Substitute Teacher Jobs Overview
Substitute teachers provide a critical service to our education system, helping to ensure that learning continues uninterrupted, and students receive the support and instruction they need to succeed. It's an ideal time to enter this rewarding and flexible career, as substitute teacher jobs are in high demand across the U.S.
In this role, you'll fill in for a regular teacher when they’re absent, on leave, or otherwise unable to perform their teaching duties. You'll maintain a safe and orderly environment, monitor student behavior and progress, and provide feedback to the regular teacher as needed. You could work per diem or as needed in various educational settings such as public and private schools, preschools, and daycare centers.
Your responsibilities will vary depending on the school, grade level, and subject area but typically include:
- Following lesson plans and delivering instruction and activities as needed.
- Enforcing rules and regulations and addressing any behavior issues.
- Offering support to help students learn and progress academically.
- Taking attendance and submitting reports to the teacher or school office.
- Communicating with the regular teacher and other school staff.
Salaries for Substitute Teacher Jobs
The median salary for a substitute teacher is $30,742 per year. But, with more experience and training, your earning potential can increase to $47,718. Keep in mind that where you live will influence your pay. For example, in Chicago, IL, you can make, on average, $35,683 per year. However, if you live in Boston, MA, you can take home around $41,313.
Use Monster's Salary Toolto see what you can expect to make in your location. You'll also gain some insights into how you can boost your value to employers.
How to Find the Right Substitute Teacher Jobs
Before you send out your applications, take time to think about what you really want in your career. This way, you can narrow down your search and apply only to jobs that align with your interests, skills, and goals. Use the following questions to help you:
- What grade levels or subjects are you comfortable teaching? Reflect on your experience and expertise and decide which areas you feel confident teaching.
- Do you prefer a public, private, or charter school environment? Additionally, think about the demographics of the student population and any school values or educational philosophies that resonate with you.
- Are you equipped to handle diverse classrooms? Assess your ability to adapt to various student needs, including those with special education requirements, English language learners, or behavioral challenges.
- What are your classroom management strategies? Reflect on your approach to managing student behavior and maintaining an orderly classroom.
Study Job Descriptions for Substitute Teacher Jobs
The next important step in your job search is to navigate and interpret job descriptions. Pay attention to the required education level, such as a high school diploma or a bachelor's degree. Note any specific certifications or licenses required, such as a substitute teaching permit or clearance for working with children.
Evaluate the listed responsibilities to gain a clear understanding of what is expected. Look for information on classroom management, following lesson plans, providing instruction, ensuring student safety, and maintaining an orderly learning environment. Are these in line with your expectations?
Finally, research the school or district where the substitute teacher position is available. Visit their website, read about their mission and values, and familiarize yourself with their educational programs. This can give you valuable insights into the organization's culture and expectations.
How to Apply to Substitute Teacher Jobs
Remember to tailor your application and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience based on the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Take note of specific instructions for submitting it and include any required documents, background checks, or references.
Update Your Resume for Substitute Teacher Jobs
As a teaching professional, it's essential to put your education to work for you on your resume. Make an impression by highlighting your credentials, education, and certifications near the top of your resume.
In a bulleted list, outline the skills that make you an effective substitute teacher. Include classroom management skills, flexibility, adaptability, strong communication, and the ability to build rapport with students and staff. Don’t forget to mention any additional skills relevant to teaching, such as technology proficiency or experience with diverse student populations.
Check out our substitute teacher's resume for ideas on formatting and what information to include. Or, if you need professional help, contact Monster's Resume Writing Experts, who will create a custom resume unique to your skills and career goals.
How to Write a Persuasive Cover Letter
When writing cover letters for substitute teaching jobs you want to convey your enthusiasm for the position and highlight your relevant qualifications and experience. So, start with a strong opening paragraph that states your intention and expresses your excitement about contributing to the school community.
In the body of the cover letter, showcase your relevant qualifications and experience as a substitute teacher. Highlight the skills that make you a strong candidate, such as classroom management abilities, flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to engage students effectively.
Also demonstrate how your teaching approach aligns with the school's educational philosophy or how your experience meets their requirements. Make sure to communicate your dedication to supporting student success and fostering a positive learning environment.
Submit Your Application
Get started by creating your free Monster profile and click on substitute teacher jobs that interest you. When you upload your resume, we'll help connect you with recruiters and schools looking for candidates with your background and skills. Don’t forget to double-check your application for errors and ensure that your contact information is correct.
