
- Instruct students in the classroom. Substitute teachers present content prepared by full-time educators, helping students through tasks and sharing knowledge while teaching. ...
- Encourage conflict-resolution between students. Noticing conflict in its early stages is an important way subs can mitigate and stop conflict before it escalates to create a positive classroom environment. ...
- Adapt to change while in the classroom. Substitute teachers work in an ever-changing environment, interpreting lesson plans while managing students in a classroom. ...
- Network with school administrators, teachers and support staff. Forming relationships with other professionals makes it easier to find answers about school and classroom procedures, get help with students and develop ...
How can I be a better substitute teacher?
For example, substitutes who come to work with a plan, including backup activities if lesson plans don't work or students finish with extra time, often manage the classroom more productively. Here are some ideas to help you improve your abilities as a substitute teacher: 1. Prepare for the day
Can a substitute teacher use a textbook as a lesson plan?
Updated August 04, 2019. From time to time, substitute teachers will go to a classroom and find that there is no lesson plan waiting for them. When you as a substitute are familiar with the subject at hand, you can typically use the textbook as a basis for a lesson about the topic currently being taught.
What are the duties of a short-term substitute teacher?
Short-term substitutes take over classes for short periods of time, generally just a day or a few days, during a teacher's absence from work. By contrast, long-term subs fill in when a teacher is going on an extended leave. The duties of a substitute teacher vary greatly depending on whether he is working as a short- or long-term sub.
How long can a substitute teacher work?
Required to fill in for an array of grade levels and specialties, substitute teachers must go wherever they are needed for the day. In fact, many substitute teaching jobs can go on for days, weeks or even months. Is this useful? Arrive to class in a timely manner.

What do I need to know to be a substitute teacher?
6 Tips to Help You Thrive As a Substitute TeacherGet There Early to Prepare. When you start a new substitute teaching assignment, arrive early so you can get acquainted with your new surroundings. ... Get to Know Your Colleagues. ... Have a Backup Plan. ... Make Discipline Fun. ... Bond with Your Students. ... Let Your Personality Shine.
What is the most important thing a substitute teacher does?
As a substitute teacher, your job is to take the place of the classroom teacher, and you need to be a professional and follow the lesson plans that were left for you. Oftentimes, substitute teachers think the key to gaining control of the classroom and earning students' respect is to be a friend.
Is substitute teaching easy?
Substitute teaching is a very challenging job—even full-time teachers will admit that. It's near impossible to walk into a room full of strangers and expect they'll respect you, listen to you, and behave nicely!
How do substitute teachers survive?
50 Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for Substitute TeachersFollow the plans. ... Go in early. ... Fill your time. ... Fill those last few minutes. ... Try a math filler. ... Take attendance. ... Stay on task, and leave a record. ... Stay professional.More items...•
What should a Substitute Teacher do on the first day?
10 Tips For First Time Substitute TeachersDress The Part. ... Arrive Early. ... Greet The Office Staff Upon Entering. ... Inquire About Students With Special Needs. ... Introduce Yourself To The Students In A Fun Way. ... Set The Ground Rules. ... Stick With The Lesson Plan. ... Have Some Extra Activities Ready.More items...
How do you manage a class as a sub?
Classroom-Management Tips for Substitute Teachersof 08. Talk to Students Before Class. Thomas Barwick / Iconica / Getty Images. ... of 08. Act Like You're in Control. ... of 08. Don't Get Too Friendly. ... of 08. Stay on Top of Discipline. ... of 08. Avoid Confrontations. ... of 08. Give Praise. ... of 08. Keep Students Busy. ... of 08. Have Referral Forms Ready.
Is sub teaching worth it?
Many subs love substitute teaching because it gives them full control over their work lives. Substitute teaching means that you work where you want and when you want, and you never have to worry about working off the clock! If this sounds appealing to you, then substitute teaching might be right for you!
How do you introduce yourself as a substitute teacher?
Make a Great First Impression Here's an example of a positive introduction: “Good morning class! My name is (Ms., Mrs. or Mr.) ___ and I will be your teacher for the day. Just a reminder that all the daily classroom rules and expectations still apply with me even though I am not your daily teacher.
