A substitute teacher fills in for teachers who are absent due to illness or personal emergencies. They are often on-call and must show up on short notice, sometimes working in a given classroom for as little as one day. In other cases, they may be long-term substitutes, filling in for several months while a teacher is recovering from a long-term illness or personal leave such as maternity leave.
As such, substitute teachers play an integral role in the classroom. They serve as caretakers for a classroom in the teacher's absence, ensuring that learning continues to take place and that the students have a positive educational experience with as little disruption as possible. It is a challenging role to fill and requires a diverse skillset.
Substitute teachers must be knowledgeable in teaching and classroom management. They also need to be ready to take on the challenge of substitute teaching, presenting material and lesson plans that may not be familiar to them. In most cases, the classroom teacher will provide lesson plans for a substitute teacher to follow so that students do not lose any progress in their learning goals.
Successful substitute teachers should also have a few backup activities in their educational toolbox if the lesson plans do not fill the entire class period or the supplies needed for a planned lesson are unavailable. It is always crucial for substitute teachers to be ready for unforeseen circumstances. In some cases, especially when a substitute is working long-term, they may be expected to develop lesson plans and take over all instruction for the class.
A valuable quality for substitute teachers is flexibility—they must be available on short notice. They also need to be ready to step into unfamiliar classrooms, meet new students regularly, and hit the ground running. Substitute teachers must be familiar with many different subjects and have the knowledge and skills to work with students of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities. They also need to have flexibility with their work schedules. While substitute teachers usually work on a per diem basis and have some control over when and where they work, there may be times when they are working full-time hours and other times when they are not needed at all.
Substitute teacher duties can cover a variety of tasks, including:
Substitute teacher qualifications may differ depending on the region or school system hiring the substitute teacher. However, particular qualifications are helpful in this position.
| Qualification | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Educational Requirements | Educational requirements for substitute teachers can range from only needing a high school diploma to needing a bachelor's degree. It is helpful to check with the school system where one is applying to be positive the requirements are met. However, regardless of the formal requirements, it is beneficial for substitute teachers to have some knowledge of how to teach. Classes in educational psychology, child development, special education, and other pedagogical topics are valuable. |
| Experience Working with Children | One of the most common substitute teacher requirements is experience working with children. This experience can be gained by various means. Many prospective teachers work with students during a student teaching experience as part of their teacher training program. Other substitute teachers may have previously worked as tutors, having experience instructing students one-on-one or in small groups. Another way of gaining this experience is through working as a teaching assistant under the mentorship of a certified teacher. In some cases, volunteer positions working with children can provide the expertise that will make an aspiring teacher's resume stand out. |
| Excellent Communication Skills | A key qualification for all teachers is excellent communication skills. Substitute teachers need to communicate with their students in order to teach effectively. They also must interact with the regular teacher for the classroom, other educators, administrators, and staff within the school. In some cases, they may be required to communicate with parents or caretakers regarding student behavior. |
| Time Management Skills | Substitute teachers must be on time for their job, usually after receiving a call early in the morning that asks them to cover for the day. The school provides a schedule of classes and breaks to which substitute teachers must adhere. It is essential to be aware of how long each class period is and to use that time wisely to complete the lesson plan for the day. |
| Ability to Adapt | Being able to adapt to change is a valuable substitute teacher qualification. Substitute teachers must regularly attend unfamiliar classrooms with unknown students. They may be in schools they have not worked in before with schedules and policies that they are not used to. Substitute teachers need flexibility in new situations. |
When considering career options in education, a common question is: Do you need a degree to be a substitute teacher? Substitute teacher requirements vary from state to state. Some states only ask for a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, while others request two years of college education or an associate degree. Still, most positions require a bachelor's degree. When a bachelor's degree is mandatory, some school systems want prospective substitute teachers to have had classes in education. Other states and school systems accept a college degree in any field.