How to Follow Up on Your Application
Following up after applying for substitute teaching jobs demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment. It can also help keep you on the employer's radar. Use our steps to guide you:
- Give the employer sufficient time to review applications and conduct initial screenings. One to two weeks after submitting your application is generally a reasonable timeframe before following up.
- Determine the appropriate contact person within the school or district who can provide updates on the hiring process. Look for contact information in the job posting or on the school website.
- In your follow-up email, express your continued interest in the teaching position and mention that you submitted an application.
- Politely inquire about your application's status and ask if any additional information is required. Keep your message brief and to the point.
Interviewing Tips for Substitute Teacher Jobs
You’ve impressed a potential employer with your application. Congratulations! Now you have to thoroughly prepare to leave a great impression with the hiring manager.
Prepare for Your Interview
The first part of your preparation involves familiarizing yourself with the school district you're going to interview with. Explore their website, mission statement, educational programs, and any recent news or initiatives. Understanding their values and goals will enable you to align your responses during the interview.
Substitute teachers often need to quickly establish rapport and manage classroom behavior. So be prepared to discuss how you would handle different situations and promote a positive learning environment. It’s helpful to use the STAR method when answering to craft concise and strategic answers.
You should also practice answering common teaching interview questions about your teaching philosophy, experience with different age groups or subjects, strategies for engaging students, and how you handle classroom disruptions. Prepare concise and thoughtful responses that highlight your skills and experiences.
Follow Up After the Interview
Get into the habit of following up after each job interview. It's an important step as it allows you to express your continued interest in the position, reiterate your qualifications, and leave a positive impression. Here are some guidelines on how to effectively follow up:
- Within 24 hours after the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to each person you interviewed with. Express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the substitute teaching job and thank them for their time and consideration.
- Explain why you believe you’re a strong fit based on your qualifications and the positive impression you gained during the interview. Emphasize your enthusiasm for the role and your alignment with the company's mission and values.
- Keep your follow-up communication professional, concise, and to the point. Respect the interviewer's time and avoid writing lengthy emails.
- Generally, follow-up emails are the most common and preferred method of communication. However, if the interviewer indicated a different preferred method, such as a phone call, follow their instructions.
- After sending your follow-up communication, be patient and allow the employer time to respond. Keep in mind that the hiring process can take time, and they may be conducting multiple interviews or deliberating among candidates.
What to Do When You Get an Offer
Did you receive a job offer? Congratulations! It's an exciting opportunity to contribute to the education system. But before jumping in with an answer, carefully review the details, including the start date, duration, compensation, and other terms and conditions. Understand the expectations, responsibilities, and any specific requirements associated with the position.
If any aspects of the offer are unclear, don't hesitate to seek clarification from the hiring manager or the person who extended the offer. It's essential to clearly understand the terms and conditions before deciding.
Think about how the substitute teacher position fits into your long-term career goals. Does it provide opportunities for professional development or align with your desired teaching specialization?
If you have other job offers or are considering multiple options, compare them to make an informed decision. Assess factors such as the work environment, the school's reputation, mentorship opportunities, and the student populations you would work with.
Keep in mind that if there's any aspect of the offer, such as salary or benefits, that doesn't meet your expectations, it's typically acceptable to enter into negotiations. If you decide to decline the offer, be respectful and professional in your communication. Express your appreciation for the offer and the time and consideration extended to you.
Substitute Teacher Jobs: Career Paths
Deciding on an advanced career path as a substitute teacher involves assessing your interests, goals, skills, and opportunities within the education field. Here are some steps to help guide your decision-making process:
- Consider the aspects of teaching that you're most passionate about. Reflect on the age group you enjoy working with, the subjects or areas of expertise that ignite your enthusiasm, and the aspects of education that inspire you the most.
- Define your long-term career goals as a substitute teacher. Consider where you see yourself in the next five to ten years and what impact you want to make in education. Set clear goals that align with your passion and skill set.
- Assess your skills and strengths. Identify the areas where you excel, whether in classroom management, curriculum development, instructional strategies, or working with diverse student populations.
- Explore professional development opportunities that can help you expand your skill set and knowledge in specific areas. Look for workshops, conferences, webinars, or courses that focus on topics of interest to you, such as special education, technology integration, assessment, data analysis, or leadership in education.
- Attend educational conferences, join professional organizations, and reach out to individuals for informational interviews or mentorship opportunities. Seek advice on potential career paths and learn from their experiences.
- Research advanced degree programs or certification options in educational leadership, curriculum, instruction, special education, or instructional technology. Determine if these programs align with your career goals and if you have the resources and time to pursue them.
With experience and additional education, you can advance into these positions:
Substitute Teacher Jobs: Similar Occupations
Here are some related roles you may be interested in: