You’re aware of how much patience it takes to educate young minds. And you know how hard it’s to earn students’ respect when you spend only a finite amount of time with them.
And yet, some principals side-eye you, especially if you’ve done lots of short-term gigs.
With so many folks jumping into subbing during the pandemic, principals rarely consider you to be as all-in as full-time teachers.
How do you prove you’re more than capable to rise to the occasion? With a well-crafted resume. Our guide will:
- Show you a substitute teacher resume example that will get your writer’s creativity flowing
- Teach you how to craft a resume, even with little to no experience
- Help you organize your rich work history in a streamlined and clutter-free way
- Coach you on how to showcase the impact your teaching skills have on students
We’ve also prepared plenty of examples of whole resumes and individual sections to help you on your writing journey!
Before you dive in, if you'd like to peruse other relevant resume guides, be sure to bookmark the following ones:
Substitute Teacher resume examples
Explore additional substitute teacher resume samples and guides
and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry-Level Substitute Teacher
- Strong wrap-up with a forward-thinking call – A standout entry-level substitute teacher resume features a compelling conclusion that reinforces the applicant’s enthusiasm for contributing to the school's learning environment. By articulating eagerness to make a positive impact and explicitly requesting an opportunity for an interview, the candidate leaves a proactive impression, encouraging the reader to take the next step.
- Linking previous roles to the classroom setting – Effective resumes for this position emphasize transferrable skills by drawing clear lines between past experiences—such as tutoring, youth leadership, camp counseling, or volunteering—and the responsibilities involved in managing a classroom. Highlighting organizational talent, communication strengths, and adaptability demonstrates a direct preparedness for the substitute teaching context.
- Presenting a distinctive blend of qualities – What differentiates one candidate from the competition is a unique combination of qualities, such as cultural competence, multilingual abilities, or innovative use of educational technology. Featuring these unique contributions signals an added layer of value that schools can benefit from, making the application memorable and relevant in increasingly diverse and tech-integrated academic environments.
Certified Substitute Teacher
- Concrete impact through achievements – Detailing quantifiable successes, such as improvements in classroom engagement or test scores, demonstrates a substitute teacher’s effectiveness. Showcasing specific instances like stepping in during a critical teacher shortage or successfully managing diverse classrooms highlights direct contributions and relevance to the demands of substitute teaching.
- Evoking trust and approachability – A compelling resume captures empathy and the ability to build rapport with both students and staff. Describing moments where positive relationships were fostered or challenging classroom behaviors were calmatively addressed draws the reader in, forging an emotional connection that goes beyond credentials.
- Evidence of flexible skill application – Pointing to varied teaching experiences across multiple grade levels, subjects, or diverse learning environments signals the candidate’s capacity to adapt. Examples where innovative methods were applied in different contexts underline both readiness and creativity—key for thriving in constantly changing classroom settings.
Emergency Substitute Teacher
- Integrating specialized vocabulary for the classroom – By weaving in terms like "differentiated instruction," "behavior management," and "IEP compliance," the resume clearly signals familiarity with educational standards and methodologies. Such language demonstrates the candidate’s active engagement in pedagogical best practices and reflects their ability to adapt quickly to varied classroom scenarios.
- Creating a powerful first impression through relevant experience – Succinctly presenting prior roles related to teaching, classroom support, or child supervision builds immediate confidence in the candidate’s readiness. Highlighting adaptability, reliability during sudden staff shortages, and rapid learning shows an ideal match for the unpredictability and fast-paced decision-making required of emergency substitute teachers.
- Demonstrating awareness of the school district’s needs – Tailoring the resume to reflect knowledge of the district’s values or educational priorities—such as inclusive teaching, focus on student safety, or an emphasis on restorative practices—proves the applicant is invested in more than just a temporary role. Referencing specific programs or initiatives signals genuine interest in contributing to that unique educational community.
By Role
Special Education Substitute Teacher
- Strategic application of field-relevant language – A resume that integrates terminology such as “IEP compliance,” “differentiated instruction,” and “behavioral intervention plans” showcases the applicant’s fluency with special education frameworks. This depth of vocabulary not only signals familiarity with legal and procedural requirements but also indicates hands-on experience in adapting teaching strategies to diverse learner needs.
