School districts expect you to quickly adapt to different classroom environments and subject matters as a substitute teacher. Your resume should demonstrate this ability and show the school administrators you can maintain continuity for students without their regular teacher. We’ll provide tips and examples to help you craft a substitute teacher resume that emphasizes the best of your education career.
Key takeaways:
Highlight credentials: Make sure potential employers can see you have the proper certifications needed to work as a substitute teacher.
Detail past achievements: Share your successes from previous classroom roles or experiences working with children, including positive outcomes.
Use keyword-rich descriptions: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter out applicants by searching for specific keywords. Incorporate phrases from substitute teacher job postings.
How To Write a Substitute Teacher Resume Example
To save some time during the resume writing process, consider using a professional template. Your substitute teacher resume template should include these sections:
Contact information
Profile
Key skills
Professional experience
Education and certifications
1. Share your contact information
At the top of your resume, list your full name, phone number, email address, location, and a link to your online professional profile. Ensure all of your information is correct and updated. This makes it easy for school administrators to contact you for teaching opportunities as they arise.
Example
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code LinkedIn | Portfolio
2. Summarize your substitute teacher qualifications in a dynamic profile
The profile of your substitute teacher resume is where you’ll introduce yourself to new school administrators. Highlight your job title, key skills, and any unique strengths or specialties you have, including specifics like grades and subjects you’re most experienced with. Your goal is to show that you meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job description.
Senior-Level Profile Example
An accomplished senior substitute teacher with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Harvard University and principal experience with a proven record in enhancing student academic outcomes and faculty retention. Create lesson plans tailored to students’ knowledge levels, effectively mentoring new substitute educators, and leading school improvement initiatives. Possess subject knowledge, leadership proficiency, and the ability to foster open communication with parents, leading to a robust academic environment.
Entry-Level Profile Example
A dedicated and certified substitute teacher with a demonstrated record of improving students’ academic performance. Possess a robust educational background with a degree in Education. Skilled in implementing effective lesson plans, managing classrooms, and reporting student progress with a focus on promoting respectful and conducive learning environments.
3. Add your substitute teacher experience with compelling examples
To provide hiring managers with a comprehensive view of your work history, list where and when you taught, giving a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements in each role. This could include anything from improving student engagement to effectively managing a particularly challenging class. You can also mention any long-term positions to demonstrate your ability to step in and maintain continuity over extended periods.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Principal, Metropolis High School, Metropolis
January 2017 – present
Led a comprehensive school improvement initiative that resulted in a 15% increase in average student test scores within the first two years
Implemented departmental mentoring program to provide continued professional development opportunities for faculty, receiving positive feedback and a marked increase in teacher retention
Introduced regular parent meetings and an online platform for updates and grade tracking, which improved parent-teacher communication and enhanced overall parent satisfaction with the school
Senior Substitute Teacher, Smallville School District, Smallville
June 2012 – December 2016
Created and implemented tailored lesson plans across different age groups and subjects, receiving positive feedback on student engagement and learning outcomes
Mentored new substitute teachers in the district, sharing guidance on curriculum implementation and classroom management techniques
Regularly communicated with students’ parents, sharing updates about their academic progress and addressing concerns, fostering a nurturing school environment
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Substitute Teacher, Pearson Education, Los Angeles, CA
January 2019 – present
Implement daily lesson plans left by the permanent teacher, ensuring that teaching aligns with the classroom’s regular routines and standards
Maintain order in the classroom by enforcing rules and promoting respectful dialogue among students
Report each student’s progress, detailing discussed topics, completed assignments, and any incidents or issues that arose during the sessions, to the regular teacher and relevant school administrators
Tutor, McGraw-Hill Education, University Park, PA
May 2018 – December 2018
Assisted students struggling in English and mathematics by providing one-on-one tutoring sessions, improving average grades by 20%
Created personalized lesson plans tailored to individual student’s needs and learning capabilities
Collaborated with teachers to provide feedback on student performance and suggest changes to classroom curriculum to improve comprehension
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
To make your past accomplishments more tangible, use numbers to describe your professional experience. Quantifying helps potential employers see what you’ve done and how you can make a difference in their classrooms. Metrics, percentages, and dollar amounts will give value to things like how many students you taught or how you improved a process.
