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Table of contents

Substitute teacher resume examples
Related resume examples
Choose the right resume format for your substitute teacher resume
How to write a substitute teacher resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your substitute teacher resume
Commonly asked questions about resume writing

As a substitute teacher, you’re a flexible and adaptive professional who knows how to improvise. You know better than anyone that effective classroom instruction can make a real difference in kids’ lives, especially during periods of disruption. From leading students and facilitating smooth learning environments to ensuring educational goals are achieved, a substitute teacher’s role spans various aspects of the classroom setting.

Now, all you need is a resume that highlights your diverse skill set. We’re here to assist you. With inspiring examples and a comprehensive step-by-step guide on crafting your resume, you’ll have a winning resume ready faster than the school bell rings!

This guide includes:

Inspiring substitute teacher resume examples.
A step-by-step process for creating a compelling substitute teaching resume.
Optional sections to enhance your resume.
The significance of composing an impactful cover letter.
Key insights for your resume.

Looking for a professionally designed substitute teaching resume in just a few minutes? Give our AI Resume Builder a try. Choose a template that aligns with your teaching style and receive expert advice for each section, ensuring your content truly showcases your expertise as an educator and a valuable asset in the field of education.

Substitute teacher resume examples

Entry-level substitute teacher resume example

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Why this entry-level substitute teacher resume works:

Conveys personality
This resume uses a creative template that shows off the applicant’s unique personality and the enthusiasm and creativity she brings to the classroom.
Focuses on skills
This candidate has limited classroom experience, so a resume format that hones in on her valuable transferable skills is a good choice.
Includes soft skills
Teaching requires education and training, but a substitute teacher’s soft skills are just as vital, if not moreso. This applicant shows that she has what it takes by listing communication and relationship-building alongside more targeted skills like classroom management.

Experienced substitute resume example

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Why this experienced substitute teacher resume works:

Focuses on experience
With a decade of experience under his belt, this candidate is a seasoned substitute teacher whose resume smartly emphasizes his experience and career achievements.
Uses active language
Active verbs like “supervised” and “coordinated” add a sense of action and momentum to this candidate’s daily responsibilities.
Includes numerical data
Numerical data gives this resume a sense of impact and helps the reader understand the scope of the candidate’s responsibilities.

Choose the right resume format for your substitute teacher resume

Selecting the right resume format is one of the first big decisions you make when drafting your resume. The way your information is organized influences how it’s read and what elements stand out to hiring managers. Make sure to choose a format that highlights your strengths:

The chronological resume format is best for experienced candidates. This format places work history front and center.
The combination resume format blends skills and work history, making it an ideal choice for midcareer candidates with a few years of experience.
The functional resume format emphasizes skills. This is a great way to show what you can do without relying on experience. It’s the perfect alternative for entry-level substitute teachers.

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect format, it’s time to select your resume template.

Choose the right resume template for your substitute teaching resume:

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Your resume template should reflect your professional attitude, judgment and personality.

For substitute teachers looking to create a professional resume quickly, a simple resume template is a great option that sticks with the basics for a resume that’s professional and straightforward.

For a resume that leaves a lasting impression, consider a creative or modern resume template. These styles add character and provide an opportunity to showcase your unique identity.

Substitute teaching is a broad field that welcomes all sorts of workers, so feel free to choose the template that suits your career story.

Our resume templates are available in a variety of file types, including Word resume templates and Google Doc templates, which you can easily download and customize for your unique needs.

Now that you’ve curated the perfect resume style, it’s time to get down to the writing process!

How to write a substitute teacher resume in 5 simple steps

Your resume is the first impression you get to make with potential employers, so it’s important to put your best foot forward. Customize your resume for each role and try to be thoughtful about the elements that you include in each section. This is the key to a job-winning resume.

Let’s break down this process step by step:

Step 1

Review the substitute teacher job listing for keywords

Before you begin the writing process for your substitute teacher resume, carefully review the job description for the teaching role you’re pursuing. Analyze the requirements to pinpoint crucial skills and qualifications, such as classroom management, instructional ability and student engagement expertise. Understanding the expectations outlined in the job listing helps ensure your resume aligns with the position. This is how you can show employers that you’re the candidate they’re looking for!

