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What Is a Substitute Teacher?鈥�

When a full-time teacher is away from the classroom, a substitute teacher steps in to perform their duties and keep students engaged until they return. Substitutes 鈥� also known as sub teachers, temporary teachers or fill-in teachers 鈥� are critical to school districts and student success. Their availability allows full-time teachers to take time off without creating gaps in educational development and quality instruction. 

A substitute teacher career is known for strong work-life balance and diverse classroom experiences as they create their own schedules and work in various schools, subjects and grade levels. If you鈥檙e passionate about education and seeking flexible teaching jobs, this guide is your one-stop shop to starting a career in substitute teaching. 

What Does a Substitute Teacher Do?鈥�

Substitute teachers have the unique opportunity for exposure in different learning environments at elementary, middle or high schools. Their highest priority is managing classrooms in the absence of classroom teachers. Sometimes they鈥檙e needed for a day here and there. Other times, they may offer short- or long-term coverage.  

Most often, their responsibilities include but aren鈥檛 limited to: 

• Following lesson plans 
• Maintaining classroom management 
• Ensuring student learning continues 

How to Become a Substitute Teacher

While substitute teacher requirements may differ between states and school districts, there are general steps you can expect when becoming a substitute teacher. 

1. Meet minimum education requirements, such as a high school diploma or associate degree. Some districts require a bachelor鈥檚 degree. 
2. Pass a background check and fingerprinting process. 
3. Get a substitute teaching license, if required. 
4. Apply for substitute teacher jobs in your local school district.鈥� 

Growing From Substitute to Full-Time Teacher

Working as a substitute can equip you for a full-time education career. If you aspire to advance into a classroom teacher role, you鈥檒l first want to understand expectations and requirements specific to your state and school district. 

Substitute teacher qualifications include: 

1. Earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree if you haven鈥檛 already 
2. Completing a teacher preparation program if you haven鈥檛 already 
3. Passing state certification and/or licensure exams 
4. Obtaining a teaching license 
5. Applying for full-time positions 

Sometimes, school districts hire substitutes with the intention of equipping them for promotion into full-time teachers. This process can take anywhere from one to three years, depending on your education and experience, as well as the time it takes to meet any unmet requirements.  

Substitutes who are chosen for promotion often showcase qualities like reliability, expertise in a particular subject or grade level, professionalism and communication skills. You also need to be willing to take on long-term sub roles and show progress toward teacher licensure. 

Substitute Teacher Salary and Job Outlook

Substitute teacher pay varies based on state and school district. However, the median annual salary in the United States is $57,461.¹ There鈥檚 also a positive job outlook as substitute teachers are critically needed to support today鈥檚 teacher shortage crisis. 

FAQs

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