Occasionally, states mandate a substitute teaching certification or a complete teacher's certification that require passing an exam like the FTCE test, Praxis test, or TExES test, while others merely look for prior experience working with children. In some cases, regions will award a substitute teacher certification for a limited time, depending on the candidate's qualifications. They may also account for how often a person has substituted in their district. Even in states which do not require a college degree to be a substitute teacher, individual school systems may have more stringent requirements. It is wise to check the substitute teacher qualifications in the state and school district one is applying to work in to ensure that the requirements are met.
Another factor to consider is that substitute teachers with a bachelor's or more advanced degree, or those who hold a teacher's certification, may be eligible for a higher rate of pay than those who do not have these qualifications. They may also be preferred candidates for long-term assignments when a teacher will be out for many days or months due to illness or personal leave. There may be limits on how many days a less qualified substitute teacher may work. If one has a high school diploma or associate degree and is looking to be a substitute teacher as a career choice, it may be beneficial to pursue additional education.
Some states, such as Colorado, Missouri, and Washington, require substitute teachers to have substitute teacher certification. To become a certified substitute teacher, prospective candidates must be mindful of the state's specific regulations.
States may offer different levels of substitute teacher certification depending on the candidate's qualifications. For example, to obtain a one-year substitute teacher authorization in Colorado, an individual must have a high school diploma, pass a background check, and have experience working with children. A three-year authorization may be granted to those who have a bachelor's degree in any field and pass the required background check. The highest level of certification is a five-year authorization, which teachers can obtain if they have a valid state-issued teacher license and pass the background check. Prospective candidates may apply for this substitute teacher certification online. Colorado also offers an online course to help provide substitute teachers with the skills needed to succeed in the classroom.
Missouri does not require certified teachers to obtain a substitute teacher certification, although there are limits on the number of hours they may spend in the classroom. Missouri offers alternative teacher certification for those candidates who do not have a bachelor's degree. Those candidates who have completed 36 semester hours of accredited college courses and wish to substitute teach in a K-12 classroom may apply for a Content Substitute certificate. In addition, candidates must complete twenty hours of online training.
Those who wish to obtain a substitute teacher certification in Missouri to work in a vocational program or career center must complete a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and four thousand hours of approved experience or an associate degree with five thousand hours of experience. Those without a degree can be eligible for a Career Technical Substitute certificate if they have completed six thousand hours of relevant approved experience.
Washington state offers an Intern Substitute Teacher certificate, an Emergency Substitute Teacher certificate, and a Substitute Teacher certification. An Intern Substitute Teacher certificate may be granted to student teachers when they are completing their student teaching.
An Emergency Substitute Teacher certificate must be requested by a particular school district to address an emergency. These candidates may not have all the qualifications necessary (such as a college degree) to be eligible for a complete substitute teaching certificate. Educators with this level of certification are only allowed to teach in that particular school district.
Holding a Substitute Teacher certificate enables an individual to teach in any Washington school for up to thirty consecutive days. They must complete a professional development plan if they are asked to substitute a teacher for longer than that period. Afterward, they may teach for up to 180 days in the same classroom. This certificate requires the holder to have at least a bachelor's degree.
If one is interested in becoming a substitute teacher, checking the requirements of the favored state and school district is an excellent place to start. Guidelines vary wildly between each state and school system, so it is essential to verify that one has all the proper credentials. If the criteria are not met, one can work toward obtaining any needed education, experience, or alternative certifications.
If an individual meets all the specifications, the next step is to gather all requested documentation. This may include a high school transcript, college transcripts, and evidence of experience working with children. An aspiring substitute teacher might also need to complete a background check, including fingerprinting. To complete this part of the process, check with the state or school district for the required paperwork.
The next step is to prepare a resume. A substitute teacher resume should highlight the candidate's education, qualifications, and strengths. It should be in a clear, readable format and include relevant information such as:
Once the resume is complete, look for available substitute teacher positions. These may be listed on school department websites or online job sites. It may also be worthwhile to check into staffing agencies, as they sometimes work with local school districts to place substitute teachers.