- Balanced narrative of professionalism and passion – Crafting a resume that weaves together a polished, concise tone with glimpses of authentic enthusiasm creates a memorable impression. Highlighting successful collaborations with multidisciplinary teams or describing proactive communication with parents conveys reliability and expertise, while also expressing genuine investment in fostering student progress and empowerment.
- Clearly articulated drive for pursuing this role – Detailing a personal commitment to creating inclusive and supportive classroom environments brings clarity to one’s motivation. Explaining a desire to make an immediate, positive impact as a substitute by maintaining continuity for students with disabilities demonstrates a sincere understanding of the importance of stability and support in special education settings.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
- Effective integration of educational keywords – An outstanding Long-Term Substitute Teacher resume showcases command over teaching-specific language such as “differentiated instruction,” “formative assessment,” and “classroom management.” Using such terminology validates the candidate’s familiarity with pedagogical frameworks and demonstrates their understanding of essential practices in today's educational landscape.
- Demonstrated flexibility across diverse teaching environments – The resume stands out when it clearly illustrates adaptability by highlighting experiences in various grade levels, subject matters, or educational settings. Describing transitions from elementary to high school or from special education to general classrooms shows a readiness to embrace new challenges and thrive amid changing assignments.
- Compelling final statements emphasizing initiative – A powerful close on the resume asserts the candidate’s eagerness to contribute positively to the school community while expressing enthusiasm for upcoming opportunities. Strong closing language, paired with an explicit invitation to discuss qualifications further, helps leave a confident, proactive impression on hiring committees.
Stip Substitute Teacher
- Blending expertise with energetic communication – A resume catches attention when it maintains a polished yet lively tone, showcasing not just the candidate’s teaching credentials and classroom management skills, but also a genuine enthusiasm for stepping into new classrooms and supporting students. This mixture of professionalism and zest signals adaptability and eagerness to contribute to dynamic educational environments.
- Demonstrating a clear professional purpose – It’s compelling when applicants articulate a well-defined motivation for seeking a Stip Substitute Teacher role, such as a passion for guiding young learners through transitions or a commitment to maintaining learning momentum when regular teachers are away. Explicitly stating these reasons proves the candidate is purposeful and invested in making a positive impact.
- Ending with a confident, action-driven finish – The conclusion of a standout resume reinforces the applicant’s value with a strong, succinct closing. Expressing readiness for the opportunity and encouraging follow-up—such as inviting an interview—shows proactive engagement and signals a willingness to take initiative, which are essential qualities for substitute educators.
Elementary Substitute Teacher
- Clean, inviting formatting fosters easy navigation – A well-organized Elementary Substitute Teacher resume leverages ample white space, distinctive headings, and concise bullet points, ensuring that school administrators can swiftly locate essential qualifications and experience. Intentional line breaks and consistent section separation also prevent information from appearing cluttered, making the document far less overwhelming to busy readers scanning for key credentials.
- Showcasing adaptable teaching strategies demonstrates depth – The most impressive resumes clearly convey a broad range of instructional methods, classroom management skills, and familiarity with diverse learning needs. By presenting concrete examples of lesson adaptation, integration of educational technologies, or successful behavior interventions, the candidate illustrates a robust professional toolkit and genuine command of elementary teaching best practices.
- Communicating warmth and dedication increases impact – Far beyond listing duties, an outstanding resume incorporates language that reveals empathy, enthusiasm for engaging young learners, and a sincere commitment to fostering a safe and nurturing classroom environment. Thoughtfully chosen words and action verbs help the reader sense the applicant’s genuine investment in students’ success, sparking a more personal connection.
Substitute Art Teacher
- Initial impact and direct fit for teaching art – A compelling Substitute Art Teacher resume immediately showcases diverse artistic skills paired with a solid foundation in educational techniques. When tailored specifically to the unique challenges of temporary classroom roles, it highlights adaptability, strong classroom management abilities, and a passion for creative instruction, instantly communicating readiness for fast-paced, varied art teaching environments.
