Substitute Teacher Resume Example

by
Harriet Clayton
Reviewed by
Kayte Grady
Last Updated
June 12, 2025

Substitute Teacher Resume Example:

Ava Nguyen
(399) 562-0439
linkedin.com/in/ava-nguyen
@ava.nguyen
Substitute Teacher
Dedicated Substitute Teacher with 8 years of experience across K-12 classrooms. Specializes in maintaining curriculum continuity, implementing adaptive teaching strategies, and creating engaging learning environments for diverse student populations. Consistently received 95% positive feedback from permanent teachers for seamless instruction delivery. Thrives in dynamic educational settings where flexibility and quick rapport-building are essential.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Substitute Teacher
10/2023 – Present
Academic Relief Services
  • Pioneered a personalized digital learning framework for 6 subject areas, increasing student engagement by 42% and reducing behavioral incidents by 27% during long-term substitute assignments
  • Collaborated with district technology specialists to integrate AI-assisted learning tools across 15 classrooms, enabling real-time differentiation for diverse learning needs while maintaining 98% curriculum alignment
  • Designed and implemented trauma-informed classroom management strategies that were adopted by 8 other substitute teachers, contributing to a district-wide 31% decrease in classroom disruptions during 2024-2025
Special Education Paraprofessional.
05/2021 – 09/2023
Learning Solutions Inc.
  • Developed adaptive lesson plans for 4 core subjects that seamlessly integrated with permanent teachers' curricula, receiving recognition from the principal for maintaining instructional continuity during a critical testing period
  • Facilitated blended learning environments by leveraging educational technology platforms, resulting in 89% of students meeting or exceeding growth targets during a 3-month long-term assignment
  • Established a substitute teacher resource hub that streamlined access to school-specific protocols and lesson materials, reducing preparation time by 35% for 22 district substitutes
Teacher's Assistant
08/2019 – 04/2021
Bright Minds Academy
  • Executed lesson plans across K-8 classrooms while introducing supplemental activities that reinforced core concepts, earning a 4.8/5 rating from permanent teachers
  • Created quick-reference classroom management guides tailored to different grade levels, helping maintain consistent behavioral expectations during short-term assignments
  • Volunteered to cover hard-to-fill assignments in high-need schools, achieving 97% attendance reliability and filling 42 last-minute vacancies within the first semester
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
  • Multi-Grade Curriculum Adaptation
  • Classroom Management Systems Implementation
  • Differentiated Instruction Design
  • Crisis Intervention and De-escalation
  • Educational Data Analysis
  • Student Engagement Strategy Development
  • Google Workspace for Education
  • Canvas Learning Management System
  • PowerSchool Student Information System
  • Zoom Education Platform
  • Flipgrid Interactive Video Platform
  • AI-Powered Lesson Planning Tools
  • Virtual Reality Educational Content Integration
COURSES / CERTIFICATIONS
Substitute Teacher Authorization
04/2023
State Department of Education
Emergency Substitute Teacher Certificate
04/2022
State Department of Education
30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit
04/2021
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Education
Bachelor of Education
2016 - 2020
Towson University
Towson, MD
Elementary Education
Special Education

What makes this Substitute Teacher resume great

A great Substitute Teacher resume example highlights adaptability and results, and this one does just that. It shows quick lesson adjustments, effective short-term classroom management, and smart tech use to engage students. Clear evidence of impact supports the candidate’s skills. Strong digital and trauma-informed approaches stand out. Ready to step in fast.

Substitute Teacher Resume Template

Contact Information
[Full Name]
[email protected] • (XXX) XXX-XXXX • linkedin.com/in/your-name • City, State
Resume Summary
Substitute Teacher with [X] years of experience in [grade levels/subjects] providing seamless classroom continuity and engaging instruction. Proficient in [teaching methodologies] and [classroom management techniques], with a proven track record of maintaining [percentage] student engagement. Recognized for [specific achievement] at [Previous School District], resulting in [measurable impact] on student performance. Seeking to leverage adaptable teaching skills and subject matter expertise to foster a positive learning environment and support educational objectives at [Target School/District].
Work Experience
Most Recent Position
Job Title • Start Date • End Date
Company Name
  • Developed and implemented [innovative teaching strategy] for [subject area], resulting in a [X%] improvement in student test scores and increased engagement across [number] classrooms
  • Collaborated with full-time teachers to create [type of educational materials] for [specific student group], leading to a [X%] increase in comprehension and retention of key concepts
Previous Position
Job Title • Start Date • End Date
Company Name
  • Adapted [number] lesson plans across [X] grade levels to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in [X%] improvement in overall class participation and assignment completion rates
  • Utilized [educational technology tool] to enhance [specific subject] instruction, leading to a [X%] increase in student proficiency as measured by [assessment method]
Resume Skills
  • Classroom Management & Student Engagement
  • [Subject Expertise, e.g., Mathematics, English, Science]
  • Lesson Planning & Delivery
  • Adaptability & Flexibility
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills
  • [Educational Technology, e.g., Google Classroom, Smart Boards]
  • Behavioral Management & Conflict Resolution
  • [Assessment Tools, e.g., Formative, Summative]
  • Time Management & Organizational Skills
  • [Special Education Knowledge, e.g., IEPs, 504 Plans]
  • Collaboration with Staff & Administration
  • [Professional Development, e.g., Workshops, Certifications]
  • Certifications
    Official Certification Name
    Certification Provider • Start Date • End Date
    Official Certification Name
    Certification Provider • Start Date • End Date
    Education
    Official Degree Name
    University Name
    City, State • Start Date • End Date
    • Major: [Major Name]
    • Minor: [Minor Name]

