Substitute teachers may not need the same credentials as full-time teachers, but they must pass tests, have a bachelor’s degree, and undergo health exams and background checks. Requirements vary by state and school type. Expect to spend $100-$200 on fees. Building relationships with teachers and having backup plans are important. Behavioral issues may arise, but respect and consistency can help.
Often substitute teachers are not required to have the same credentials as full-time teachers. Substitute teachers usually need to pass tests required by the school district, may need a bachelor’s degree, and will almost certainly have fingerprints. You can also expect a substitute teacher to undergo a health exam and background check. Additionally, a surrogate must register with all school districts in which he or she is looking for work in order to be considered for employment.
Some substitute teachers may have less requirements if they teach in private schools. A substitute teacher at a private school will likely have to pass exams required by the school and get fingerprinted. A four-year college degree, however, may not be required, and a teaching credential is usually not a requirement.
In some states, you can substitute for just 60 units or college credits and a background check. Other states may require an emergency credential. An emergency credential may include requirements covering tests, background checks, and medical exams. Typically, the state limits how many consecutive days a person can replace the same class. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 days, not including weekends.
In general, you can be prepared to spend between 100 and 200 US Dollars (USD) to pay for application fees, health screenings, tests and fingerprinting. Therefore, you must be prepared as a substitute teacher to dig deep into your pockets before you land your first job. Actual paperwork time may vary. Some school districts may provide emergency credentials within a few weeks. Others may take a month or more. If you’re looking to become a substitute teacher starting in September, start paperwork and preparations in late May so you’ll be ready to work when school starts.
It can also help to get to know teachers for whom you can work as a substitute teacher. For example, many parents become substitute teachers at their children’s schools. Knowing the teachers can give you an insider advantage because they may ask you to substitute and may be able to arrange substitute days with you for planned absences.
If you don’t know the teachers or the school district you work in, sending a short cover letter to each teacher describing your experience and enthusiasm can help generate applications. Depending on the circumstances, a substitute teacher may be well known to a class at the end of the year. Being better known often translates to more comfortable and respectful students.
Once you’ve secured proper licensing, you might want to do some research on schools. First, obtain and read each school’s or district’s policies and behavior guidelines. Second, get to know the layouts of the schools. Also, be aware of emergency procedures that will allow you to protect yourself and students if necessary.
A substitute teacher should always come to class prepared with a backup plan. Ideally, your job will be to follow the teacher’s schedule. If a teacher is really sick, a schedule may not have been made. Therefore, you may also want to prepare for assignments by having backup activities tailored to the subjects you plan to teach. It can also help to attract more troubled students and make them classroom experts on procedures or current issues that the class is studying. This often helps to reduce behavioral problems.
You should expect some behavioral issues as a substitute teacher, especially from middle and high school. When these become significant, involve management. In the absence of a teacher, a principal or dean is often the best person to supervise disrespectful children. Also work on demanding respect from your students by respecting them. A substitute teacher who is kind and consistent will usually have students who want to behave.
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