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Teacher CV in Switzerland: practical guide
Write a teacher CV tailored to the Swiss school system (HarmoS), cantonal requirements and foreign diploma recognition.
Create my teacher CVThe Swiss teaching job market
Teaching in Switzerland is cantonal: each canton organises its schools under the HarmoS agreement (national harmonisation). To teach, a diploma recognised by the CDIP (Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) is generally required: HEP (Pedagogical Universities) in French-speaking Switzerland, PH in German-speaking Switzerland. Foreign teachers must have their diploma recognised before applying. Your CV must clearly state the target level (1-4H, 5-8H, secondary I or II) and the canton.
Pedagogical skills to highlight
Recruiters (school directors and cantonal services) look for concrete experience in classroom management, pedagogical differentiation, formative assessment and educational technology. Mention the official teaching materials you master (MER in Romandy, Lehrmittel in German-speaking regions), digital tools (Klapp, Escola, Klasscheck) and your continuing education (CAS/DAS/MAS). Inter-cantonal mobility is an asset for part-time positions.
Teaching language and multilingualism
The teaching language matches the canton's official language: French (VD, GE, NE, JU, Valais Romand, FR), German (ZH, BE, BS, LU, SG, etc.), Italian (TI), Romansh (GR). For foreign language positions (German in Romandy, French in German-speaking regions, English), a C1 minimum is expected along with a language didactics diploma. State your CEFR levels precisely and certificates (Goethe, DELF/DALF, Cambridge).
Teacher CV format and conventions
One to two A4 pages, classic reverse-chronological structure, professional photo. Mention your substitutions (often called "long-term replacements") as they validate practical experience. Include project-leadership skills (ski camps, study trips, green classes) valued by school directors. The visual level should remain sober: classic or professional style, not creative.
ATS checklist for a Swiss teacher CV
- State the CDIP recognition number if holding a foreign diploma
- Specify the target canton and HarmoS level (1-4H, 5-8H, secondary I/II)
- Mention the official teaching materials you master
- Add CAS/DAS/MAS completed at an HEP or university
- Include CEFR levels of languages taught
- Cite long-term substitutions performed
- Use terms "differentiation", "formative assessment", "HarmoS"
Exemples concrets
Valued pedagogical skills
- •Classroom management and pedagogical differentiation
- •Formative and summative assessment under HarmoS
- •Integration of educational technology
Continuing education to cite
- •CAS in special needs teaching
- •DAS in school mediation
- •HEP continuing education in didactics
Ressources utiles
Useful guides
Most Valued Soft Skills on a Swiss CV
Discover which soft skills Swiss employers prize most in 2026 and how to showcase communication, teamwork, adaptability, and multilingualism on your CV.
Healthcare and Medical CV in Switzerland
CV tips for healthcare professionals in Switzerland: nurses, doctors, and pharmacists. FMH recognition, certifications, and sector-specific advice.
Freelance and Self-Employed CV in Switzerland
How to present freelance and self-employed experience on a Swiss CV. Portfolio strategies, project descriptions, and tips for sole proprietors.
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FAQ
Do I need CDIP recognition to teach in Switzerland?
Yes, for diplomas obtained abroad CDIP recognition is generally mandatory. The process takes 3 to 12 months depending on the case. State the status of your file (in progress, granted, conditional) on your CV.
Can I teach in several cantons simultaneously?
Yes, especially for substitutions and part-time positions. Each canton has its own hiring system (LEM for Vaud, cantonal database for Geneva). Specify your geographical availability on the CV.
What salary can I expect as a teacher in Switzerland?
Salaries vary widely by canton and level. A primary teacher starts around 85,000 CHF/year in Geneva, 75,000 CHF/year in Bern. Gymnasiums and secondary II pay more (up to 150,000 CHF/year at end of career).
What differences between French- and German-speaking Switzerland?
The systems are close but nomenclatures differ (HarmoS degrees identical). German-speaking Switzerland often requires excellent local dialect (Schweizerdeutsch) for primary schools. State your level.
Which keywords to use for ATS?
Include "HarmoS", "CDIP", "differentiation", "formative assessment", "Romandy or German-speaking teaching materials", "HEP" or "PH", and the level (1H-8H, secondary I/II).