How to write a substitute teacher resume

Here are important strategies to help you craft a substitute teacher resume that makes a strong impression.

1. Summary statement: Introduce yourself with a brief paragraph that showcases your educational background, strengths, and preferred grade levels or subjects.
2. Managing classrooms Emphasize your ability to maintain order, address behavioral issues, and keep students attentive and involved.
3. Add certifications: List your degrees and any required teaching licenses or substitute teaching certificates.
4. Teaching role titles: Instead of general titles, describe your position with terms like “Middle School Substitute Teacher” or “K–5 Classroom Substitute.”
5. Teaching work history: Mention each assignment, school name, and grade level to highlight your flexibility and teaching range.
6. Customize for resume: Modify your resume according to each application by using language and phrases from the job ad to meet ATS criteria.
7. Clearly state interpersonal strengths: Mention qualities like adaptability, teamwork, and calm under pressure that are vital for handling different classrooms.
8. Explain how you handle lesson plans: Indicate whether you’ve followed existing plans or developed instructional content on the spot.
9. Use job-related vocabulary: Include phrases like student-centered instruction, positive reinforcement, differentiated learning, and classroom leadership.
10. Add unpaid educational experiences: If lacking formal work, mention tutoring, classroom volunteering, or internships to show your teaching experience.
11. Professional layout: Use easy-to-read fonts, avoid overloading the page, and present your resume in a clean, organized format.
12. Powerful verbs: Each point should begin with active verbs such as “organized,” “delivered,” “managed,” or “guided.”
13. Use numbers: Add data like student headcounts, class sizes, or improved performance metrics when available.
14. School tech tools: Highlight your experience with virtual teaching platforms or digital classroom tools that support remote or hybrid learning.
15. Skills: List abilities like classroom tech usage, subject-specific knowledge, or strategies for student discipline.
16. Include continued education efforts: Show your dedication by adding completed training or courses related to teaching or youth development.
17. Short-term and contract teaching work: Even brief assignments add value, especially if they show varied school environments.
18. State your working availability: Let potential employers know if you can start on short notice or have preferred availability.
19. Double-check for errors: Review your resume for grammar issues or formatting problems that could hurt your credibility.

How do I write a substitute teacher resume with no experience?

Even without direct experience, you can write an impressive substitute teacher resume by focusing on education-related skills and informal roles.

Here’s how to write a resume for a substitute teacher role when you don’t have prior experience.

1. Resume objective: Open with a short statement sharing your passion for helping students and your enthusiasm to begin a teaching journey.
2. Transferable skills: Include traits like leadership, communication, and time management that are useful in a school setting.
3. Education and training: List your academic background and any learning experiences that prepared you to teach or support children.
4. Volunteer experience: Mention unpaid work like tutoring, babysitting, or mentoring that shows you’ve worked with kids in a responsible role.
5. Resume format: Choose a layout that highlights your abilities rather than focusing heavily on past employment.
6. School familiarity: Talk about any time spent in classrooms, whether through helping teachers, volunteering, or observations.
7. Soft skills: Share qualities like flexibility, calmness, and organization that are important for adapting to new classrooms.
8. Tech tools: Mention digital platforms you can use for teaching or virtual communication with students and staff.
9. Certifications: Add any training you've received, such as substitute permits or safety-related credentials.
10. Customization: Modify your resume for each job by matching the language and priorities listed in the job posting.

What should I include in a substitute teacher resume?

Here are the essential elements to add to your substitute teacher resume to make it clear, complete, and job-ready.

1. Contact information: Place your name, location, email, and phone number at the top so employers can reach you easily.
2. Professional summary or objective: Use a few lines to explain your goals, interest in teaching, and what you bring to a substitute position.
3. Certifications and licenses: Include official documents like substitute permits, teaching credentials, or first aid certifications.
4. Education background: List your academic qualifications and any subjects or classes that relate to child education.
5. Teaching or related experience: Describe any roles where you worked with kids, even in camps, tutoring, or school assistance.
6. Skills section: Point out your classroom abilities, such as guiding students, handling behavior, or following teacher instructions.
7. Classroom technology: Share your experience with tech tools used in schools, including learning platforms and digital teaching aids.
8. Soft skills: Mention personality strengths like being dependable, organized, and calm in fast-changing situations.
9. Availability or preferences: Let employers know if you’re open to short notice calls or if you have a preferred age group to teach.
10. References: Either state that references are available upon request or include them if the school specifically asks.

