Best Substitute Teacher Resume Examples for 2026
Substitute teacher resume examples for 2026, from first-timers to veterans. Show the classroom management, adaptability, and certifications that get callbacks.
Substitute teachers play a vital role in ensuring students continue learning when regular educators are absent. Having a well-structured resume is crucial for securing these roles. This blog will equip you with expertly designed resume samples and practical strategies to help you create a standout resume that grabs attention.
With 406,964 teaching positions in the U.S. either vacant or filled by educators without full certification, schools are actively searching for reliable substitutes. They prioritize candidates who can manage classrooms, engage students, and follow lesson plans seamlessly.
Whether you’re an experienced educator or just starting, a strong resume can open doors to exciting opportunities. Keep reading to learn how to write a compelling resume that gets noticed and lands you more interviews!
Entry-level substitute teacher resume example
Want a strong resume to kick-start your career as a substitute teacher? Not sure how to highlight your skills and experience effectively? Check out this entry-level substitute teacher resume example—it’s built to grab attention and show what you bring to the classroom.
Schools need adaptable, reliable educators who can manage classrooms, follow lesson plans, and keep students engaged. A great resume should highlight your teaching skills, strong interpersonal skills, classroom management, and ability to create a positive learning environment.
This resume highlights key skills that matter for an entry-level substitute teacher like classroom management, lesson delivery, and adaptability. Highlighting relevant projects like classroom engagement initiative adds value to the resume despite the limited experience. Including an education section with relevant coursework helps entry-level teachers showcase foundational knowledge, demonstrating their preparedness for the classroom.
Junior substitute teacher resume example
Looking for a strong Junior Substitute Teacher resume that gets noticed but not sure how to showcase your classroom experience and teaching skills effectively? This example highlights a clear structure, measurable achievements, and the right skills to stand out.
Substitute teaching requires flexibility, classroom management, and the ability to keep students engaged. Schools look for candidates who can seamlessly take over lessons, maintain order, support staff collaboration, and ensure learning continues without disruption.
The strong action verbs like “implemented,” “managed,” “adapted,” and “designed” in this resume template make the candidate’s impact clear and engaging. Skills like classroom management, differentiated instruction, and technology integration add relevance, proving the candidate can handle diverse learning needs. Employers value this mix of leadership and adaptability in dynamic classroom settings.
Experienced substitute teacher resume example
Struggling to create an Experienced Substitute Teacher resume that gets noticed? Wondering how to highlight classroom management, adaptability, and student engagement effectively? This resume example highlights key achievements, measurable results, and the right mix of technical skills, including how to implement behavior management strategies and soft skills to grab an employer’s attention.
Schools want substitutes who can manage classrooms, follow lesson plans, and keep students engaged by promoting positive student behavior. A great candidate is flexible, organized, and able to create a positive learning environment.
This resume highlights measurable achievements, not just responsibilities. Employers see real impact, like 95%+ lesson compliance and 40% fewer disciplinary issues.
It also balances technical skills like lesson planning and curriculum development with soft skills like adaptability and communication. The clear, structured format makes it easy to scan, and strong action verbs show initiative—exactly what schools look for in a substitute teacher.
Also Read: 10 Best Resume Skills to Put on a Resume
How to write a substitute teacher resume that will get you an interview
A well-written substitute teacher resume can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing an interview. Whether you’re looking for short-term assignments or long-term substitute teaching positions, your resume should highlight your ability to adapt, manage classrooms, and deliver engaging lessons.
Most schools and educational institutions use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to simplify the hiring process. ATS functions like a search engine for resumes—administrators and hiring managers enter specific keywords to find the most qualified candidates. If your resume lacks the right keywords or formatting, it may fail to reach a human decision-maker.
For example, if a school is looking for a substitute teacher, the hiring team might search for keywords like “classroom management,” “lesson planning,” and “student engagement.” If your resume includes these key terms, it has a better chance of being seen.
