Do I need a degree to be a preschool teacher?

To be a substitute teacher, you generally donâ€™t need a degree. In some states, you will be required or encouraged to have some sort of teacher certification. However, having a degree can set you apart. Substitute teaching is a great job while youâ€™re working toward a teaching degree as it gives you applicable experience and helps you learn teaching skills and classroom management.

How to Become a Substitute Teacher

Q: What Is a Substitute Teacher?

A substitute teacher is someone who fills in for a full-time teacherâ€™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 â€œguestâ€ teacher is responsible for delivering the absent teacherâ€™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.

Q: What Does a Substitute Teacher Do?

here 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. Itâ€™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 dayâ€™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 assignmentsâ€”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 schoolâ€™s procedures and district regulations. 2) Consult with the board of education for the district where theyâ€™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.

Q: 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 youâ€™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 requirementsâ€”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 bachelorâ€™s degree. If you already have a degree, it could potentially open the door to substitute teaching assignments, particularly if youâ€™re well versed in a particular subject. Here are some helpful steps to follow if youâ€™re looking to set yourself apart as a substitute teacher. Once youâ€™ve earned the credentials you need for the school where you want to teach, there are steps youâ€™ll need to follow so you can apply to be part of their substitute teacher pool. After completing all these steps, youâ€™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.

Q: 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. Itâ€™s important to get to class early, read lesson plans, and be ready for the day. Being authoritative. As a substitute teacher, itâ€™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 wonâ€™t get everything perfect. Itâ€™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. Itâ€™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.

Q: How Much Does a Substitute Teacher Make?

While itâ€™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.

Q: What Is the Projected Job Growth?

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, itâ€™s possible that number could grow.

EDUCATION CAREER GUIDES

Substitute Teacher Career

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OVERVIEW

What is a Substitute Teacher?

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A substitute teacher is an educator who steps in to manage a classroom when the regularÌýclassroomÌýteacher is unavailable.ÌýThey play a vital role inÌýmaintainingÌýaÌýroutineÌýand productive learning environment. Far from being simple supervisors,Ìýsubstitute teachersÌýare responsible forÌýcontinuing the educational momentum, following lesson plans, and ensuring that studentsÌýremainÌýengaged and on task.

Without qualified substitutes, a teacher's absence due to illness, professional development, or personal leave could result in significant disruptions to student learning.ÌýSubstitutesÌýprovide the stability and continuity necessary for schools to operate smoothly day in and day out.ÌýTheseÌýeducatorsÌýalso often bring diverse backgrounds and experiences, enriching the classroom environment with their unique perspective.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

What Does a Substitute Teacher Do?

The daily duties of a substitute teacher can vary depending on the grade level, subject matter, and the duration of the assignment. However, some core responsibilities areÌýconsistentÌýacross most settings.ÌýThe substitute willÌýexecute the lesson plans left by the permanent teacherÌýorÌýimprovise if lesson plans are unclear or incomplete. This involves delivering instruction, guiding students through activities, and answering questions about the material.Ìý

Beyond academics, substitute teachersÌýare responsible forÌýclassroom management. They mustÌýmaintainÌýorder, enforce school rules, and create a respectful and safe environment for all students. This includes taking attendance, managing student behavior, and adapting to the unique dynamics of each classroom. At the end of the day, a substitute often leaves a detailed note for the regular teacher, summarizing the day's progress, any challenges that arose, and how students performed.Ìý

Where Does a Substitute Teacher Work?

Substitute teachers work in a wide range of educational settings. The most common environments are public elementary, middle, and high schools.ÌýThese roles provide opportunities to engage with diverse student populations across different communities.

Beyond the public school system, substitute teachers can also find opportunities in private and charter schools. These institutions may have different requirements and curricula, offering a unique teaching experience. Some substitutes also work in specialized educational settings such as schools for students with special needs or career and technical education centers. ThisÌýwide range of environmentsÌýallows substituteÌýteachers toÌýchoose settingsÌýthatÌýalign withÌýtheir skills,Ìýinterests, and professional goals.

EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES

How Do I Become a Substitute Teacher?

The substitute teacherÌýrequirementsÌývaryÌýby state and even by school district, but itÌýgenerally followsÌýa set of common steps.ÌýIt'sÌýimportant to research the specific requirements for the area where you wish to work.

1. Meet the Minimum Education Requirements

The first step is toÌýdetermineÌýthe educational qualifications needed. While some states or districtsÌýrequireÌýa bachelor's degree, others may only require a high school diploma or a certain number of college credit hours.ÌýAÌýteaching certificateÌýis often preferredÌýbutÌýnot always mandatory.

2. Complete a Background Check

The safety of students is paramount. All prospective substitute teachers must undergo a comprehensive criminal background check, which typically includes fingerprinting. This process ensures that candidates have a clear record and are suitable for working with children.

