Substitute Teacher Resume Guide

A strong resume matters for substitute teachers because it quickly communicates classroom management skills, instructional flexibility, and reliability to schools hiring for short- and long-term coverage. Hiring teams screen many candidates by qualifications and suitability for diverse classroom environments; clear, outcomes-focused resumes improve interview invites. Resumize.ai helps create professional resumes for substitute teachers by tailoring content to district requirements, highlighting certifications, classroom achievements, and ATS-friendly keywords to increase visibility and placement opportunities.

What skills should a Substitute Teacher include on their resume?

Classroom ManagementLesson ImplementationDifferentiated InstructionBehavior ManagementStudent AssessmentIEP/504 AccommodationAttendance & ReportingEmergency ProceduresParent & Staff CommunicationAdaptabilityTime ManagementStudent Engagement

What are the key responsibilities of a Substitute Teacher?

•Deliver planned lessons and adapt instruction to meet diverse student needs in grades K–12
•Maintain classroom order, implement behavior management strategies, and ensure student safety
•Follow teacher lesson plans, learning objectives, and district curriculum standards
•Differentiate instruction and provide accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 plans
•Assess student understanding through formative checks and record completion of assignments
•Communicate classroom progress, behavior incidents, and lesson outcomes to permanent teachers and administrators
•Prepare and submit daily reports, attendance records, and substitute logs
•Collaborate with staff to support school initiatives and cover extracurricular duties as needed

How do I write a Substitute Teacher resume summary?

Choose a summary that matches your experience level:

Entry Level

Reliable substitute teacher with a state teaching permit and experience covering K–5 classrooms. Skilled at following lesson plans, managing classroom behavior, and maintaining continuity of instruction while building rapport with students and staff.

Mid-Level

Versatile substitute teacher with 3+ years covering elementary and middle school grades; proven ability to implement differentiated instruction and maintain classroom routines. Strong communicator with experience completing detailed daily reports and supporting students with IEP accommodations.

Senior Level

Seasoned substitute teacher with 8+ years experience across K–12 settings, including long-term placements and special education support. Demonstrated track record of improving classroom stability, executing curriculum objectives, and mentoring junior substitutes while collaborating with administrators.

What are the best Substitute Teacher resume bullet points?

Use these metrics-driven examples to strengthen your work history:

"Filled 150+ short- and long-term substitute assignments across K–8 classrooms, maintaining 98% positive feedback from lead teachers"
"Managed classrooms of up to 28 students while implementing lesson plans, resulting in less than 2% instructional disruption rate"
"Implemented differentiated activities for mixed-ability groups, increasing on-task student engagement by 30% during observed lessons"
"Completed timely daily reports and attendance logs for 100% of assignments, improving communication continuity for returning teachers"
"Supported 12 students with IEP or 504 accommodations, ensuring required modifications were followed and documented"
"Reduced behavioral referrals by 25% through consistent implementation of class routines and positive reinforcement strategies"
"Conducted formative assessments and exit tickets for 75+ lessons, providing actionable feedback to classroom teachers"
"Trained and mentored 6 new substitutes on district protocols and classroom management best practices, decreasing onboarding time by 40%"

What ATS keywords should a Substitute Teacher use?

Naturally incorporate these keywords to pass applicant tracking systems:

Substitute TeacherClassroom ManagementLesson Plan ImplementationDifferentiated InstructionBehavior ManagementStudent AssessmentIEP Accommodations504 PlansAttendance ReportingClassroom SafetyParent CommunicationLong-Term SubstituteShort-Term AssignmentsStudent EngagementEmergency ProceduresK–12 InstructionSpecial Education SupportPositive Behavior SupportFormative AssessmentCurriculum StandardsDistrict PoliciesLesson ContinuitySubstitute LogClassroom RoutinesInstructional AdaptabilityTeacher CollaborationProfessional DevelopmentStudent SupervisionBehavioral InterventionsTechnology Integration

Frequently Asked Questions About Substitute Teacher Resumes

What skills should a Substitute Teacher include on their resume?

Essential skills for a Substitute Teacher resume include: Classroom Management, Lesson Implementation, Differentiated Instruction, Behavior Management, Student Assessment, IEP/504 Accommodation. Focus on both technical competencies and soft skills relevant to your target role.

How do I write a Substitute Teacher resume summary?

A strong Substitute Teacher resume summary should be 2-3 sentences highlighting your years of experience, key achievements, and most relevant skills. For example: "Versatile substitute teacher with 3+ years covering elementary and middle school grades; proven ability to implement differentiated instruction and maintain classroom routines. Strong communicator with experience completing detailed daily reports and supporting students with IEP accommodations."

What are the key responsibilities of a Substitute Teacher?

Key Substitute Teacher responsibilities typically include: Deliver planned lessons and adapt instruction to meet diverse student needs in grades K–12; Maintain classroom order, implement behavior management strategies, and ensure student safety; Follow teacher lesson plans, learning objectives, and district curriculum standards; Differentiate instruction and provide accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 plans. Tailor these to match the specific job description you're applying for.

How long should a Substitute Teacher resume be?

For most Substitute Teacher positions, keep your resume to 1 page if you have less than 10 years of experience. Senior professionals with extensive experience may use 2 pages, but keep content relevant and impactful.

What makes a Substitute Teacher resume stand out?

A standout Substitute Teacher resume uses metrics to quantify achievements, includes relevant keywords for ATS optimization, and clearly demonstrates impact. For example: "Filled 150+ short- and long-term substitute assignments across K–8 classrooms, maintaining 98% positive feedback from lead teachers"

What ATS keywords should a Substitute Teacher use?

Important ATS keywords for Substitute Teacher resumes include: Substitute Teacher, Classroom Management, Lesson Plan Implementation, Differentiated Instruction, Behavior Management, Student Assessment, IEP Accommodations, 504 Plans. Naturally incorporate these throughout your resume.

Ready to build your Substitute Teacher resume?

Build a polished substitute teacher resume with Resumize.ai (http://resumize.ai/). Use tailored templates and ATS-optimized language to highlight your classroom strengths, certifications, and measured outcomes—so districts notice and invite you to interview.

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