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    Resume writing tips for Substitute Teachers

    Crafting a substitute teacher resume requires more than listing duties; it demands clarity and relevance to catch quick scans. Misleading or vague titles can reduce impact, so use precise job titles. Focus on measurable contributions and tailor summaries to align with the specific role for better engagement.
    • Misleading job titles can confuse applicant tracking systems; use clear, searchable titles like "Substitute Teacher" that directly match the job posting to improve visibility.
    • Simply stating qualifications without context misses the mark; craft a summary that highlights how your experience supports classroom continuity and student engagement during absences.
    • Bullets that only list tasks fail to demonstrate value; include specific outcomes such as improved student behavior or successful lesson implementation to quickly convey effectiveness.
    • Generic skills lists are overlooked; illustrate your ability to adapt to various classroom settings and maintain learning momentum with concrete examples rather than broad terms.

    Common Responsibilities Listed on Substitute Teacher Resumes:

    • Implement lesson plans using interactive digital tools and virtual learning platforms.
    • Adapt teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and special needs students.
    • Collaborate with permanent teachers to ensure continuity of curriculum and student progress.
    • Utilize AI-driven tools for personalized student feedback and performance tracking.
    • Facilitate group activities that encourage teamwork and peer-to-peer learning.

    Substitute Teacher resume headline examples:

    Messy titles can distract from strong substitute teacher experience. Start with a clean, searchable title that matches the job posting. Most Substitute Teacher job descriptions use a clear, specific title. Keep it simple and direct for best results. Headlines are optional but should highlight your specialty if used.

    Strong Headlines

    Certified K-12 Substitute Teacher with STEM Specialization

    Weak Headlines

    Experienced Substitute Teacher Seeking New Opportunities

    Strong Headlines

    Adaptable Educator: 5+ Years Diverse Classroom Management Experience

    Weak Headlines

    Dedicated Educator with Strong Communication Skills

    Strong Headlines

    Bilingual Substitute Teacher: Engaging Multicultural Learning Environments

    Weak Headlines

    Flexible Substitute Teacher Available for Various Subjects
    🌟 Expert Tip
    "The professionals who get hired fastest can show classroom management skills and innovative teaching methods. Balance is key." - Daniel Grady, Education Administrator

    Resume Summaries for Substitute Teachers

    A strong substitute teacher summary shows more than qualifications—it shows direct relevance to the role. Your summary becomes your strategic positioning tool, immediately connecting your background to what schools need most. This targeted approach helps hiring managers quickly see why you're the right fit for their classroom coverage needs. Most job descriptions require that a Substitute Teacher has a certain amount of experience. Lead with your years of teaching or childcare experience, highlight specific grade levels you've covered, and mention classroom management skills. Skip objectives unless you lack relevant experience. Align every detail with their posted requirements.

    Strong Summaries

    • Dedicated Substitute Teacher with 5+ years of experience across K-12 classrooms. Skilled in adaptive learning technologies and differentiated instruction, resulting in a 25% increase in student engagement. Certified in Special Education, with expertise in creating inclusive learning environments.

    Weak Summaries

    • Experienced Substitute Teacher with a passion for education. Comfortable working with students of all ages and backgrounds. Able to follow lesson plans and maintain classroom discipline. Seeking a position to utilize my teaching skills.

    Strong Summaries

    • Dynamic Substitute Teacher specializing in STEM subjects for middle and high school students. Developed and implemented 10+ innovative lesson plans using VR technology, boosting student comprehension by 30%. Proficient in project-based learning and inquiry-driven instruction methods.

    Weak Summaries

    • Substitute Teacher with a degree in Education. Familiar with various subjects and grade levels. Good at explaining concepts to students and answering questions. Reliable and punctual, always ready to step in when needed.

    Strong Summaries

    • Versatile Substitute Teacher with a track record of seamlessly integrating into diverse classroom settings. Fluent in English and Spanish, facilitating effective communication with ELL students. Implemented social-emotional learning strategies, reducing behavioral incidents by 40% in challenging classrooms.

    Weak Summaries

    • Dedicated educator looking for Substitute Teaching opportunities. Enjoy working with children and helping them learn. Patient and understanding, with the ability to manage classroom behavior. Available for both short-term and long-term assignments.

