Substitute Teacher Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a substitute teacher. Feel free to use our substitute teacher job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a substitute teacher.
Who is a Substitute Teacher?
Substitute teachers are educators who lead classes in the absence or temporary absence of permanent teachers. These professionals play an important role in monitoring students, following lesson plans, and ensuring that the learning process continues even if the teacher is not available.
Substitute teachers can work with different age groups, including elementary through high school. Many specialize in specific areas such as science, technology, or social studies. Their job duties may be affected by the grade, class subject, and length of service.
Substitute teachers are essential in elementary and secondary schools. They teach when the teacher is unable to do so for personal or professional reasons. You can gain experience as a substitute teacher and be prepared for a full-time teaching job.
On-call substitute teachers are those who take the place of a full-time teacher if they are sick, on vacation, or absent due to other reasons. Substitute teachers may choose to work part-time or take on longer-term positions that become available.
Substitute teacher positions require an instructor to perform the duties of the teacher he/she is replacing. This is either a temporary or permanent replacement for the absent full-time teacher. Therefore, the substitute teacher will deliver lessons that are based on the lesson plan and associated assignments as outlined by the full-time teacher. The substitute teacher might need to develop lesson plans that are aligned with the learning objectives of the class he/she is substituting in the event of an extended or unexpected absence. The school district’s policies and the nature of the teacher’s absence may dictate how substitute teachers report to classrooms. Typically, substitute teachers have lesson plans and activities that cover common subjects.
Substitute Teacher Job Description
Below are the substitute teacher job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a substitute teacher job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a substitute teacher include the following:
- Supervising students during class, lunch, recess, and detention periods.
- Following the lesson plan provided by the teacher
- Lecturing lessons with textbooks, presentations, and other learning material
- Collecting homework and organizing the assignments for the teacher’s return
- Promoting good behavior and high-quality engagement
- Collaborating with lead teachers, assistant teachers, and school administrators to ensure that students are safe
- Managing the classroom to encourage student participation, minimize distractions, and maintain a positive learning atmosphere
- Adapting teaching methods to meet the individual needs of your students
- Supervising students both inside and outside the classroom. This includes the hallways, the playground, and the cafeteria.
- Attending parent-teacher conferences if necessary.
- Submitting official grades after the grading period.
- Meeting each class on-time
- Facilitating the teacher’s lesson plans.
- Giving details to the teacher about what happened in class.
- Following the steps to reach your lesson goals.
- Assigning homework and explaining it.
- Supervising students in all areas of the school, including the corridors and cafeteria.
- Respecting all school policies and regulations at all times.
- Keeping track of your daily activities and taking notes.
- Making sure that your classroom and work area are clean and tidy.
- Overseeing normal classroom rhythms.
- Preparing a report for the teacher for when he/she comes back.
Qualifications
To be a substitute teacher, you need to have the right education, training, certifications, and skills.
Education
Substitute teachers must have at least a bachelor’s level of education. Substitute teachers in high school usually focus their education on the subject they want to teach. This could be science, mathematics, social studies, or English. Some add a specialization to their education, either by majoring in that subject or double-majoring in education. Many education programs include classes on adolescent growth and teaching strategies and best practice. Substitute teachers often earn a master’s in education or in the subject they wish to teach. Teachers should also be able to continue their education throughout their career, although requirements can vary from one state to the next.
Training
Training is a requirement of many college education programs. Students teach in classrooms and do lesson planning and grading. To gain classroom experience, they also observe teachers. To share duties and learn from mentoring, newly-hired substitute teachers may be paired up with experienced teachers.
Certification
While some schools don’t require teaching licenses, the majority of states require teachers from public schools to have one. While the requirements for certification are different from one state to another, they all require passing at least one exam to become certified in a particular subject or grade after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. These exams assess basic skills and subject competence. To maintain your certification, you will need to complete a certain amount of continuing education credits.
Essential Skills
Professionals can use substitute teacher skills to be able to work in almost any environment. Substitute teachers rely on soft skills to connect with students, communicate with professionals, and adapt to various classroom settings. Substitute teachers can also teach skills such as behavior management and instructional techniques, in place of a full-time teacher.
Here are some key skills that substitute teachers can use to make students’ time in school more enjoyable and productive.
- Interpersonal skills
Substitute teachers learn interpersonal skills to build relationships with students and establish trust while getting to know their learners. Substitute teachers can learn skills such as empathy, active listening, verbal and written communication, and empathy to interact with students and present classroom lessons. Substitute teaching can be made easier by learning to adapt to new situations and to feel at ease. Substitute teachers for long-term assignments may need to establish relationships with parents and teachers. Your chances of being hired again are increased if you act friendly with administrators, teachers, and support staff.
- Leadership skills
When the regular teacher is not available, a substitute teacher takes over as the instructor. Substitute teachers guide students and manage the learning environment. Substitute teachers who show confidence can gain trust from other staff members. Students will be able to rely on their new teacher in the classroom. Substitute teachers should also be able to take initiative. Substitute teachers may demonstrate this trait by adapting instruction plans and responding to students.
