Top 12 Substitute Teacher Skills to Put on Your Resume
In the quick-shifting world of education, substitute teachers keep learning on track, steadying the room and inviting curiosity when the regular teacher is out. A strong skill set on your resume shows you can adapt, manage behavior, and spark engagement—proof you’ll step in and keep momentum humming.
Substitute Teacher Skills
- Classroom Management
- Lesson Adaptability
- Student Engagement
- Special Education
- Conflict Resolution
- Google Classroom
- Zoom Proficiency
- Blackboard Learn
- Multilingual Communication
- Canvas LMS
- Behavioral Management
- Microsoft Teams
1. Classroom Management
Classroom management for a substitute teacher means quickly setting norms, keeping a calm rhythm, and guiding student behavior so learning continues without a hitch.
Why It's Important
It preserves the teacher’s routines, keeps the day orderly, and protects learning time. Students know what to expect, and that steadiness lowers disruptions.
How to Improve Classroom Management Skills
Start strong, stay steady, and build trust. Try these moves:
Set clear expectations immediately: Post or state rules and consequences in plain language. Follow through.
Mirror the regular routines: Use the seating chart, signals, and procedures already in place whenever possible.
Be prepared with backup tasks: Fast-finishers? Unexpected gaps? Keep short literacy, problem-solving, or reflection activities ready.
Use positive reinforcement: Catch on-task behavior and name it. Quick praise, points, or simple acknowledgments go far.
Scan and circulate: Proximity deters off-task behavior and invites questions before they snowball.
Reset calmly: Brief, neutral reminders de-escalate better than lectures.
Small, consistent actions build a room that runs itself.
How to Display Classroom Management Skills on Your Resume
2. Lesson Adaptability
Lesson adaptability is the knack for reshaping plans and delivery on the fly—matching the learners in front of you with the time, tools, and energy you’ve actually got.
Why It's Important
Classes differ by the hour. Being able to pivot preserves learning goals when materials are missing, tech hiccups happen, or skill levels vary widely.
How to Improve Lesson Adaptability Skills
Pack a light toolkit and move with it:
Know multiple methods: Direct teach, think-pair-share, stations, quick writes, mini-labs—swap as needed.
Carry adaptable mini-lessons: Short, standards-aligned activities that scale up or down by grade and time.
Use simple tech when available: Timers, slides, polls, and collaborative docs can energize a plan without overcomplicating it.
Check understanding fast: Thumbs, exit slips, quick problems—then adjust pacing.
Offer choice: Two prompts, three problem sets, or partner vs. solo options let students enter at the right level.
Flexible structure beats rigid perfection every time.
How to Display Lesson Adaptability Skills on Your Resume
3. Student Engagement
Student engagement is that spark—attention, curiosity, and participation rolling together—so learners don’t just sit in the room; they lean in.
Why It's Important
Engaged students disrupt less and learn more. For subs, it’s the difference between surviving the period and getting real work done.
How to Improve Student Engagement Skills
Invite them in; keep them moving:
Learn names quickly: Use tents or quick roll call routines—connection fuels effort.
Preview the path: Post the agenda and goals; students settle when they can see the finish line.
Make it interactive: Short debates, jigsaws, demos, or quick-build challenges beat long monologues.
Use brief checks: Polls, whiteboards, or a one-minute share keep energy cycling.
Give choices: Topic, format, or partners—autonomy snaps attention to the task.
Celebrate progress: Immediate, specific feedback sustains momentum.
Pace, clarity, and voice—get those right and engagement follows.
How to Display Student Engagement Skills on Your Resume
4. Special Education
Special Education provides tailored instruction and supports for learners with disabilities so they can access content and thrive alongside peers.
Why It's Important
Understanding core accommodations and supports helps a substitute teacher deliver lessons that are truly accessible—fair, legal, and effective.
How to Improve Special Education Skills
Be thoughtful, precise, and collaborative:
Review student support information as permitted: Check accommodation notes, behavior plans, and any substitute-facing summaries provided by the school.
Maintain predictable structure: Clear agendas, visual cues, and consistent transitions reduce anxiety and increase success.
Offer multiple access points: Read-alouds, graphic organizers, sentence starters, manipulatives—different doors into the same room.
Leverage assistive tools available on campus: Built-in device accessibility, approved reading supports, and timers can be game-changers.
Prioritize patience and flexibility: Adjust time, chunk tasks, and reduce distractions when needed.
Ask for help: Coordinate with aides, case managers, or grade-level teams when questions arise.
Inclusion isn’t a slogan; it’s a set of habits practiced all day long.
How to Display Special Education Skills on Your Resume
5. Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution means spotting friction early and guiding students toward safe, respectful solutions—so learning can resume.
Why It's Important
Quicker de-escalation equals fewer lost minutes and a safer climate for everyone.
How to Improve Conflict Resolution Skills
Keep it calm, fair, and forward-looking:
Listen first: Let each student speak briefly without interruption; reflect back what you heard.
State expectations clearly: Short, neutral language beats long lectures.
Use de-escalation moves: Lower voice, increase space, offer a short reset or “take five” spot if your school uses one.
Teach problem-solving: Guide students to name the issue, brainstorm options, and choose a fair next step.
Apply consistent consequences: Follow classroom or school protocols without surprises.
Reflect and reset: Afterward, jot quick notes on what worked and what to tweak.
Firm, respectful boundaries make room for dignity and learning.
How to Display Conflict Resolution Skills on Your Resume
6. Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a hub for assignments, announcements, grading, and feedback—clean, paperless, and easy to pick up when you’re stepping in for a day.
Why It's Important
It centralizes materials and communication, making continuity painless when teachers are out.
