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Substitute instructor skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Cheryl McDonald,

Helen Callus

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical substitute instructor skills. We ranked the top skills for substitute instructors based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 19.5% of substitute instructor resumes contained kids as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a substitute instructor needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 substitute instructor skills for your resume and career

1. Kids

Here's how substitute instructors use kids:

Delivered substitute day care services to approximately 10-15 preschool age children and instructed grade school kids through aftercare program.
Worked with kids of all ages from preschoolers through 5th graders, depending on the need.

2. Classroom Management

Here's how substitute instructors use classroom management:

Developed classroom management and instructional strategies to ensure students success in various classes.
Documented student behavior for the purpose of reporting to teacher and assisting with classroom management.

3. Mathematics

Here's how substitute instructors use mathematics:

Developed and implemented interesting and interactive learning mediums to increase Student understanding of course materials in mathematics.
Instructed basic reading and mathematics for Test of Adult Basic Education.

4. Literature

Here's how substitute instructors use literature:

Involved in student programs such as high school leadership crews, and literature journals.
Analyzed current English radio programs and supervised concept development and production of new programs targeting young audiences utilizing contemporary literature.

5. Syllabus

Here's how substitute instructors use syllabus:

Created and administered quiz and examination questions that were based upon performance objectives identified in the syllabus and their expected outcomes.
Developed syllabus, designed overview course introducing undergraduates to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches to social science research.

6. Math

Here's how substitute instructors use math:

Developed grade level appropriate curriculum in reading, math, science and social studies.
Instructed students in the areas of math and science.

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7. ESL

Here's how substitute instructors use esl:

Assisted Teachers, Parents and local personnel in fulfilling instructional goals of ESL Department.
Designed curriculum for and instructed intermediate ESL class.

8. English Language

Here's how substitute instructors use english language:

Substitute English language instructor on an 'as needed' basis
Administered state Colorado English Language Assessment Test to students

9. Chemistry

Chemistry is the branch of science that tells us about the composition, properties, and structure of elements and compounds. The processes these elements undergo and how they undergo change all come under the branch of chemistry.

Here's how substitute instructors use chemistry:

Served as a substitute laboratory and classroom instructor for organic and inorganic chemistry classes.
Lectured Organic Chemistry I for 1/3 of Summer Session I.

10. Developmental Disabilities

Here's how substitute instructors use developmental disabilities:

Served as a substitute teacher and substitute instructor aide at the Beacon School of Athens for children with developmental disabilities.
Train individuals with developmental disabilities, work with children who have behavioral barriers to success, teaching them, and diver

11. Instructional Materials

Here's how substitute instructors use instructional materials:

Created instructional materials consistent with individual learning needs and behaviors.
Developed lesson plans and instructional materials and provide individualized and small group instruction in the subject area of maintaining renewable resources.

12. III

III is often used to describe the level of a class, clearance, or experience in a tiered system. This may mean a class level such as Calculus III or Spanish III, meaning the class may refer to the classes held before; however, there may also be an Engineer III, indicating the engineer can work on more complex issues and understands a great number of engineering principles and procedures.

Here's how substitute instructors use iii:

Involved substituting on Instructor III level for various teachers for Elementary, Middle and High School.
AWARD Substitute Instructor III Teacher for Early head-start and K-12

13. Learning Environment

Here's how substitute instructors use learning environment:

Provided additional and replacement instruction on short notice to ensure optimal learning environment when lead instructors unavailable.
Promoted a successful learning environment and maintained classroom order and discipline.

15. Student Learning

Here's how substitute instructors use student learning:

Developed coursework and testing materials; Advised students; Lesson planning guided by program student learning objectives
Promote student learning in the absence of the regular instructor.

5 Substitute Instructor resume examples

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What skills help Substitute Instructors find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on substitute instructor resumes?

Cheryl McDonald

Faculty & Coordinator, Education Specialist and Dual Credential programs, California State University - Fresno

A resume should focus on the person's strongest, most relevant qualifications, experiences and professional skills, stated as much as possible in the "buzzwords" of the profession. Resumes are tailored to the specific job for which the candidate is applying. In addition to qualifications, professional skills and experience, employers also want applicants who are efficient, effective, timely, flexible, collaborative, adaptable, technologically savvy, accepting of constructive criticism, willing to improve performance, and skilled at solving problems before or as they as arise. Candidates should learn and practice using the tools that the employer uses, whether it is equipment, machines, technology, or software applications. The degree of familiarity or proficiency the candidate has for the tools the employer uses should be listed on the resume and shared in the interview. Before the interview, candidates should practice using the tools that the employer uses, prepare specific examples and instances of their proficiency in using those tools, and when possible, use the tools the employer uses during the interview.

I recommend that applicants approach their resumes in three ways. First, place yourself in the shoes of the potential employer. What qualifications, experience, and additional skills would you would want in someone you hire for the job? Second, think about what you want to convey and how you wish to represent yourself. Third, because English is read from the left to the right, mentally divide the resume page into quadrants, and place your most relevant information in the upper left quadrant first and then move to the upper right quadrant. This format is also appropriate for eye or word recognition software, used in many large-scale businesses and school districts, to scan the many resumes they receive.

What substitute instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Helen Callus

Professor of Viola, Northwestern University

A gap year is a terrific way to build a resume. By looking at where there might be a lack of experience like competitions, teaching, administration, summer festival interns, assistantships - they can focus their time and build their resumes well. I also think being creative in these current times, showing that you have experience teaching remotely, making a studio, creating a website, writing an article, and doing research that could be helpful later on. You could also spend the time preparing repertoire to teach or take auditions and make your first recording and video YouTube performance.

What type of skills will young substitute instructors need?

Dr. Lori Gray

Associate Professor: Director of Music Education, Boise State University

For the past several years, it has been clear that employers are seeking graduates with 21st Century Learning Skills (critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration). The four Cs of 21st Century Learning frequently come up during reference calls on my end and interviews for our recent graduates.

I would add that graduates need a strong work ethic, an understanding of professionalism and respect in the workplace, and self-awareness and an understanding of personal needs and limitations both at work and in their personal lives. In these current living conditions during a global pandemic (COVID-19), graduates also need resilience, perseverance, adaptability, and flexibility. These are all skills I would want for our Music Education majors to cultivate, as the climate in K-12 Education is ever-changing. However, I believe these are all skills that would be useful in any new career path.

What soft skills should all substitute instructors possess?

Dr. Eric Martone

Interim Dean of the School of Education, Associate Professor, History/Social Studies Education, Editor, Global Education Review, Mercy College

In the era of COVID, stress management and adaptability are two critical soft skills that educators must have more than ever.

What hard/technical skills are most important for substitute instructors?

Dr. Eric Martone

Interim Dean of the School of Education, Associate Professor, History/Social Studies Education, Editor, Global Education Review, Mercy College

In the era of COVID, skills with technology, particularly in the areas of remote and hybrid learning, are especially crucial.

Do you want to know more?

List of substitute instructor skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a substitute instructor resume and required skills for a substitute instructor to have include:

Kids
Classroom Management
Mathematics
Literature
Syllabus
Math
ESL
English Language
Chemistry

Developmental Disabilities
Instructional Materials
III
Learning Environment
Social Studies
Student Learning
Classroom Environment
Physiology
K-12

Public Schools
State Board
K-8
Children Ages
Pre-K
Course Materials
Course Objectives
Student Assignments
IEP

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Substitute Instructor Skills

Updated January 8, 2025

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