Follow all instructions for applying for any open positions. Apply to as many jobs as possible that meet the appropriate experience levels and are within a comfortable distance from home. Keep in mind that substitute teachers are typically contacted the morning of an assignment, and there may not be a great deal of time to arrive by the start of the school day.
School districts may respond quickly or take several weeks to get back to applicants depending on the need for substitute teachers. If they do call with an assignment, it is best to be able to accept any jobs offered, especially in the beginning. This illustrates a willingness to work and increases the chances of being contacted for additional substitute work. Show up to the classroom on time, dress professionally, and follow all school-specific instructions.
Perhaps most importantly, do one's best to educate the students and execute any lesson plans the regular classroom teacher has provided. Communicate well with the instructor, students, staff, administration, and any parents or caregivers involved with the institution. Create a respectful classroom environment and be a positive addition to the school.
A substitute teacher is likely to be called back for additional work if they have a positive first experience and other teachers, staff, and administration enjoy working with them. This can also lead to long-term substitute positions if a teacher is absent for an extended period. It is beneficial for both the school and the substitute teacher to have successful substitute teachers return. That way, substitute teachers can get to know the students and the school culture and be able to step into classrooms as seamlessly as possible.
There are several tips to help make substitute teaching a success for both the substitute teacher and the students.
There are several tips to help make substitute teaching a success for both the substitute teacher and the students. Substitute teachers often have short notice to get to a substitute teaching assignment. However, one should make a concentrated effort to get to school early. This offers the substitute teacher the opportunity to make a good impression on the principal and other staff and gives them a chance to review school policies, the schedule for the day, and the lesson plans the teacher has provided. It also allows the substitute teacher to become familiar with the classroom, find supplies, and learn the location of essential resources such as the cafeteria and restrooms.
Other teachers and staff are substitute teachers' best resources. Treat them with kindness and respect. Get to know them. They can help substitute teachers familiarize themselves with the school and its rules, written and unwritten. Other teachers and staff can serve as valuable colleagues who can offer suggestions on classroom management and lesson planning and implementation. If a substitute teacher is using that role as a launching pad to a full-time career as a teacher, other teachers and staff can be potential references.
While regular classroom teachers typically provide lesson plans, there are times when that guidance will not be available. There are also situations where the lesson plan will not require the entire class period to complete. A well-prepared substitute teacher must have some easily adaptable lesson plans and activities that can be used to fill time and keep students engaged.
Some students may be anxious about having a substitute teacher. Others may be eager to see what they can get away with while their regular teacher is absent. Connecting with students is a valuable way to help alleviate their concerns and maintain discipline in the classroom. It can be helpful to start the day with an icebreaker to get to know the students and enable them to learn more about the teacher.
Leave the classroom in the same condition as when the substitute teacher arrived. Make sure students tidy up their areas. Sweep up any loose papers. Clean any whiteboards or chalkboards after using them. Sharpen pencils. Don't reorganize or move the classroom teacher's materials to new places but have the classroom look clean and neat when the day is done. This will go a long way in increasing the classroom teacher's opinion of the substitute teacher.
Provide the classroom teacher with feedback about how the day went. Whenever possible, provide positive feedback. Emphasize parts of the day and lesson plans that went well. Praise any helpful students. Treat the classroom teacher the way one would want to be treated if the roles were reversed.
Substitute teacher requirements vary from state to state. Some states only require a high school diploma while others require a bachelor's degree. Substitute teachers may be asked to take specific training or to obtain a substitute teacher certification. Experience working with children is often also required.
A substitute teacher needs to have basic teaching and classroom management skills. They need to have the flexibility to work with lesson plans provided by the absent teacher as well as have back-up activities prepared in case no lesson plans are provided. They also need to know how to work with various groups of unfamiliar students and how to teach different subject areas.