How to become a substitute teacher
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Pamela M. Roggeman, EdD, Dean, College of Education
In this article
- Requirements to become a substitute teacher
- Helpful options for gaining experience
- Learn more about online education degree programs
Becoming a substitute teacher can be an excellent way to make the most of your skills and talents while finding fulfillment. Not only is it a great opportunity to help out in one’s community, but it also allows you to enjoy the flexibility of choosing when and how often you work.
Additionally, working as a substitute teacher can be beneficial if you’re looking for a source of income while completing a higher degree course like a master’s degree in education or are working another job, as it enables you to achieve both goals simultaneously.
Moreover, substitute teaching can be a great way to gain valuable classroom experience and make meaningful connections with teachers, administrators and other substitute teachers. It can also enable you to learn new skills, explore educational philosophies and gain exposure to various classroom environments. However, before you take on teaching as a profession, it’s crucial to understand the requirements associated with substitute teaching in your geographic area.
Typical requirements to become a substitute teacher
In most states, the requirements to be a substitute teacher aren’t as time-consuming or specific as those necessary to be a full-time teacher. But requirements differ depending on which grade you want to teach, the school district or districts you work for, and the state you’re in.
Education
In general, an aspiring substitute teacher needs to have at least a bachelor’s degree, although not necessarily a degree in education. Nor do substitute teachers need advanced degrees like a master’s in education.
The exception may be with regard to long-term substitute teachers. These educators cover a regular teacher’s absence for several weeks or even months in events like maternity leave or extended sick leave, and they may be required to hold the same educational qualifications as a full-time teacher.
Experience
Teaching experience isn’t always a requirement to be hired as a substitute teacher, especially since substitute teacher shortages are common throughout the country. Depending on your school district, the hiring professionals may prefer applicants who have experience working with children and youth — but that’s also not a universal requirement.
If you plan on becoming a long-term substitute, teaching experience will help you reach that goal. Some graduates from teaching programs will even use long-term substitute positions to get their foot in the door when looking for a permanent teaching position.
Certification
There’s no universal credential for substitute teaching in the United States, which means each state varies in its certification requirements. Every state has requirements for substitute teacher certification, meaning what is required to obtain a permit can vary considerably.
For instance, some states only employ candidates with an official teaching license, while other states merely require passing a state course. Right now, the following states require certification in order to substitute teach:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
For aspiring substitute teachers, some states demand that applicants have a bachelor’s degree, while others necessitate the completion of college credits.
The following states have such requirements:
- California
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- New Jersey
- Tennessee
- Wyoming
In some states, having a degree and passing a background check are enough to apply to be a substitute teacher.
Check with your state’s Department of Education to determine which certification you need to be eligible for hire.
Background checks
Of the requirements to be a substitute teacher, undergoing a background check is required in all states. You should expect a background check to verify your employment history, check references and document any criminal record. There may also be drug screening.
Safety training
Substitute teachers often complete safety training before they’re allowed to teach in a classroom. By providing safety training to substitute teachers, schools can better ensure the ongoing protection of their students.
Helpful options for gaining experience
If you’re looking to gain experience working with children, several options are available:
- Tutoring: Working one-on-one with local students, either on a volunteer basis or as a side job, is a great way to gain the experience school districts are looking for.
- Camps and day cares: While camps and day cares don’t offer extended periods of teaching, working in these programs can teach you classroom management skills that are vital for success as a substitute teacher.
- Volunteering: Giving back to your community by volunteering with local youth programs is one way to show your potential employer that education is a passion and a priority of yours.
Each of these options offers a pathway to gaining experience working with children while contributing to your community at the same time.
The duties of a substitute teacher
Substitute teachers are responsible for a variety of tasks. These tasks depend on the length of the assignment. For a one-day assignment, the classroom teacher will often have prepared lesson plans and classroom materials ahead of time. For a long-term substitute assignment, the substitute may be required to plan lessons and grade just as a full-time teacher would.
