How to Be Substitute Teacher - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 17, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Substitute teaching can be a challenging job, but can also be very rewarding. The job requires teachers to adapt quickly to different learning environments and teaching styles. When students are faced with a substitute teacher, they may experience anxiety and confusion due to the unfamiliarity of the teacher.

This can lead to disruptions in the classroom and more difficult interactions between the teacher and students. To counteract this, it is important for substitute teachers to make an effort to establish a positive relationship with their students and make sure that the students understand the expectations and goals of the lesson. By creating a safe and supportive learning environment, substitute teachers can help ensure that students have a successful learning experience.

when substitute teachers are able to provide a quality education experience, they can also help contribute to the overall well-being of the school by ensuring that each class is taught effectively.

Steps How to Become

Research Your States Requirements. Every state has different requirements for substitute teachers. Start by researching your states requirements for becoming a substitute teacher. You may need to contact the school district or your states Department of Education for more information.
Get Certified. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to obtain a substitute teaching certificate or license. To obtain certification, you may need to complete a certain number of professional development hours, pass a background check, and/or take an exam.
Gather Required Documentation. Most states require substitute teachers to have certain documents before they can be hired. These documents may include a drivers license, proof of citizenship, Social Security card, and/or a college degree or transcript.
Find an Employer. Once you have the required documentation and certification, you can start looking for employers who are hiring substitute teachers. Contact your local school district, private schools, and online job boards for substitute teaching opportunities.
Submit an Application. After you find an employer who is hiring, you can submit an application. Be prepared to provide references and information about your educational background, work experience, and certifications.
Attend Orientation. Most employers require substitute teachers to attend orientation before they can start working. Orientation will provide you with important information about the job and the schools policies and procedures.
Start Subbing. After completing orientation, you can start substituting in classrooms and making a difference in students lives!

Being a reliable and qualified substitute teacher requires a great deal of dedication and effort. It starts with making sure that you have the necessary education and training to be legally qualified for the job. Depending on the state or country, this can include having a teaching certification, a college degree, or a combination of the two.

it is important to stay current on educational trends and methods as well as local regulations. After ensuring that you meet the legal requirements, becoming a reliable substitute teacher also requires having a positive attitude and strong communication skills. It is important to arrive on time, be prepared, and be willing and able to engage with students.

Finally, being reliable also means being organized and self-disciplined. This means having the ability to follow directions, complete tasks in a timely manner, and follow-through on commitments. By taking these steps, substitute teachers can establish themselves as reliable and qualified educators.

You may want to check Special Education Teacher, High School Teacher, and Life Skills Instructor/Teacher for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare lesson plans and deliver instruction to students in the absence of the regular teacher.
Assess student progress and provide appropriate feedback.
Maintain a neat and orderly classroom environment.
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Manage student behavior in the classroom by enforcing rules and procedures.
Review and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Confer with parents or guardians, administrators, testing specialists, and other professionals to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
Maintain a professional relationship with students, school staff, and parents or guardians.
Implement school and district initiatives and curriculum objectives.
Participate in faculty meetings and professional development activities.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of subject matter
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students
Ability to create a safe and inclusive learning environment
Knowledge of classroom management strategies
Ability to recognize and respond to student learning styles
Patience and flexibility
Good organizational and time management skills
Ability to differentiate instruction for students with special needs
Knowledge of curriculum and lesson planning standards

Being a substitute teacher is a challenging job that requires specific skills in order to be successful. The most important skill to have is the ability to think quickly on your feet and adapt to different classroom environments. This means being able to quickly assess the needs of the students, the expectations of the administration, and the resources available.

Being able to establish trust with students is also essential for a successful substitute teacher, as it helps ensure students remain engaged and focused on their learning. Having strong communication and problem-solving skills are also important for substitute teachers, so they can effectively collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure that the students get the education they deserve. Finally, having a deep understanding of classroom management is essential so that a substitute teacher can handle any situation that may arise.

With these skills, a substitute teacher can create a positive learning environment and have a successful experience.

Elementary School Teacher, Technology Teacher, and Middle School Teacher are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with students in the classroom?
How do you handle students who are disruptive or not following directions?
Are you comfortable managing a classroom of any size?
How do you plan and organize your lessons?
What strategies do you use to motivate students who are struggling academically?
What challenges have you faced in the classroom, and how did you address them?
How do you establish positive relationships with students and their parents?
What strategies do you use to differentiate instruction for students of different ability levels?
What do you consider your greatest strengths as a Substitute Teacher?
How do you respond to unexpected changes in the lesson plan, or to the needs of individual students?

Common Tools in Industry

Classroom Management Software. Allows teachers to monitor student behavior, distribute assignments, and track grades. (eg: ClassDojo)
Learning Management System (LMS). Provides an online platform to store course materials, assign tasks, and track student progress. (eg: Canvas)
Online Collaborative Tools. Enable teachers and students to work together in real time on projects and tasks. (eg: Google Docs)
Digital Learning Resources. Offers a variety of educational content, such as videos, interactive activities, and simulations, for students to access anytime. (eg: Khan Academy)
Assessment Platforms. Automatically assesses students understanding of material, provides feedback, and offers personalized learning recommendations. (eg: DreamBox Learning)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Education Association (NEA)
Association of American Educators (AAE)
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC)
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY)
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

We also have Social Skills Instructor/Teacher, Preschool Teacher, and STEM Teacher jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Classroom Management. The process of organizing and managing the classroom environment to create an atmosphere conducive to learning.
Lesson Plan. A detailed plan of instruction for a particular lesson, including objectives, activities, materials, and assessments.
Student Engagement. The degree to which students are actively involved in the learning process, including showing interest and enthusiasm, asking questions, and participating in class activities.
Differentiated Instruction. A teaching approach that takes into account the varying needs of individual students, allowing teachers to tailor instruction to meet each students needs.
Behavior Management. The use of strategies and techniques to manage student behavior in the classroom.
Assessment. The process of evaluating student performance and progress on specific tasks or goals.
Student-Centered Learning. An approach to teaching that focuses on the individual needs and interests of each student.
Collaborative Learning. An approach to teaching that encourages students to work together in groups in order to solve problems or complete tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to be a substitute teacher?

Generally, substitute teachers must have at least a high school diploma or GED, and some states may require additional qualifications such as a teaching certificate or substitute teaching license.

How much do substitute teachers typically make?

The average wage for substitute teachers is $13.24 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, wages can vary greatly depending on the location, the school district, and the length of the assignment.

Are there benefits associated with being a substitute teacher?

Generally, no. Substitute teachers typically do not receive benefits such as health insurance or other benefits associated with full-time employment.

How often do substitute teachers work?

Substitute teachers typically work on an as-needed basis, and the frequency of assignments can vary depending on the school district and the availability of qualified substitutes.

What is the job outlook for substitute teachers?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the job outlook for substitute teachers will remain steady over the next decade, with an estimated 11% growth in job opportunities through 2029.