Substitute Teaching Is A Job

A substitute teacher is a person who teaches a class when the regular teacher is unavailable due to illness, personal leave, job dissatisfaction, or any other reason that keeps a regular teacher from performing their duties. As I was discussing the upcoming school year today with a teacher, I realized that she has been substitute teacher this entire school year. She is a certified teacher with about five years experience. She didn’t land a contract for the current academic year. When we discussed it last fall, I suggested that she consider becoming a substitute teacher. As we discussed next school year, she reminded me about my conversation with her last fall. I thought it might be a job for you to consider if you are struggling to find a job right now. There are always substitute teaching jobs available.

Here are some things to consider if this job interest you:

1. Go online and check the qualifications they will consider for a substitute teacher
2. Select at least school districts to apply
3. Determine the grade levels you are interested in teaching
4. Complete the application process. Include all supporting documents they may request
5. Prepare for your interviw
6. If you have never taught before, not to fear, do some research – talk to someone who does teach
7. Determine your transferable skills and communicate them

Be ready for the unexpected. You never know where substitute teaching will take you from day to day. You might spend one day teaching high school science, two days later teaching math. You have the freedom to choose which assignments to pursue at whichever schools you wish. You can take a day off whenever it is necessary in your schedule. There is freedom to manage your schedule from week to week and day to day.

Make sure you like children. If you don’t like children, don’t apply. The students in our schools need people who care. My purpose in sharing this job opportunity is to continue to give ideas for those of you who may want to consider this option. Everyone doesn’t need to be a substitute teacher. If it is something that will help you get back on your feet, than go for it!

Image Credit: sxc.hu