The duties of a substitute teacher may also include one, some or all of the following:
- Taking attendance
- Administering tests and assignments prepared by the classroom teacher
- Lesson planning
- Supervising students during recess and lunch periods
- Grading and maintaining a grade book
- Assisting students with classwork and homework
Job outlook and pay
Becoming a substitute can serve as a steady and reliable path to a rewarding career in education. As of May 2023, substitute teachers earned between $24,420 and $63,140, with a median wage of $37,380, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Pay can vary as a result of a number of factors including state, school, experience and industry.
The job outlook for substitute teachers depends on the employment of full-time educators. BLS projects that employment for elementary, middle and high school teachers is projected to show no to little change from 2022 to 2032.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
Steps to becoming a substitute teacher
While becoming a substitute teacher for K-12 or higher education doesn’t require as much time commitment as becoming a full-time teacher, substitute teachers must still follow certain steps to be eligible for teaching positions.
Check your state and school district requirements
Before applying for a position, it’s important to understand the requirements specific to your state or district. As mentioned, requirements vary from one area to the next, so be sure you know what’s expected of you for your application to be considered.
Common state licensure requirements include:
- Clearances: Fingerprint clearance, background checks, child abuse clearances and criminal records checks
- Verifications: Valid driver’s license, proof of education, professional references and certifications
- Exams: Passing an exam on substitute teaching competencies
- Clinical hours and practice: Practicing substitute teaching for a certain number of hours before applying for substitute teaching positions
- Certifications: Completing substitute teaching courses or taking continuing education classes to become certified as a substitute teacher
Write your education resumé
Your resumé should accurately and concisely reflect your education credentials, relevant experience and volunteer positions. For example, an education resumé might include details such as the following:
- Teaching philosophy and approach
- Professional teaching experience
- Certifications related to teaching
- Education level (associate degree or higher)
- Awards and recognition for substitute teaching excellence
By highlighting your relevant education degrees and qualifications and having an effective resumé, you can help stand out from other applicants.
Complete required training
Most schools or states with substitute teacher positions require you to complete training after you have been hired. This could include attending orientation, taking substitute teaching classes or completing online substitute teacher courses. In addition, some school districts offer specialized certifications to help further your education career.
Helpful skills for substitute teaching
No matter the grade level, several skills are helpful when working as a substitute teacher:
- Leadership: Strong leadership skills will prepare you to take charge of a classroom and effectively manage student behavior. These skills will also help set the tone for a successful lesson, build relationships with students and create a positive learning environment.
- Clear communication: Communication skills will facilitate relationships with administrators, faculty and students. These skills will also help you navigate many challenges.
- Organization: Monitoring students, lesson plans, classroom supplies and any materials you need to keep the classroom running smoothly is essential. Strong organization skills can help you manage your time effectively and ensure you have what you need to cover subjects in the allotted time.
- Flexibility: Plenty can go wrong when preparing lesson plans, teaching students and scheduling. Being adaptable, especially when working with students of various ages, can help you efficiently handle last-minute changes.
Substitute teaching is a rewarding experience. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or a way to gain teaching experience while you work toward becoming a full-time teacher, working as a substitute teacher can provide you with a flexible and meaningful way to make a living.
Earn a degree in education at University of Phoenix
If you’re eager to expand your knowledge and skill within education, there are several paths to consider. University of Phoenix offers the following online degrees and certificates:
- Bachelor of Science in Education/Early Childhood Education – This program teaches curriculum planning, instructional practice, student engagement and other valuable educational skills.
- Bachelor of Science in Education/Elementary Education – This program focuses on teaching at the primary school level and covers such concepts as leadership skills, learning strategies and more.
- Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/Elementary – This certificate is intended for students with no teaching experience. It builds education knowledge and a skill set for those interested in teaching at the elementary level.
- Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/Secondary – This certificate is intended for students with no teaching experience. It builds education knowledge and a skill set for those interested in teaching at the secondary level.
Learn more about online education degrees and certificates at University of Phoenix!
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