How can I highlight classroom management skills on a substitute teacher resume?

You can show classroom control skills by adding details in different parts of your resume.

1. Summary section: Display your confidence in guiding student behavior and creating a calm setting.
2. Job descriptions: Mention how you supported daily routines and kept students engaged during lessons.
3. Action verbs: Begin tasks with assertive words like "guided," "oversaw," or "facilitated" to show leadership.
4. Soft skills: Share personal traits like being calm under pressure, clear when speaking, and good at redirecting behavior.
5. Real examples: Highlight how you responded to disruptions or maintained classroom flow.
6. Results: Include outcomes such as fewer behavior issues or better class participation.
7. Job keywords: Use exact phrases like "student supervision" or "behavior support" from the job ad.
8. Skills section: Add classroom control as a skill alongside redirection and conflict resolution.
9. Substitute strengths: Show that you're adaptable and can quickly manage unfamiliar student groups.
10. Training: List any learning sessions on managing students or handling behavioral challenges.

What is the best format for a substitute teacher resume?

Selecting the right resume format can help you present your skills especially if you’re applying for substitute teaching positions with different experience levels.

1. Combination format: Best for most substitute teachers because it blends your key skills with job history.
2. Functional format: Useful if you’re new to teaching and want to focus more on what you can do than past roles.
3. Chronological format: Works well when you have consistent teaching-related work to show.
4. Clear section headings: Use defined labels like “Summary” or “Experience” so employers can easily scan your resume.
5. Consistent layout: Keep font styles and bullet formatting uniform to look professional.
6. Reverse order for experience: List your latest positions first to show your most recent involvement in education.
7. Highlight key skills early: Feature your strongest abilities, like classroom control and teamwork, near the top.
8. Use bullet points: Break down your responsibilities into bullets for easier reading.
9. Keep it to one page: One page is enough unless you have years of teaching experience.
10. Save as PDF: A PDF file keeps your resume layout intact when shared or printed.

How do I list substitute teaching on my resume?

When adding substitute teaching experience to your resume, follow these guidelines for clarity and professionalism.

1. Job title: Clearly state your role as “Substitute Teacher” or a similar title.
2. Dates: Provide the timeframe during which you served, including part-time or occasional periods.
3. School info: Include the name of the school or district along with its city and state.
4. Duties: Summarize your key responsibilities like managing classrooms, delivering lessons, and supporting students.
5. Achievements: Note any successes such as effective classroom control or flexibility in adapting to new environments.
6. Skills: Highlight skills gained, including communication, adaptability, and managing student behavior.
7. Consistent format: Present your substitute work experience in the same style as your other jobs.
8. Multiple locations: For assignments at different schools, list them separately or group under one heading with a note on varied sites.
9. Action verbs: Use dynamic verbs to begin your descriptions for clarity and impact.
10. Conciseness: Keep your descriptions short and focused for easier reading.

Should I add a summary or objective on a substitute teacher resume?

Including a summary or objective depends on your background and what you want to highlight in your substitute teacher resume.

1. Summary for experienced: If you have teaching or substitute work history, write a summary that outlines your main skills and achievements.
2. Objective for beginners: For those new to the role, create an objective that explains your enthusiasm, goals, and readiness to learn.
3. Be concise: Keep this section short, about 2 to 3 sentences, to make it clear and effective.
4. Customize for each job: Adjust the content to fit the specific requirements of the position you’re applying for.
5. Feature key skills: Mention abilities like classroom control, adaptability, and strong communication.
6. Show your contribution: Describe how you will help teachers and students succeed while substituting.
7. Top placement: Place this part at the beginning of your resume, just after your contact information.
8. Use specific language: Avoid overused phrases and be direct about your qualifications.
9. Update your resume: Update this section as you gain experience or change career goals.
10. Include keywords: Add terms from the job listing to improve your resume’s chances with screening software.

How can I tailor a substitute teacher resume for different grade levels?

Customizing your resume for different grade levels makes your application more relevant and appealing to schools.

1. Change summary: Tailor your summary to highlight your interest or background with the specific grade you want to work with.
2. Emphasize skills: Showcase abilities that work best for the targeted age group, such as nurturing for young kids or subject knowledge for teens.
3. Focus experience: Highlight responsibilities and successes connected to the grade you aim to teach.
4. Use appropriate keywords: Incorporate language related to the students’ developmental needs, like “phonics” for early grades or “exam preparation” for older grades.
5. Mention training: Include any specialized training or certificates focused on particular age groups.
6. Add relevant volunteering: List volunteer or tutoring experience with that grade level to strengthen your fit.
7. Adjust soft skills: Emphasize traits suitable for the students’ age, like patience with young learners or mentoring skills for older ones.
8. Specify job titles: If applicable, state the grade level in your job title to clarify your experience.
9. Highlight tech skills: Note technology use suited to the grade, such as educational games for young children or advanced tools for high school.
10. Match job ad: Study the job description and align your resume wording with the employer’s expectations for that grade.

