OVERVIEW
What is a Substitute Teacher?
A substitute teacher is someone who fills in for a full-time teacher’s absence due to illness, parental leave, or other reasons either for a day or sometimes much longer. Most people at some point in their education have had a substitute teacher. This “guest” teacher is responsible for delivering the absent teacher’s lesson plans and assignments and sometimes may be required to attend staff meetings and lead additional student activities. In other scenarios, the substitute may create their own lesson plan aligned with the learning objectives of the class.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Substitute Teacher Do?
There are many responsibilities in the day-to-day work of a substitute. Their day might go something like this:
- You receive a call from a school telling you that a substitute is needed. It’s common for calls to come the morning of the assignment.
- If possible, you find out ahead of time the lesson plans left by the teacher. If there was an emergency, there may not be any robust plans.
- You report to class to meet the students. You may need to get instructions from the principal or administration in order to locate the correct classroom.
- You deliver the day’s lesson and help the students with their assignments. You should do your best to keep students on task and provide useful feedback.
- You give a report to the teacher about how the day went, notifying them of any concerns or issues. A little professional courtesy like this can keep you top of mind for future assignments—and lead you one step closer to having your own classroom.
Before any subbing assignment, there are many things you can do to prepare in addition to creating lesson plans. Substitute teachers must:
1) Familiarize themselves with the school’s procedures and district regulations.
2) Consult with the board of education for the district where they’re interested in teaching to learn its requirements for substitute teachers.
3) Build their competitive edge by completing a teaching internship and staying current on teaching practices and technologies.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Substitute Teacher?
Qualifications to become a substitute vary across schools, districts, and states. The best way to start your path to becoming a sub is to check with the school you’re interested in to find out their requirements for substitute teaching. At a minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some require state-level certification or a teaching certificate (granted after successful completion of competency tests). The certificate you'll need will depend on your state and school district requirements. And different grade levels may have unique certification requirements—high school certificates may be more challenging to obtain than elementary school certificates.
While some states require an educator certification, some will have unique substitute certificates with or without a bachelor’s degree. If you already have a degree, it could potentially open the door to substitute teaching assignments, particularly if you’re well versed in a particular subject. Here are some helpful steps to follow if you’re looking to set yourself apart as a substitute teacher.
Once you’ve earned the credentials you need for the school where you want to teach, there are steps you’ll need to follow so you can apply to be part of their substitute teacher pool. After completing all these steps, you’ll be ready to start accepting assignments. To find substitute teaching jobs, contact individual schools, call your local school district, or search online for hiring websites, job boards, and applications.
Best Degrees for Substitute Teachers
Education
Elementary Education – B.A.
An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers....
An online teacher certification program for aspiring elementary teachers.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 68% of students finish this degree within 36 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program (38 for Washington residents)
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Elementary Reading Methods
- Language Arts Instruction
- Elementary Mathematics Methods
- Elementary Disciplinary Literacy
- Children’s Literature
This elementary education degree program requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching. This online teaching degree program helps you to be eligible for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.
Education
Educational Studies – B.A.
These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to...
These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to make a difference in a field that interests you.
Based on your career goals and interests, you can choose an educational studies program in one of 10 content areas that meets your needs while working toward employment in school settings, corporate training, or instructional design. These programs do not lead to a teaching license.
- Time: Completion time varies depending on the specialty track you choose.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- This bachelor's degree allows students to learn about education but does not include student teaching and it does not lead to a teaching license.
Focus areas of this educational studies degree program include:
- Elementary Education
- Elementary and Special Education
- Mild to Moderate Special Education
- Secondary Biology Science Education
- Secondary Chemistry Science Education
- Secondary Earth Science Education
- Secondary Physics Education
- Middle Grades Science Education
- Secondary Mathematics Education
- Middle Grade Mathematics Education
How Much Does a Substitute Teacher Make?
$36,090
While it’s difficult to say exactly how much a substitute teacher makes each year because of the sporadic hours, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average hourly wage for substitutes is $17.35 which translates to $36,090 per year if one substitutes at full-time hours. The top 90% make $24.93 per hour which equals out to $51,850 per year.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
3%
The market for substitute teachers is expected to grow at a 3% rate from 2019 to 2029. With the growing teacher shortage and the increasing demands on teachers, it’s possible that number could grow.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Substitute Teacher Need?
The skills and qualities a substitute should possess are largely similar to those of a full-time teacher. They include:
- Being punctual and prepared. It’s important to get to class early, read lesson plans, and be ready for the day.
- Being authoritative. As a substitute teacher, it’s critical to maintain control of the classroom while the regular teacher is away.
- Having a sense of humor. Mistakes will happen and you likely won’t get everything perfect. It’s best to be able to laugh at yourself.
- Being flexible. Last-minute notice is the norm for substitute teachers. Flexibility is key.
- Staying enthusiastic and committed to the role. Learning the intricacies of managing a different class every day can be challenging. Stay positive and enjoy the challenge.
- Being able to manage time wisely and effectively. It’s important to ensure the students stay on track with their work even while their teacher is out. Manage time well and help the students do so also.
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