A substitute teacher is someone who fills in and teaches a class when the regular teacher is absent. Substitute teaching has long been characterized as a thankless job, having to handle unruly students in an often unfamiliar school. Substitute teaching can also be a surprisingly well paying job with steady work, great flexibility, and opportunities to network your way into more stable and profitable positions.
Short-Term Vs Long-Term
Substitute teaching positions are generally long or short-term, with different responsibilities for each. The most common type of substitute teaching position is only for a day or two when the regular teacher has called in sick. However, occasionally positions open up that can last for weeks, or even months, while the regular teacher goes on long-term leave.
Short-Term Responsibilities
Because you are making only a brief appearance in the classroom, the focus of your service should be to maintain the momentum of the class so that the teacher can return and resume leading the class without any major disruption caused by their absence. Therefore, the duties of a short-term sub are usually basic: taking attendance, teaching the class by following a lesson plan left by the teacher, and maintaining order in the classroom. All the major responsibilities remain almost entirely with the regular teacher.
Long-Term Duties
All of the responsibilities of the short-term substitute also apply to the long-term sub, but in an expanded capacity. You may be required to make up your own lesson plans, with or without input from the regular teacher. The grading of homework, assignments, and tests, as well as the submission of final grades for the semester are also areas where the long term sub has to assume greater responsibility. The advantages of a long term substitute assignment include the chance for greater creativity, responsibility, and a chance to show what you can do.
Qualifications and Pay
The requirements to become a substitute teacher vary from state to state. However, there are certain basic qualifications that all states require: you must have a high school diploma, with most states also requiring at least some college. Pay scales may vary based on the amount of educational credentials you have and what state you work in. For example, substitutes in California can make $118 dollars a day, while those in Florida are paid only $55 per day. Applicants for substitute teaching positions can expect to be given background checks as to their character and legal history.
Career Opportunities
A substitute teacher has great networking opportunities for establishing the contacts for a career in education. Substitute teaching is not for everyone, but if you have a flexible attitude, are detail orientated, enjoy the company of young people, and have the thick skin and sense of humor to handle the classes, then substitute teaching may be a solid stepping stone to a successful educational career.
