Requirements to Become...
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What are the Requirements to Become a Substitute Teacher?

As a substitute teacher, you are responsible for filling in the gaps whenever the primary teacher is unavailable. As much as possible, you try to:
  • Deliver the original lesson plans
  • Accept and grade homework
  • Administer tests
  • Ensure that instruction continues uninterrupted
For some, substitute teaching is a fairly irregular and choppy lifestyle, while for others, it is a terrific opportunity to meet new people, explore new classrooms, and make extra money on the side. In fact, substitute teaching salaries are often quite competitive. And because within any given school district, at least one teacher is out sick nearly every day, there is a high potential for you to work full time, albeit at different locations.

Requirements to Become a Substitute Teacher

Although the exact requirements to become a substitute teacher vary from state to state and district to district, a bachelor's degree or higher should qualify you in most areas. Some schools do not require this, but having extra training almost never hurts. Some substitute teachers even secure a teaching certificate, making them fully qualified instructors.

Many schools also administer competency tests for substitute teachers, either on-site or at the district level. However, to make substitute teaching a full-time career, you really need to apply to as many schools as possible within driving distance. Thus, you should be prepared to take multiple tests if there is no district-wide examination. Some tests focus exclusively on basic reading, writing, math, physical education, and science. Others stress pedagogical skills and curriculum development. And still others combine all of the above while emphasizing classroom management. This last component often proves especially important given that many students have a reputation for taking advantage of substitution teachers who are unfamiliar with the terrain. If you ever have an opportunity to go back to school and secure additional training, you might want to slant your education towards proper classroom management just to be safe.

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