Substitute Teacher Resume Examples: 5 Best Samples & Why They Work

Are you looking to become an educator? The timing couldn’t be better, as teachers are in high demand. However, it is a competitive field, with thousands of people vying for permanent and substitute teacher positions.

If you want to make an impression that lands you in a classroom, you need a resume to set you apart from everyone else.

Thankfully, we’re here to outline the best substitute teacher resume examples to help you craft the perfect resume. Our sample resumes range from entry-level positions to permanent roles.

Substitute Teacher Resume Examples

Substitute teachers have many transferable skills, making them versatile assets for schools. They get to fill crucial teaching positions, delivering the skills and knowledge that kids need to succeed.

Entry-Level Substitute Teacher Resume Example

Entry-level substitute teachers are typically recent graduates, former teachers, or professionals from other fields.

Everyone has to start somewhere, and substitute teaching is a perfect place to launch your teaching career—or leverage a highly desirable job to enhance your resume for the future.

Use the following example to craft a compelling entry-level resume.

Work Experience 1: Undergraduate Teacher’s Assistant

• Job Description: As a graduate, I taught four sections of undergraduate Introduction to Composition, managing over 400 students and delivering lesson plans to cultivate strong writing skills.
• Results: 40% of my students had a GPA of 3.5 or above, and 95% passed the final exam. I received 4.5/5 on my yearly teacher evaluation.
• Additional Competencies: I designed and delivered lesson plans to prioritize writing skills and promote academic conventions, managed office work (printing, copying, etc.), and accompanied students on field trips.
• Other: I planned and executed two campus-wide literary festivals at the University of Ohio.

Work Experience 2: Teacher

• Job Description: Served as a high school history teacher in Pennsylvania for one year, managing over 200 students for my history lessons.
• Results: 56% of students improved at least 10 points on their yearly state exams, 98% passed the annual exam, and 100% passed my exam.
• Additional Competencies: Led a literature club and oversaw the school newspaper, with responsibility for over 20 students.
• Other: Planned and attended several field trips to local museums and communicated clearly with parents to improve student outcomes.

Project Experience

• Volunteer Teacher in South Africa: I volunteered as a part-time high school teacher in Johannesburg, South Africa, for six months in 2022. While there, I was offered a full-time position for my work.
• Business English Curriculum Prep: During my time in my certification program, I created an entire year-long curriculum for Business English to prioritize technical skills and strong writing.

Skills

• Attention to detail
• Technology (Prezi, Powerpoint, SmartBoard, Canvas, Skool)
• CPR/AED
• Management and Leadership
• Discipline

Education

• University of Ohio: I earned my graduate degree in sociology from the University of Ohio and received a GPA of 3.98. I wrote my master’s thesis on improving writing outcomes for marginalized students.
• Mount Holyoke College: I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mount Holyoke College and a 4.0 GPA.
• Lancaster High School: Graduated with a 4.0 GPA and a National Merit Scholarship.

Licenses & Accreditations

• Certified Teacher: I became a certified teacher in Pennsylvania in 2020 and have maintained my credentials.
• First Aid/CPR/AED Certified: I am certified to deliver first aid, including CPR and AED administration.
• ACT Certified: Trained with the ACT organization to deliver test preparation to students.

Why This Resume Works

This writer begins by highlighting their previous positions as teachers, which can prove a significant advantage when applying for a job in the field. Even if you don’t have formal teaching experience, you can leverage your history of volunteering to make you a desirable candidate.

This teacher highlights their educational credentials, showcasing strong qualifications and certifications to prospective employers. For example, they mention receiving the National Merit Award, a highly competitive award. If you have a robust education, consider emphasizing this by including accolades or other recognition.

Lastly, this teacher chooses to highlight their technical skills in their resume. They cited such examples as “CPR certified” and technical prowess.

Long-Term Substitute Teacher Resume Example

A long-term substitute teacher is a qualified professional who takes charge of a classroom for an extended period.

While you manage the same class, you might transition to another classroom and remain an in-house substitute teacher.

Work Experience 1: Substitute Teacher

• Job Description: I was an in-house substitute teacher for Clearwater High School, overseeing more than 30 classes over four years.
• Results: The majority of my students graduated high school and mastered their end-of-year exams. Additionally, students delivered high-quality work and produced passing grades.
• Additional Competencies: Communicated effectively with parents, planned rigorous lesson plans, and managed classrooms with dexterity.
• Other: Created a comprehensive parent communication plan to dispense to teachers, giving staff an actionable framework for building productive connections with parents and families.

