How to become a substitute teacher?

Being a substitute teacher is one way for new teachers to gain practical classroom experience. It can also be a career on its own. Substitute teaching offers flexible hours, giving someone a chance to earn extra money if already working full-time. Depending upon the location of the substitute teaching job, requirements for securing work may differ.

Reasons to consider substitute teaching

Besides being an option for part-time income, substitute teaching jobs are a good move for the new teacher. In addition to the experience received, the teacher develops an appreciation for teaching as a career. They find out the grade levels they are comfortable working and they develop a distinct style for working with that age group. Substitute teacher jobs allow the teacher to learn which subjects they like to teach.

How to become a substitute teacher

Substitute teacher requirements vary by location. The applicant should find out how apply for a certificate to substitute teach and what requirements they need to fulfil in the location where they wish to teach. Most substitute teaching jobs require a four-year degree from an accredited university, but some countries only require a high school level of education. Substitute teacher requirements may dictate specific subjects that the applicant needs to be certified to teach. Another possible requirement may be for the applicant to secure an official copy of their university transcript as proof of education. The best practice is for the applicant to check with the area’s education authority to find out how to become a substitute teacher.

Application process

Once someone has learned how to become a substitute teacher and has met the requirements, the next step is to apply for substitute teaching jobs. Substitute teachers can often work for multiple school districts. Depending on geographic location, the application process may differ, so the substitute teacher should contact schools that are of interest to see if there are job openings. The applicant will learn about documents and background checks required and if a medical examination is needed before employment.

Substitute teacher salary

Substitute teacher salary varies depending on where teachers work the length of work assignments and the substitute teacher’s qualifications. Substitute teacher pay in the U.S. ranges from about $40 per day in rural settings to $200 per day in urban settings. In other countries, substitute teacher salary may be per hour or per day. In Ireland, the pay is between 20€ to 45€ per hour. In the United Kingdom, substitute teacher pay is a daily rate of 1/195 of the annual salary if the substitute teacher taught full-time. Teachers employed through agencies earn about £100-125.