Substitute Teacher

Your Fit

Income

$38K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

4.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Substitute Teacher?

A Substitute Teacher steps in to cover classrooms when regular teachers are absent, providing continuity in student education. They implement lesson plans, manage classroom activities, and maintain a structured learning environment.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Substitute Teacher.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Substitute Teacher earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$26K per year	$31K per year	$38K per year	$52K per year	$64K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Substitute Teacher do?

Work environment

Substitute Teachers work in public and private schools at various educational levels, from kindergarten through high school. They work in diverse classroom settings, adapting to different teaching environments and student groups each day.

Quick task list

Follows and teaches lesson plans provided by the regular teacher.
Manages classroom behavior and ensures a productive learning environment.
Takes attendance and maintains classroom discipline.
Adapts teaching methods to meet the needs of different classes.
Provides feedback on student performance to the regular teacher.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Elementary Education: Covering classes for younger students, focusing on basic subjects.
Secondary Education: Specializing in middle and high school classrooms, often in specific subject areas.
Special Education: Working with students who have special needs, requiring specific skills and training.
Long-Term Substitute: Filling in for teachers on extended leave, requiring a closer alignment with regular curriculum planning.

Description

Substitute teaching is a dynamic and versatile career, ideal for those who enjoy teaching but seek flexibility. Substitutes are crucial to maintaining a consistent learning experience for students in the absence of their regular teachers. They must quickly adapt to different classroom environments and student needs, often with little advance notice.

Effective communication and classroom management skills are essential in this role. Substitute Teachers must be able to quickly establish authority and guide students through the day's objectives. This role provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in various educational settings and can be a stepping stone to a full-time teaching position.

The job offers flexibility, making it appealing for those seeking part-time work, such as recent graduates, retirees, or those considering a career in education. It's an opportunity to impact students' lives positively and experience the education system from various perspectives.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The diversity of teaching different classes and subjects.
The flexibility in work schedule and location.
The opportunity to positively impact and contribute to multiple students' education.

You might make a good Substitute Teacher if you are...

Adaptable and able to quickly acclimate to new environments.
Effective at managing and leading groups of students.
Patient and resourceful in handling unexpected classroom situations.
Interested in teaching but seeking flexibility in your work schedule.
Passionate about education and enjoy working with students of various ages.

Pros:

Flexibility in choosing work days and locations.
Exposure to different teaching styles, subjects, and age groups.
Opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience without a long-term commitment.

Cons:

Lack of consistent income and benefits compared to full-time teachers.
Need to adapt quickly to different classroom settings and expectations.
Potential for challenging behavior management situations.

How to become a Substitute Teacher

Typical education

Requirements vary by state and school district; some require only a high school diploma, while others require a bachelor's degree. Generally, a bachelor's degree and a teaching credential are preferred.

High school preparation

Courses:

Education-related courses to understand teaching fundamentals.
Psychology to learn about student behavior and learning processes.
Communication courses to develop effective speaking and listening skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering as a tutor or mentor for younger students.
Participating in leadership roles in clubs or sports teams.
Engaging in community service projects involving children or education.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree if required by the school district.
Gain experience working with children or in educational settings, such as tutoring, coaching, or summer camps.
Pursue substitute teaching certification or training programs, if available.
Stay informed about the educational requirements and regulations in your state or district.

More resources

National Education Association (NEA) - Offers resources and information for educators, including substitutes.
Substitute Teaching Institute at Utah State University - Provides training and resources for substitute teachers.
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) - A union providing support and resources for teachers, including substitutes.
Teachers Pay Teachers - An online marketplace for educational resources that can be useful for substitute teachers in planning and executing lessons.
Edutopia - Offers innovative teaching strategies and resources, beneficial for substitutes seeking new ideas for classroom management and lesson implementation.

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