Substitute Teacher Resume—Examples & Template for 2023

Substitute teachers work on short notice, managing classrooms and picking up where teachers leave off. A substitute teacher resume must prove skills in classroom management and student engagement.

But—

You’re not the only game in town.

So your resume has to show you’re the perfect answer to the school’s needs.

That just takes a little tweaking.

In this guide:

• A substitute teacher resume example better than most.
• How to make a fitting substitute teacher resume job description.
• How to write a resume for substitute teachers that shows off key skills.
• Why you can’t just list substitute teacher skills (and what to do instead).

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Want to broaden your education horizons? See our guides:

• Academic Resume
• Resume for College Application
• Education Resume
• Teacher Resume
• English Teacher Resume
• Math Teacher Resume
• Preschool Teacher Resume
• Graduate School Resume
• High School Teacher Resume
• Special Education Teacher Resume
• Elementary Teacher Resume
• Art Teacher Resume
• Librarian Resume
• Teaching Assistant Resume
• Tutor Resume

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Resume Examples.

Substitute Teacher Resume Example You Can Copy and Use

Now here’s how to write a substitute teacher resume:

1. Use the Right Substitute Teacher Resume Format

Here’s the thing:

Your resume format can make you look professional—or sloppy.

Go with option A.

To do it—

Follow these resume format steps:

Substitute Teacher Resume Format

• Use the reverse-chronological resume format.
• Choose a professional resume font like 10–12pt Calibri or Arial.
• Include white space and 1-inch margins.
• A good resume length for substitute teacher jobs is one page.
• Use these resume sections: Header, Objective, Work Experience, Education, Skills, and “other.”

Expert Hint: PDF resumes look great on all kinds of screens, and ATS software can read them. So — save your substitute teacher resume as a PDF file.

2. Write a Substitute Teacher Resume Objective or Summary

Too bad:

The principal will read your substitute teacher resume, but—

Not carefully.

That’s why you need to write a solid resume summary or resume objective. It’s a short intro paragraph you put at the top of your resume. 

If you have years of professional experience and relevant substitute teacher skills, go for a resume summary. If you’re new to the job market, try a resume objective.

Remember to use:

1. An adjective (licensed, hard-working)
2. The words “substitute teacher”
3. Years of experience (1+, 7+)
4. How and whom you’ll help (create a smooth experience for students and teachers at Westwood High)
5. Your finest substitute teacher achievements (...97% teacher feedback scores...)

These substitute teacher resume examples show the equation:

Substitute Teacher Resume Summary—Example

That second example flunks.

The details in the first one show competence.

Next—

What if your teaching experience is still learning its ABC’s?

In a substitute teacher resume with no experience, refer to internships or non-teaching jobs.

Substitute Teacher Resume Objective—Example

See the difference? The first substitute teacher objective clearly shows what the candidate has to offer.

Expert Hint: Write your substitute teacher assistant resume summary or objective last. That way you’ll have a full list of accomplishments made to order.

3. Write a Smart Substitute Teacher Resume Description and Skills

Do you fit the job?

If yes, can you prove it?

You’re probably thinking about this the wrong way.

The key is to look at the substitute teacher resume description. Or—

If there’s no job ad, talk to the teachers.

Then put on your thinking cap. Find proof in your past that you fit.

These substitute teacher resume examples give the assignment:

The job ad wants these substitute teacher skills: (1) classroom management (2) lesson plans (3) can work on short notice.

A good substitute teacher job description covers substitute-teaching experience and proves the candidate's ability to lead lessons successfully. See the example below:

Substitute Teacher Job Description for Resume [Sample]

The key?

The first of those substitute teacher resume examples has the right details with descriptive numbers.

But what if you have no work experience?

Check this job description for entry-level resumes:

The job ad wants these substitute teacher skills: (1) classroom management (2) student engagement (3) grading.

Entry-Level Substitute Teacher Resume Job Description [Sample]

That’s magic.

That first example uses your internship to prove skills.

But—

You can use retail or restaurant jobs to prove communication or interpersonal skills.

It’s all about picking the right resume keywords. Again, read the job posting for the right resume skills.

Then use a few skills to put on a resume. Check the list below for reference.

Substitute Teacher Skills for a Resume

Expert Tip: Don’t show too many skills in a resume for substitute teacher jobs. That looks like you’re just tossing in a laundry list. Stick to what the job ad says.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now.

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4. Turn Basic Education to a Reason to Hire You

Attention class:

The education section of your resume can get you hired.

But you need to do it right.

In a substitute teacher resume, it needs to show accomplishment. 

Substitute Teacher Education—Example

See those bullets?

They show more than just attendance.

Expert Hint: If you just graduated from school, write a longer education section in your substitute teaching resume. A single class can list two bullet points with skills in each.

5. Add Extra Credit to Your Substitute Teacher Resume

Education. Experience. You’re done, right?

Not so fast.

A resume for substitute teacher jobs needs “extra” sections.

Here are 11. Pick one or two:

• Certifications (like a state teaching license or a NCJRS School Safety Certification)
• Memberships (like NEA)
• Conferences you’ve attended
• Volunteer work
• Tutoring
• Honors
• Awards
• Clubs
• Foreign languages you speak
• Publications
• Fitness

These substitute teacher resume examples are textbook:

Substitute Teacher Resume—Extra Sections

Whoops.

The second substitute teacher resume example sounds like Cameron Diaz from Bad Teacher.

Expert Hint: Learn how to write a cover letter and send it. Your resume for substitute teacher jobs will move to the head of the class. Show your passion and fit for this teacher job.

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Key Points

For a substitute teacher resume that blows the curve out:

• Use the substitute teacher resume template up top. It shows off all your greatest moments.
• List substitute teacher achievements in your resume objective, job description, education, and “bonus” sections.
• Add the substitute teacher skills that you have.
• Include a Substitute teacher cover letter. Show your passion for the school.

Got questions on how to write great resumes for substitute teacher jobs? Not sure how to show substitute teacher on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!