Editor’s note: This story was originally published here penny hoarder.
If there’s one job that consistently requires people, it’s substitute teaching.
A quick Google search for “substitute teacher” will result in ads offering flexible hours and “no experience necessary” to help fill gaps in your local school system.
The teacher shortage is overwhelming the need for substitute teachers, but no matter where you live, teachers need help to avoid being overworked or having to teach when they are sick.
If you’re looking to make some extra money, here’s everything you need to know about becoming a substitute teacher right now.
how to become a substitute teacher
Because of all the challenges school systems face, it is easier than ever to become a substitute teacher. Whether you want to work full time, part time or even daily, many schools are willing to take any help they can get.
But there are still some abilities left to know.
Requirements for aspiring substitute teachers are set at the state level and by each local school district, said Joseph Fitzgerald, vice president of operations for the substitute staffing provider’s Mountain West States division. ESS.
“Many states and school districts allow individuals with a high school diploma or GED to become substitute teachers, while other states add requirements ranging from passing a parapro exam to requiring a bachelor’s degree,” she said.
Although education and experience requirements vary, one thing is certain: you’ll have to pass a criminal background check and undergo some training before you even step foot in the classroom.
Why is now a good time to become a substitute teacher?
As demand for teachers increases, some school districts are not only raising salaries, they are also adding incentives and relaxing their general requirements.
For example, Kansas, loosened the requirements For substitute teachers in 2025. Anyone age 18 and older with a high school diploma can apply for an emergency substitute teaching license (but must still pass a background check).
To fully understand what caused the decline, it is helpful to go back a few years.
Recent data shows that there are 20 to 30% fewer people becoming a teacher Compared to a decade ago. The declining trend in the number of incoming teachers had happened earlier also in the 70s and 80s, but what is the reason for the decline this time?
The rise of remote and flexible work has given teachers more options to switch to more lucrative jobs, while substitute teachers can find higher paying part-time work and even more. Part-Time Jobs That Include Benefits. Combine this with fewer resources, and we are facing a shortage of qualified teachers to fill schools.
How much can you make as a substitute teacher?
Depending on your state, the average hourly wage for substitute teachers ranges from $15.28 to $31.99. ZipRecruiter. Although many schools do not require extensive teaching experience, a higher education degree, or college credit hours, you will earn more if you have these qualifications.
“I’ve heard of substitute pay as low as $70 per day and as high as $200 per day,” said longtime certified teacher and education blogger Whitney Rancourt. mother takes care. “Most districts will pay a little more than their base rate for certification, graduate degrees, and retired teachers from that district.”
A big factor, Rancourt said, is location. Areas with a higher cost of living often require higher hourly rates to be paid.
That being said, school districts everywhere are expanding their offerings to be more competitive in the current market. Top-paying metropolitan areas like New York and Washington, DC pay an average of more than $60,000 per year for a full-time sub.
“We are seeing school districts respond to staff shortages with higher pay rates and other incentives,” Fitzgerald said. “If you considered a replacement a year or two ago, we encourage you to take another look as many school districts have increased their pay rates.”
Which substitute teaching jobs pay the best?
Another factor affecting pay rates is the length of the substitute-learning program.
“Building-based options and long-term options are typically higher paying roles,” Fitzgerald said. Building-based substitute teachers are committed to working at the same school each school day. Long-term substitute teachers have the additional duties of lesson planning as well as grading, “and thus school districts compensate the position more than daily substitute teachers.”
Some school systems will also pay higher salaries to willing substitute teachers who have a valid teaching license, are qualified to work with students with special needs, or teach a certain subject or grade level.
Another thing to ask is if the school pays hourly or daily. If you work long shifts, this can make a big difference in your total take home pay.
What benefits and perks can you get as a substitute teacher?
Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to your earning potential as a substitute teacher: Some jobs may even offer benefits, especially if you’re hired through a staffing agency.
“At ESS, we provide health, vision, dental and life insurance to all of our substitute employees,” Fitzgerald said. “Most school districts don’t offer benefits to their substitutes, but it’s worth checking because some do.”
another advantage? When you’re hired, you’ll receive a school ID badge that you can use to get discounts and free stuff at a long list of places, including museums and restaurants.
What if you don’t make enough money as a part-time substitute teacher?
Although becoming a substitute teacher offers flexibility and a competitive salary, you may not always have time to teach and you may not always have options to teach your favorite subjects.
Also, summer vacation is great, but if you’re a substitute teacher, that’s unpaid vacation. If you need more ways to earn, check out our list work from home side gigs.
How to Apply to Become a Substitute Teacher
Procedures vary from state to state and school district to school district. But here is the normal procedure.
1. Apply on your local school district or staffing agency’s website
Although you may be applying for a particular substitute teacher position, most substitute teaching roles are filtered through the school district, not just a particular school.
The main exception is if you’re applying for a role with a staffing agency like ESS, in which case you’ll apply on their website, which coordinates with the local school district on your behalf.
2. Complete the substitute teacher onboarding process
Once your initial application is reviewed, you will likely be asked to undergo a criminal background check, as is required by law for potential substitute teachers.
Once it’s approved, you may also be asked to attend orientation training, as well as provide professional references and proof of your education. certificate.
3. Check with the ‘Substitute Portal’
After completing the onboarding process with your local school district, you will usually get access to an online substitute teacher portal where jobs are posted. This is where the process gets interesting because, from here, you can begin to outline your new work schedule.
“If you’re a Type-A planner, you can log in much earlier and choose jobs posted early,” Rancourt said. “However, on days when you are available for work, there is some benefit to logging in early in the morning.”
By doing some combination of the two, you will be able to prevent layoffs (planned absences for teachers) in advance, as well as take advantage of sick days at the last minute.
Is Substitute Teaching Right for You?
It’s important to consider whether teaching in a classroom is really a good fit for you – because it definitely isn’t. the easiest thing to do Out there.
“It’s not easy money being a substitute teacher,” Rancourt said. “If you’re not physically tired by the end of the day, you’re not doing the job properly. Members should be moving around the classroom throughout the day, interacting with students, actively monitoring and checking the quality of their work.”
So who is really suitable for this type of extra movement? Fitzgerald fills us in.
“The best personality types for substitute teaching are people who care about education and want to have a positive impact on students’ lives,” she said. “They must also be able to connect with and lead a group of children or teens, so those with strong social skills and assertiveness may be particularly successful in substitute teaching.”
How substitute teaching advances your career
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, you might want to try substitute teaching. Even if this isn’t your long-term profession, this role can open other doors and career opportunities.
“Substitute teaching can promote career advancement in a variety of areas of education,” Fitzgerald said. “Many of our substitute teachers become school district employees in various capacities, such as teachers, paraprofessionals, or other support positions such as front office staff.”
Last line about substitute teaching
While it may not be for everyone, substitute teaching is worth exploring if you’re passionate about education, want to work with children, and are trying to earn extra money.
and who knows? Substitute teaching may inspire you to explore other roles in education, including online tutoring. This can also be a nice boost to your resume. In any case, it’s a win-win.