- Final reflections and persuasive close – The resume’s summary or closing statement leaves a lasting impression through assertive yet enthusiastic language, expressing eagerness to contribute to students’ artistic journeys. A well-crafted finale not only reiterates relevant capabilities and experiences, but also includes a warm call to action, signaling genuine interest in the position and encouraging the hiring team to initiate further dialogue.
- Evoking a personal connection with the reader – Throughout the document, a memorable Substitute Art Teacher resume weaves in moments that reveal the candidate’s dedication to fostering self-expression and creativity among students. Personal anecdotes, reflections on teaching philosophies, or references to past classroom successes work to humanize the application, making it resonate emotionally with administrators seeking a caring and inspiring presence in their schools.
Substitute Music Teacher
- Capturing genuine enthusiasm for music education – A compelling resume for a substitute music teacher weaves in authentic passion for fostering students' creativity, illustrated through anecdotes or brief descriptions of successful classroom interactions. This emotive approach draws the reader in, highlighting a teacher’s ability to motivate young musicians and create an uplifting learning environment during transitional periods.
- Demonstrating adaptability across diverse musical settings – The best resumes emphasize a candidate’s comfort shifting between instruments, age groups, and teaching styles. Citing experience from leading elementary rhythm games, guiding middle school band rehearsals, and stepping in with minimal preparation to maintain curricular flow showcases exceptional versatility and reliability in unpredictable educational landscapes.
- Presenting solid musical expertise and professional credentials – Clearly listing formal qualifications, proficiency across multiple instruments, and familiarity with standard music curricula signals confidence and authority. Detailed mention of software skills, ensemble direction, or successful collaboration with full-time staff demonstrates a sophisticated, job-ready skillset tuned for both classroom and performance settings.
Substitute Science Teacher
- Immediate impression of adaptability and leadership – A standout resume instantly showcases the candidate’s capability to step smoothly into dynamic classrooms, displaying flexibility and a calm demeanor under pressure. Evidence of effective classroom management, along with a confident summary, signals readiness to handle diverse student groups and unforeseen situations typical in substitute teaching roles.
- Robust foundation in science education and classroom delivery – Detailing hands-on experience in teaching scientific subjects, integrating lab work, and applying differentiated instruction strategies clearly sets the candidate apart. Specific mention of certifications, familiarity with various science curricula, and an ability to use educational technology shows not just competency, but a proactive approach to mastering content and pedagogical tools.
- Tailored references to the school’s culture and mission – The resume becomes even more compelling when it weaves in an understanding of the institution’s core values, perhaps referencing involvement in similar community programs or highlighting alignment with the district’s educational philosophy. Personalization like this indicates the applicant has researched the school, increasing their appeal as someone who is enthusiastic about contributing to that specific learning environment.
Substitute High School Teacher
- Demonstrating flexible teaching approaches – Showcasing instances where you quickly adjusted lesson plans to fit different classroom needs, grade levels, or unexpected schedule changes illustrates your adaptability and prepares hiring managers to see you thriving in dynamic school environments.
- Prioritizing clean, organized formatting – Utilizing clear section headings, consistent spacing, and bullet points helps your resume remain visually appealing and easy to scan, ensuring that important qualifications and experiences catch the reader’s eye without unnecessary clutter or confusion.
- Incorporating education field jargon effectively – Integrating terms like “differentiated instruction,” “IEP accommodations,” and “classroom management” signals an in-depth familiarity with secondary education practices, conveying credibility and a strong alignment with high school teaching expectations.
Substitute Math Teacher
- Highlighting a blend of adaptability and subject mastery – A standout Substitute Math Teacher resume emphasizes a rare combination of proven mathematical expertise and the ability to swiftly adapt to varying classroom settings. By showcasing instances where the candidate has maintained class engagement and ensured curriculum continuity during unexpected teacher absences, the resume demonstrates real problem-solving acumen and instructional flexibility.
- Design that enhances scanning and comprehension – Visually, an impactful resume features generous white space, logical section divisions, and bullet points that facilitate efficient reading. Strategic use of headings alongside concise, well-organized content allows school administrators to pinpoint key skills and relevant experiences rapidly, making it easier to assess the applicant's suitability at a glance.