In today’s competitive job search market, employers sometimes screen candidates using applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter for relevant qualifications and key phrases. To create a resume compatible with ATS, ensure your content incorporates the terms and phrases found in the job description.

For instance, if the job highlights “classroom management” or “student interaction,” integrate these aspects into your professional summary, skills section, and work experience. It’s essential to only list the skills you genuinely possess to maintain honesty and accuracy. A standout resume demonstrates that you’re the ideal candidate the hiring team is seeking.

Step 2

Summarize your career achievements

Your substitute teacher resume should start with a strong introduction, known as a resume profile. There are two main types of resume profiles: professional summaries and career objectives, and the choice depends on your experience.

A professional summary provides a detailed overview of your teaching career, suitable for those with substantial experience in education. It’s especially impactful for substitute teachers with accomplishments like successful classroom management or innovative teaching methods.

On the other hand, a resume objective outlines your career goals and is a good option for substitute teachers who may be new to the role, like recent graduates or individuals transitioning from other positions in the educational field. This format emphasizes your enthusiasm, transferable skills, and the unique perspectives you bring to substitute teaching.

Here are examples of each:

Substitute teacher professional summary:

Experienced substitute teacher with 12 years of classroom leadership in diverse educational environments. Proficient in managing student interactions and fostering a productive learning atmosphere. Committed to enhancing the educational experience and promoting student growth through effective teaching methods.

Substitute teacher resume objective:

Aspiring substitute teacher with a background in educational support and a dedication to student development. Eager to leverage my interpersonal skills, classroom management expertise, and commitment to creating a positive learning environment for students. Committed to contributing to a culture of academic excellence and helping students achieve their full potential.

Step 3

Highlight your essential substitute teaching skills

In the field of education, your skill set is fundamental to your success as a substitute teacher. It’s essential to showcase a wide range of skills to demonstrate your effectiveness in the classroom. For substitute teachers, a broad range of skills can be vitally important to performing your role well under confusing or rapidly changing circumstances. These skills can be broadly divided into two categories.

First, there are hard skills. As a substitute teacher, these are the technical abilities that allow you to get the job done. This includes expertise in lesson planning, classroom management, subject knowledge and familiarity with educational guidelines. These are practical, teachable abilities crucial for the role.

The second category consists of soft skills. These pertain to your personal attributes and leadership qualities, such as effective communication, teamwork, adaptability to changing teaching methods and the ability to inspire and guide students to academic success.

Here’s a list of some hard and soft skills that successful substitute teacher candidates include in their resumes:

Hard Skills

Lesson planning
Classroom management
Subject knowledge
Curriculum design
Educational technology

Soft Skills

Communication
Classroom leadership
Adaptability
Problem-solving
Empathy

Your role as a substitute teacher is pivotal in ensuring effective learning and student development. Your skills should reflect your ability to facilitate a positive classroom environment and deliver meaningful educational results.

Here’s an example of a robust substitute teacher skills section:

Proficient in creating engaging lesson plans and promoting a productive classroom atmosphere.
Experienced in classroom management, fostering a positive learning environment.
Skilled in adapting teaching methods to meet diverse student needs and ensuring effective learning experiences.
Dedication to maintaining a safe and respectful classroom environment.
Demonstrated ability to utilize educational resources efficiently.
Excellent communication skills with students and colleagues.

Pro tip

Technical skills such as using educational software can be learned, but interpersonal skills like communication and leadership are inherent qualities. This makes them particularly valuable. Even the most knowledgeable substitute teacher may struggle if they can’t demonstrate effective interaction with students and colleagues.

Step 4

Describe your substitute teaching work history

Substitute teaching is demanding, requiring a unique blend of instructional skills, adaptability and effective classroom management. Your resume should showcase how your commitment and expertise shine in dynamic real-world situations. When you write your work history section, you’re not just summarizing your professional history; you’re also showcasing your significant achievements and abilities.

Describe specific classroom experiences, leadership roles you’ve assumed, and innovative strategies you’ve employed. Use action words in your resume, such as “facilitated,” “motivated” and “mentored,” to underscore your impact and enthusiasm in substitute teaching.

Here’s an example of a strong substitute teacher work history section:

Substitute Teacher, Billings Independent School District

Billings, MT

August 2018 – Present

Managed a wide range of classrooms, catering to various grade levels and subjects.
Implemented effective classroom management techniques to maintain an organized and focused learning environment.
Collaborated closely with classroom teachers, support staff, and students to ensure a seamless educational experience.
Adapted to the latest teaching methodologies and technology to enhance students’ learning outcomes and engagement.
Mentored and supported students in their academic pursuits, contributing to their personal and academic growth.