Work Experience 2: Teacher

• Job Description: Taught two sections of Pre-Kindergarten with over 30 students each, administering lesson plans and communicating with parents.
• Results: 100% of students graduated to the next class, 22% were identified as gifted and received enrichment, and 40% received remediation.
• Additional Competencies: Presented fun and instructional lessons to center kinesthetic learning and cater to students’ differing abilities.
• Other: Managed the after-school daycare program with two other teachers, administered enrichment and remediation lesson plans, and was tasked with taking kids on field trips.

Project Experience

• Substitute Teaching Volunteer: While at UC Berkeley, I volunteered as a substitute teacher at a local public high school.
• Daycare Worker: I worked as a daycare worker in a rural Alabama public school at Teach for America.
• Kinesthetic Learning Curriculum: Created and implemented a project-based, kinesthetic learning curriculum for my students.

Skills

• Strong lesson-planning skills
• Excellent discipline and classroom management
• Well-developed social skills and leadership capabilities
• Google Suite
• Microsoft Office

Education

• Master’s Degree: I obtained a master’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in Child Psychology, earning a 3.8 GPA.
• Bachelor’s Degree: I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in Psychology with a 4.0 GPA.
• High School Diploma: I graduated from Santa Cruz High School with a 3.9 GPA and a National Merit Scholarship

Licenses & Accreditations

• Certified Teacher in Florida and California: I obtained my teacher certification in 2015 and have taught ever since.
• Google Suite Certified: Certified to use all Google tools with mastery.
• Licensed Child Psychologist: I obtained my psychologist’s license upon graduating in 2022.

Why This Resume Works

This resume demonstrates how to leverage prior positions and transferable skills.

The writer credibly showcases their commitment to the field of education by highlighting their experience. They show a desire to go above and beyond when it comes to supporting students, volunteering, and filling in for extracurriculars.

Lastly, this resume writer demonstrates prowess with technical skills, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite. In an increasingly globalized, internet-based economy, such competencies can reflect well on your resume.

First-Time Substitute Teacher Resume Example

Teaching is one of many professions where you learn on the job. To get there, however, you’ll need to craft a resume that showcases your transferable skills. Consider the following first-time substitute teacher resume before writing your own.

Work Experience 1: Nanny

• Job Description: Worked with three different families to tend to children while parents were away at work. Took kids to school, organized and managed extracurriculars, and prepared a diverse selection of meals.
• Results: I was hired again based on my testimonials and was well-regarded by the children and their parents.
• Additional Competencies: Planned field trips to zoos, parks, and museums for kids. I received my first aid/CPR certification to serve my charges better.
• Other: Ensured that children understood rules and followed them. In addition, I actively worked with parents to implement long-term plans for discipline in the family home, including time-outs and groundings.

Work Experience 2: Summer Camp Counselor

• Job Description: Worked as a camp counselor for two years for children with special needs. My responsibilities included teaching hiking, swimming, and other sports.
• Results: My students stayed at camp all summer, and over 40% returned the following year. I received an average of 5/5 on my camp counselor evaluations.
• Additional Competencies: Oversaw more than 30 students in one cabin, managed meals, schedules, and day-to-day activities.
• Other: Started and managed an extramural soccer team and competed against other camps in the area.

Project Experience

• Soccer Coach: Coached youth soccer for 12 years, managing teams of over 20 kids and bringing them to games and other engagements.
• Swim Teacher: Taught swimming at the summer camp I worked at, with lessons covering more than 40 children.
• Enrichment Programs: Designed and delivered enrichment programs as a nanny, providing kids with unique opportunities to expand their learning.

Skills

• Creativity
• Compassion and childcare
• Discipline and Leadership
• Communication
• Organization

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Education: I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona with a 4.0 GPA. Wrote a thesis on Pre-K outcomes for special education students.
• Minor in Psychology: I minored in psychology at the University of Arizona with a 3.45 GPA.
• High School Diploma: I earned my high school diploma from Flagstaff High School with a 3.9 GPA and was captain of the soccer team.

Licenses & Accreditations

• Certified Teacher in Arizona
• Certified Special Education Teacher
• First Aid/CPR/AED certified

Why This Resume Works 

This applicant chooses to highlight their competencies as a nanny and camp counselor. Although neither profession is akin to teaching, both deliver transferable skills, including discipline, time management, and organization.

Furthermore, this teacher chose to emphasize those same competencies under the “skills” section of their resume, creating a consistent narrative throughout their application.

Even if your profession is seemingly unrelated, use it to support your development of relevant skills. You can also expand on your skills in your cover letter if needed.

The applicant also demonstrates a clear interest in special education with a degree in the field and a special education certification.

Permanent Substitute Teacher Resume Example

Substitute teachers function much like regular teachers, attending professional development and fulfilling the same capabilities as others.