- Balancing a warm approach with clear expertise – The language of the resume strikes a careful balance between professional poise and genuine enthusiasm for teaching. Expressing a passion for fostering student understanding, while also maintaining a confident and polished tone, assures hiring committees of both the candidate’s commitment to education and their readiness to smoothly transition into any math classroom environment.
Substitute Middle School Teacher
- Deep subject expertise combined with classroom acumen – Resumes that highlight a strong grasp of curriculum standards, classroom technology, and differentiated instruction quickly appeal to hiring managers. Detailing experience in managing diverse classrooms, developing engaging lesson plans under time constraints, and using management tools such as Google Classroom demonstrates both technical strength and a genuine commitment to student progress during substitute assignments.
- Demonstrated flexibility across disciplines and grade levels – Standout candidates showcase a proven record of adapting to various learning environments, teaching multiple subjects, and responding to the specific needs of different student cohorts. Providing concrete examples such as facilitating science labs one week and leading humanities discussions the next underscores the ability to seamlessly bridge gaps left by regular teachers.
- Researched alignment with the school’s culture and practices – A resume that references familiarity with the district’s behavioral expectations, inclusion goals, or signature educational initiatives communicates preparation and thoughtful intent. Mentioning experience with similar student populations, adherence to the school’s mission, or participation in relevant extracurriculars signals genuine interest in integrating smoothly into the established community.
Substitute Preschool Teacher
- Clear personal branding aligns with digital presence – A compelling substitute preschool teacher resume that mirrors the messaging and tone of the candidate’s LinkedIn or online profiles indicates a professional who is thoughtful about their personal brand. This coherence assures employers that the individual communicates consistently, showcasing reliability and an authentic approach to early childhood education.
- Deep awareness of employer priorities – Highlighting familiarity with the preschool's specific philosophies, teaching models, or community initiatives demonstrates genuine interest and preparation. By seamlessly weaving in references to the school’s values or recent achievements, a resume illustrates the applicant’s commitment to integrating smoothly into the organization’s unique culture.
- Distinctive contributions in early childhood settings – Standing out from other candidates, an exceptional resume emphasizes specialized skills such as bilingual communication, adaptive curriculum design, or a history of leading diverse classroom environments. These distinct proficiencies offer tangible benefits to the school, positioning the applicant as an asset ready to fulfill both immediate and long-term needs.
Substitute English Teacher
- Exceptional adaptability highlighted through past experiences – Demonstrating a unique edge, a standout substitute English teacher resume emphasizes the candidate’s proven ability to thrive across diverse classroom environments and grade levels. This adaptability is underscored with concrete examples, such as managing sudden curriculum changes or effectively engaging students with varied learning abilities, which assures potential employers of the candidate’s readiness to seamlessly integrate into any educational setting.
- Keen alignment with the school's values and pedagogical aims – A compelling resume goes beyond general qualifications to reflect understanding of the hiring institution’s specific teaching philosophy. By referencing the school’s commitment to inclusive learning or innovative literacy programs, the candidate showcases not just awareness, but a genuine resonance with the school’s mission, signaling a strong potential for meaningful contribution to the organization’s objectives.
- A purposeful and focused introduction sentence – The resume’s opening line immediately grabs attention by succinctly summarizing relevant credentials or signature achievements. Whether it’s noting years of experience navigating dynamic educational contexts or spotlighting a track record of student engagement and classroom management, this sentence primes the reader to view the candidate as both highly qualified and directly suited to the substitute teaching role.
Substitute Physical Education Teacher
- Demonstrating flexibility through varied class management – Including specific instances where the teacher has adapted quickly to new lesson plans, unfamiliar student groups, or changing environments highlights a candidate's capability to deliver quality instruction under shifting circumstances. Mentioning experiences like seamlessly taking over multiple grade levels or adjusting activities for diverse abilities showcases a versatile skill set highly valued in substitute roles.
- Integrating field-relevant vocabulary and methodology – Employing terminology such as "differentiated instruction," "motor skill development," or "positive classroom climate" demonstrates in-depth familiarity with PE concepts. Incorporating references to standardized curricula, assessment tools, and behavior management strategies indicates a professional who both understands and effectively communicates their expertise within the educational setting.
