Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Penny Hoarder.
If there’s one job that always needs people, it’s substitute teaching.
All you have to do is open a tab in your browser and type in “jobs near me,” and you’ll start seeing ads offering flexible hours and “no experience needed” to help fill vacancies in your local school system.
The teacher shortage is having a big impact on the demand for substitute teachers, but no matter where you live, teachers need extra support to avoid being overworked and even teaching sick.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to become a substitute teacher right now.
Why Schools Pay Too Much for Subscriptions
According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for substitute teachers ranges from $14.13 to $23.73 depending on the state, or up to $49,368 for full-time. The states that pay the most are Nevada, Massachusetts, Alaska and Washington.
But that’s not the whole picture. As demand becomes harder to keep up with, some school districts are raising salaries, adding benefits and relaxing their standard requirements for substitute teachers.
Reports on the shortage of substitute teachers include stories about pay for school boards as they struggle with shortages: up to $240 a day in one district, bonuses of up to $500 in another district and $130 a day for licensed teachers in yet another district. In some districts, schools even tried to hire parents to fill vacancies.
To fully understand what is causing the shortage, it helps to go back a few years.
Recent data shows that 20% to 30% fewer people are becoming teachers compared to ten years ago. Declines in incoming teachers have occurred before in the 1970s and ’80s, but what is causing this decline?
The rise of remote and flexible work has given teachers more options for higher-paying gigs than working in the classroom. Combine that with limited resources, and we are facing a shortage of qualified teachers to fill schools.
How to Become a Substitute Teacher
Because of all the challenges school systems face, it’s easier than ever to become a substitute teacher. Whether you want to work full-time, part-time or per diem, most schools are willing to take any help they can get.
But there are still a few qualifications you should know about before you dive right in to applications.
Requirements for substitute teacher candidates are set at the state level and each local school district, said Joseph Fitzgerald, vice president of operations for the Mountain West States division of substitute staffing provider ESS.
“Many states and school districts allow people with a high school diploma or GED to become substitute teachers, and some states add requirements that range from passing the ParaPro Exam to requiring a degree,” Fitzgerald said.
Although education and experience requirements vary, one thing is certain: You will need to pass a criminal background check and undergo training before you can enter the classroom.
Application Process for Substitute Teachers
Procedures vary from district to district and from school district to school district. But here is the general process.
1. Apply on the website of your local school or employment agency
Although you may be applying for a specific substitute teacher position, most teaching roles are sorted by school district, not just one school.
The main exception is when you’re applying for a role with a staffing agency like ESS, where you’ll apply on their website, which links to the local school district on your behalf.
2. Complete the substitute teacher onboarding process
Once your initial application has been reviewed, you will be asked to complete a criminal background check, as required by law for prospective substitute teachers.
Once this is approved, you may also be asked to take orientation training, and provide professional references and proof of your education and certifications.
3. Log in through the ‘proxy portal’
After completing the on-boarding process with your local school district, you will typically gain access to the online substitute teacher portal, which is where jobs are posted.
This is where the process gets interesting, because, from here, you can start mapping out your new work plan.
“If you’re a type A planner, you can come in early and take assignments early,” says longtime certified teacher and education writer Whitney Rancourt of Mama Manages. “However, there is some benefit to going in early on the days you can work.”
By doing a combination of the two, you’ll be able to cover tasks that happen early (planned teacher absences), and use any last-minute sick days.
How Much Can You Earn as a Substitute Teacher?
Although most schools do not require extensive teaching experience, advanced degrees or college credit hours, you will likely earn more if you have those qualifications.
“I have heard that the salary is less than $70 a day and up to $200 a day,” said Rancourt. “Most districts will pay less than their base rate for certified, bachelor’s, and retired teachers in the district.”
The biggest factor, Rancourt said, is location. High-end residences typically pay high hourly rates.
That being said, school districts everywhere are combining their offerings to create a competitive offering in today’s market.
“We’re seeing school districts respond to staffing shortages with higher wages and other incentives,” Fitzgerald said. “If you’ve considered switching in the last year or two, we encourage you to look again as many school districts have increased their pay rates.”
What Are Some of the Best Paying Teaching Jobs?
Another factor that affects pay rates is the time for a substitute teaching gig.
“Construction-based substitutes and long-term properties are often the highest-paying roles,” Fitzgerald said. Building-based substitute teachers commit to working each school day at the same school. Long-term substitute teachers have additional responsibilities for lesson planning and grading, “so school districts compensate the position more than substitutes every day.”
Some school systems will also pay higher wages to substitute teachers who hold a valid teaching license, are qualified to work with students with special needs, or teach a specific subject or grade level.
Another thing to ask is whether the school pays by the hour or daily. If you end up working longer, this can make a big difference in your overall take home pay.
One last thing to keep in mind when it comes to your earning potential as a substitute teacher: some jobs may offer you benefits, especially if you are employed through a staffing agency.
“At ESS, we offer all of our acting employees health, vision, dental and life insurance,” Fitzgerald said. “Many school districts do not offer benefits to those who will take office, but it is good to look because some do.”
Is Substitute Teaching Right For You?
It’s important to consider whether classroom teaching is really for you – because it’s by no means the easiest job.
“Being a substitute teacher is not easy money,” said Rancourt.
“If you are physically tired at the end of the day, you are not doing the job properly. Enrollees must attend class throughout the day, interact with students, actively monitor, and monitor the quality of their work.”
So who is a good fit for this type of side hustle? Fitzgerald fills us in.
“The best types of people for substitute teaching are people who care about education and want to have a positive impact on students’ lives,” he said. “They should also be able to communicate and lead a group of children or teenagers, so those with strong interpersonal skills and resilience can be more successful in teaching positions.”
How Substitute Teaching Can Improve Your Career
If that sounds like something you’re interested in, you might want to try another teaching position. Even if it doesn’t end up being your long-term job, the role may open other doors and career opportunities for you.
“Taking a teaching position can spark career advancements in various fields of education,” Fitzgerald said.
“Many of our substitute teachers go on to become school district employees in various capacities, such as teachers, paraprofessionals, or other support positions such as working in the front office.”
Essentials About Substitute Teaching
While it may not be for everyone, substitute teaching is worth checking out if you love education, want to work with children, and are trying to earn extra money.
And who knows? Alternative teaching may encourage you to explore other roles in education, including online teaching. It can also be a good motivation for your resume. Either way, that’s a win.
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