How ATS works:
- Job posting setup: Schools input job details, including the position, required certifications, and skills, into the ATS.
- Resume scanning: The ATS scans submitted resumes, extracting and storing relevant details.
- Searchable database: Hiring managers search for candidates using specific keywords or review ranked results.
Without the right optimization, your resume may never appear in the search results. That’s why formatting your resume for ATS compatibility is essential.
Need help writing an ATS-friendly resume? Jobscan’s Free Resume Builder can structure your resume effectively, optimize it with the right keywords, and highlight your strengths—helping you land more substitute teaching opportunities.
Key elements of a substitute teacher resume
To make your resume stand out, be sure to include the following essential sections:
- Contact information – Your name, phone number, email, location and any other relevant contact details.
- Professional summary – A concise statement showcasing your teaching experience, skills, and career goals.
- Skills section – Highlight key skills such as classroom management, lesson planning, and adaptability.
- Work experience – Detail your previous teaching experience, emphasizing responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Education & certifications – List relevant degrees and certifications, such as a teaching credential or substitute permit.
- Additional sections (Optional) – Include professional development, language skills, or volunteer work in education.
Write a strong professional summary
Your professional summary is the first thing hiring managers see, so it should be clear, compelling, and tailored to the job description. It should briefly highlight your teaching experience, key skills, and what makes you a great candidate.
Good examples of a resume summary
- “Dedicated and adaptable substitute teacher with five years of experience managing diverse classrooms across K-12 levels. Skilled in lesson plan implementation, classroom management, and fostering a positive learning environment. Holds a valid state teaching credential and passionate about student success.”
- “Enthusiastic and reliable substitute teacher with a background in elementary and middle school education. Known for maintaining classroom discipline while engaging students in interactive learning through engaging lesson plans. Proficient in adapting lesson plans to meet the diverse learning needs of students.”
Bad examples of a resume summary
- “Looking for a substitute teacher job. Have some experience in teaching and can handle classrooms. Ready to start immediately.”
- “Hardworking individual with a passion for education. Willing to take on any substitute teaching job and help students learn.”
Jobscan’s Resume Summary Generator helps you write a compelling professional summary by evaluating your relevant skills and experience. It offers ATS-friendly recommendations tailored to your specific role, ensuring your resume is concise, impactful, and optimized with the right keywords to attract recruiters.
Demonstrate key substitute teacher skills
A strong substitute teacher resume highlights both hard skills and soft skills to show that you can effectively manage classrooms, engage students, and adapt to different learning environments.
Hard skills for a substitute teacher
- Classroom Management
- Lesson Execution
- Student Assessment
- Educational Technology
- Special Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Lesson Adaptation
Soft skills for a substitute teacher
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Patience
- Problem-Solving
- Student Engagement
Integrating both hard and soft skills into your resume bullet points can effectively highlight your strengths and showcase your contributions as a substitute teacher. Rather than just listing daily responsibilities, strong bullet points should emphasize your impact, adaptability, and the value you bring to the classroom.
4. Write impactful resume bullet points for an substitute teacher
Good examples of resume bullet points
- “Implemented pre-planned lessons for grades K-8, maintaining classroom order and ensuring seamless learning experiences in teachers’ absence.”
- “Adapted lesson plans on short notice to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring continued student engagement and student progress.”
- “Utilized positive reinforcement and conflict resolution techniques to manage classroom behavior, resulting in a 20% reduction in disciplinary incidents.”
Bad examples of resume bullet points
- “Taught students when the teacher was away.”
- “Helped with classroom activities and made sure students behaved.”
- “Filled in for absent teachers and followed lesson plans.”
Looking to strengthen your resume bullet points? Jobscan’s Bullet Point Generator helps you write powerful, ATS-friendly statements that showcase your achievements. This tool allows you to create results-driven bullet points that effectively highlight your skills and make your resume stand out to potential employers.