- Crafting a clear, inviting resume layout – Utilizing concise bullet points, consistent headings, and ample white space ensures information is easily digestible for school administrators and recruiters. Structuring content with logical sections and legible fonts improves accessibility, enabling decision-makers to quickly identify key qualifications and relevant experience at a glance.
Substitute Language Teacher
- Clear intent and passion for language education – A standout resume effectively conveys genuine enthusiasm for substitute teaching and for fostering meaningful language acquisition experiences. It goes beyond generic statements, revealing a thoughtful understanding of the unique challenges and rewards of adapting to different classroom environments. Candidates who articulate not only why they are drawn to language education but also how their adaptability benefits schools demonstrate both motivation and purpose.
- Impactful introductory statement aligned with school needs – The opening sentence of an exceptional substitute language teacher resume immediately highlights core qualifications tailored to the position, such as fluency in target languages, classroom management expertise, or experience in culturally diverse classrooms. By starting with a powerful summary that showcases their most relevant strengths, applicants quickly establish credibility and grab the attention of school administrators seeking reliable substitutes.
- Confident ending that prompts further engagement – Effective closings affirm the applicant’s readiness to contribute positively and specifically request the opportunity to discuss how their background can meet the school’s immediate and future needs. A superior resume concludes with a statement that expresses eagerness for an interview and reiterates alignment with the institution’s educational vision, leaving a lasting, proactive impression on hiring decision-makers.
Substitute Elementary School Teacher
- Passion for shaping young minds is clearly articulated – A standout candidate explains their motivation for becoming a substitute teacher by emphasizing a desire to support children's growth during pivotal learning periods. By stating a commitment to fostering a positive, adaptable classroom atmosphere, the applicant establishes a genuine connection to education and reassures principals of their reliability and enthusiasm in stepping into any teaching scenario.
- Information is organized for effortless reading – The resume distinguishes itself through a structured format that presents skills, certifications, and experience in a logical progression. Bullet points, clear section headings, and concise language guide the reader smoothly, making it easy for hiring managers to quickly assess whether the candidate’s background aligns with the demands of elementary substitute teaching.
- Professional milestones align with the role’s core needs – Achievements listed go beyond generic duties, highlighting accomplishments such as managing diverse classrooms, implementing engaging lesson plans on short notice, or receiving commendations from school administrators. These concrete examples demonstrate the applicant’s direct impact in educational settings, underscoring readiness to thrive in the dynamic environment of substitute teaching.
Substitute Vocational Education Teacher
- Clarity and succinctness capture attention – A standout resume for a substitute vocational education teacher delivers information in a streamlined manner, utilizing bullet points and concise phrasing that swiftly highlight skills, certifications, and relevant achievements without excessive wording.
- A purposeful opening statement immediately establishes fit – The introduction section should succinctly summarize specialized teaching experience and directly convey alignment with the demands of vocational education, instantly reassuring hiring managers of the candidate’s suitability from the outset.
- Intentional career motivation shines through – The document delineates the genuine passion behind pursuing this substitute role, clearly expressing a drive to empower students through practical learning and to contribute meaningfully during transitional periods in educational settings.
Special Education Substitute Teacher
- Alignment with the school’s educational philosophy – A standout resume reveals the candidate’s understanding of the district’s mission, goals, and inclusive practices. By referencing the institution’s approach to individualized learning or inclusive classrooms, the applicant demonstrates a genuine interest in becoming an integral part of the team and supporting the unique needs of their student population.
- Fluency in special education vocabulary – The use of precise industry terms such as “IEP implementation,” “differentiated instruction,” and “behavioral intervention plans” illustrates the candidate’s expertise in the field. Incorporating this language not only showcases technical knowledge but also reassures hiring managers of the substitute’s ability to hit the ground running in specialized educational environments.
- Energetic yet polished communication style – An exceptional resume strikes an ideal blend of warm enthusiasm and professional poise. Candidates who highlight their passion for student growth while maintaining clarity and structure convey both their heartfelt commitment and their capacity for dependable, respectful collaboration with staff and families.
How to format your substitute teacher resume
Despite the multiple resume formats available nowadays, you must be careful which layout you choose.
Formatting is crucial for a few reasons:
- You must present your experience clearly and concisely.
- Before they reach anyone’s desk, resumes are vetted by ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems).
