How To Become A Substitute Teacher
SubSkills Part 1
Introduction
Substitute teaching can be a difficult but very rewarding job. It takes a lot of hard work to build a
skillset that can easily handle classroom management issues as well as effectively teach in the classroom.
School districts usually have required tests, orientations, and trainings for prospective substitute teachers.
Individuals may be required to pay for background checks, medical tests, or training materials out their own
pocket. They may also spend several hours
in training/orientation sessions prior to becoming a substitute teacher.
The following information outlines the most common set of the requirements for substitute teachers.
This 25-minute orientation video will help you understand the basics of becoming a substitute teacher.
Substitute teachers require special skills to be effective in the classroom. People who enjoy substitute teaching
usually have the following personality traits:
- Desire to work with children ages 5-18
- Relate well to students
- Able to inspire a love of learning
- Good sense of humor
- Flexible – Able to adjust quickly to unique and changing circumstances
- Good example for the students (model citizen)
- Love to learn
- Willing to try new things
- Patient
- Kind
- Fair
- Consistent
It is vital that a substitute teacher be completely prepared in the classroom.
There are a few things individuals can do to determine
if substitute teaching is right them:
- Volunteer in a classroom to experience first-hand the challenges of teaching.
- Attend a district orientation or job fair hosted by a school district.
- View the SubOrientation video produced by STEDI.
The blog post
70 Reasons It's Great to be a Substitute Teacher
lists several reasons why substitute teachers love their job.
It is important to note that not every individual may be a good fit for a substitute teacher position; just
as some people don't possess skills to be a good mechanic, a nurse, or a carpenter. While almost anyone can
develop the skills over time, it's OK for a job seeker to forego substitute teaching and pursue other employment opportunities
for which they are more qualified.
Minimum requirements for substitute teachers vary by state. Be aware that individual school districts may
have additional requirements.
Require College Degrees
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Iowa - teaching certificate required
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
|
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
|
|
Require High School Diploma or GED
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
|
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
|
|
Require At Least Some College
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Michigan
|
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- Washington, D.C.
|
|
Requirements Are Set By The District
- Louisiana
- Montana
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
|
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Tennessee
|
|
After deciding to commit to becoming a substitute teacher, individuals will need to apply for a substitute
teacher position through the school district for which they want to work.
Find local school district offices by:
- Asking a neighbor who has a child in the school system.
- Search online for school district offices (some school district may have online applications).
- Check the local phone book.
After finding a school district for which an individual wishes to work and to which they can commute,
apply for a substitute teacher position by:
-
Calling the school district and ask for the substitute teacher office. Ask for the paperwork needed to apply
to become a substitute teacher.
-
Visiting the school district's web site and download the paperwork. Substitute teaching jobs are usually listed
under "Human Resources" or "Employment".
As mentioned previously, school districts have minimum requirements for substitute teachers. Education diplomas,
transcripts, or certifications may need to be submitted with the paperwork. Applicants may
be required to pay from $50 to $75 for background checks, Tuberculosis or other medical tests. Other fees may also
be added for orientation or training courses, and licensing.
Remember that permanent teachers spend thousands of dollars and work for at least four years to get into the classroom.
Thus, when a school district asks applicants to pay for these things, remember it is for the benefit of the students.
Applicants will be asked to specify those grades and subjects for which they feel the most comfortable
teaching. Understand that job preference is given to those substitute teachers that are willing to:
- Teach multiple subjects
- Work in all grade levels
- Work in special education classes
- Work on Mondays and Fridays when demand for substitute teachers is greater
After completing a substitute teacher assignment, leave contact information with the
permanent teacher and talk to permanent teachers next door. Networking with teachers, district personnel and
other substitute teachers will help increase skills and job opportunities.
For most substitute teachers, effective classroom management and teaching strategies are the most difficult aspects
of substitute teaching. In Part 2: Substitute Teaching Skills
the skills needed to effectively manage the classroom environment are discussed in more detail.
More helpful hints are available from the Substitute Teacher Blog:
103 Tips for Substitute Teachers from Substitute Teachers
Go to Part 2: Substitute Teaching Skills