Highlight your achievements as a substitute teacher
To make your resume stand out, focus on achievements rather than just listing job duties. Employers want to see the impact you’ve made in the classroom and how you’ve contributed to student learning. Use quantifiable results where possible and highlight specific successes.
Here are some examples of how you can highlight your achievements effectively:
- “Maintained engagement and learning continuity for over 200 students across multiple grade levels, consistently receiving positive feedback from administrators.”
- “Designed and implemented interactive lesson activities that improved student participation by 30% during long-term assignments.”
- “Recognized for exceptional classroom management skills, reducing disciplinary incidents by 25% through effective behavior strategies.”
Tailor your resume to the job description
Customizing your resume for each substitute teaching position increases your chances of passing ATS filters and catching the hiring manager’s attention. A generic resume may not highlight the specific qualifications schools are looking for, so it’s important to align your experience and skills with the specific job posting.
Here’s how to tailor your resume effectively:
- Review the job posting: Identify key skills, responsibilities, and important keywords mentioned in the job description, including the job title.
- Align your skills: Highlight relevant teaching skills, such as classroom management, managing students with special needs, lesson planning, and student engagement, especially in the skills and experience sections.
- Use keywords wisely: Incorporate industry-specific terms naturally to ensure your resume aligns with the job description.
- Refine your experience: Emphasize accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to manage classrooms, adapt to different learning environments, and support student success.
- Customize your summary: Adjust your professional summary to reflect the specific school or school district’s needs and expectations.
- Make it ATS-friendly: Avoid excessive formatting, images, or unconventional fonts to ensure your resume passes applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Also Read: The Top 5 ATS Resume Keywords of 2025
Include relevant education and certifications
Having the right educational background like a bachelor’s degree, and certifications is essential for securing substitute teaching positions. Schools and districts often have specific requirements, so be sure to highlight your credentials clearly on your resume.
Here’s how to effectively highlight your education and certifications as a substitute teacher:
- Clearly list your degree, major, and institution (e.g., Bachelor of Education, XYZ University).
- If you’re a recent graduate, include your graduation year, relevant coursework, or honors related to teaching.
- For experienced educators, keep it concise and emphasize higher education degrees.
- If transitioning from another career, highlight coursework or degrees that align with education and classroom management.
- List relevant teaching certifications, such as State Teaching License, Substitute Teaching Permit, or TESOL Certification.
- If you have expertise in special education, different teaching styles or classroom technology, include certifications like Special Education Endorsement or Google Certified Educator.
- For seasoned professionals, focus on widely recognized teaching credentials rather than listing all past training programs.
Top substitute teacher certifications
While requirements vary by state and district, the following certifications can boost your qualifications:
- State-Issued Substitute Teaching Permit
- Professional Educator License
- State Teaching Certificate
- Paraprofessional Certification
- CPR and First Aid Certification
- TESOL/ESL Certification
Substitute teacher resume tips
A well-structured, tailored resume can make all the difference in landing substitute teaching opportunities. Here are some key tips to ensure your resume stands out:
- Keep it clear and concise: Avoid clutter and unnecessary details. Stick to a one-page format unless you have extensive experience. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
- Optimize for ATS: Incorporate keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems. Use standard section titles like “Work Experience” and “Education” to ensure proper parsing.
- Highlight classroom experience: Showcase your ability to manage classrooms, follow lesson plans, and engage students. Include measurable achievements such as improved student participation or positive feedback from administrators.
- Emphasize flexibility and adaptability: Schools value substitutes who can adjust quickly to different grade levels and various subjects. Mention multi-grade teaching experience, different teaching methods or instances where you stepped in with little notice.
- Use strong action verbs: Start bullet points with dynamic action verbs like “Implemented,” “Adapted,” “Managed,” or “Facilitated” to make your experience more impactful.
- Include relevant certifications and training: List substitute teaching permits, state teaching credentials, CPR/First Aid certification, or TESOL training if applicable.