The following resume illustrates how an applicant can showcase their commitment to education while outlining their many proficiencies.

Work Experience 1: Teacher

• Job Description: I worked as a full-time English teacher at Trinity High School for two years, managing four to five classes of upwards of 25 students each.
• Results: 94% of students passed the class, 90% of students passed their end-of-year exams, and 40% received honors.
• Additional Competencies: I was the senior editor for the literary magazine and school yearbook, working with students to produce deliverables and meet deadlines.
• Other: Planned and led a field trip to Europe with another teacher and spent four weeks traveling with 40 students.

Work Experience 2: Teacher

• Job Description: I served as a high-school English teacher in a rural school in the Mississippi Delta, teaching classes of more than 30 students. As part of my responsibilities, I was tasked with planning and delivering lesson plans.
• Results: 100% of students passed my class, and 90% graduated. 56% of students went on to four-year colleges.
• Additional Competencies: I created and managed a college discovery and applications club, where I took kids to tour schools and assisted them with college applications.
• Other: Developed and administered a social justice curriculum for students to hone their advocacy and activism skills.

Project Experience

• ACT Tutor: I have been an ACT tutor for the last four years, working closely with students to maximize their scores on college entrance exams.
• AP Language Teacher: During my time at Trinity, I served as an AP Language instructor, delivering lessons aligned with the AP curriculum.
• Student Activism Facilitator: I have worked closely with students to develop advocacy efforts and teach students to use their voices in the political sphere.

Skills

• Organized and methodical
• Creative
• Social justice-oriented
• Committed and dedicated
• Social skills and relationship-building

Education

• Masters in Secondary Education: I received my master’s degree from New York University and graduated with a 4.21 GPA.
• Bachelor of Arts in Education: I graduated from the State University of New York with a 4.0 GPA. I wrote my thesis on social justice in education.
• High School Diploma: I graduated from Trinity School with a 3.98 GPA and received a full scholarship to SUNY.

Licenses & Accreditations

• Certified English Teacher in New York
• Certified ACT Tutor
• Certified AP Language and Composition Instructor

Why This Resume Works

This resume demonstrates the applicant’s commitment to the field of education and their many proficiencies across multiple positions.

The applicant chooses to highlight their interest in special education, citing their undergraduate thesis on social justice and their capabilities as student advocates as examples of their work. In doing so, they create a narrative effect for their resume, humanizing the writer and adding a personal touch.

If you have a passion or interest—even one unrelated to education—you can leverage it in much the same way. Consider aligning your skills with your work experience for the best results.

Additionally, this writer cites quantitative examples to support their achievements.

Lastly, the writer uses their many certifications across different areas of expertise to outline their list of transferable skills and pad the resume.

K-12 Substitute Teacher Resume Example

A K-12 substitute teacher is often on retainer. They might work with independent agencies or specific schools as in-house substitute teachers.

K-12 teachers are tasked with teaching classes from kindergarten through 12th grade. The majority of states require a bachelor’s degree, typically in education or their specialty field.

Work Experience 1: K-12 Substitute Teacher

• Job Description: I served as a substitute teacher for Silver Plains District, stepping in for over 100 classrooms across more than 20 schools.
• Results: Managed over 100 students per assignment, taught in multiple variable settings, and designed and implemented creative and student-specific lesson plans.
• Additional Competencies: Administered discipline and provided support as needed during the absence of the classroom teacher.
• Other: Had overall responsibility for other substitute teachers within the agency, delivering orientation lessons and helping them to acclimate to working in education.

Work Experience 2: French Teacher

• Job Description: I worked as a French teacher at two different schools for 10 years, planning and delivering language lessons to high school students.
• Results: 100% of students received passing grades, 10% qualified for the gifted program, and 84% took French the following year.
• Additional Competencies: Led a two-week field trip to France with more than 30 students. During this trip, I was responsible for the well-being of my students, organized events, and collaborated with other teachers.

Project Experience

• French Tutor: Volunteered as a French tutor at an inner-city high school in Atlanta, working with more than 10 students weekly.
• Project-Based Learning Advocate: I founded and operated a teacher-led initiative for project-based learning, advocating at the state senate and supporting flexible education laws.
• Substitute Manager: I was hired to run operations at the K-12 substitute teacher agency for two years.

Skills

• Customizing lesson plans for student needs
• Enrichment and Remediation
• Parent communication
• Initiative and creativity
• Leadership

Education

• Master’s in Special Education: Obtained a master’s degree from the University of Georgia with a 4.0 GPA and a specialty in enrichment and remediation.
• Bachelor of Arts in French: Received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia with a 3.98 GPA and a minor in psychology.
• High School Diploma: Graduated from Atlanta High School with a 4.0 GPA and was in the honors/gifted program.