- Educational institutions often rely on platforms, such as EDJOIN, to search for candidates. Check for if there’re extra rules you must follow before selecting a format.
If there aren’t any special criteria you must fulfill, keep in mind these resume writing best practices:
- Use the reverse-chronological resume format – it’s intuitive to read and showcases your most recent achievements
- Impress recruiters with an eye-catching resume header. If you have a LinkedIn profile or a personal website displaying your work, add them.
- Keep it short. Don’t make your resume longer than two pages, even if you have extensive work history.
- Unless otherwise stated, save your resume as a PDF file. It’ll preserve the design and style of the document.
Your resume should match the market – Canadian applications, for instance, may use a different layout.
Pro tip
Note that if you’re using the EDJOIN platform to apply for different positions, the platform demands you upload your resume in PDF format.
Having to keep your resume under a page is very tricky. Especially if you have lots to share. That’s why it’s important to leave enough space for each of the must-have resume sections:
Must-have sections on a substitute teacher resume:
- A header to list your job title and contact information;
- A resume summary or objective which highlights your top career achievements;
- A detailed experience section where you emphasize the breadth of your expertise;
- A skills box to put the spotlight on your social talents and technical strengths;
- An education and certifications section which features your qualifications.
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Are you comfortable stepping in and following a predetermined teaching plan?
- Do you have experience preparing your own teaching materials? How easy is it for you to adapt them to someone else’s teaching plan?
- How well do you work with other teachers?
- Do you have experience working with children with special needs?
- Are you able to provide constructive feedback to both your students?
- How well do you keep up to date full-time teachers on their students’ progress?
How to write your substitute teacher resume experience
As its name suggests, this is the part of your resume where your achievement and history have to prove you’re the best person for the job.
But talking about them can be challenging, depending on how your career has progressed so far.
If most of your substitute teaching gigs have been long-term commitments, your focus should be on detailing them as separate job entries.
However, if you’re just covering a particular school district as a short-term sub, it’s recommended that you group the schools together.
In this case, the focus would fall on your teaching efficiency and overall impact on students’ life.
Compare the following substitute teacher resume examples:
Helen Coshell
Substitute Teacher
Binford Middle School
02/2019 - 06/2024 
Richmond, VA
A middle school in Richmond, VA.
- •Organized career meet-ups.
- •Helped with field trips.
- •Founded literature club.
- •Helped 9 students with their grades
WRONG
Helen Coshell
Long-term Substitute Teacher
Binford Middle School
02/2019 - 06/2024 Richmond, VA
An arts and humanities-focused middle school, dedicated to educating strong, confident and independent problem-solvers.
- •Achieved 89% graduation rate for specialty school students by organizing career advice meet-ups with professionals from the arts and entertainment industry.
- •Volunteered and coordinated with other staff members on the safety of 120+ students for annual school field trips.
- •Implemented a poetry and prose exchange program with more than 50 participants, where students could get feedback from their peers about their writing skills.
- •Helped 9 troublesome students correct their behavior and raise their grades by following the full-time teacher's classroom behavioral system.
RIGHT
Although the samples pertain to the same person, notice the difference in presentations. The reasons the second experience section example works are:
- Helen’s job title indicates her employment was a long commitment. This proves not only that Helen is good at her job, but also works well with other teachers.
- She used the company description field to share the school’s mission and academic focus. Thus, Helen draws attention to what has motivated her to be a sub at that specific school.
- Listing the institution’s website offers hiring principals the opportunity to check how the candidate’s previous place of employment views their work.
- Finally, each of the bulleted entries features a professional accomplishment and some context for further information on why it’s important.
How to demonstrate you take your job seriously on your resume
Granted, you can’t put a number to all your achievements. But you can show that your work affects others positively as long as you provide the right context.
By now you must have seen that proving you’re not just going through the motions when being called upon to sub is key to a quality resume.
Think about how your actions affect your students and other staff members:
- Have you considerably changed someone’s life?
- Have you inspired your students to pursue their dreams?
- Have you accommodated a student with special needs by adapting your teaching plans?
- Have you managed to deal with class disruptions and troublemakers?
- Have you founded a club or organized group activities that have filled an academic void at your school?
