Substitute teaching isn’t just about filling in for a day—it’s about stepping into a classroom with confidence, creating stability for students, and leaving a positive mark, even in a short window of time. Whether you’re just starting out or considering making the leap into teaching, you might be wondering: What substitute teacher skills are most important to develop? What do schools actually look for—and how can you show you’ve got what it takes?

In this guide, we’ll walk through the key skills that make a substitute teacher not just good, but great. You'll also find practical tips to help you prepare for interviews, boost your CV, and feel more confident before you even step into the classroom.

Let’s dive in.

1. Adaptability: The #1 Skill for Every Substitute

Why it matters: No two days—or classrooms—are the same. Plans change. Materials go missing. Sometimes, there’s no lesson plan at all. Your ability to stay calm, think on your feet, and adjust to changing situations is critical.

What it looks like in action:
You’re able to walk into any classroom and quickly get your bearings—whether or not detailed plans are available. You stay calm under pressure, adjust to unexpected changes in schedule or student needs, and find ways to keep the day running smoothly, even when things don’t go to plan.

2. Classroom Leadership: Create Calm in the Chaos

Why it matters: Without strong classroom leadership, even the best lesson plans fall flat. Students—especially younger ones—respond well to structure and clear expectations. As a substitute, you’re stepping into an existing routine. Your job? Maintain it.

What it looks like in action:
You can step into a new classroom and establish a calm, respectful environment. You guide students through the day, set clear expectations, and keep things on track without needing to raise your voice. You create a sense of order and fairness that students respond to—even if they’ve never met you before.

Tip: You don’t have to be loud or strict to lead. Presence, tone, and consistency go a long way.

3. Communication Skills: With Students, Staff, and Admin

Why it matters: You’re not just communicating with students. You’re liaising with permanent teachers, support staff, and school administrators. The better you communicate, the smoother the day runs—for everyone.

What it looks like in action:
You communicate clearly and confidently, whether giving instructions to students, updating school staff, or writing end-of-day notes. You listen as much as you speak, ask for clarification when needed, and make sure everyone’s on the same page.

4. Empathy and Patience: The Soft Skills That Matter Most

Why it matters: Students might be unsettled by a change in routine. They might be distracted, frustrated, or just testing boundaries. When you lead with empathy, you connect—and connection builds cooperation.

What it looks like in action:
You’re approachable and understanding, especially when students are having a hard time. You stay calm when things get tough and look for ways to support students emotionally as well as academically. You show care, not just control.

5. Organizational Skills: Because Time Is Always Short

Why it matters: From taking attendance to following a bell schedule, substitutes juggle a lot—often without much prep time. Being organized means fewer mistakes and less stress.

What it looks like in action:
You’re able to manage the day efficiently—from taking attendance and following the schedule to ensuring students complete assigned tasks. You keep track of what’s been covered and leave helpful notes behind for the returning teacher.

6. Basic Instructional Skills: You Don’t Need to Be an Expert

Why it matters: You’re not expected to be a subject expert. But you do need to explain instructions clearly, guide students through tasks, and keep the learning moving forward.

What it looks like in action:
You feel confident delivering lessons left by the teacher, guiding students through tasks, and answering questions. When something isn’t clear, you help students make progress by breaking it down into manageable steps.

7. Professionalism and Reliability: Earn Trust, Get Called Back

Why it matters: Schools rely on substitutes who show up on time, follow rules, and handle situations maturely. Reliability is often the difference between a one-time booking and being requested again.

What it looks like in action:
You’re punctual, prepared, and consistent. You take the role seriously—treating each day as an opportunity to support the school and students, even if you’re only there for a few hours. Your positive attitude leaves a good impression on both students and staff.

Quick Tips: How to Present These Skills on Your CV and in Interviews

When it comes to landing your next (or first) role as a substitute teacher, it’s not just what skills you have—it’s how you talk about them.

On Your Resume:

• Add a short “Key Skills” section to the resume. These could be tailored to the role you're applying for so take the time to fully read the job description. Remember; you don't want to add skills without consideration, you should have a story to back up what you include and demonstrate how you've developed those skills.
  
  

  • You could include bullet points like:

    • Flexible and quick-thinking

    • Effective classroom management

    • Positive student rapport

    • Strong communication with staff and parents
      
      

• Use your cover letter as an opportunity to showcase the specific skills and qualifications that make you the ideal candidate for the role. Focus on highlighting the abilities and experiences that align closely with the job requirements outlined in the posting. Be sure to provide concrete examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles or projects, demonstrating the value you can bring to the position. This targeted approach will help your application stand out and show hiring managers that you’ve taken the time to tailor your cover letter to their needs.

In Interviews:

• Prepare 2-3 stories that demonstrate your skills, experience, and achievements. These stories should highlight specific situations where you made an impact, solved a problem, or contributed to a successful outcome. Be sure to include details about the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the results you achieved to make your examples clear and compelling.
  
  

• Demonstrate how your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, align with the school’s mission and values. Highlight specific experiences or examples that showcase these skills in action, and explain how they have prepared you to contribute positively to the school community. Additionally, reflect on how your personal values resonate with the school’s goals, such as fostering inclusivity, promoting lifelong learning, or supporting student development. By making these connections clear, you can illustrate your commitment to supporting the school’s vision and culture.
  
  

• If you're new to teaching and don't have the specific classroom-based examples, think about how your past experiences can translate into the classroom. For example, if you've ever trained coworkers in a professional setting, coached a youth sports team, or worked in childcare, these experiences demonstrate transferable skills like communication, leadership, patience, and the ability to explain concepts clearly. Highlighting these connections can help showcase your potential as an effective educator, even if you’re just starting your teaching journey.

Find better sub teacher roles with Zen Educate

Once your resume is polished, explore job openings through Zen Educate. This platform connects teachers and substitutes with schools seeking qualified candidates. Zen Educate simplifies the job search process and offers:

• Access to Numerous Opportunities: Whether you’re looking for part-time, short-term, or full-time positions, Zen Educate offers a wide array of roles to fit all schedules and preferences.
  
  

• Streamlined Application Process: The platform reduces the time spent job hunting by matching you with schools that suit your profile.
  
  

• Career Support: From improving your applications to preparing for interviews, Zen Educate supports you every step of the way.

Find exciting new positions that align with your skills and interests through Zen Educate. You can sign up for free here!

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got What It Takes

Becoming a great substitute teacher doesn’t require perfection—it takes the right mix of preparation, mindset, and heart. The skills you build now won’t just help you get hired—they’ll make your days in the classroom more meaningful, more manageable, and more rewarding.

If you’re looking for flexible substitute teaching opportunities with support every step of the way, Zen Educate can help. We match educators with schools that value their time, skills, and potential—so you can focus on making a difference.