What certifications should be listed on a substitute teacher resume?

Listing appropriate certifications on your substitute teacher resume highlights your qualifications and readiness.

1. Substitute teaching permit: The official authorization from your school district or state allowing you to substitute teach.
2. Teaching license: Any formal teaching credentials you possess, regardless of the role’s requirements.
3. CPR and First Aid: Certificates showing you are trained in lifesaving techniques and basic medical aid.
4. Child protection training: Proof that you completed required training on identifying and reporting abuse.
5. Behavior management certificates: Courses or certifications focused on handling classroom behavior.
6. Special needs education: Certifications for teaching or assisting students with disabilities or special education needs.
7. ESL/ELL qualifications: Credentials related to teaching English learners.
8. Safety training: Certificates on emergency procedures and school safety practices.
9. Professional learning: Recent educational workshops or seminars that enhance your teaching skills.
10. Background screening: Documentation that you have cleared mandatory background checks for working with children.

How do I showcase adaptability and flexibility in a substitute teacher resume?

Demonstrate your ability to adjust quickly and manage unexpected situations effectively to highlight your versatility as a substitute teacher.

1. Summary statement: Highlight your strength in quickly adjusting to different school settings and classroom demands.
2. Job descriptions: Explain how you maintained instruction when filling in without much notice or preparation.
3. Skill section: Include soft skills like being flexible, adaptable, calm under pressure, and able to multitask.
4. Multiple grade levels: Mention experience with various grades or subjects to reflect your range.
5. Short-notice roles: Note times you were called in unexpectedly and still ensured student engagement.
6. Lesson plan adjustments: Share that you can follow and adapt lesson plans left by different teachers.
7. Student diversity: State that you’ve worked with students who have varied academic needs and behaviors.
8. Problem-solving: Describe how you handled sudden issues and kept the class focused.
9. Different school settings: List how you adapted to different school rules, expectations, and teaching styles.
10. Use of action verbs: Choose verbs like “handled,” “modified,” “stepped in,” and “supported” to show your flexible approach.

What are some key skills to include on a substitute teacher resume?

Including essential skills on your substitute teacher resume helps demonstrate that you can lead classrooms confidently and support student learning.

1. Classroom management: Skill in guiding student behavior and keeping the classroom focused.
2. Adaptability: Ability to shift between different teaching environments and grade levels with ease.
3. Communication: Clear communication with everyone in the school community, from students to staff.
4. Lesson delivery: Experience in presenting and adjusting lessons as needed to meet class needs.
5. Time management: Keeping the day running smoothly and using classroom time productively.
6. Patience: Staying composed and supportive, especially during unexpected events or challenges.
7. Problem-solving: Tackling classroom or schedule issues with practical, calm responses.
8. Organization: Staying on top of teaching plans, assignments, and classroom routines.
9. Team collaboration: Cooperating with staff members to support student success and classroom goals.
10. Technology use: Comfortable using learning tools and platforms in both physical and online settings.

How can I make my substitute teacher resume stand out?

To help your substitute teacher resume get noticed, emphasize the strengths and qualities that show you're dependable and classroom-ready.

1. Tailor each application: Adjust your resume for each job, focusing on the school’s unique expectations or the targeted grade.
2. Use a strong summary: Start with a clear overview of your teaching background and classroom abilities.
3. Showcase certifications: List your licenses or training to show you're officially qualified.
4. Soft skills: Add qualities such as adaptability, strong communication, and leadership, as these are valued by schools when hiring substitutes.
5. Add measurable results: Mention achievements that reflect your contributions, like managing full classrooms or receiving praise from school staff.
6. List grade-level experience: Point out if you’ve taught various grades to show you’re adaptable.
7. Keep formatting clean: Make your resume easy to scan with a tidy design and readable layout.
8. Use strong action verbs: Begin points with words that reflect active involvement and leadership in teaching tasks.
9. Include relevant keywords: Use terms from the job post to help your resume pass digital screening systems.
10. Mention availability: Share if you’re ready for same-day assignments, long-term subs, or preferred grade ranges.

