OVERVIEW
What is a Substitute Teacher?
A substitute teacher is an educator who steps in to manage a classroom when the regular classroom teacher is unavailable. They play a vital role in maintaining a routine and productive learning environment. Far from being simple supervisors, substitute teachers are responsible for continuing the educational momentum, following lesson plans, and ensuring that students remain engaged 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. Substitutes provide the stability and continuity necessary for schools to operate smoothly day in and day out. These educators also often bring diverse backgrounds and experiences, enriching the classroom environment with their unique perspective.
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 are consistent across most settings. The substitute will execute the lesson plans left by the permanent teacher or improvise if lesson plans are unclear or incomplete. This involves delivering instruction, guiding students through activities, and answering questions about the material.
Beyond academics, substitute teachers are responsible for classroom management. They must maintain order, 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.
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. These 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. This wide range of environments allows substitute teachers to choose settings that align with their skills, interests, and professional goals.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Substitute Teacher?
The substitute teacher requirements vary by state and even by school district, but it generally follows a set of common steps. It's important to research the specific requirements for the area where you wish to work.
1. Meet the Minimum Education Requirements
The first step is to determine the educational qualifications needed. While some states or districts require a bachelor's degree, others may only require a high school diploma or a certain number of college credit hours. A teaching certificate is often preferred but not 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 Permit
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.
4. Prepare Your Application Materials
Once you are certified or licensed, you can begin applying for positions. You will need a professional résumé that highlights your education, relevant experience (such as tutoring or volunteering with youth), and skills. Tailoring your résumé to each district’s priorities can help you stand out among other applicants. You may also need to gather letters of recommendation.
5. Apply to School Districts
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.
6. Attend an Orientation
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.
Best Degrees for Substitute Teachers
Education
Bachelor's Degrees Elementary Education
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: 68% of students finish within 36 to 38 months.
- Tuition: $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-time student teaching.
Education
Educational Studies – B.A.
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: Completion time varies depending on the specialty track you choose.
- Tuition: $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?
$37,380
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 approximately $17.97 per hour as of May 2023. This translates to an annual salary of about $37,380 for those who work regularly.
Pay rates are often higher for substitutes with a bachelor's degree or teaching certification. Furthermore, long-term substitute assignments—where a substitute covers a single classroom for an extended period—typically come with a higher daily rate of pay. Some districts also offer bonuses or incentives for long-term roles or high-demand subjects.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
4%
The demand for substitute teacher jobs is closely tied to the overall employment of elementary, middle, and high school teachers. The BLS projects little to no change in employment for teachers overall from 2022 to 2032. However, the demand for substitute teachers remains steady, regardless of broader trends.
There will always be a need to cover teacher absences, and schools routinely seek qualified 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, offering ample opportunities for consistent work.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Substitute Teacher Need?
Succeeding as a substitute teacher requires more 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: You might be in a kindergarten class one day and a high school physics lab the next. The ability to quickly adjust to different age groups, subjects, and school cultures is perhaps the most critical skill for a substitute.
- Strong classroom management: Stepping into an unfamiliar classroom requires the ability to quickly establish authority and rapport. Effective classroom management skills are essential for maintaining a productive learning environment and handling behavioral issues calmly and effectively.
- Excellent communication: Clear 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: Students 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: No matter how detailed the lesson plan is, unexpected situations will arise. Whether it's a broken projector or a student conflict, the ability to think on your feet and find practical solutions is invaluable. Innovative thinking can turn a disrupted lesson into a creative learning opportunity.
- Professionalism: Arriving 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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