What should substitute teachers bring with them?
Here's a list of things you should consider having with you on every assignment:Paper clips.Marking pens.Name tags.Seating chart forms.Ream of duplicating paper.Literature selections.Emergency lesson plans (see Chapter 5 in the Substitute Teacher Handbook for these)Whistle.More items...•
What should a substitute teacher do if there are no lesson plans?
Substitutes: What To Do When the Teacher Doesn't Leave a Lesson...Leaving a Substitute Teacher Hanging. Substitute teaching can be quite the challenge. ... Ask the Students. ... Have Go-To Resources on Hand. ... Play an Academic Game. ... Show a Movie. ... Open a Study Hall. ... Hold Realistic Objectives.
What should a substitute teacher do when a student misbehaves?
You Got a Bad Sub Report. Now What?Write letters of apology. ... Don't wait for an absence to lay out your expectations. ... But don't feel like you had to give a disclaimer in order to give a consequence. ... Get the parents involved. ... Suss out the main perpetrators with student statements. ... Names matter! ... Focus on the positive.
Why are substitute teachers important?
Substitute teachers serve as educational bridges The National Education Association recognizes that effective substitute teachers make a significant contribution to the school program. They serve as educational bridges when regular classroom teachers are absent.
How do you become a great sub?
Here are my top 10 tips for a sub, AKA your Crash Course for Great Subbing:Be safe. That means good behavior management and routines. ... Make a personal connection. Tell a story about yourself, and ask kids to say something about themselves. ... Teach! ... Pack a tote. ... Be organized. ... Be flexible. ... Be kind. ... Ask for help.More items...
Why would I make a good substitute teacher?
Passion for Working with Students Their love for what they do gets students more involved about what they're learning and excited about finding their own passion for a career. Showing students they can find a career they love sets a good example and provides them with a more positive environment.
What should a substitute teacher put on resume?
On resumes for substitute teachers, put certifications and licenses in three places: by your name, in your resume summary (or resume objective), and in a special certifications section. Prove your substitute teacher skills in the experience section of your short term or long term substitute teacher resume.
How often are substitute teachers offered teaching jobs?
It varies depending on how many substitute teachers are available as well as how much work is available. Substitute teachers can get a good idea of...
Do substitute teachers work during the summer?
Yes, there are summer schools and other school related programs that require substitute teachers to work during the summer.
Can substitute teachers become permanent teachers?
Yes, substitute teachers can become permanent teachers.
Why do people get into substitute teaching?
Substitute teaching is a good opportunity for people who are looking for flexible part time work and are looking to get into teaching.
Is it hard to get hired as a substitute teacher?
The application process to become a substitute teacher is relatively straightforward. Applicants visit the local school district office with their...
How many hours do substitute teachers work?
Substitute teachers will typically work from Monday to Friday for six to seven hours a day, depending on the needs of the school.
Do substitute teachers get drug tested when hired?
Both regular teachers and substitute teachers are not subjected to mandatory or random drug tests. However, if the school district receives a compl...
What is a permanent substitute teacher?
Permanent substitute teachers are attached to a single school community for the duration of a school year. They will fill in for both short-term an...
What are the licensing requirements to become a long-term substitute teacher?
Long-term substitute teachers must have a bachelor's degree or higher in order to obtain a license which is valid for five years.
What Is a Substitute Teacher?
A substitute teacher is someone who fills in for a full-time teacher’s absence due to illness, parental leave, or other reasons either for a day or...
What Does a Substitute Teacher Do?
here are many responsibilities in the day-to-day work of a substitute. Their day might go something like this: You receive a call from a school tel...
How Do I Become a Substitute Teacher?
Qualifications to become a substitute vary across schools, districts, and states. The best way to start your path to becoming a sub is to check wit...
What Skills Does a Substitute Teacher Need?
The skills and qualities a substitute should possess are largely similar to those of a full-time teacher. They include: Being punctual and prepared...
How Much Does a Substitute Teacher Make?
While it’s difficult to say exactly how much a substitute teacher makes each year because of the sporadic hours, the Bureau of Labor Statistics est...