    Resume Bullet Examples for Substitute Teachers

    Strong Bullets

    • Developed and implemented innovative lesson plans for 5 subjects, resulting in a 15% increase in student engagement and participation across 20 classrooms

    Weak Bullets

    • Taught various subjects to students in grades K-12 as needed

    Strong Bullets

    • Collaborated with full-time teachers to create individualized learning plans for 30 students with special needs, improving their academic performance by an average of 22%

    Weak Bullets

    • Followed lesson plans provided by full-time teachers

    Strong Bullets

    • Managed classroom behavior effectively using positive reinforcement techniques, reducing disciplinary incidents by 40% in a diverse, 500-student middle school

    Weak Bullets

    • Maintained a safe and orderly classroom environment for students

    Bullet Point Assistant

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    🌟 Expert tip
    "What do I always tell any applicant in the education field? Quantify your outcomes; don't just list your activities." - Daniel Grady, Education Administrator

    Essential skills for Substitute Teachers

    Simply listing "classroom management" and "adaptability" feels complete, but it's not enough. Hiring teams need to see how you handle diverse classroom environments and maintain learning continuity. Most Substitute Teacher job descriptions highlight classroom management, lesson plan implementation, student engagement, and crisis management. Your resume should reflect those skills through specific classroom situations and measurable student outcomes.

    Hard Skills

    Soft Skills

    Resume Action Verbs for Substitute Teachers:

    Tailor Your Substitute Teacher Resume to a Job Description:

    Highlight Classroom Management Skills

    Carefully review the job description for specific classroom management techniques or strategies the school values. Emphasize your experience with these methods in your resume summary and work experience sections, using the same terminology. If you have experience with similar strategies, highlight your adaptability and ability to maintain a productive learning environment.

    Showcase Adaptability and Flexibility

    Identify the school's needs for flexibility and adaptability in a substitute teacher role. Tailor your resume to highlight instances where you successfully adapted to different classroom settings, grade levels, or subjects. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to quickly integrate into new environments and maintain continuity of instruction.

    Emphasize Communication and Collaboration

    Focus on the importance of communication and collaboration skills as outlined in the job posting. Adjust your resume to showcase your ability to effectively communicate with students, teachers, and parents, and your experience working collaboratively with school staff. Highlight achievements that demonstrate your capacity to build positive relationships and contribute to a supportive educational community.

    ChatGPT Resume Prompts for Substitute Teachers

    Writing a Substitute Teacher resume with ChatGPT helps speed up the process as the role evolves with new tools and expectations. It’s harder to capture the full scope of classroom management and adaptability on paper. AI tools like Teal turn your real-world experience into clear, impactful resume content. Let’s get started with these prompts.

    Substitute Teacher Prompts for Resume Summaries

    1. Create a resume summary for me that highlights my ability to manage diverse classrooms and adapt quickly to different grade levels and subjects.
    2. Write a professional summary emphasizing my experience using digital teaching tools and maintaining student engagement in virtual and in-person settings.
    3. Generate a summary showcasing my strong communication skills and flexibility in supporting school staff and students during unexpected absences.

    Substitute Teacher Prompts for Resume Bullets

    1. Write achievement-focused bullet points that demonstrate how I improved student participation using interactive lesson plans and technology in substitute roles.
    2. Create measurable resume bullets showing how I maintained classroom order and supported learning objectives for classes ranging from kindergarten to high school.
    3. Generate bullet points that highlight my success in quickly learning and applying school policies to ensure smooth daily operations during teacher absences.

    Substitute Teacher Prompts for Resume Skills

    1. List key skills for a Substitute Teacher resume that emphasize classroom management, adaptability, and use of educational technology.
    2. Create a skills section for me focused on communication, lesson plan implementation, and student engagement techniques.
    3. Generate a structured skills list highlighting my ability to work with diverse student populations and collaborate with school staff effectively.

    Resume FAQs for Substitute Teachers:

    How long should I make my Substitute Teacher resume?

    A Substitute Teacher resume should ideally be one page long. This length is appropriate as it allows you to concisely highlight relevant teaching experience, skills, and qualifications without overwhelming potential employers. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on recent and relevant experiences. Tailor your resume to each job application by emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the specific requirements of the substitute teaching position you are applying for.

    What is the best way to format my Substitute Teacher resume?

    A hybrid resume format is ideal for Substitute Teachers, as it combines chronological and functional elements, highlighting both skills and experience. This format allows you to showcase your teaching abilities and adaptability while also providing a clear timeline of your work history. Key sections to include are Contact Information, Summary, Skills, Experience, and Education. Use clear headings and bullet points to enhance readability and ensure your most relevant experiences stand out.

    What certifications should I include on my Substitute Teacher resume?

    Relevant certifications for Substitute Teachers include a Substitute Teaching Permit, a Teaching Credential, and CPR/First Aid Certification. These certifications demonstrate your preparedness and commitment to student safety and educational standards. Present certifications prominently in a dedicated section near the top of your resume. Include the name of the certification, the issuing organization, and the date obtained to provide a clear and professional overview of your qualifications.

    What are the most common mistakes to avoid on a Substitute Teacher resume?

    Common mistakes on Substitute Teacher resumes include omitting relevant skills, using a generic resume, and failing to proofread. Avoid these by tailoring your resume to each job, highlighting skills like classroom management and adaptability. Proofread to eliminate errors that could undermine your professionalism. Ensure your resume reflects your passion for teaching and ability to engage students, as these qualities are highly valued in the education sector.

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