Substitute Teacher Resume Guide

Substitute teachers fill in for absent educators by providing instruction and managing classrooms. They must be able to quickly adapt to different teaching styles, educational environments, and grade levels while still engaging students in learning activities.

As a substitute teacher, you have the knowledge and experience to fill any classroom with ease. But school administrators won’t know who you are unless they read your resume. Writing a standout document is essential for getting their attention and securing job opportunities.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

Substitute Teacher Resume

Table of Contents

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Substitute Teacher Resume Sample

Lue Kshlerin
Substitute Teacher

[email protected]
955-062-1866
linkedin.com/in/lue-kshlerin

Summary

Detail-oriented substitute teacher with 6+ years of experience looking to join XYZ School. Experienced in providing effective classroom instruction and guidance for students, while maintaining a safe learning environment. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement engaging lesson plans that are tailored to the needs of individual classes or groups. Received commendations from school administrators for exceptional job performance.

Experience

Substitute Teacher, Employer A
Anchorage, Jan 2018 – Present

  • Compiled lesson plans for up to 20 classes a day, ensuring that each was tailored according to the individual needs of students and standards prescribed by local school boards.
  • Spearheaded positive classroom environments in over 30 classrooms across 5 different schools; reduced disruptive behavior among students by 35%.
  • Resourcefully developed creative activities that engaged student attention while covering all academic objectives as outlined by teachers on leave or vacation days.
  • Supervised groups of 10-20 children during recess and lunch hours, providing additional instruction where appropriate; increased average test scores per class by 8%.
  • Structured engaging lessons which emphasized critical thinking skills and real world application techniques; enhanced overall learning outcomes for 85% of participating students within 3 months’ time frame.

Substitute Teacher, Employer B
Port St. Lucie, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

  • Managed classrooms of up to 30 students on a daily basis during long-term absences of regular teachers, enforcing school policies and maintaining order while fostering an enjoyable learning environment.
  • Meticulously created lesson plans in accordance with state standards for 8th grade math classes; improved student understanding by 20% as indicated by test scores at the end of each teaching period.
  • Evaluated the progress made by individual students in terms of their academic performance, attendance records and overall behavior; identified areas needing improvement and recommended corrective measures where appropriate.
  • Motivated all students to participate actively through engaging activities such as group discussions & debates, encouraging questions that promoted critical thinking skills amongst them leading to better comprehension levels over time+.
  • Coordinated closely with department heads regularly to ensure that curriculum was being taught correctly based on district guidelines and provided feedback when required.

Skills

  • Teaching
  • Tutoring
  • Curriculum Development
  • Lesson Planning
  • Curriculum Design
  • Classroom
  • Classroom Management
  • Time Management
  • Editing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

Substitute Teacher Certification
National Substitute Teacher Certification Board
May 2017

1. Summary / Objective

Your resume summary should be an engaging introduction to your experience and qualifications as a substitute teacher. In this section, you can highlight the skills that make you stand out from other applicants such as classroom management techniques, lesson plan development strategies, and how well-liked you are by students. You could also mention any special certifications or awards related to teaching that demonstrate your commitment to education.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Driven substitute teacher with 3+ years of experience in various school environments. Ability to quickly adapt and provide effective instruction for students at all grade levels (K-12). Passionate about creating an engaging learning environment, promoting student success, and fostering responsible behavior among diverse populations. Received “Outstanding Substitute Teacher” award from ABC School District for exemplary performance.

Dependable substitute teacher with 5+ years of experience managing classrooms in diverse settings. Delivered engaging instruction to students of all ages and abilities, while maintaining a safe learning environment. Passionate about inspiring students by creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage personal growth. Looking to join ABC School’s team as the next substitute teacher for K-12 classes.

Committed substitute teacher with 8+ years of experience providing instruction to classes of up to 30 students in the absence of a regular classroom teacher. Adept at quickly adjusting lesson plans and teaching materials for different age groups, learning styles, and academic backgrounds. Seeking an opportunity at ABC School District where I can utilize my knowledge and enthusiasm for education.

Skilled substitute teacher with 4+ years of experience providing instruction to a wide range of student ages and abilities. Passionate about helping students reach their full potential by creating engaging, interactive lesson plans that are tailored to each individual’s needs. At ABC School, successfully covered 120+ days while maintaining an average rating of 8/10 from supervisors and peers.

Well-rounded substitute teacher with 3+ years of experience in various grade levels seeking a full-time position at XYZ School. Proven track record of leading successful classroom activities and providing quality instruction to students while maintaining order, respect, and safety. Skilled in developing individualized lesson plans that meet the needs of diverse learning styles and abilities.

Seasoned substitute teacher with 7+ years of experience providing instruction and guidance to students in grades K-12. Highly adept at adapting lesson plans for multiple age levels, developing engaging activities, and fostering a positive learning environment. Seeking to join ABC School as a substitute teacher where I can bring my passion for teaching and commitment to student success.

