Substitute Teacher Job Description

No day is the same in the life of a substitute teacher. Because jobs change each day, subs meet new students and faculty members with each new assignment. Besides having the freedom to choose when and where they work, subs can enjoy their profession, feeling good that they can make a difference in the life a child. However, they must first set boundaries, establishing respect the minute they enter a classroom or they'll end up being treated as glorified babysitters.

Identification

A substitute teacher fills in for a regular teacher on either a temporary or long-term basis. Although requirements vary, depending on the school district, most don't require a bachelor's degree, although a college degree pays more. However, most do need some college. It's usually easy to be hired as there's a demand for subs. To find out about requirements, contact your state's department of education and your local school district office.

Function

Substitutes do almost everything a regular teacher does, although they usually don't prepare lessons. For example, they're in charge of taking roll and reporting absentees each day. Subs keep order in a classroom. They sometimes give tests and grade papers.
They're responsible for knowing the school rules and what to do if there's a fire drill, as well as keeping kids safe. Substitutes working with younger students ensure children get on the right buses in the afternoon.

Types

Day-to-day substitutes work on an on-call basis, taking jobs as needed, without a commitment to stay longer than what they have signed on for.
Long-term subs take on jobs that last longer than a few days. Although they may get paid more, they have more responsibilities with lesson plans. Sometimes teachers leave plans for the whole absence and other times it's up to the long-term sub to create plans.
A permanent substitute is a sub who reports to work each day, filling in wherever needed. Sometimes a long-term or permanent sub position can turn into a full-time teaching position if the sub has the teaching credentials for the job.
Substitutes leave reports for the regular teacher on how the day went, as well as noting any problems or changes, such as new students.
There are also sub positions for paraprofessional and clerical jobs.

Benefits

Unlike a regular teaching job, subbing lets you work the days you choose. What's more, subs can pick the schools, grades and subjects that work best for them. If you get a bad class, you can remember not to accept that job in the future, whereas a regular teacher is stuck with a challenging classroom.
Whereas you contend for a position in many jobs, an interview to be a sub isn't as strenuous because you're competing with someone else. It's usually easy to be hired as there's a demand for subs. Besides an interview, you fill out application forms, supply references and get fingerprinted.
Another benefit is that subbing gets your foot in the door of a school system if you're looking for a regular teaching job. On the other hand, it's ideal if you have children in the same schools where you work so you can get to know the teachers and help your kids.

Considerations

If you enjoy working with kids but don't feel comfortable standing in front of a classroom, many school systems have subbing jobs for paraprofessionals who help teachers. Although they may pay slightly less, there's less stress because you're not in charge of a classroom. There are also substitute jobs for clerical workers and lunchroom monitors.
Also, consider that many larger school districts use an automated sub locator system to call subs for jobs. That's a good consideration if you don't like to say no to a live person.

Warning

Although most teachers leave detailed lesson plans, some don't. That's why it's important for subs to carry a bag full of materials. For ideas on lesson plans (see Resources), use your Internet browser to search for substitute lesson plans.

Prevention/Solution

Often new subs make the mistake of subbing in a grade level that is not suited for them. Before applying to sub, volunteer in a classroom to make sure you sign up for the right grade level and schools.
Gaining respect is one of the major challenges of subbing. First, set rules according to the age of the grade. Warn the kids of the rules and if a rule is broken, their name goes on the board. One check gives them another chance. But after the second check, take action. The worst a sub can do is to threaten to do something and then do nothing.

Resources

• How to Become a Substitute Teacher
• Substitute Lesson Plans