Pro tip

When your resume is filled with repetitive phrases like “responsible for,” it can make it sound like you’re bored of your own achievements. By using action-packed verbs, you can bring your substitute teaching background to life, emphasizing your accomplishments instead of just responsibilities.

Step 5

Showcase your education

Most substitute teachers are required to have some level of college education. Learning is a big part of your job, after all! Your resume should demonstrate your academic background starting with your highest level of education. This is your education section. Highlight any relevant training, workshops or certifications you’ve earned, especially the ones that have made you a stronger teacher.

Here’s an example substitute teacher education section:

Bachelor’s in English

University of Montana

Missoula, MT

May 2021

Additional sections for your substitute teacher resume:

Languages

Communicating effectively with students is a crucial part of your role as a substitute teacher. That’s why, if you speak multiple languages, it’s a good idea to highlight this in your resume. The ability to communicate with a broad range of students from a diverse set of backgrounds is a major strength.

How to showcase languages on your substitute teacher resume:

Fluent in English and Vietnamese
Proficient in Mandarin

Hobbies and interests

Including hobbies on your resume can give employers valuable insight into your character and personality. Just be sure to only include hobbies that are both relevant to the role and appropriate for the professional setting.

How to showcase hobbies on your resume:

Reading: Avid reader of both classic and contemporary literature, fostering a love for learning and a diverse knowledge base.
Outdoor Activities: Enthusiastic hiker and nature enthusiast, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Arts and Crafts: Passion for creative endeavors, such as painting and crafting, encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills.

Community engagement

Community involvement helps you connect to your students, your school district and the broader community. Showcase your community engagement to demonstrate your commitment to fostering community inside and outside of the classroom.

How to showcase community involvement on your substitute teacher resume:

Local Educational Support: Engage in volunteering within the local community, actively participating in activities that promote educational growth and well-being. Collaborate with schools, offering mentorship and additional support to students.
Youth Development Initiatives: Partner with local schools and community organizations to provide educational workshops and mentorship programs aimed at fostering the academic and personal development of young learners. This includes facilitating interactive learning experiences and sharing insights on educational pathway.

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Now that your resume is complete, all that’s left is to write a persuasive cover letter. This might seem like extra work, but a strong cover letter is an indispensable step. Your cover letter is your chance to draw attention to any achievements that you didn’t get the chance to explore in detail on your resume. It’s also your opportunity to add context to your resume and express your excitement for the role. Hiring departments want to hire enthusiastic candidates!

For expert guidance on cover letter-writing, explore our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter and draw inspiration from our extensive library of cover letter examples.

To maintain a cohesive visual identity between your cover letter and resume, consider using a professionally designed cover letter template from our Cover Letter Builder.

Key takeaways for your substitute teacher resume

Customize your substitute teacher resume for each opportunity

Tailor your resume to align with the specific requirements of each teaching role, emphasizing your skills in classroom management, lesson planning and student engagement. Keep an eye out for keywords that can help you conquer the ATS screening process.
Highlight your substitute teaching experience

Showcase your hands-on involvement in substitute teaching, from daily classroom activities to effective student guidance, demonstrating your ability to excel in diverse and dynamic educational settings.
Emphasize your commitment to continuous improvement

Highlight any advanced courses, certifications, or workshops you’ve undertaken in the field of education, underscoring your dedication to staying informed about the latest teaching methods and best practices.
Express your passion for education

While your resume provides an overview of your skills, a well-crafted cover letter can convey your genuine passion for nurturing student development and your motivation for choosing a career in education. Teaching isn’t for the faint of heart, so it helps to bring some enthusiasm to the table.
Highlight measurable achievements

If you’ve contributed to improved student performance, enhanced classroom productivity or achieved educational goals, emphasize these accomplishments with concrete metrics and results.
Showcase collaboration and leadership

In the field of education, collaboration is crucial. Highlight instances where you’ve effectively worked with diverse student groups and colleagues, demonstrating your ability to foster teamwork and creativity for optimal learning outcomes.

Commonly asked questions about resume writing

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.