Reliable substitute teacher with 5+ years of experience in K-12 classrooms. Skilled at quickly adapting to new teaching environments and delivering lessons that engage students while adhering to curriculum standards. Looking to join ABC School as a long-term, part-time substitute teacher where I can use my expertise in classroom management and lesson planning to drive student success.

Passionate substitute teacher with 10+ years of experience teaching K-12 students in a variety of subject areas. Experienced in developing engaging lesson plans and providing individualized attention to each student, fostering their growth as learners. Proven track record for creating an enjoyable learning environment that motivates students to reach their highest potential.

2. Experience / Employment

In the experience section, you should list your employment history in reverse chronological order. This means that the most recent job is listed first.

It’s best to stick with bullet points when describing what you did; this makes it easier for the reader to take in all of the information quickly and easily. When writing out these bullets, make sure to provide details about what tasks were performed and any results achieved.

For example, instead of saying “Taught classes,” you could say, “Successfully taught seven different grade levels (K-12) while substituting at three local schools over a two year period.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

  • Instructed
  • Monitored
  • Assessed
  • Adapted
  • Facilitated
  • Engaged
  • Supported
  • Encouraged
  • Evaluated
  • Supervised
  • Collaborated
  • Motivated
  • Implemented
  • Managed
  • Developed

Other general verbs you can use are:

  • Achieved
  • Advised
  • Compiled
  • Coordinated
  • Demonstrated
  • Expedited
  • Formulated
  • Improved
  • Introduced
  • Mentored
  • Optimized
  • Participated
  • Prepared
  • Presented
  • Reduced
  • Reorganized
  • Represented
  • Revised
  • Spearheaded
  • Streamlined
  • Structured
  • Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

  • Encouraged learning and collaboration among students by engaging in interactive activities, leading to an 8% increase in student test scores.
  • Adapted lesson plans as needed on-the-fly for different grade levels and classes, ensuring that all educational objectives were met despite the short notice of being a substitute teacher.
  • Supported individual learning needs through differentiated instruction strategies such as small group projects, one-on-one tutoring sessions and online resources; improved overall comprehension rates by 15%.
  • Prepared materials ahead of time before each class period; reduced wasted classroom time with effective organization skills while juggling multiple assignments at once without compromising quality standards or curriculum goals.
  • Successfully managed up to 40 students daily between 3rd – 12th grades during extended absences of regular teachers; maintained order & discipline throughout classrooms with fair but firm guidance techniques while keeping lines of communication open at all times.
  • Expedited lesson plans, ensuring that students stayed on track with the curriculum; completed all assigned material within designated time frames.
  • Utilized a variety of instructional methods to effectively engage learners and keep them interested in coursework; achieved an average 10% improvement in student test scores after each teaching session.
  • Revised existing lesson plans to create original assignments and activities tailored to individual learning styles and abilities while supplementing materials where needed; developed new interactive lessons for diverse classes of up to 25 students at a time.
  • Mentored small groups of struggling students by providing additional resources like study guides and tutoring sessions outside regular class hours, resulting in improved grades for 80%+ participants during their short-term enrollment periods.
  • Consistently received positive feedback from school staff members as well as parents citing excellent classroom management skills demonstrated during every subbing assignment carried out over two years’ period.
  • Reduced disruptive student behavior by 20% through the implementation of positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Optimized lesson plans and activities to align with school standards, providing students with a well-rounded learning experience.
  • Reorganized classroom layout for optimal use of space; created an inviting environment that encouraged collaboration between students during group activities.
  • Proficiently taught core subjects such as English, Maths, Science and Social Studies in grades K-12 across various schools within the district for over 3 years on short notice basis when needed.
  • Engaged students using innovative teaching methods and technology tools; led interactive lessons which resulted in higher levels of comprehension among pupils (+25%).
  • Achieved successful completion of lesson plans for over 75 classes, covering subjects such as math, science and English in grades 1-12.
  • Facilitated learning activities to engage students and maintain their interest while promoting higher level thinking skills; saw a 10% increase in student participation levels across all classrooms.
  • Thoroughly prepared lesson materials before entering the classroom, ensuring that each class was delivered with accuracy and clarity; provided additional study material where necessary to enhance knowledge retention among pupils.
  • Implemented disciplinary measures when needed to ensure orderly conduct within the classroom environment without compromising educational objectives or detracting from overall performance standards; reduced instances of disruption by 14%.
  • Formulated creative ways of engaging students on topics they found difficult using hands-on approaches such as role playing games & visual aids which boosted comprehension rates by 16%.
  • Streamlined classroom operations and lesson plans to ensure smooth transitions between teacher absences, resulting in a 30% decrease of disruption time among students.
  • Presented engaging lectures on multiple topics including mathematics, science and history; developed innovative approaches such as interactive activities to keep students interested in learning.
  • Advised up to 50 high school students daily by providing one-on-one guidance on academic issues and offering solutions for improving their overall grades; raised the average grade point score by 15%.
  • Confidently managed classrooms with over 35 pupils at once while maintaining proper discipline and order; reduced incidents of student disruptions from 4 per day down to 1 per week on average.
  • Improved classroom efficiency through effective communication techniques with teachers, administrators, parents/guardians & peers when replacing long term absentees or filling short notice vacancies quickly.
  • Participated in over 200 substitute teaching assignments, providing instruction to students in grades K-12 and creating a safe learning environment for up to 30 children at once.
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to ensure curriculum continuity; successfully maintained grade level expectations while substituting in multiple schools across the district.
  • Represented school values by enforcing classroom rules, leading group activities and encouraging positive student behavior; achieved an average improvement rate of 25% among disruptive students within one semester of working as a substitute teacher.
  • Instructed classes on various subjects including English language arts, math, science & social studies using engaging instructional techniques such as multimedia presentations and hands-on activities; raised overall test scores by 10% during each teaching assignment period without fail.
  • Effectively managed time throughout the day’s schedule by proactively anticipating potential disruptions or challenges from students when necessary; reduced late arrivals or absences from class sessions down to less than 5%.
  • Demonstrated excellent classroom management skills while maintaining discipline and order in up to 30 student classrooms, resulting in an overall decline of disciplinary issues by 25%.
  • Monitored students’ progress, assessed their learning abilities and engaged them through interactive activities; successfully improved test scores for 95% of the classes taught.
  • Introduced innovative teaching techniques to engage various age groups with a variety of subjects on short notice; achieved higher comprehension rates from all grades within one month.
  • Diligently prepared lesson plans ahead of schedule that complemented existing curriculum objectives as well as incorporated unique content appropriate for each grade level taught over 10 times per semester.
  • Assessed student performance based on pre-set criteria and provided feedback to ensure understanding; increased average exam scores by 15% across 50+ classes during the school year period.