Should I include volunteer teaching experience on a substitute teacher resume?

Volunteer teaching experience is valuable and should be added to your substitute teacher resume to emphasize your readiness and commitment.

1. Fills experience gaps: It helps if you don’t yet have paid substitute roles by showing relevant classroom exposure.
2. Demonstrates initiative: It proves that you’ve actively sought teaching experience on your own.
3. Proves skills in action: You can display key abilities like managing a class and supporting students, even through unpaid work.
4. Builds credibility: Schools respect volunteer experience, especially in education or child-related programs.
5. Adds variety: Having both paid and volunteer teaching listed creates a more complete work profile.
6. Supports certifications: Volunteer roles often complement your certification process or education coursework.
7. Passion for teaching: It indicates you care about helping students beyond just employment.
8. Can be formatted like jobs: Include your volunteer role with proper formatting—title, place, dates, and bullet points.
9. Highlights adaptability: Volunteering often means adjusting to different environments, which shows your flexibility.
10. Improves resume strength: It enhances your resume overall, especially if you're new to substitute teaching or switching careers.

How do I describe my teaching experience on a substitute teacher resume?

To present your teaching experience on a substitute teacher resume, structure your details so they reflect your strengths and versatility.

1. Job title: List roles such as “Substitute Teacher” so the reader knows your position right away.
2. School and dates: Add where and when you worked to provide context for each job.
3. Use bullet points: Organize your experience in short, clear points to make it easy to follow.
4. Duties and tasks: Share the core tasks you handled, such as classroom control or leading instruction.
5. Show variety: Highlight that you worked across different grades or subjects to show you’re adaptable.
6. Add achievements: Point out any successes like classroom improvements or teacher feedback.
7. Action verbs: Start each bullet with words that show active participation, like “guided” or “managed.”
8. Mention lesson plans: Explain how you handled lesson planning—whether following existing ones or making adjustments.
9. Highlight student support: Describe how you assisted students, addressed needs, or supported learning goals.
10. Keep it relevant: Focus your details on what applies to the current role you’re targeting.

What action verbs are best for a substitute teacher resume?

Action verbs add strength to your resume and help communicate your role as a substitute teacher.

1. Led: Demonstrates you took initiative and were responsible for classroom activities.
2. Managed: Points to your skills in maintaining discipline and structure in class.
3. Implemented: Shows that you executed planned lessons effectively.
4. Supervised: Proves you watched over students and ensured safety and focus.
5. Facilitated: Reflects your ability to guide discussions and support learning.
6. Adapted: Shows how you changed your approach based on each classroom’s needs.
7. Monitored: Refers to how you kept track of student participation or behavior.
8. Assisted: Explains how you helped students or supported classroom tasks.
9. Collaborated: Indicates that you worked well with other teachers and school staff.
10. Prepared: Describes how you organized learning resources or classroom activities.
11. Encouraged: Points to how you inspired and motivated students to learn.
12. Reinforced: Shows that you helped strengthen student understanding of lessons.
13. Resolved: Indicates your ability to handle classroom problems with ease.
14. Maintained: Highlights your effort in keeping the class orderly and running smoothly.

How can I demonstrate my ability to follow lesson plans on a substitute teacher resume?

Showing that you can follow lesson plans on your resume helps demonstrate your reliability as a substitute teacher.

1. Mention in summary: State in your summary that you’re skilled at carrying out detailed lesson plans.
2. Use action verbs: Use verbs like “executed,” “applied,” or “delivered” to describe how you followed plans.
3. Job descriptions: Point out that you taught using materials and instructions left by the regular teacher.
4. Adaptability: Describe how you made small changes when needed but kept the original objectives in mind.
5. Consistency: Explain that you kept the class aligned with their ongoing learning schedule.
6. Student outcomes: Share that your ability to follow plans helped maintain student progress.
7. Organization: Mention how you reviewed plans ahead of class and got everything ready on time.
8. Feedback received: If school staff complimented your ability to follow directions, include it as a highlight.
9. Variety of subjects: Show your comfort with following lesson plans in different content areas or grades.
10. Short-notice roles: Emphasize that you were able to read and carry out plans quickly in urgent situations.

What should I avoid including on a substitute teacher resume?

Avoiding certain content in your substitute teacher resume ensures your document stays relevant and well-received.