How to Improve Google Classroom Skills
Make it smooth for everyone:
Centralize essentials: Keep lesson plans, rosters, and daily slides in a clearly labeled topic.
Clarify instructions: Post step-by-step directions and expected outcomes inside each assignment.
Use announcements: Pin the day’s agenda and any changes so students have a single source of truth.
Check permissions: Ensure you can view submissions and enter quick feedback when appropriate.
Provide quick guides: A one-pager for substitutes—where to find files, how to take attendance—saves time.
Gather feedback: A simple form or exit prompt helps refine future sub plans.
Clarity in Classroom keeps everything humming along.
How to Display Google Classroom Skills on Your Resume
7. Zoom Proficiency
Zoom proficiency is the ability to run virtual lessons smoothly—managing participants, sharing content, guiding discussion, and handling the tech without drama.
Why It's Important
When classes shift online or hybrid, instruction only works if the tools stay out of the way.
How to Improve Zoom Proficiency Skills
Focus on features that matter most to teaching:
Master core controls: Mute, video, chat, reactions, and security settings (waiting room, screen share permissions).
Use breakout rooms: Small-group tasks, peer review, or targeted support in quick bursts.
Run polls and quick checks: Gauge understanding in seconds and adjust.
Share smart: Share a window, not your whole desktop; keep clutter off-screen.
Leverage whiteboards: Annotate live to model thinking or gather ideas.
Record when allowed: Provide make-up access or review material per school policy.
Practice and rehearse: Test your setup, lighting, and audio before class starts.
Less fiddling, more teaching—that’s the goal.
How to Display Zoom Proficiency Skills on Your Resume
8. Blackboard Learn
Blackboard Learn is a learning platform for hosting content, assignments, discussions, and assessments—useful whether class is in person or online.
Why It's Important
As a sub, you can find materials fast, follow the course map, and keep grading and communication consistent.
How to Improve Blackboard Learn Skills
Make the system work for you:
Streamline access: Ensure your role has the right permissions to view materials, gradebooks, and announcements.
Use announcements and messages: Post daily directions and clarify expectations in one place.
Organize content: Keep units and daily folders labeled and chronological so a substitute can follow the trail without guesswork.
Clear structure plus timely communication keeps classes moving forward.
How to Display Blackboard Learn Skills on Your Resume
9. Multilingual Communication
Multilingual communication bridges language gaps so every student can access directions, content, and support.
Why It's Important
Classrooms are multilingual. When you honor that reality, participation rises and misunderstandings fall.
How to Improve Multilingual Communication Skills
Keep it visual, simple, and inclusive:
1. Use visuals: Diagrams, labeled models, and example products shrink language barriers fast.
2. Simplify language: Short sentences, concrete words, and fewer idioms help everyone.
3. Encourage home-language support: Allow think time and peer help; invite bilingual students to clarify for classmates when appropriate.
4. Use approved translation tools: District-vetted apps and translated handouts protect privacy and clarity.
5. Learn a few key phrases: Greetings, praise, and simple directions in students’ languages build trust.
Clarity is kindness—especially across languages.
How to Display Multilingual Communication Skills on Your Resume
10. Canvas LMS
Canvas is a web-based learning platform for modules, assignments, discussions, and grades—simple to navigate and powerful for continuity.
Why It's Important
Subs can step in, follow the module flow, and keep instruction aligned with the course plan—no scavenger hunt required.
How to Improve Canvas LMS Skills
Reduce friction and highlight the path:
Optimize the dashboard: Pin current courses, and keep the day’s module at the top.
Communicate in one channel: Use announcements and inbox messages for all class-wide updates.
Grant the right role: Ensure substitute or teacher roles allow viewing modules, taking attendance, and entering feedback as needed.
Provide quick-start guides: A short “How to run today’s lesson” page linked in the module saves time.
Organize materials logically: Pages → assignments → quizzes, in order; label with dates and lesson numbers.
Support and escalation: Note who to contact on campus if access issues pop up.
Clean course design turns Canvas into a compass, not a maze.
How to Display Canvas LMS Skills on Your Resume
11. Behavioral Management
Behavioral management is the toolkit for preventing and responding to disruption so attention returns to learning quickly.
Why It's Important
Predictable routines and fair responses protect the climate of the room—and the day’s objectives.
How to Improve Behavioral Management Skills
Anchor the class with clarity and consistency:
State expectations early: Use 3–5 positive, observable rules. Revisit them before transitions.
Reinforce the good: Praise specifically and frequently; acknowledge effort, not just results.
Match consequences to behavior: Small redirections for small issues; escalate only as school policy outlines.
Teach routines: Entry, materials, talk time, cleanup—practice once and save minutes all day.
Document briefly: Note major behaviors and the steps you took so the regular teacher has context.
Prevention beats correction—every single time.
How to Display Behavioral Management Skills on Your Resume
12. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams brings chat, video meetings, files, and class collaboration under one roof—tidy and organized.
Why It's Important
Substitutes can access materials, run meetings, and keep students connected without juggling apps.
How to Improve Microsoft Teams Skills
Use structure to your advantage:
Organize with channels: One per class or unit; pin the daily plan and key files.
Schedule clearly: Set meetings in the calendar with agendas in the description.
Engage with breakout rooms: Small teams for discussions or labs; rotate quickly to check in.
Share resources via Teams and SharePoint: Keep materials version-controlled and easy to find.
Assess with Forms: Quick quizzes and polls give instant readouts.
Keep learning: Explore Microsoft Learn training paths focused on education features.
Clear channels, clear next steps, clear minds.
How to Display Microsoft Teams Skills on Your Resume