Do
“Implement lesson plans across grades kindergarten through 12th grade, managing classrooms of up to 30 students.”
Don’t
“Carrying out lesson plans for students in classes of all sizes.”
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application
The demand for substitute teachers exceeds supply. Although employment is rising, your resume must be well-tailored to land jobs in the best districts. Each educational institution will have its own culture and expectations, and your goal is to customize your resume to every role you apply for.
Pay close attention to the requirements mentioned in the job posting. For example, if it’s a technology-forward school, discuss your tech use in the classroom. Or, if community involvement is emphasized, mention your experience with after-school programs. Show that you made an effort to tailor your resume to meet the needs of the district.
What if you don’t have experience?
The foundation of your teaching career lies in your own education, so leverage any certifications, coursework, training, or workshops you’ve completed. Next, consider all of the transferable skills you’ve gained from past experiences. Leadership, communication, organization, and conflict resolution will translate well as a new substitute teacher.
If you’ve volunteered at schools, camps, after-school programs, or in any setting where you’ve worked with children, mention this on your resume. Provide examples of times when you’ve had to adapt to unexpected changes or find solutions creatively. This is a daily reality for substitute teachers and will help demonstrate your ability to handle various situations.
4. Include relevant education and certifications
For substitute teaching, a bachelor’s degree is often the minimum. If the school district you’re interested in also requires a special certification or state teaching license, include that as well. For each academic credential, remember to list the title of the degree or certification, the name of the issuing organization, and when you earned it.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Elementary Education
Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID | 2017
Idaho State Teaching License, Idaho Department of Education, 2017
5. Include a list of skills and proficiencies related to substitute teaching
To create a key skills list that proves you can step into any classroom immediately, highlight those abilities required for the job. Show you can handle the daily tasks of substitute teaching by including both hard and soft skills. This helps school districts immediately see you’re well-qualified to handle all of their educational needs and gets your resume through the initial ATS screening process. Here are some common key terms and skills that relate to substitute teaching roles:
Key Skills and Proficiencies
Active listening
Art and music techniques
Assessment development
Classroom management
Classroom presence
Computer literacy
Cultural competence
Curriculum development
Digital learning
Inclusivity
Lesson plan implementation
Mediation
Patience
Positivity
Special education
Student engagement techniques
Subject-specific knowledge
Team collaboration
Time management
Verbal and written communication
Resume writer’s tip: Use specific action verbs
Action Verbs
Adapted
Collaborated
Communicated
Created
Demonstrated
Developed
Facilitated
Implemented
Improved
Instructed
Motivated
Organized
Planned
Resolved
Taught
How To Pick the Best Substitute Resume Template
Focus on finding a template that is scannable and clean-looking versus one heavy on visual design. Prospective employers are more interested in seeing evidence that you are qualified and have the right skill set to succeed in the classroom than your fonts and color choices.
Substitute Teacher Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
left
Entry-Level
Mid-Career
Senior-Level
right
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
City, State Abbreviation zip code LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
A dedicated and certified substitute teacher with a demonstrated record of improving students’ academic performance. Possess a robust educational background with a degree in Education. Skilled in implementing effective lesson plans, managing classrooms, and reporting student progress with a focus on promoting respectful and conducive learning environments.
Key Skills
Classroom management
Communications
Lesson planning
Progress reporting
Subject matter knowledge
Professional Experience
Substitute Teacher, Pearson Education, Los Angeles, CA January 2019 – present
Implement daily lesson plans left by the permanent teacher, ensuring that teaching aligns with the classroom’s regular routines and standards
Maintain order in the classroom by enforcing rules and promoting respectful dialogue among students
Report each students’ progress, detailing discussed topics, completed assignments and any incidents or issues that arose during the sessions, to the regular teacher and relevant school administrators
Tutor, McGraw-Hill Education, University Park, PA May 2018 – December 2018
Assisted students struggling in English and Mathematics by providing one-on-one tutoring sessions, improving average grades by 20%
Created personalized lesson plans tailored to individual student’s needs and learning capabilities
Collaborated with teachers to provide feedback on student performance and suggest changes to classroom curriculum to improve comprehension
Education
Bachelor of Science in Education
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | 2021
Certifications
Substitute Teaching License (STL), Michigan State Departments of Education, 2022
Child Development Associate Certified (CDA), Council for Professional Recognition, 2022
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
City, State Abbreviation zip code LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
A highly educated and experienced substitute teacher with a unique combination of skills acquired from work in both Los Angeles Unified School District and New York City Department of Education. Known for effective lesson implementation and strong classroom management abilities, and creating a controlled, respectful, and safe environment while ensuring an uninterrupted flow of knowledge. Reputation for solid communication skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to enhancing the learning experiences for diverse groups of students.