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
The market for substitute teachers is expected to grow at a 3% rate from 2019 to 2029. With the growing teacher shortage and the increasing demands...
Do I need a degree to be a preschool teacher?
To be a substitute teacher, you generally don’t need a degree. In some states, you will be required or encouraged to have some sort of teacher cert...
What Is a Substitute Teacher?
A substitute teacher is someone who fills in for a full-time teacher’s absence due to illness, parental leave, or other reasons either for a day or sometimes much longer. Most people at some point in their education have had a substitute teacher. This “guest” teacher is responsible for delivering the absent teacher’s lesson plans and assignments and sometimes may be required to attend staff meetings and lead additional student activities. In other scenarios, the substitute may create their own lesson plan aligned with the learning objectives of the class.
What Skills Does a Substitute Teacher Need?
The skills and qualities a substitute should possess are largely similar to those of a full-time teacher. They include:
How Much Does a Substitute Teacher Make?
While it’s difficult to say exactly how much a substitute teacher makes each year because of the sporadic hours, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average hourly wage for substitutes is $17.35 which translates to $36,090 per year if one substitutes at full-time hours. The top 90% make $24.93 per hour which equals out to $51,850 per year.
What is the role of a teacher in a lesson?
You deliver the day’s lesson and help the students with their assignments. You should do your best to keep students on task and provide useful feedback.
Is substitute teaching a good career?
There aren’t many professional careers you can try out before fully committing, but substitute teaching is one of them. Subbing is also the perfect place to start if you’re pursuing a teaching career because it provides valuable experience and a source of income as you work toward your teaching degree .
Do I Need a Degree to Be a Substitute Teacher?
To be a substitute teacher, you generally don’t need a degree . In some states, you will be required or encouraged to have some sort of teacher certification. However, having a degree can set you apart. Substitute teaching is a great job while you’re working toward a teaching degree as it gives you applicable experience and helps you learn teaching skills and classroom management.
What are the characteristics of a substitute teacher?
Effective substitutes possess characteristics that help them deal with these and other unique situations, including: A flexible attitude and sense of humor.
What are substitute teachers called in Florida?
Florida. Each county decides its own requirements for substitute teachers. In Pasco County, Florida, for example, substitute teachers—who are called "guest teachers" —must first complete an online course before applying for the job. They must also have a high school diploma, GED, or higher. Once hired, the guest teacher must complete an "onboarding ...
How long does it take to get a substitute teacher permit in California?
All substitute teachers in California, in order to receive an emergency 30-day substitute teaching permit, must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
How many college hours do you need to be a substitute in Texas?
In the Austin Independent School District, for example, the minimum requirement to be a substitute is to have completed 60 college hours.
What are the two types of substitutes?
Updated March 19, 2020. There are two types of substitutes: short term and long term. Typically, each has a different set of duties and responsibilities. Short-term substitutes take over classes for short periods of time, generally just a day or a few days, during a teacher's absence from work. By contrast, long-term subs fill in ...
How many credits do you need to be a substitute teacher in Florida?
In Miami-Dade County, Florida, a substitute—called a "temporary instructor—does not need a college degree but must have a minimum of 60 college credits and an overall 2.50 GPA.
Is it easy to be a substitute teacher?
Substitute teaching is a great way to get experience in the classroom and become known in a school. However, being a substitute is not always easy. Since it is an on-call position, substitutes are not sure if and when they will have work. Students may try to give substitutes a hard time.
What are substitute teacher skills?
Substitute teacher skills are versatile traits that allow professionals to work in nearly any teaching environment. Substitutes rely on a variety of soft skills that help them connect with learners, communicate with other professionals and adapt to different classroom situations.
Examples of substitute teacher skills
Below are some of the key skills substitutes can use to make their time in the classroom more rewarding and productive:
How to improve substitute teacher skills
Here are some ideas to help you improve your abilities as a substitute teacher:
Substitute teacher skills in the workplace
Here are some examples of the ways you can apply substitute teaching skills while working in the classroom:
How to highlight substitute teacher skills
Below are some tips to help you connect the skills you develop through substitute teaching to potential jobs as you meet with prospective employers:
What bothers a teacher about a substitute?