3. Obtain a Substitute Teaching License or PermitÌý

Most states require substitutes to hold a specific license or permit. The process for obtaining this credential involves submitting an application, transcripts, and background check results to the state's department of education. There may also be a fee associated with the application.Ìý

4. Prepare Your Application MaterialsÌý

Once you are certified or licensed, you can begin applying for positions. You will need a professional rÃ©sumÃ© that highlights your education, relevant experience (such as tutoring or volunteering with youth), and skills. Tailoring your rÃ©sumÃ© to each districtâ€™s priorities can help you stand out among other applicants. You may also need to gather letters of recommendation.Ìý

5. Apply to School DistrictsÌý

You can apply directly to individual school districts or, in some cases, to third-party staffing agencies that partner with schools to fill substitute positions. Many districts have online application portals where you can submit your materials and view available openings.Ìý

6. Attend an OrientationÌý

After being hired, most districts require new substitutes to attend an orientation session. This training covers school policies, classroom management strategies, emergency procedures, and the system used for accepting assignments.Ìý

Best Degrees for Substitute Teachers

Education

COMPARE

Bachelor's Degrees Elementary Education

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Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring elementary school...

Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring elementary school teachers who are looking to earn a teaching license.

Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.

Time:Ìý68% of students finish within 36 to 38 months.
Tuition:Ìý$3,825 per 6-month term.
Courses: 37 to 45 (47 for Washington residents) total courses in your degree, depending on which program you pursue.

Concepts included in this program:

Lesson Planning
Ethics
Behavioral Support Strategies
Educational Psychology & Development
Classroom Management

These online bachelor's degrees require in-classroom observation and a term of full-timeÌýstudent teaching.

Education

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Educational Studies â€“ B.A.

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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:ÌýCompletion time varies depending on the specialty track you choose.
Tuition:Ìý$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
Secondary Mathematics Education

How Much Does a Substitute Teacher Make?

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Compensation for substitute teachers can vary significantly based on location, qualifications, and the school district. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for substitute teachers was approximatelyÌý. This translates to an annual salary of about $37,380 for those who workÌýregularly.

Pay rates are often higher for substitutes with a bachelor's degree or teaching certification. Furthermore, long-term substitute assignmentsâ€”where a substitute covers a single classroom for an extended periodâ€”typically come with a higher daily rate of pay.ÌýSome districts also offer bonuses or incentives for long-term roles or high-demand subjects.

What Is the Projected Job Growth?

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The demand for substitute teacherÌýjobs is closely tied to the overall employment of elementary, middle, and high school teachers. TheÌýBLSÌýprojects little to no change in employment for teachers overallÌý.ÌýHowever, the demand forÌýsubstitute teachersÌýremainsÌýsteady, regardless of broader trends.

There will always be a need to coverÌýteacherÌýabsences, and schoolsÌýroutinelyÌýseekÌýqualified and reliable individuals to fill these roles. Districts in areas with growing student populations or those experiencing teacher shortages may have a particularly high demand for substitutes, offeringÌýample opportunitiesÌýforÌýconsistentÌýwork.

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SKILLS

What Skills Does a Substitute Teacher Need?

Succeeding as a substitute teacherÌýrequiresÌýmore than just academic knowledge. It demands a unique combination of soft skills that allow you to adapt and thrive in ever-changing environments.

Flexibility and adaptability:ÌýYou might be in a kindergarten class one day and a high school physics labÌýthe next. The ability to quickly adjust to different age groups, subjects, and school cultures isÌýperhaps theÌýmost critical skill for a substitute.
Strong classroom management:ÌýStepping into an unfamiliar classroom requires the ability toÌýquicklyÌýestablishÌýauthority and rapport. EffectiveÌýclassroom management skills are essentialÌýforÌýmaintainingÌýa productive learning environment and handling behavioral issues calmly and effectively.
Excellent communication:ÌýClear communication is key. You must be able to deliver instructions from the lesson plan, explain concepts to students, and leave concise, informative notes for the returning teacher.
Patience and empathy:ÌýStudents may test boundaries with a new authority figure. Having patience and the ability to understand student perspectives can help de-escalate conflicts and build a positive classroom atmosphere.
Problem-solving:ÌýNo matter how detailed the lesson plan is, unexpected situations will arise. WhetherÌýit'sÌýa broken projector or a student conflict, theÌýability to think on your feet and find practical solutions is invaluable.ÌýInnovative thinking can turn a disrupted lesson into a creative learning opportunity.
Professionalism:ÌýArriving on time, dressing appropriately, and interacting respectfully with students, faculty, and staff are all hallmarks of a professional substitute teacher. This helps build a positive reputation and leads to more frequent job offers.

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