What does a Substitute Teacher do?
Published 3 min read
A substitute teacher is a person who teaches a school class when the regular teacher is unavailable.
Substitute Teacher job duties include:
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Prepare lesson plans and instructional materials to meet the needs of each student.
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Encourage students to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions.
- Help students develop their study skills and organizational techniques.
- Motivate students to participate in learning activities and persist with challenging tasks.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by law, district policies, and administrative regulations.
Substitute Teacher Job Requirements
There are not many requirements to be a substitute teacher. Most states require that you have at least a high school diploma, although some states may require you to have completed some college coursework or have a college degree. You will also need to obtain a Substitute Teacher Certification from the state in which you wish to work. Some districts may require you to have previous teaching experience, but it is not always necessary.
Substitute Teacher Skills
- Classroom management
- Communication
- Patience
- Creativity
- Flexibility
- Organization
- Preparation
- Public speaking
- Research
- Writing
- Lesson planning
- Behavior management
Related: Top Substitute Teacher Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Substitute Teacher
There are a few steps to becoming a substitute teacher. The first is to have a high school diploma or equivalent. The second is to complete a state-approved teacher education program or have a bachelor's degree. The third is to pass a state-specific basic skills test. Finally, you must pass a background check.
If you have a high school diploma or equivalent, you can become a substitute teacher by completing a state-approved teacher education program. This program will prepare you for the state-specific basic skills test, which you must pass in order to become a substitute teacher. You will also need to pass a background check in order to be hired as a substitute teacher.
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