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Education

Substitute Teacher

Teach students academic, social, and other formative skills in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies, in public or private schools. Substitutes for a teacher on a limited-time basis.

Annual openings

469

Median wage

n/a

Typical education

This position usually requires a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university, though a 1-year authorization requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. One-year authorizations are district-specific, thus an applicant must obtain district approval prior to applying.

Growth 2024–2034

+27%

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

This position usually requires a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university, though a 1-year authorization requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. One-year authorizations are district-specific, thus an applicant must obtain district approval prior to applying.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

A substitute authorization is required, with 3 different types possible, a 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year authorization.

Experience detail

This is an entry-level position so no experience is required. However, full or part-time work experience with children and/or developing the listed competencies is valued.

Employer competency information

  • ● Problem Solving & Decision Making - Able to vary instructional methods for the benefit of students across a wide range of learning abilities and styles ● Instruction - Know and demonstrate knowledge of the content being taught, making the instruction and content relevant to students while fostering a positive learning environment and adjusting instructional approaches as needed ● Communication - Be perceptive and responsive listeners, able to communicate with students in a variety of ways; help students to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively ● Critical & Analytical Thinking - Able to ask questions, think creatively, develop and test new and innovative ideas, while also helping students develop these same skills ● Teamwork - Working collaboratively with other educators, the students, and the families to achieve learning outcomes
Interested in being a teacher and already have a Bachelor's degree? A part-time or short-term job as a Substitute Teacher will allow you to try things out and build your skills prior to or while you complete the requirements for a Teacher's license.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

A typical day

  1. Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils, to students.
  2. Requisition and stock teaching materials and supplies.
  3. Teach social skills to students.
  4. Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, supervised role-playing methods, or by reading aloud.
  5. Observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress.
  6. Organize and supervise games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.
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