3. Skills

Two organizations that have advertised for a position with the same title may be searching for individuals whose skills are quite different. For instance, one might be looking for a substitute teacher with experience in teaching special education and another may require someone who is proficient at managing large classrooms.

It is important to tailor the skills section of your resume to each job you are applying for, as many employers use applicant tracking systems these days which scan resumes for certain keywords before passing them on to a human.

In addition, it’s also beneficial to discuss key skills in more detail throughout other sections such as the summary or experience section.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

  • Classroom
  • Classroom Management
  • Coaching
  • Communication
  • Curriculum Design
  • Curriculum Development
  • Data Entry
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Editing
  • Educational Leadership
  • Educational Technology
  • Elementary Education
  • English
  • Fundraising
  • Higher Education
  • Leadership Development
  • Lesson Planning
  • Literacy
  • Nonprofits
  • Social Networking
  • Special Education
  • Staff Development
  • Teaching
  • Team Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Time Management
  • Tutoring
  • Writing

4. Education

Including an education section on your resume will depend on how far along you are in your career. If you just graduated and have no prior experience, mention your education below the resume objective. On the other hand, if you have been working as a substitute teacher for years with plenty of different responsibilities to showcase, omitting an education section is perfectly fine.

If including an educational background is necessary or desired, try to emphasize courses and subjects related to teaching that could be beneficial in this role such as classroom management techniques or curriculum development strategies.

Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your expertise in a particular field. They show that you have taken the time and effort to become certified by an organization, which is highly valued by employers.

By including certifications on your resume, it will help potential employers see that you are knowledgeable about the industry and have kept up with current trends. This can be especially beneficial if the job requires specific skills or knowledge related to those certifications.

Substitute Teacher Certification
National Substitute Teacher Certification Board
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Lue Kshlerin, this would be Lue-Kshlerin-resume.pdf or Lue-Kshlerin-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Including a cover letter with your job application is a great way to show potential employers that you are enthusiastic about the opportunity and have taken time to create a personalized message.

Cover letters typically consist of 2-4 paragraphs, including information such as why you’re interested in the role, what makes you an ideal candidate for it, and how your skills can benefit the company if they hire you. They help recruiters gain better insights into who you are beyond just reading through your resume.

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Jarrett,

I am writing in regards to the Substitute Teacher position at your school. As a substitute teacher with 3+ years of experience working with students in grades K-12, I am confident I will be a valuable asset to your team.

In my previous role as a substitute teacher at XYZ School, I was responsible for creating and implementing lesson plans on short notice, managing classrooms of up to 30 students, and maintaining order and discipline. My ability to think on my feet and adapt to changing situations has served me well in this role, and I am confident it will benefit your school as well.

In addition to my teaching experience, I have also completed coursework towards a Master’s degree in Education. This has given me a strong foundation in educational theory which I can apply when working with students. My understanding of child development means that I am able to adjust my teaching methods according to the age and abilities of each individual student.

I would welcome the opportunity to put my skills and experience to work for your school district as a Substitute Teacher. Thank you for your time and consideration; please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like more information about my qualifications.

Sincerely,

Lue

Substitute Teacher Resume Templates

Rhea
Pika
Jerboa
Hoopoe
Bonobo
Saola
Quokka
Markhor
Fossa
Lorikeet
Gharial
Ocelot
Axolotl
Kinkajou
Cormorant
Dugong
Numbat
Indri
Echidna