A substitute teacher is responsible for continuing a student’s education in the absence of regular classroom teachers. This is achieved through flexible adaptation, skills in classroom management, and age-appropriate interaction with peers. So, let us understand what the substitute teacher job description looks like with a focus on all critical duties, qualifications, and several other features that will help you perform this position successfully.
Substitute Teacher Job Description
The substitute teacher performs similar functions as the teacher but only does so temporarily. In short, a substitute teacher is anybody who steps in to manage a classroom in the absence of the regular teacher. They are accountable for implementing lesson plans and enforcing order in the classrooms so that learning will take place even in their absence. These individuals may step in as substitute teachers on a day-to-day basis or for more prolonged periods filling in for teachers at different levels and in different subject areas.
There are many types of substitute teachers, each able to fill a void in schools and each capable of meeting the needs of different classrooms. A quick study with a good attitude, a positive approach and one able to adapt quickly helps in managing the different age groups. Their duties will could include working in an elementary school, a middle school or a high school and are very crucial to help keep the method of instruction on course When a teacher is absent, substitute teaching becomes a very good option for people seeking flexible hours who wish to be in the teaching profession.
Resume Description for This Job
When preparing a resume for a substitute teacher role it is recommended that you highlight your ability to adapt, manage the classroom, and work with children of all ages. Below is an example of description that can appear in a substitute teacher’s resume:
“A dedicated substitute teacher who works hard to maintain order and adhere to the lesson plan provided for students of different grades. Has classroom management skills and the ability to engage students quickly while taking on different subject areas and their respective educational requirements. Focused and professional, provides consistency in teaching and supports positive learning and teaching environments.”
Feel free to adjust details to better match your experience!
Salary
Factors such as geographic area, terminating school district, experience level, and number of assignment days can affect how much substitute teachers get paid in the US. Here’s a summary:
- Daily Rate: $0 – 80 – 150 a day depending on location and qualification.
- Long-Term Assignments: There Are some districts that pay more because their bas rate is $150 – 250 a day for long term assignments.
- Annual Salary: On an annual basis substitute teachers can earn in full time equivalent $20,000 dollars to $35,000 dollars a year and this range is big because of the local salary scale and working days.
Qualified substitutes in skilled areas or regions may find that, due to high demand, higher pay rates are available.
There are school systems where there is a possibility of paying extra benefits or bonuses when a lasting substitute position is held.
Duties and Responsibilities
To fulfill a range of tasks that will guarantee that learning takes place in the absence of the permanent teacher, substitute teachers are assigned the following: basic Job descriptions:
- Implementing Lesson Plans: Going through the lesson plans that have been left with the class and trying to implement them.
- Discipline in Class: Controlling the classroom, implementing school rules, and handling students in and out of class as a means of providing a suitable atmosphere for learning.
- Facilitating Students: Helping students complete and understand directions, and responding to students’ questions with explanations if they arise.
- Recording Attendance: Marking students’ and staffs’ attendance and other records relating to the students in compliance with the school policies.
- Marking and Evaluation: Sometimes marking of assignments and giving of assessments where the school or the absent teacher directs.
- Staff Interrelations: Such issues as student behavior and other incidents, which are relevant, need to be reported to the regular teacher or the school management.
- Broad Subject Exposure: Teaching the subjects’ classes that the teacher has missed, and quickly learning the subject matter especially in general education.
Qualifications
The requirements for substitute teachers differ according to the state and the school district. The key qualifications are sometimes related to the following:
- Education: Several districts set a high school diploma as the minimum requirement. Nonetheless, a bachelor degree is still preferred.
- Certification: There are countries that ask for a certification in substitute teaching and this may take the form of a brief training course. Other jurisdictions may also require a teaching or a teaching permit.
- Experience: Teaching or having worked in a classroom before moving to a new place may help but is not a problem. Orientation or training for new substitutes is standard in some districts.
- Skills: Classroom management, communication, and flexibility are important for the work of a substitute teacher. To some extent, experience in using educational active teaching and learning approaches to students will be an asset.
- Background Check: Most districts conduct background checks and finger printing especially for teacher substitutes in a bid to secure the students learning environment.
FAQs
Q1: Do substitute teachers need a credential to teach?
Requirements differ from district to district and from state to state. Some districts though may use substitutes without any formal credentials to teach comfortably, other districts would prefer substitutes to have a certificate even a registering certificate especially for long term substitute teaching.
Q2: Give any suggestions on how substitute teachers can prepare for the job if they are assigned.
To begin with, becoming acquainted with typical classroom procedures can assist a substitute teacher. Also with some training, attending different classes and adapting to various grade levels would not be stressful. Most districts have training or orientation to get substitutes ready.
Q3: Can substitute teachers find long-term work as well as short term work?
Yes, long term opportunities such as full time teaching jobs can evolve from substituting. Also, it can be great experience for people who wish to be accredited teachers or work in the field of education.
Q4: What must be the focus of a substitute teacher?
Some of the critical attributes for substitute teachers are adaptiveness in the classroom, good management, and interpersonal skills, as well as patience. They have to adapt fast and develop relationships with the children and work with a diverse body of educational resources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a substitute teacher is an important link in the chain of education in the occurrence of an absent teacher. They can ensure that learning and engagement have not been disrupted due to the absence of the regular teacher. This is an exciting position with flexible hours which would suit people wanting a career in education.