Here are the steps to becoming a substitute teacher, including the required skills and training required.
Do you want to invest your moment and skills in students? Then consider working as a temporary teacher. The job comes with a few perks.
You can enjoy flexible work schedules while assuming the duties of full-time teaching. Additionally, it’s an excellent way to add extra income. Plus, you can get your feet on the ground for a possible teaching job.
How To Be To Substitute Teacher
Subbing teaching takes a lot of enthusiasm and hard work. You’ll serve in the place of a full-time teacher who is absent for a short or long term.
Sometimes, you may be asked to carry out all educator duties. These involve grading and giving assignments, discipline, supervising learners during launch, recess, and more.
Now, the question is, How do I become a substitute teacher? It’s easy; keep going through this article; we’ll outline all the steps for becoming a subbing teacher.
In addition to that, we’ll tell you what you need to become such a teacher and more. If you’re ready, let’s begin our discussion.
What Do You Need to Be a Substitute Trainer?
Before you venture into substitute teaching, you must satisfy a few essentials. As you read on, you’ll come across these criteria.
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Verify the Local School Board Conditions
Schools across the country have unique standards for temporary teachers. These conditions vary from one state to another and from school county to school county.
Nevertheless, most will demand that you present a bachelor’s degree from a certified institution. Some states or districts may require diplomas instead of undergrad certificates.
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Teaching Certifications
You may also require certification or a license to become a subbing teacher.
The criteria for receiving such credentials vary among states, districts, and schools. Therefore, you’ll need to inquire with your local school district about the specific authorization you need.
For instance, some school districts have specific teaching licenses for temporary teachers. In other areas, temporary tutors with complete certifications get high pay.
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Teaching Experience
Most local districts in the country demand previous classroom experience from aspiring substitute teachers.
However, the amount of experience varies among these school districts. In the same way, you’ll need to call your local school board for further inquiries.
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Background Check
Most school boards and districts will require a criminal background check to become a substitute teacher. Some institutions may ask you to submit a unique background check that is more intrusive.
Such a document will be demanded because you’ll be dealing with children. You can do more research to know the specific background check for subbing teachers.
Do You Need a Degree to Be a Substitute Teacher?
The academic criteria for subbing differ from those of a licensed teacher. This is because temporary teachers aren’t required to complete an educational degree or teacher academic program.
However, an undergrad degree is often needed as a replacement teacher. Such credentials can be obtained in any area or subject. These include English, Mathematics, history, biology, and more.
There’re a few reasons why temporary teachers will require a bachelor’s degree. Firstly, a degree in an education-related field provides critical training and experience.
This will enable them to teach students in a classroom setting effectively.
Some courses you’ll cover in your undergraduate studies include curriculum creation, child development, child psychology, student inclusion, and more.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be A Substitute Teacher
Do you want to know what you need to be a subbing teacher? Set qualifications are optional for this kind of teacher at the federal level.
As mentioned earlier, qualifications can vary among individual school districts. But generally, you need a minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
However, we have some states that strictly demand bachelor’s degrees. Plus, you must be 18 and have a complete teacher’s license.
In addition to academic essentials, you may be required to demonstrate critical skills and character traits. These include excellent communication, patience, basic office skills, flexibility, and organization.
Others are time management, computer literacy, creativity, and excellent leadership skills. Furthermore, you’ll also be required to have a regular or subbing teaching license.
The authorization will qualify you to be enlisted as a member of the local group of temporary teachers.
As mentioned earlier, you’ll need to undergo some background checks. This ensures the safety of students, fellow teachers, and the community.
Therefore, you’ll be screened on credit history, work history, criminal records, drug screening, education, and immunization records.
Licensure Certification for Substitute Teachers
Remember, you’ll need state authorization to work as a subbing teacher. The conditions for acquiring such permits differ among states and school districts.
However, most will demand an undergrad certificate in education, teaching, or any subject-related area. Next, you’ll go through some background checks, as highlighted above.
Once you have satisfied this step, you must complete a request form for substitute teaching certification. The paper will include your personal information and answer questions about your work history.
Until then, you’ll be required to pay a certain amount for the request form.
Moreover, you must submit an official transcript from your past institution and a valid copy of your identification.
In this case, you can present a national ID, driver’s license, or state-issued ID. Upon completion, you’ll take a substitute teaching certification test.
The test varies from one school district board to another. But generally, the exam involves basic subject knowledge and the ability to resolve certain disputes or problems.
Once you’re successful, you’ll be presented with your teaching license. You can get more details about the test from your school board.
Average Earnings of Substitute Teachers
Teaching is both an exciting and rewarding career. You can earn an average of $75-$200 daily.
However, the wages of these practitioners vary significantly from state to state and between rural and urban settings. Some districts offer incentive pay for high-volume days, like Mondays and Fridays.
At the same time, we also have some counties that differentiate pay depending on grade level. Some pay is based on years of relevant experience.
Therefore, you must obtain their rates from your local school district. Or, click on this link.
The demand for teachers, including those who will serve as substitutes, is increasing. However, before becoming one, you must fulfill numerous requirements.
You’ll need an undergrad certificate, a teaching license, classroom experience, a background check, and more. While satisfying these criteria can be challenging, it’s worth the effort and time.