Whether you seek to gain teaching experience, need part time work to supplement your income, or need a job that allows a great deal of flexibility, substitute teaching is an excellent option for you. Substitute teaching allows you the freedom to accept jobs on days you want to work and take days off whenever you please. You can accept jobs in specific classrooms that you favor, or enjoy the diversity of going to a new classroom every day. It affords you the educational freedom to work in all grade levels, from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, in all different subjects, and at many different schools and districts. Now that you are highly interested in becoming a substitute teacher, this article will help you know which substitute teaching credentials to pursue!
Bachelor’s Degree
Regardless of where you work, substitute teaching requires a bachelor’s degree. If you are interested in substitute teaching and have not yet earned your bachelor’s degree, choose a major that will prepare you for any teaching scenario and translate well to any related career path, such as education, child and adolescent development, or psychology.
If you want to teach subjects in the area of a degree you already have, tell the person responsible for scheduling. Teachers appreciate leaving their classes in the hands of someone who has knowledge of their subjects. It allows them to continue the flow of their curriculum when you are qualified to administer their lessons. It also makes for a much more interesting day for you and the students! Teaching classes in your area of study may earn you long-term substitute assignments. These often pay more, and since you take ownership of the classroom management, lesson planning, and grading for a time, it is a great way to determine whether or not you want to become a full-time teacher. It also usually requires that you attend faculty meetings, an excellent way to form professional networks.
Teacher Certification
Almost all substitute teaching position requires you pass a standardized teaching certification exam. The particular exam depends on the individual state and district. There may be one exam for all grades, or separate elementary and secondary exams. Do your research and take the appropriate exam before beginning the application process. All exams usually focus on basic math and reading skills. Once you pass the exam, you typically pay a fee for your state to issue a special substitute teaching credential, which you must be vigilant about renewing yearly. The National Education Association posted this helpful description of the state-by-state requirements for substitute teaching credentials.
First Aid and CPR Certification
No matter where you teach, you will certainly need current First Aid and CPR Certification. Most people complete this after beginning the application process, but if you make a point to do it first, you can get into the classroom sooner. Choose the most comprehensive course, as some schools require only CPR or First Aid, while others require both. Cover all of your bases, especially if you hope to teach for multiple schools or districts.
Substitute teaching is a relatively simple field to enter. It is also one that comes with many perks and rewards! Follow these guidelines for completing your substitute teaching credentials, and you will be in classrooms in no time!
See also: 5 Tips for Supplementing Your Substitute Teaching Income
