Crafting an impressive resume is an essential step toward securing rewarding opportunities in the education field. Your resume is a powerful instrument to showcase your skills in lesson planning and classroom management, experiences, and passion for teaching. Learn how to create a persuasive resume tailored to your career goals and the specific roles you’re applying for.
We’ll give you real substitute teacher resume examples and show you how to align your resume with the demands of the education industry. Follow our expert tips and strategies to stand out from the competition and land your desired teaching jobs.
“Substitute teacher resumes should emphasize flexibility, classroom management, and instructional support. Show how you adapt quickly and teach effectively.”
— Carolyn Kleiman, Resume and Career Advisor
Most Popular Substitute Teacher Resumes
Entry-Level Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this substitute teacher resume example is strong:
This resume is ideal for entry-level educators because it puts key skills up front and emphasizes versatility in elementary classrooms. The bullet points show how the candidate adapted in real time and helped students stay on track, which is key for short-term teaching assignments.
For more help structuring your early-career resume, visit How To Make a Resume.
K-12 Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this substitute teacher resume example is strong:
This resume balances long-term and short-term work, while also showing leadership outside the classroom through coaching roles. It’s easy to read and places important keywords near the top for applicant tracking systems.
To learn more about writing strong resume summaries, visit Resume Summary Examples.
High School Math Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this substitute teacher resume example is strong:
This resume shows a long-term commitment to math education and a flexible approach to substitute teaching. It also includes measurable feedback and strong classroom outcomes.
Explore how resume layout can impact readability at Best Resume Formats.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this long-term substitute teacher resume example is strong:
This resume stands out because it demonstrates measurable outcomes like increased test scores and event coordination. It emphasizes the ability to maintain learning consistency in extended placements.
For more resume tips specific to education roles, check out How To List Your Education on a Resume.
Permanent Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this permanent substitute teacher resume example is strong:
This resume highlights long-term reliability and adaptability in a substitute role. The experience with both special education and general classrooms adds versatility.
Get more insights into what employers expect from substitute teachers at What To Put on a Resume.
Preschool Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this preschool substitute teacher resume example is strong:
This resume focuses on the developmental needs of young children. It highlights early learning, parent communication, and classroom safety, core priorities in preschool environments.
If you're working with young learners, review How To List Certifications on a Resume.
Special Education Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume effectively shows experience with IEPs, inclusion, and behavior support. It communicates patience, planning, and adaptability — critical traits for special education roles.
Learn more about showing transferable strengths at Resume Skills.
Bilingual Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume emphasizes fluency and practical classroom experience with multilingual students. It shows how the candidate bridges communication gaps, which is essential in bilingual environments.
For advice on highlighting language skills, check out Resume Language Skills.
Elementary School Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume shows consistent experience in elementary classrooms with strong behavior management and curriculum adherence. It highlights flexibility and classroom presence.
To improve formatting and presentation, explore Best Font for a Resume.
Basic Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume is great for someone newer to teaching or without a specialized area. It focuses on classroom control and lesson adherence, key priorities for basic substitute roles.
Find more tips on building a strong foundation at What To Put on a Resume.
Special Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume targets special subject areas and shows how the candidate blends structure with creativity. It also demonstrates versatility and student engagement skills.
For ideas on tailoring resumes to unique roles, visit Resume Objective Examples.
Substitute Teacher with No Experience Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume focuses on transferable experience for a candidate without direct substitute work. It highlights tutoring and student teaching to show relevant skills.
To make the most of limited experience, review Resume Outline Examples.
Substitute Teacher – California Schools Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume speaks directly to California district needs by listing regional standards and ELD strategies. It demonstrates knowledge of state systems and bilingual support.
To understand differences in resume types, check out CV vs. Resume.
Middle School Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume highlights subject and age range flexibility. It shows steady progression from paraprofessional to full substitute teacher while remaining focused on middle-grade students.
To improve age-appropriate skill emphasis, see Resume Skills.
Urban District Substitute Teacher Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume reflects an understanding of the complexities in urban schools and a commitment to equity. It balances behavior support, academic delivery, and compassion.
For more insight into transferable traits, visit Soft Skills for a Resume.
Substitute Teacher – Private Schools Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume demonstrates familiarity with unique teaching models and emphasizes creativity. It shows the candidate can adapt to private school environments while still delivering strong instruction.
Learn how to tailor resumes for niche settings at Resume Objective Examples.
Substitute Teacher – Charter Schools Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume highlights instructional trends like PBL and SEL teaching. It also shows collaborative experience with staff, which is key in charter school networks.
To explore different resume styles, visit Best Resume Formats.
