How to Be a Substitute Teacher — And How Much You Could Make
If there’s one job that consistently needs people, it’s substitute teaching. All you have to do is open up a tab in your browser and type in “jobs near me,” and you’ll start to see ads offering flexible hours and “no experience necessary” to help fill the gaps in your local school system.
Teacher shortages play heavily into the need for substitute teachers, but no matter where you live, teachers need support to avoid overworking and even teaching while sick. Here’s everything you need to know about how to be a substitute teacher right now.
Why Schools Need More Subs
According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for substitute teachers ranges from $15.18 to $23 depending on the location, or up to $42,244 if you are doing it full time. The top-paying areas are Washington, New York and Washington, D.C.
But as it gets more challenging to keep up with demand, some school districts are not just increasing wages, they’re adding incentives and relaxing their usual requirements. Kansas, for example, recently loosened the requirements for substitute teachers. Anyone 18 and older with a high school diploma can apply for an emergency substitute teaching license (but will still have to pass a background check).
To fully understand what’s driving the shortage, it’s helpful to go back a few years.
Recent data shows 20 to 30% fewer people are becoming teachers compared to a decade ago. Downward trends for incoming teachers have happened before in the ’70s and ’80s, but what is driving the decline this time around?
The rise of remote and flexible work has given educators more options for higher-paying gigs than working in a classroom. Combine that with thinly stretched resources, and we are facing a lack of qualified teachers to fill schools.
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How to Become a Substitute Teacher
Because of all of the challenges school systems are facing, it’s easier than ever to become a substitute teacher. Whether you want to work full time, part time or even per diem, a lot of schools are willing to take any help they can get.
But there are still a few qualifications to know about before diving headlong into applications.
Requirements for aspiring substitute teachers are set at the state level and by each local school district, said Joseph Fitzgerald, vice president of operations for the Mountain West States division of the substitute staffing provider ESS.
“Many states and school districts allow individuals with a high school diploma or GED to become substitute teachers, while other states add requirements ranging from passing the ParaPro Exam to requiring a bachelor’s degree,” Fitzgerald said.
While education and experience requirements vary, one thing is for sure: You’ll have to pass a criminal background check and undergo some training before you can step into a classroom.
The Substitute Teacher Application Process
Procedures vary from state to state and from one school district to the next. But here is the typical process.
1. Apply on your local school district or staffing agency’s website
Although you might be applying for a particular substitute teacher position, most substitute teaching roles are filtered through the school district, not just one particular school. The main exception is when you’re applying for a role with a staffing agency like ESS, in which case you would apply on their website, which coordinates with the local school district on your behalf.
2. Complete the substitute teacher onboarding process
Once your initial application has been reviewed, you’ll likely be prompted to undergo a criminal background check, as is required by law for prospective substitute teachers. Once this has been approved, you may also be asked to take an orientation training, as well as provide professional references and proof of your education and certifications.
3. Check in with the ‘substitute portal’
After completing the onboarding process with your local school district, you’ll typically receive access to an online substitute teacher portal, which is where jobs get posted. This is where the process gets interesting because, from here, you can start mapping out your new work schedule.
“If you’re a type-A planner, you can log on far in advance and pick up jobs that are posted early,” said long-time certified teacher and education blogger Whitney Rancourt of Mama Manages. “However, there is some benefit to logging in early in the morning on the days you’re available to work.”
By doing some combination of the two, you’ll be able to snag jobs happening in advance (planned teacher absences), as well as take advantage of any last-minute sick days.
How Much Can You Earn as a Substitute Teacher?
Although many schools don’t require extensive teaching experience, higher education degrees or college credit hours, you’ll likely earn more if you have those qualifications.
“I have heard of substitute pay as low as $70 per day and as high as $200 a day,” Rancourt said. “Most districts will pay slightly more than their base rate for certification, bachelor’s degrees and to retired teachers of that district.” A bigger factor, Rancourt said, is location. Higher cost-of-living areas often pay higher hourly rates.
That being said, school districts everywhere are ramping up their offerings to make more competitive offers in the current market.
“We are seeing school districts respond to substitute staffing shortages with higher pay rates and other incentives,” Fitzgerald said. “If you considered substituting a year or two ago, we encourage you to take another look as many school districts have increased their pay rates.”
Which Substitute Teaching Jobs Pay the Best?
Another factor influencing pay rates is the duration of a substitute-teaching gig.
“Building-based substitutes and long-term substitutes are typically higher-paying roles,” Fitzgerald said. Building-based substitute teachers commit to working each school day at the same school. Long-term substitute teachers have the added duties of lesson planning as well as grading, “and thus school districts compensate for the position more than daily substitutes.”
Some school systems will also pay higher wages for aspiring substitute teachers who have a valid teaching license or are qualified to work with special needs students or to teach a certain subject or grade level.
Another thing to ask is whether the school pays hourly or daily. If you end up working a longer shift, this could make a big difference in your overall take-home pay.
A final thing to keep in mind when it comes to your earning potential as a substitute teacher: Some jobs might even offer benefits, especially if you’re hired through a staffing agency.
“At ESS, we offer all of our substitute staff health, vision, dental and life insurance,” Fitzgerald said. “Most school districts don’t offer benefits to their substitutes, but it’s worth checking because some do.”
Is Substitute Teaching Right for You?
It’s important to consider whether teaching in a classroom is actually a good fit for you — because it’s definitely not the easiest job out there.
“Being a substitute teacher is not easy money,” Rancourt said. “If you’re not physically tired by the end of the day, you’re not doing the job right. Subs should be moving about the classroom for the entire day, interacting with students, actively monitoring and checking the quality of their work.”
So, who exactly is a good fit for this kind of side hustle? Fitzgerald fills us in.
“The best personality types for substitute teaching are people that care about education and want to make a positive impact on the lives of students,” he said. “They must also be able to connect with and lead a group of children or teenagers, so those with strong social skills and assertiveness can especially thrive in substitute teaching.”
How Substitute Teaching Advances Your Career
If that sounds like something that interests you, then you might just want to give substitute teaching a try. Even if it ends up not being your long-term profession, the role may open other doors and career opportunities.
“Substitute teaching can spark career advancement in various areas of education,” Fitzgerald said. “Many of our substitute teachers go on to become school district employees in various capacities, such as teachers, paraprofessionals or other support positions such as staffing the front office.”
The Bottom Line About Substitute Teaching
Although it may not be for everyone, substitute teaching is worth exploring if you’re passionate about education, want to work with kids and are trying to earn extra money.
And who knows? Substitute teaching might inspire you to explore other roles in education, including online tutoring. It can also be a nice boost for your resume. In either case, that’s a win-win.
Contributor Larissa Runkle frequently writes on finance, real estate, and lifestyle topics for The Penny Hoarder.