Key Skills
Adaptability
Classroom management
Communication
Knowledge of subject matter
Lesson implementation
Professional Experience
Senior Substitute Teacher, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles, CA
July 2019 – present
Successfully implemented lesson plans across different grade levels, with a focus on creating interactive learning experiences; received positive feedback from full-time teachers for maintaining the continuity of lessons during their absence
Demonstrated effective classroom management strategies that led to a 20% improvement in overall student behavior and engagement
Established a seamless line of communication with regular teachers, providing detailed reports and feedback; addressed any transitional issues efficiently, ensuring a smooth handover process
Middle School English Teacher, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY
June 2017 – June 2019
Instructed diverse classrooms of students, fostering a rigorous academic environment that prioritized English Literature learning; saw an average improvement of 25% on students’ standard test scores in English
Proactively modified lesson plans to cater to different learning styles and needs of students; effectively used technology and innovative teaching methods to increase student participation
Liaised with parents and other staff members to discuss individual student progress and the effectiveness of teaching, resulting in improved overall student performance
Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Columbia University, New York, NY | 2017
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
University of California, Los Angeles, CA | 2015
Certification
Certificate of Substitute Teaching (CST), National Education Association, 2019
Provisional Teaching Certificate (PTC), National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, 2018
Substitute Teacher Certification (STC), American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, 2017
Your Name
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
City, State Abbreviation zip code LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
An accomplished senior substitute teacher with a master’s degree and a proven record in enhancing student academic outcomes. Create lesson plans tailored to students’ knowledge levels, effectively mentoring new substitute educators, and participating in school improvement initiatives. Possess subject knowledge in science, leadership proficiency, and the ability to foster open communication with parents, leading to a robust academic environment.
Key Skills
Classroom management skills
Communicating with parents
Creating lesson plans
Instructional skills
Mentoring and leadership
Professional Experience
Senior Science Substitute Teacher, Lincoln High School, New York, NY
January 2017 – present
Designed lesson plans to cover an advanced placement science class, helping students achieve a 78% pass rate on the exam
Collaborated with science department staff to meet curriculum standards
Participated in parent teacher conferences, academic awards programs, and Regents exam grading
Senior Substitute Teacher, P.S. 164, Brooklyn, NY
June 2012 – December 2016
Created and implemented tailored lesson plans across different age groups and subjects, receiving positive feedback on student engagement and learning outcomes
Mentored new substitute teachers in the district, sharing guidance on curriculum implementation and classroom management techniques
Regularly communicated with students’ parents, sharing updates about their academic progress and addressing concerns, fostering a nurturing school environment
Education
Master’s Degree in Education
Queens College, Queens, NY | 2016
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
St. John’s University, Queens, NY| 2014
Certifications
Substitute Teacher Certification (STC), New York Department of Education, 2015
Teacher Certification – New York State, New York Department of Education, 2017
Frequently Asked Questions: Substitute Teacher Resume Examples and Advice
How do you align your resume with a substitute teacher job description?
Customizing your resume for a specific position can give you a better chance of getting an interview. Read the job requirements carefully and see if your personal skills and background match what the employer is seeking. For instance, if a school has a need for bilingual substitute teachers and you speak more than one language, highlight that excellent skill in the profile section of your resume. Or you might share your musical skills if it’s a performing arts school.
What is the best substitute teacher resume format?
The reverse chronological format is the go-to format for substitute teacher resumes. This style ensures that the reader sees your most recent and relevant experience first. Even if you’re new to the field, you can highlight your experience in other sectors or from student teaching internships and academic projects.
Expert advice:
include a cover letter with your resume
Writing a cover letter lets you introduce yourself to potential employers. It allows you to speak about the specific role you’re seeking and point out the ways in which you are a good fit.
Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.
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