Substitute Teacher for Homeschool Groups Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume is unique for candidates working with homeschool networks. It emphasizes flexibility, self-direction, and the ability to teach across subjects and age groups.
To enhance niche experience like this, see How To List Relevant Coursework on a Resume.
Substitute Teacher – Remote Learning Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume focuses on online instruction experience and platform fluency. It shows adaptability to virtual education, which remains valuable in hybrid learning settings.
For more digital teaching tools, see Technical Skills for a Resume.
Substitute Teacher – Adult Education Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume showcases strengths in adult learning, showing a shift from traditional K-12 roles. It emphasizes GED and ESL instruction—two fast-growing substitute niches.
To show nontraditional teaching experience, visit How To Put Volunteer Work on a Resume.
Substitute Teacher – Test Prep Specialist Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume effectively shows impact through test score improvements and personalized instruction. It focuses on a valuable niche within secondary education.
To learn how to present measurable outcomes, visit How To Make a Resume.
Substitute Teacher – Arts & Drama Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume is ideal for candidates who specialize in creative fields. It balances structure with artistic freedom and includes community-based teaching experience.
Learn how to showcase creative credentials at Resume Interests Section.
Substitute Teacher – STEM Focus Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume integrates technical and teaching experience, showing the candidate can manage classroom learning and guide students through STEM skills.
For more STEM-specific resume tips, visit Technical Skills for a Resume.
Substitute Teacher – Behavioral Support Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume emphasizes the candidate’s emotional intelligence, de-escalation training, and teamwork in high-needs environments.
To better show specialized support roles, explore How To List Certifications on a Resume.
Substitute Teacher – Rural Schools Resume
Why this resume example is strong:
This resume reflects the realities of rural education and shows self-sufficiency, flexibility, and experience across age levels—all highly valued in remote school settings.
To learn more about resume length and structure, visit Should a Resume Be One Page?
Our templates are crafted by professional resume writers to make creating your resume quick, easy, and effective.
- Professional resume template downloads
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- AI resume writing support
- Career-building resources and advice
Substitute Teacher Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write a Substitute Teacher Resume
1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your substitute teacher qualifications
Your goal is to captivate hiring managers with a two- to three-sentence summary highlighting your top qualifications and skills. Thoroughly review the job description and mirror relevant keywords that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Customizing your profile to the position in question showcases a dedication to the role and a willingness to learn more about the school. As a substitute teacher, focus on your adaptability, classroom management skills, and genuine passion for supporting student learning. Your resume profile serves as a brief but powerful introduction, leaving a lasting impression and enticing employers to continue reading through your resume.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Substitute teacher with solid experience providing math instruction in San Francisco high schools. Skilled at tailoring lesson plans to the needs of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and English as a second language. Draw on a broad knowledge of the math curriculum to quickly generate lesson plans when called in on short notice. Master of Science in Education.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Dedicated substitute teacher with one year of experience delivering high-quality cover lessons for all elementary grades. Firm grasp of the elementary curriculum, with excellent math and English subject knowledge. Quickly build rapport with unfamiliar classes and help students succeed, including those with SEN. Master’s Degree in Education from California State University.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven substitute teacher professional experience section
Use your professional experience section to emphasize your achievements and demonstrate your value to prospective employers. Think about your work and how you can quantify that experience. The goal is to give employers tangible evidence of your contributions in the classroom.
By incorporating specific metrics, such as the number of students taught or the frequency of successful lesson plans, you can instantly add depth and credibility to your achievements. Use action verbs that convey a dynamic and proactive approach to teaching. These verbs infuse energy into your bullet points, building engagement and keeping the attention of hiring managers.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Substitute Teacher, San Francisco Unified School District, San Francisco, CA | September 2015 to present
- Deliver high-quality math lessons to grades 9 to 12 at various high schools
- Maintain a 94% average approval rate with permanent teachers
- Adapt teaching strategies to each student’s requirements, including those with barriers to learning
- Use existing schemes of work to plan last-minute sessions when cover plans aren’t available
- Apply effective classroom management methods to ensure students behave and engage with each lesson
- Set clear expectations for students and maintain and enforce all classroom rules
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Substitute Teacher, School Professionals, San Francisco, CA | September 2021 to present
- Deliver engaging lessons across the entire curriculum to grades K-5, with an average classroom count of 22
- Use positive classroom management techniques to ensure good student behavior at all points
- Plan and assign differentiated homework tasks to support learning outside of class
- Adapt provided lesson plans to students’ unique learning needs
- Grade classwork and perform on-the-spot assessments to provide helpful feedback to regular class teachers
- Maintain a tidy and organized class environment and update displays on longer-term placements to reflect current learning and highlight student achievements
3. Include relevant substitute teacher education and certifications
Prove your qualifications and commitment to professional development by highlighting the foundation of your teaching knowledge: your academic background. Starting with your highest level of education, list the degree name, institution, location, and completion date.
