Creating resumes for substitute teachers demands attention to specific skills and experiences. In this article, we provide examples with clear strategies to help you format and highlight key aspects of your background effectively. Focus on classroom management, lesson planning, and adaptability. These tips will increase your chances of securing a job interview.
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Here's what we see in the best substitute teacher resumes.
Show Impact With Numbers: The best resumes use numbers to show impact. Metrics seen often include student attendance rates (
Include Skills From The Job Description: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Highlight Flexibility And Adaptability: You need to show flexibility in this role. Use phrases like
Want to know if your substitute teaching resume stands out? Our AI-powered tool simulates how hiring managers in education evaluate resumes. It checks for key criteria that school administrators look for when selecting substitute teachers.
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If you recently graduated or completed a major educational program, place your education section at the top of your resume. This immediately explains to employers why you may have been out of the workforce.
Otherwise, list your work experience first, especially if you have been in the workforce for some time or have relevant experience. Adjusting the education section's placement can make a strong first impression on school administrators.
Show your availability and willingness to work on short notice. Schools often need substitutes unexpectedly, so flexibility is key.
List your hours of availability clearly and consider adding a brief note about your ability to adapt to different school schedules. This can make you a more attractive candidate.
When applying as a substitute teacher, aim for a resume that is one page long. This length is enough to show your skills without overwhelming the reader. The main goal is to prioritize the most relevant experience and qualifications that match the job. Good use of space and clear headings help the hiring manager find the most important information quickly.
If you have extensive experience that goes beyond 10 years, a two-page resume can be considered. However, make sure that every detail you include adds value and relates to being a substitute teacher. Highlight your classroom management skills and adaptability, as these are crucial for this role. Always remember, shorter resumes reflect your ability to prioritize important information. Avoid small fonts and margins; readability is key.
Make sure to show your ability to teach different subjects and grade levels. This versatility is often required and valued in substitute teaching roles.
Include specific examples of subjects and ages you have taught. Highlight any training or certifications you have that show readiness to handle various classroom environments.
To ensure your resume passes through resume screeners and applicant tracking systems (ATS), use relevant keywords for the teaching field. This will help your resume get noticed by the system.
Include words like "classroom management," "lesson planning," and "student assessment." These are common terms that hiring managers look for when reviewing resumes for substitute positions. Make sure these keywords are clearly woven into your job descriptions and skills sections.
To get the job as a substitute teacher, your resume should show you are ready to step in and help a class when their regular teacher can't be there. You need a resume that shows you can quickly adapt and manage a classroom. Tailor your resume so it speaks directly to this role.
As a hiring manager, I've seen many resumes where substitute teachers fail to highlight how they adapt to different classroom settings. You might think all classrooms are the same, but they are not. It's important to show that you can handle various ages and subjects.
Make sure to list experiences where you have successfully taught in multiple subjects or grade levels. Mention any times you have stepped into a classroom on short notice and how you ensured a smooth transition for the students.
Here are two things you should always include:
When you apply for a job as a substitute teacher, your resume should show that you can step in and take charge immediately. Use verbs that highlight your ability to lead and manage a classroom effectively. Remember, verbs are your friends in a resume as they make your experiences come to life.
Below is a list of verbs that are particularly good for a substitute teacher's resume. They show that you are ready to handle the responsibilities of the classroom. Make sure to use them when you describe your past work.
Want inspiration for other action verbs you can use? Check out synonyms to commonly used action verbs like In charge, Motivated, Possess, Deliver, Awarded.
When you apply for a job as a substitute teacher, it's vital that your resume stands out by highlighting your achievements, not just listing your past responsibilities. You need to show how you added value in your previous roles.
Think about how you can change simple task descriptions into impressive achievements. This means you should list the impact of your work and the positive outcomes. For example:
Another example would be:
These changes turn simple duties into strong, measurable contributions that grab attention.
When crafting your resume as a substitute teacher, your skills section is key. You need to show schools that you're ready to step in at a moment's notice and maintain classroom order while delivering the curriculum. Let's focus on the hard skills that make you standout.
You don't need to have all these skills, but include those that match your experience and the roles you're aiming for. Place them in a dedicated 'Skills' section for clarity. This is especially important as many schools use Applicant Tracking Systems (
When you're looking to stand out as a substitute teacher, it's important to highlight any leadership roles or promotions you've had. This can show schools that you're capable of taking charge and leading a classroom effectively.
Think about times when you've been responsible for leading a group, such as:
Even if you're unsure how to classify your experiences as leadership, consider any situation where you had to guide or manage others. For example:
As a hiring manager, it's crucial to see the tangible impact you have made in previous roles. When crafting your resume, including specific numbers can help you stand out. Here's how you can quantify your contributions:
Even if you're unsure of exact figures, you can estimate impact by recalling your routine tasks and the scale of your work. Remember, any numbers you provide offer a concrete view of your experience:
Using numbers not only provides clarity but also emphasizes the value you can bring to a school. They help you show, not just tell, your professional story.