The single biggest thing that will bother a regular classroom teacher about a substitute is for the substitute to deviate from his plans. The teacher usually leaves specific assignments that he expects to be completed when he returns.
What are the characteristics of a substitute teacher?
Flexibility and Adaptability. Flexibility and adaptability are probably the two most important characteristics that substitute teachers must possess. They must be flexible because they are often not called until the morning of the day they are needed. They must be adaptable because they could be subbing in a second-grade classroom one day ...
Why is substitute teaching important?
Substitute teaching is one of the most difficult jobs in education. It is also one of the most important. It takes a remarkable person to be able to adapt effectively to all the situations that will be thrown at her as a substitute teacher. Substitute teachers are used in virtually every school across the country every day. It is vital for school administrators to compose a list of top-notch people who can successfully substitute teach.
How to help students in a classroom?
Identify the handful of students who can be helpful. They can assist you with finding materials in the classroom and run small errands for you if needed. If possible, ask the classroom teacher who these students are beforehand.
How to tell a teacher how your day went?
Write a note. Include students who were helpful as well as those who gave you problems. Be detailed including what these students did and how you handled it. Address any issues you may have had with the curriculum. Finally, let the teacher know that you enjoyed being in her classroom and give her your phone number to contact you should she has any additional questions.
How to get a classroom back in order?
At the end of the day, take a few minutes to have the students help pick up trash on the floor and get the classroom back in order.
How to be a professional teacher?
Being professional starts with how you dress. Learn the district’s dress code for teachers and adhere to it. Understand that you are working with minors. Use appropriate language, don’t try to be their friends, and don’t get too personal with them.
How does swing education notify its substitute teachers of assignments?
For example, Swing Education notifies its substitute teachers of assignments via text and the web rather than a phone call. Once you’ve accepted, it’s time to get ready and head into school. (Note: Some substitute teacher requests are posted in advance of the assignment, so you might complete this step a few days ahead of time.
What to write to an absent teacher?
It’s expected that you’ll leave a detailed report for the absent teacher. Write them a note and be sure to include important information, including how the lesson went, where students left off in their work, and any trouble or modifications to lesson that were made.
What time do you say goodbye to students at a school?
2:30 p.m. — As the day draws to a close, make sure to have students tidy up their messes and turn in their assignments. After the final bell, the last students leave and you smile and wave goodbye. Whew! You made it! But wait — you’re not done yet. There are just a few more details to tackle.
What to expect from a teacher about behavior?
Most teachers also expect a report on behavior: Who was helpful and on-task all day? Who needed redirection? If there were any behavior problems, don’t be shy — tell the teacher. They’ll want to know how their students behaved in their absence, and they’ll likely administer consequences, positive or negative, upon their return as necessary.
What time do you need to supervise a student?
Know where you’re going in advance so there’s no chance you’ll get lost in the halls and end up late. 8:15 a.m. — Before students arrive, write any instructions and your name on the board.
Can teachers request substitutes?
Teachers can often request substitutes, so if you enjoyed working with this group of students, remember to let the teacher know! This will increase the likelihood of repeat bookings. Almost all teachers prefer to go with a sub they know has a proven track record.
What is the worst thing to do in a classroom?
In terms of classroom management, the worst thing to do is to just let them talk. This can often lead to either disruption within the class or even worse noise levels that disturb neighboring teachers.
Can substitute teachers use textbooks?
From time to time, substitute teachers will go to a classroom and find that there is no lesson plan waiting for them. When you as a substitute are familiar with the subject at hand, you can typically use the textbook as a basis for a lesson about the topic currently being taught. However, an issue arises when you know little about ...
What do teachers leave in the sub tub?
Many teachers leave a sub tub with emergency activities, lesson plans, outlines, student information, and more. Use it!
Do substitute teachers have to manage the classroom?
Even substitute teachers have to manage the classroom. We love these classroom management tips, especially for substitutes, from The Cornerstone.
Can substitute teachers go on field trips?
Substitute teachers can still go on field trips without stressing about parent permission slips and bus assignments. Take them on a virtual field trip to the zoo, museums, aquariums, and more.