- Proofread for errors: Spelling and grammar mistakes can make you appear less detail-oriented. Consider using tools like Grammarly or having someone review your resume.
Also Read: How to Organize Your Resume Sections to Stand Out?
Include a cover letter with your substitute teacher resume
A well-written substitute teacher cover letter can strengthen your job application by showcasing your enthusiasm, qualifications, and ability to manage a classroom effectively. While your resume highlights your experience, the cover letter allows you to personalize your application and explain why you’re a great fit for the role.
What to include in your cover letter:
- Start by expressing your interest in the role and briefly mention your qualifications.
- Highlight relevant experience like classroom management skills, flexibility, and ability to engage students.
- Mention your connection to the school/district and why you want to work there specifically.
- Reiterate your enthusiasm and include a call to action, such as requesting an interview in your closing statement.
Attaching a compelling cover letter sets you apart from other candidates and increases your chances of getting an interview. Need a job-winning cover letter fast? Try Jobscan’s Cover Letter Generator now!
Make your substitute teacher resume stand out with Jobscan
A well-written substitute teacher resume can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing interviews. By highlighting your classroom management skills, adaptability, and relevant certifications, you can demonstrate your ability to create a positive learning environment for students. Tailoring your resume to each job description and optimizing it for ATS will further improve your chances of success.
Make your substitute teacher resume stand out to hiring managers and ATS with Jobscan’s free resume builder. This intuitive tool helps you create a polished, job-specific resume that highlights your teaching skills, classroom experience, and qualifications—ensuring a strong match with the job description and improving your chances of getting hired. Try it today!
Substitute teacher common interview questions
Answer:
“I establish clear expectations at the beginning of class, using the teacher’s guidelines whenever possible. I also use positive reinforcement and proactive strategies, such as engaging students with interactive discussions. If behavioral issues arise, I address them calmly and professionally, ensuring minimal disruption while maintaining a respectful classroom atmosphere.”
Answer:
“I prepare by reviewing lesson plans thoroughly and using my understanding of different learning styles to adapt as needed. For younger students, I incorporate hands-on activities and storytelling, while for older students, I facilitate discussions and independent work. If a lesson plan is unavailable, I have a set of general activities that align with the specific subject areas and grade level.”
Answer:
“I would first try to understand the reason behind their reluctance by speaking with them individually. Sometimes, students disengage due to confusion or lack of interest. I would offer encouragement, modify the activity to make it more engaging, or provide a different way for them to participate. If the issue persists, I would follow the school’s policies and notify the appropriate school staff if necessary.”
Answer:
“I follow the lesson plan as closely as possible while ensuring students stay engaged. If there are gaps in the instructions, I use my own experience and knowledge to fill them in while maintaining the teacher’s objectives. I also leave detailed notes for the returning teacher, summarizing what was covered, student participation, and any concerns that may needfollow-up.”
Substitute teacher resume frequently asked questions
Hiring managers look for a mix of hard and soft skills that demonstrate your ability to manage a classroom and support student learning. Important skills include classroom management, lesson plan execution, adaptability, student engagement, meeting student needs, communication, and conflict resolution.
Your education section should list your highest degree and any relevant certifications. Include details such as your degree, university name, and graduation year. If you hold a state-issued substitute teaching permit, a full teaching certification, or additional training like CPR and First Aid, be sure to include those as well.
If you have classroom experience from student teaching, tutoring, or volunteering, highlight how it has prepared you for substitute teaching in your work experience section.
If you’re new to substitute teaching, focus on transferable skills from tutoring, childcare, coaching, or mentoring. Highlight adaptability, leadership, and classroom management skills.
List any relevant experience, even if it’s from volunteer work or internships, and showcase any certifications you have, such as a substitute teaching permit or CPR training. Use a strong professional summary to express your genuine passion for teaching and your ability to support student learning.
