Working as a substitute teacher is a great way to break into the education industry to determine whether or not a full-time teaching job is right for you. If you are thinking of working in education and you want to know how you can become a substitute teacher, there are plenty of local and online resources available to help.
Because each location varies with laws and formal requirements to become a substitute teacher, some positions may require you to have a Bachelor’s degree whereas others will accept a high school diploma. Complete the application that coincides with the position you are interested in. Most substitute teaching applications are extensive and may require additional time as opposed to traditional job applications.
Regardless of whether the substituting job you are interested in requires a Bachelor’s degree or a high school diploma, it is essential to spruce up your resume and ensure it is completely updated. Updating your resume should show the qualifications you have for the position based on your personal experience, past work history and any special skills you have to bring forward during your time substituting for any school, university or educational institution. If you are familiar with teaching technologies such as SMART boards, be sure to call attention to these assets.
You may be required to take local aptitude tests in order to prove you are fit as a substitute teacher and understand the basic material necessary in order to operate and manage a classroom. It may be necessary to schedule an appointment for the tests you need in order to move forward with the application process.
Provide information for the school district about the grades you want to substitute for and any past experience that you may have that helps you to appear more qualified. Ask questions about whether or not the school district provides an online automated substitute system to get familiar with using tools and programs to check to see when you are needed. If you understand how automated substitute systems work for substitutes and teachers and you make that clear, you are much more likely to get hire into a position you desire.
Get to know the administration of the school you are interested in. The more connections you have professionally, the easier it is to receive callbacks and requests for interviews in various positions. If you make a positive impression when you are substituting for a teacher in a classroom you are more likely to be called back to help in the future.
Check out these sites for more tips and information on being a substitute teacher:
Substitute Teaching – Tricks of the Trade
103 Tips from Substitute Teachers
