Substitute Teacher Resume Example (2025) + Free Template & Writing Tips

Substitute Teacher Resume

Let me guess—you’re trying to build a substitute teacher resume, but your brain is doing cartwheels because you don’t have “real” teaching experience or you’re not sure what principals actually want to see. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. Seriously. I’ve worked with over 300 aspiring (and burned-out) teachers, career changers, and fresh grads, and guess what 90% of them said?

“I don’t even know what to put on my resume.”

Yup. Totally normal.

Whether you’re applying for a daily sub gig, a long-term maternity leave role, or you’re just testing the waters with part-time teaching… this guide will walk you through exactly how to write a substitute teacher resume that doesn’t get ghosted by school districts.

And no, you don’t need a teaching degree to stand out. You just need the right structure, language, and a little bit of storytelling magic. Let’s dive in.

What Should a Substitute Teacher Resume Include?

• Certifications (sub permit, teaching license, CPR, etc.)
• Teaching or classroom experience (even informal)
• Transferable skills (communication, patience, adaptability)
• Grade levels or subjects you’re qualified to teach
• Tech tools you’re familiar with (Google Classroom, Zoom)
• Clear resume summary or objective
• Keywords from job descriptions

When I Helped Luis Build His First Substitute Teacher Resume…

Luis had zero classroom experience. Like, zero. He’d worked at a bookstore, coached Little League, and helped his niece with homework. That’s it.

But we pulled it together. We talked about how coaching gave him classroom management skills. How helping his niece showed his ability to explain tough concepts in a calm, engaging way. We listed his flexible schedule, his communication skills, and his comfort with technology.

He landed two interviews within two weeks—one for a middle school English long-term sub job. The other? A daily K–12 sub role at a district that appreciated his energy and adaptability.

You don’t need a Ph.D. in education. You just need a resume that tells the truth and makes you sound like someone kids will actually listen to.

Best Resume Format for Substitute Teachers

Let’s keep this simple. If you’ve got some experience—whether subbing, tutoring, or coaching—go with a reverse-chronological format. It’s clean, predictable, and what principals expect.

If you’re brand new, use a functional or hybrid resume format to highlight your strengths. This means you’ll put your skills and certifications front and center before diving into any work history.

Here’s the structure I recommend:

1. Contact Info (please, double-check your email address!)
2. Resume Summary or Objective
3. Certifications / Licenses
4. Relevant Experience
5. Key Skills
6. Education
7. Optional: Volunteer Work, Extracurricular Involvement

Resume Summary Example for Substitute Teacher

Strong Example:

Flexible and dependable substitute teacher certified in K–12 instruction. Skilled in classroom management, adapting quickly to different environments, and implementing lesson plans with confidence. Experienced in both in-person and remote learning settings.

Weak Example:

I like kids and I show up on time.

(Spoiler: the second one won’t even get a second glance.)

Skills to Include on a Substitute Teaching Resume

Whether you’re applying for a daily sub or a long-term position, these skills scream “hire me” to school administrators:

• Classroom management
• Adaptability across K–12 settings
• Lesson plan implementation
• Student engagement techniques
• Conflict resolution
• Collaboration with school staff
• Familiarity with IEPs and accommodations
• Use of online platforms: Google Classroom, Seesaw, Zoom
• Clear communication
• Time management

Bonus points if you’ve led a club, coached, or worked with kids in any extracurricular setting.

Sample Resume for Substitute Teacher

Taylor Monroe
taylor.monroe@email.com | (555) 987-6543 | San Diego, CA | LinkedIn.com/in/taylorm

Professional Summary:
Certified substitute teacher with experience in diverse classrooms from K–12. Adept at maintaining discipline, promoting student participation, and ensuring continuity in lesson plans. Flexible, patient, and reliable. Familiar with hybrid and remote instruction methods.

Certifications:

• California Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit
• CPR & First Aid Certified

Relevant Experience: Substitute Teacher (K–12)
San Diego Unified School District | Oct 2022–Present

• Managed classrooms of up to 35 students, ensuring smooth continuation of daily lessons
• Adapted to various school environments and followed specific district policies
• Maintained accurate attendance records and left feedback for permanent teachers

Assistant Youth Coach
Boys & Girls Club | Jan 2020–Aug 2022

• Led after-school activities for ages 7–15, promoting teamwork and emotional regulation
• Designed engaging games to improve communication and conflict resolution

Education:
B.A. in Liberal Studies, San Diego State University

Skills:
Lesson plan execution, classroom control, Google Classroom, Zoom, collaboration, parent communication, time management

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Real Talk: What Schools Actually Want in a Substitute

Here’s the deal. Principals are looking for subs who:

• Don’t panic when things get chaotic
• Can walk into any classroom and command respect
• Won’t just babysit—they’ll teach (or at least try!)
• Communicate clearly with admin, students, and staff

You don’t have to be a superhero. But you do need to sound like someone they can trust to hold it down until the regular teacher returns.

Looking to branch out into full-time teaching or elementary-level roles? You’ll love our Elementary Teacher Resume Example & Writing Guide. Also check High School Teacher Resume Example & Writing Guide for 2025
It’s full of templates and resume tips designed just for educators like you.

FAQs (Real Questions I Get from Real Clients)

1. What should a substitute teacher put on a resume?
Certifications, classroom experience, flexibility, grade levels taught, and familiarity with tech tools. Mention soft skills like patience and classroom control.

2. How do I write a resume for a substitute teacher with no experience?
Focus on transferable skills from any jobs or volunteer work with kids. Highlight your adaptability, communication style, and any exposure to education—even if informal.

3. What is the best format for a substitute teacher resume?
Reverse-chronological if you have experience. If not, try a functional or hybrid layout that puts your skills first.

4. Should I include certifications on my substitute teacher resume?
Absolutely! CPR, teaching permits, licenses—all gold. Schools need to see you’re qualified and ready.

5. What soft skills are most important for substitute teachers?
Adaptability, patience, classroom management, time management, communication, and empathy. Think “calm under fire” energy.

6. How can I make my substitute teacher resume stand out?
Use strong action verbs, sprinkle in data if you can (e.g., “managed a class of 30 with zero behavior issues”), and tailor your content to the job post.

7. Is a cover letter necessary for substitute teacher positions?
It’s not required, but it can give you an edge—especially if you’re new. Here’s a great cover letter guide to get started.

8. Should I list grade levels I’ve taught?
Yes! Mention if you’re comfortable with K–5, middle school, or high school. The more specific, the better.

9. Can I include online or hybrid teaching experience?
Definitely. Knowing your way around Zoom, Google Classroom, or Seesaw is a big win.

10. How long should my substitute resume be?
One page if you’re new, two max if you’ve got lots of experience or certifications. Keep it focused.

Need a little help getting started? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to do this by yourself.

👉 Try our free substitute teacher resume Template and Builder. It’s clean, easy to use, and built to help you feel confident applying.