Licenses & Accreditations

• Certified Secondary Teacher in Georgia
• Certified Primary Teacher in Georgia
• Bloodborne Pathogen Certified / CPR Certified / School Shooter Safety Certified

Why This Resume Works

This resume paints a picture of a dedicated teacher that values student outcomes. The teacher demonstrates a lifelong commitment to the profession, having worked in the field for over 10 years.

Outline your interests and specialties to showcase your personality. You can also highlight skills and interests under “project experience,” which allows you to interlink what would otherwise be unrelated transferable skills.

You might also cite teacher-specific skills under your “skills” section. Listing hard skills reinforces your experience and ability to smoothly transition into a substitute teacher role.

Like this applicant, you can cite your achievements as evidence of your hard work and dedication to your career. For example, this writer mentions that they were promoted to a full-time position within the substitute teaching agency where they worked.

Common Skills and Action Verbs to Include On a Substitute Teacher Resume

Teachers have to wear many hats in a classroom environment and beyond.

From classroom management to parent communication, the responsibilities associated with being a teacher seem endless.

To that end, you’ll need to clearly outline your skills and action verbs. Taking this approach will help to round out your application and present yourself in the best light possible.

Consider the following important action verbs and standard skills you can list on your resume for the best results.

Common Skills for Substitute Teacher Resumes

• Classroom management
• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Safety-consciousness
• Problem-solving
• Teaching strategies
• Adaptability
• First Aid
• Record Keeping
• Time management
• Organization
• Stamina
• Subject-specific knowledge
• Teaching strategies
• social skills

Common Action Verbs for Substitute Teacher Resumes

• To adopt
• To teach
• To create
• To plan
• To record
• To strategize
• To optimize
• To manage
• To mediate
• To prepare
• To resolve
• To amend
• To curate
• To leverage
• To instruct

Tips for Writing a Better Substitute Teacher Resume

Writing a solid resume requires self-reflection and the ability to highlight key skills and experience.

Thankfully, you have the expertise and know-how of the applicants in this guide to help you through the process.

To further enhance your resume, consider the following industry-leading tips to craft a compelling resume for a substitute teacher position.

Quantify Your Achievements

Experts maintain that adding quantifiable numbers and figures to support your many successes helps your employer gain a clearer picture of who you are.

To help enhance your application, list your standout accomplishments and support them with statistics, figures, or other metrics. Ensure the data is accurate and impactful, like the percentages of students that passed classroom tests under your guidance.

Leverage Volunteer Work and Extracurriculars

If you don’t have more formal experience in education, you could capitalize on your voluntary and extra-curricular experiences.

Voluntary positions can showcase self-development and a passion for supporting others. If you have never volunteered before, apply for a tutoring or coaching role. They demonstrate commitment to outcomes for kids and provide supporting evidence that you could adapt to a classroom environment.

Cite Examples of Skills

Your skills list is essential—but citing examples of your skills is even more so.

Work and project experience are excellent options for doing so, as they support your claims with valuable evidence.

Remember, you’ll also want to round out your resume and make yourself more appealing by highlighting hard and soft skills. Hard skills are technical and are crucial for performing job-specific duties. These might include proficiency in Microsoft Word or Google Suite.

In contrast, soft skills are akin to character traits and cover interpersonal abilities like communication and teamwork.

Use Key Words 

Many employers use resume-scanning services to sift through applications.

The good news is that you can leverage certain vital words and action verbs to ensure your resume passes through the ATS.

Read the job description carefully, including keywords and competencies in your resume. Then, use the skills and action verbs section in this guide to ensure your resume is aligned with the role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consider the following answers to our most frequently asked questions to learn more about substitute teaching resumes.

Other Resume Types to Reference

If you’re seeking additional positions in other competencies, consider the following guides and articles on different resume types.

• Teacher Resume: Full-time teachers remain in high demand. Use this guide to craft the perfect teacher resume to make your application pop.
• Student Resume: If you’re applying to graduate school, you could teach undergraduates. Alternatively, in college, you can volunteer with high school students. Write your student resume with this guide.
• Academic Resume: Academics get the best of both worlds: teaching and learning in continuity. This guide showcases how to craft a compelling academic resume.

Wrapping Up

Writing an engaging substitute teacher resume takes time and effort—and lots of practice. A credible resume outlines key hard and soft skills, provides demonstrative experience, and highlights core strengths.  

Ultimately, you need to demonstrate to a prospective employer that you are passionate about education and that you want to address the needs of your future students.

Have you worked as a substitute teacher? Does your resume look similar, or do you have your own advice for landing a dream job in education?

Let us know what you think of our guide and share the article if you liked it!