How to Become a Substitute Teacher
Learn more about how to enter this in-demand and rewarding career.
Substitute teachers play a crucial role in the nation's education system, supporting learning activities and helping students succeed in the classroom. If you are passionate about making a positive impact and have a flexible attitude and caring nature, read on to learn how to become a substitute teacher.
Substitute teaching jobs are in high demand across the U.S., making it an ideal time to explore this career path. This career is a good option if you're interested in teaching but want something other than the full-time commitment that comes with a traditional education job. It can be an excellent way to gain experience in different grade levels and a great stepping stone to becoming a permanent teacher later on.
What Does a Substitute Teacher Do?
A substitute teacher works on a temporary basis to cover classes for absent teachers. You might teach in elementary, middle, or high schools and may be responsible for teaching subjects in various areas, such as math, science, language arts, and social studies.
In this role, you'll ensure that students receive a high-quality education and have a positive learning experience, even when the regular teacher is absent. It requires a combination of solid teaching skills, effective classroom management, and the ability to adapt to new situations quickly.
Your specific duties are similar to those of a full-time teacher and may include the following:
- planning and delivering lessons that follow the curriculum of the absent teacher
- monitoring and recording students' progress
- managing student behavior and maintaining a positive learning environment
- motivating and encouraging students
- grading assignments and providing feedback to students
- communicating with the absent teacher and other school staff as needed
To learn more about what the job entails, see our example substitute teacher job description.
How to Become a Substitute Teacher
So, what do you need to be a substitute teacher, and do you need a degree to be a substitute teacher? To start, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma. Then you'll typically have to meet the following requirements:
- Obtain a bachelor's degree: most school districts require substitute teachers to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Obtain a substitute teacher certification or license: depending on the state in which you live, you may need to obtain a teaching certificate or license to work as a substitute teacher. This typically involves completing a teacher preparation program and passing a state-approved certification exam.
- Complete a background check: most school districts require substitute teachers to undergo a background check before they can begin working. This ensures that substitute teachers do not have a criminal history that would make them unsuitable for working with children.
- Attend training: some school districts may require substitute teachers to attend training sessions or workshops before they can start working. These sessions may cover topics such as classroom management, lesson planning, and working with diverse student populations.
Because the requirements for working as a substitute teachers can vary by state, here are some examples of how they differ:
How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Florida
You won't require a substitute teaching certification or licensing in Florida, though some school districts may prefer it. You'll still have to fulfill the necessary educational requirements and training programs and pass a criminal background check. Substitute teachers must also demonstrate good moral character and not fall under any offense outlined by the Florida Senate.
How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Texas
Typically, most schools in Texas require at least 60 college hours or a bachelor's degree to become a substitute teacher. According to the Texas Education Code, you will not require a substitute teacher certification or license issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). However, obtaining certification can increase your value to a potential employer. Each school district determines the requirements or qualifications or if a candidate needs additional training. You will also have to pass a background clearance.
How to Become a Substitute Teacher in California
The substitute teacher requirements in California involve obtaining a substitute teaching permit. When thinking about how to become a substitute teacher in the Golden State, there are three different types of permits you can apply for:
- Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit – for day-to-day substitute teachers.
- Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers – for individuals who have not earned a bachelor's or higher degree.
- Emergency Career Substitute Permit – for individuals with more than three years of experience.
You'll need to provide an official transcript of your bachelor's or higher degree to apply for the permit. Due to teacher shortages, the state made the decision to waive the basic skills requirement test until July 2024, making it easier to apply. You'll still need to pass a background check to complete your application.
How Much do Substitute Teachers Make?
The median salary for a substitute teacher is $30,598, within a range of $23,809 to $47,567. However, your substitute teacher's salary will vary depending on your education, experience, and the location in which you work. You can use Monster's Salary Tool to find out what you could earn in your area plus the skills you'll need to increase your value as an applicant.
How To Find Substitute Teaching Jobs
Now that you've learned how to become a substitute teacher, it’s time to start applying for substitute teacher jobs. First, you'll need to ensure that your substitute teacher's resume is updated and ready to send out. Remember to also customize your cover letter for each job application.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top five states for finding substitute teacher jobs are:
The top five metro areas employing substitute teachers are:
Make the Grade as a Substitute Teacher with Help from Monster
Now that you know how to become a substitute teacher, take the next step in your rewarding career journey. Speed up your job search with Monster by creating your free profile today. Don’t forget to upload your resume so recruiters can find you easily online. We'll also send you personalized job alerts to match you with the most suitable employer in your field.