We’ve had a number of questions about substitute teachers – how to become one, and what qualifications are necessary.
A substitute teacher fills in for a regular teacher, usually for short periods of time, when a regular teacher is ill or otherwise unavailable.
Substitute Teacher Requirements Across States- see below
The qualifications required for a substitute teacher are often less strict than that of a regular teacher. The qualifications are dependent on area, so check with your local education body. Qualifications can vary from a college degree to no experience at all, but generally speaking, the substitute teacher requires less qualifications than a regular teacher. The National Education Association details a list of requirements for substitute teachers, which can be found on “Status of Substitute Teachers: A State-By-State Summary“. Also take a look at the teacher certification map.
Substitute Teacher Pay
There are donwsides to being a substitute teacher. Children often play up as a substitute teacher isn’t perceived to have authority. Lesson plans are often missing, and the substitute may not be familiar with school procedures and policies. Other teachers, and administrators, may see the role as one of babysitter. There is limited status attached to the job.
The pay is usually low, and this has led to shortages in many areas. On the upside, if you want to be a substitute teacher, you shouldn’t have many problems finding work due to rising demand.
The Upsides Of Being A Substitute Teacher
Great for people who enjoy working with children, but don’t wish to commit to full-time employment as a regular teacher. It is also a good way to see if a teaching is right for you, and allows you to see various schools as substitutes, unlike regular teachers, often work out of a number of schools. Substitute Teaching can be used as a second income, you get to pick and choose assignments, you can work when and where you want, you don’t have to take work home with you, and you can influence the lives of students.
What Type Of People Become Substitute Teachers?
Substitute teachers comes from all walks of life. Common backgrounds include retired former teachers, people thinking of becoming regular teachers, people training to be teachers and people looking to boost their income with a part-time/second job.
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