Certifications in substitute teaching or specialized training programs validate your skills and dedication to your profession. These educational achievements are potent indicators of your competence and ability to provide quality instruction. Similarly, format a separate certification section, providing the certificate title, issuing organization, and date received.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example
- Master of Science (MS) — Education
- California State University, East Bay, CA
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- Substitute License, Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, 2022
4. List relevant key substitute teacher skills and proficiencies
Emphasize your expertise and capabilities in managing diverse classrooms by including relevant professional skills. When incorporating your critical skills section, focus on qualities of particular importance to substitute teaching and those required for the job you’re interested in.
By featuring these qualities, you convey your readiness to handle different classroom environments and provide valuable support to students and educators. Check out this list of skills you could use on your substitute teacher resume:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Adapt | Communicate |
| Create | Decrease |
| Develop | Enhance |
| Improve | Increase |
| Instruct | Learn |
| Listen | Manage |
| Mediate | Organize |
| Plan | Prepare |
| Record | Reduce |
| Solve | Teach |
How To Pick the Best Substitute Teacher Resume Template
As you embark on your resume writing journey, you must lay a solid foundation for your professional information with an appropriate template. The best resume template for a substitute teacher has a clean and organized layout, allowing your accomplishments and key skills to shine. Simplicity and readability will help you make a strong impression on potential employers.
Choose a template with clear sections to feature your professional experience, education, and relevant skills. Remember to customize the template to suit your style while ensuring it remains professional and easy to navigate.
Frequently Asked Questions: Substitute Teacher Resume Examples and Advice
What is the best way to highlight my experience in my Substitute Teacher CV?-
The best way to highlight your experience in your Substitute Teacher CV is by emphasizing specific achievements in each role. Use bullet points to make your experience scannable and focus on results-driven accomplishments, such as improving processes or saving costs. Include quantifiable data like percentage increases or revenue growth to reinforce the impact of your work.
What are common action verbs for substitute teacher resumes?-
Constructing the professional experience section of a resume can often be challenging, especially when finding the right words to describe your work as a substitute teacher. We can help you articulate your responsibilities with our comprehensive list of common action verbs. These verbs will add dimension to your resume and effectively convey your contributions in the classroom. Consider using some of these words in your substitute teacher resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Adapt | Arrange |
| Communicate | Create |
| Decrease | Develop |
| Enhance | Improve |
| Increase | Instruct |
| Learn | Listen |
| Manage | Mediate |
| Organize | Plan |
| Prepare | Record |
| Reduce | Teach |
How do you align your resume with a job description?-
The job outlook for short-term substitute teachers is healthy, with a projected increase of 8% over the next decade. Educators expect over 32,000 new jobs to be added by 2031. If you have a specific substitute teacher job opening you plan to apply for, we recommend you tailor your resume accordingly.
Customizing your resume increases your chance of catching the hiring manager's attention and standing out as a strong candidate. Study the position description and extract keywords, language, and specific skills to incorporate them organically into your resume. This strategy shows your genuine interest and alignment with the role.
What is the best substitute teacher resume format?-
Generally speaking, the most appropriate resume format for substitute teachers is chronological. This format focuses on your work history in reverse chronological order, showcasing your most recent teaching experience and accomplishments. It's an ideal layout if you've had a consistent employment history and want to emphasize your teaching positions.
However, there may be instances where a functional or combination format could be more appropriate. The functional resume focuses on your skills and qualifications rather than specific job titles, making it beneficial if you need to feature transferable skills or you have limited teaching experience.
The combination format blends both chronological and functional elements, allowing you to highlight relevant skills while showcasing your work history. Ultimately, choose the layout that best presents your qualifications and aligns with your experience.
What’s the recommended length for a substitute teacher resume?-
The recommended length for a substitute teacher resume is one page, especially for professionals with under 10 years of experience. A two-page resume can work for those with substantial accomplishments or a longer career, but only if it’s concise and highly relevant to the role. Tailoring your resume to the job and highlighting your strongest qualifications are key to success.
Stick to listing work experience from the last 10 to 15 years, as this period is most relevant to employers. Summarize or omit older positions unless they’re crucial for your application. A focused and streamlined resume will help capture the hiring manager’s attention.
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Crafting a persuasive cover letter will increase your chances of securing an interview during your job search. Creating a compelling cover letter comes down to customizing your document for the school you're applying to. Learn how to build your own with our professional substitute teacher cover letter guide. For additional examples of cover letters in related occupations, check out our guides for teachers and tutors.