1. Irrelevant jobs: Leave out roles that don’t relate to teaching unless they show important soft skills.
2. Too much personal info: Don’t add details like age, marital status, a headshot, or unrelated interests.
3. Long paragraphs: Use short, clear bullet points instead of dense text for better presentation.
4. Vague skills: Avoid listing soft skills that don’t have evidence to back them up.
5. Typos and grammar errors: Mistakes in writing make your resume seem rushed or unprofessional.
6. Outdated formats: Stay away from old layouts or hard-to-read font styles.
7. Negative language: Don’t talk about previous job issues unless you also share how you handled them.
8. Salary expectations: Only mention compensation if the job listing requires it.
9. Unverified claims: Be honest—don’t claim skills or experience you can’t explain in detail.
10. Too many pages: Try to keep your resume concise, especially if you’re early in your career.

How do I format my resume for ATS?

To make sure your substitute teacher resume is ATS-friendly, follow a clean and simple format that software systems can easily scan.

1. Use a standard layout: Format your resume with clear sections like Summary, Skills, Work Experience, and Education.
2. Fonts: Select widely used fonts such as Times New Roman or Verdana, ensuring the text size is clear and easy to read, typically between 10 and 12 points.
3. Avoid graphics: Don’t include visuals such as headshots or icons, which ATS tools can't interpret.
4. Save as a Word or PDF file: Most systems read .docx or .pdf files—use the format requested in the job ad.
5. Use clear headings: Use clear section titles to label each part of your resume, ensuring the system can identify them properly.
6. Stick to bullet points: Describe your duties and achievements using bullets, not long-form paragraphs.
7. Include keywords: Add specific teaching terms or phrases from the job posting, so your resume is a better match.
8. Avoid tables and columns: These may cause parts of your resume to be unreadable by the ATS.
9. Spell out acronyms: Write both the full term and its abbreviation to make sure nothing is missed.
10. Keep formatting simple: Don’t overuse styles—use bold and italics only where helpful, and skip symbols or borders.

Should I include references on a substitute teacher resume?

Knowing when and how to include references on your resume can help you present yourself professionally.

1. Not required: References aren’t expected directly on a substitute teacher resume.
2. Use “available upon request”: You can mention that references are available if the employer needs them.
3. Save space for experience: Use resume space to show your teaching background and qualifications.
4. Prepare a separate list: Keep a reference list ready as a separate document to share when asked.
5. Follow job instructions: Always check if the employer specifically wants references included.
6. Include supervisors if needed: List former school leaders or coworkers who can speak about your teaching.
7. Keep contact details updated: Ensure the names you give have accurate emails or phone numbers.
8. Avoid generic references: Skip contacts who don’t know your teaching work firsthand.
9. Use professional contacts: Stick to people from your education or work background, not personal acquaintances.

How can I highlight my communication skills on a substitute resume?

Emphasizing your communication abilities on your resume demonstrates that you can effectively interact with various school community members.

1. Use keywords: Add phrases like “strong communicator,” “active listening skills,” or “clear verbal and written communication.”
2. Describe interactions: Explain how you delivered instructions clearly to students across various grade levels.
3. Collaboration: Point out your experience working closely with teachers, support staff, and school administrators.
4. Parent communication: Mention instances where you communicated student progress or concerns to parents.
5. Conflict resolution: Highlight your role in solving classroom disputes through effective dialogue.
6. Written communication: Include tasks like writing lesson summaries, emails, or reports.
7. Adaptability: Highlight your skill in adjusting how you communicate to suit different groups or individuals.
8. Presentation skills: Note any experience giving presentations or leading class discussions.
9. Feedback incorporation: Describe how you use feedback from students or colleagues to improve.
10. Training or workshops: List any courses or workshops you’ve taken to enhance communication skills.

What is the ideal length for a substitute teacher resume?

Knowing the best resume length helps you present your substitute teaching background without overwhelming readers.

1. One-page ideal: Try to limit your resume to a single page if you don’t have extensive experience.
2. Two pages if needed: Use two pages only if your teaching history or credentials are substantial.
3. Keep it relevant: Focus on content that directly relates to substitute teaching duties.
4. Use short bullet points: Describe your roles and achievements briefly rather than in lengthy paragraphs.
5. Avoid unnecessary details: Don’t include unrelated jobs or irrelevant information.
6. Customize for jobs: Change the resume’s length or content depending on what the employer wants.
7. Make it easy to read: Use a simple, organized format so hiring managers can quickly scan.
8. Skip photos: Leave out any pictures to maintain professionalism and save space.