- How do other teachers view your work? Are the full-time teachers you’re substituting for happy with your work? Do they have comments on your regular reports?
- Have you won any awards and recognitions while representing your employer?
- How else do you help your colleagues when not teaching?
How do I write a substitute teacher resume with no experience
If you’re just starting out, but have no experience as a sub:
- Consider your work history so far - internships, field work, private tutoring, etc.
- Evaluate the relevance of each individual gig
- Choose the hybrid resume format as your layout
- Highlight pertinent accomplishments
- Share any related transferable skills, depending on the position you’re applying for.
How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume
To make an impression as a substitute teacher, you must have an exceptional skill set. After all, you’re usually called in at the last minute to save the day.
As such, you must present a good mix of your technical and social abilities, also known as 'hard' and 'soft' skills’.
Why?
Because hard skills will prove you know how to operate essential classroom tools and technology.
On the other hand, your soft skills demonstrate you have the necessary skills to manage a classroom with no problems.
To achieve the perfect balance, you must learn how to describe each of your talents first. All you have to do is:
- Think of a professional challenge you’ve had to overcome.
- Explain how you’ve solved the problem at hand.
- Share what was the outcome of your work and how it improved the situation.
- Add data and numbers where possible to support your claims. Tying data to social skills is comparatively harder, so take into account the impact you have on others around you.
Can’t think of any relevant skills to add to your resume?
We’ve compiled two lists with the top technical and social talents you can list to get you started.
Best hard skills for your substitute teacher resume:
- Google Suite
- CMS platforms (WordPress, Blogger, Dropbox, Piktochart, Canva, Miro, Testmoz, Flipquiz, Prezi)
- MS Word Suite
- Mentoring
- Time management
- Organizational skills
- Problem-solving
- Analytical skills
- Communication and explanation skills
- CPR
- Classroom management
- Common core state standards
- Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback
- Lesson planning
- Student safety
- Public speaking
- Conflict resolution
- Collaboration skills
- Bullying prevention
- Task delegation and prioritization
Best soft skills for your substitute teacher resume:
- Compassionate
- Understanding
- Patient
- Resourceful
- Engaging
- Flexible and adaptive
- Creative
- Leadership skills
- Disciplined
- Attention to details
- Ability to work under pressure
- Accountable
- Responsible
- Decision-making
- Perceptive
- Multitasking
- Personable
- Improvisation
- Mediation
- Active listening
How to list your certifications and education on your resume
It goes without saying that you must have the proper academic qualifications and credentials to become a substitute teacher.
These vary between states - some have stricter rules than others. So you must be extra careful when applying for hybrid or out-of-state positions.
That’s why when filling out the educations section:
- Ensure you have all the documents required in the job ad
- List the name of your degree or specialization
- State the name of the issuing institution
- Include a date of course completion or projected obtainment
- Add a date of validity, if applicable
Remember to use the same date formatting conventions in each resume section.
Here is a sample on what the final look of your education and certificates section should be:
Education
M.Ed. Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
University of Virginia
09/2015 - 07/2018 GPA
4.0
4.0
- •Achieved a 96% approval rate by students and staff, while being an intern at Binford Middle School.
- •Devised a comprehensive teaching program, focused on diversity and inclusion, which was later submitted for review to the Virginia School Boards Association.
RIGHT
If you have doubts about listing a certain certificate, check out the table below with some of the most sought-after credentials in the education industry.
Best certifications for your substitute teacher resume:
- Substitute teacher Certificate
- Early Childhood Educator Certificate (ECE)
- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
- Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
- Child Development Associate (CDA)
- Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Physical Education (P.E.)
- CPR and First-Aid Certification (AED)
How to write your substitute teacher resume summary or objective
What’s the difference between a resume summary and an objective?
Simply put:
- Resume objectives emphasize your skills, when you don’t have much experience teaching. Highlight how your career goals, and as importantly, how they align with the school’s mission.
- Summaries are for tenured professionals so they can feature their top professional milestones.
Regardless of which one you choose to write, make sure your love for teaching shines through. Explain how your work can be beneficial to both your prospective employer and the students.
If you’re a recent college grad and definitely want to continue on this career path, outline how you envision your further professional progress.
