teacher or Teacher Assistant jobs

• Teachers must be registered with the South African Council for Educators (SACE). Put your SACE number on your CV.
• Say which phase and subjects you are qualified for, and your teaching experience, including practice teaching.
• If you were a school assistant in the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, list it as work experience. Government teaching posts also need a Z83 form.

5. An example cover letter

Send a short cover letter with your CV, naming the post and the reference number from the advert:

More help: how to write a cover letter, a CV with no work experience and job interview tips.