- Critical thinking skills
Substitute teachers apply critical thinking skills to answer questions from students and figure out how to guide them in situations where instructions are unclear. Substitute teachers also need to be able to read and adapt lesson plans. Substitutes can lead classes in many subject areas and content areas. Your critical thinking and reasoning skills will help you guide students through tasks that may be beyond your knowledge.
- Communication skills
Substitute teachers can use their public speaking skills to explain and deliver instructions to students. A strong presenter can communicate clearly with students by using a clear voice, appropriate volume, and eye contact. These skills are important for keeping the class’ attention during the instruction period.
- Classroom management
Another important skill for substitute teachers is the ability to manage a classroom to create a safe, productive environment. This skill will help substitute teachers be more comfortable working in unfamiliar environments. It is important to know how to set positive expectations and what to do when a student behaves inappropriately.
- Problem-solving
Substitute teachers might need to face multiple obstacles to fulfill their roles in the classroom. Substitutes may discover missing materials or unclear lesson plans before students arrive. In an emergency, substitutes may be called in to help with a class. Substitutes should be able to solve the challenges that come with working in a constantly changing environment.
- Time management
Substitute teachers often rotate between different grade levels and schools with different start and finish times. Some substitute jobs can be planned, but others require that subs respond immediately or throughout the day when the need arises. Substitutes will take calls before school, and they are available to leave when they accept a job.
- Organization
To manage materials belonging to another professional, you need organizational skills to ensure that every item is restored at the end of school. Substitutes also need to be organized to prepare for any unexpected circumstances. Substitutes who arrive at work prepared with a plan and backup activities in case lesson plans fail or students are late, tend to manage the classroom better.
- Listening Skills
Listening is often regarded as the most undervalued leadership skill. However, employers are beginning to recognize how important it can be for candidates to listen well. Although it may sound simple, much thought has gone into understanding what makes a good listener. Substitute teachers are required to listen. This can lead to better relationships with students, administrators, and teachers.
- Networking
Substitute teachers who want to work often must master the art of networking. You’ll be a sought-after substitute for future absences if you do well and interact with school administrators and teachers.
- Creativity
Although substitute teachers come with lesson plans and materials, there is always room for creativity in the classroom. You’ll be able to think outside of the box, whether you’re looking for creative ways to engage students or giving them incentives for good behavior.
How to Become a Substitute Teacher
- Check your state’s requirements
Each state has its requirements for substitute teachers. While some states require that candidates have at least a high-school diploma or GED to become substitute teachers, others may prefer candidates who have higher education. A lot of states require either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in any discipline. You may also need to meet the following requirements:
- Background checks
The state boards of education or school districts can run background checks on potential applicants and fingerprint them to confirm identity and check for criminal history.
- Physical exam
State boards and localities may require applicants to undergo a physical exam to verify that they are healthy.
- Refer to professional references
To verify employment, you will need to contact coworkers, former employers, and other references. This is done to inquire about the candidate’s work ethic and accomplishments. This can be done as part of the licensure or application process with a local district.
- Safety training
To be prepared for the classroom, some states and districts require that candidates complete training in CPR and first aid.
Additional requirements will vary depending on the school district. To be eligible for substitute teaching, you should check with the state board of education.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
Many states require substitute teachers to have a bachelor’s or minimum of 30 college credit hours. However, some states offer waivers to meet this requirement.
Long-term substitute positions, where the substitute teacher is required to work for a set number of days consecutively, might also require a degree or credit hour in the subject they are pursuing. A candidate who has a biology degree might be eligible to teach science classes, while a candidate who has a degree in English literature could excel in leading language arts and English classes.
- Gain relevant experience
Some states and school districts require that candidates have experience in teaching, tutoring, or any other type of childcare work. Education degrees may allow for students to teach, intern, or observe teaching.
Some candidates might pursue tutoring experience, whether as a student, professional, or volunteer. You may also be able to work in a preschool, after-school program, or daycare center.
If teaching experience is not required by a school district or state, substitute teachers may be able to find employment in roles that require people management, organization, communication, and public speaking skills.
- Get certified
Candidates may be required to take specialized training or pass an exam after they have completed the education requirements.
Training
In some states or districts, there is an orientation program that teaches classroom management and leads lessons. This program ensures that substitutes are ready for the classroom and that students receive a high-quality education.
Exam
Candidates may be required to pass exams in other states that test their knowledge about classroom management, pedagogy, and teaching techniques. After completing a substitute teacher orientation/training program, some candidates may be required to take this exam.
Candidates who meet the requirements of the state, such as any training or exam qualifications, may be granted a permit, specialized license, or certification to teach in the state. Many states will accept substitute teachers who have a valid teaching license.
Where to Work
Substitute teachers work in public or private schools to serve classes during emergencies. They also fill in long breaks or guide classes during transitions.
Substitute Teacher Salary Scale
In the United States, the average annual salary for substitute teachers is $33,161.