Take a look at the following examples:
Summary
Passionate and highly-motivated substitute teacher looking to fill a position as a substitute teacher at Binford Middle School. I look forward to gaining more experience and helping students with their studies. Proficient in using all the latest school technology, such as interactive teaching boards.
WRONG
Summary
A recent M.Ed. Higher Education/Higher Education Administration graduate, seeking my knowledge and expertise in class management and counseling as a long-term substitute teacher at Binford Middle School. Skilled in creating an engaging teaching atmosphere and bringing students together on important social issues through various group activities and volunteering gigs. Dedicated to educating young minds on how to be prepared for life after school. Certified Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) professional.
RIGHT
Both samples are written by college grads. Yet, the second one is undoubtedly better than the first for a few reasons:
- The candidate has started off with their qualifications. They've also added a clear explanation on what they are after as a job seeker.
- Instead of relying only on credentials, the applicant has listed very specific skills.
- The individual has added a personal statement which outlines their motives to pursue a career in education. Which means this isn’t just a job to pass the time.
- A valuable certificate has been listed at the end to summarize all the extra expertise the candidate brings to the table.
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Additional sections for a substitute teacher resume
Extra sections on a resume are a blessing to those with little to no experience. They are a good way to show the special steps you take to improve as a professional.
Some of the sections you can add to stand out among other candidates are:
- Association memberships (for example, the National Education Association)
- Teaching materials, books, textbooks, workbooks, relevant academic publications, etc.
- Awards, prizes, and special recognitions
- Relevant passions and hobbies, such as photography or painting
How to boast you have published a book on a resume
Being a peer-reviewed and recognized author is no small feat. Especially if your book can put a spotlight on your professional expertise.
Simply:
- Include the name of your book, publisher and date of publication. You can also list a timeframe, depicting how long it took you to finish writing it.
- Link to your or the publisher’s website so that prospective employers can review your book.
- Provide a brief description on what your book is about and how it relates to your job application.
Publications
AI-generated Teaching Materials in High School Education: Yes or No?
Pearson
Helen Coshell
11/2022 - 04/2023 The publication tackles the pros and cons of using AI-generated materials in high school education with a particular focus on how developing minds perceive such resources when discussing factual accuracy.
RIGHT
How to tailor your substitute teacher resume to the job description
As previously mentioned, read job descriptions carefully. While offered positions may have the same title, it’s worth reviewing the duties and requirements section under each job ad.
These will tell you:
- How to modify and adjust your resume before submitting it to the respective school
- Which skills and personal qualities are considered a plus for candidates
- What experiences are valued, even if you don’t have a diploma to show for it. For example, if emphasis is put on community building, share your volunteering experience.
- What your prospective employer aims to achieve in the long run
So to make to align your resume with the job description:
- Read the duties and requirements section
- Ensure you have all the necessary documents to apply
- Check for important keywords, relating to tools and talents
- Look into what ongoing project the school is involved in
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Cover letter matching your substitute teacher resume
No resume is complete without a powerful cover letter!
Some states have relaxed the minimum requirements to qualify as a substitute teacher. This means sometimes it all boils down to your personality and aspirations.
What motivates you to pursue a career in education? What is your teaching style? What goals have you set yourself and how do you make sure you achieve them?
Keep these questions in mind when building your cover letter.
If you find it difficult to put your thoughts into words, here is a short step-by-step guide you can reference:
- Divide your cover letter into three sections
- Highlight your top career achievements in the first paragraph. Don’t worry if they overlap with what you already have included in the resume summary.
- Elaborate on your skill set and how you’ve applied your talents. Provide specific examples if you can.
- Thank the principal for reviewing your application. Mention when you’re free to discuss your candidacy.
Check out the example substitute teacher cover letter below for more inspiration:
Key takeaways
- Choose a resume that best reflects your work history;
- Link to your teaching portfolio in the resume header, if you have one;
- Make sure your love for teaching is evident in the resume summary;
- Group your experience by geographical location, if your gigs are short;
- Reserve the talent section for skills you haven’t mentioned anywhere else on your resume;
- Add some personality to your resume by including your passions or books you’ve published;
- Explain what motivates you to be a substitute teacher in the cover letter.