| Most educators who work as substitutes do so in | | | | can be done in any subject you choose. However, it |
| order to network at a district in which they would | | | | is in your best interest to stick to those subjects in |
| like to work. Others do so by choice, because they | | | | which you have competence. Most substitute |
| enjoy the flexibility and freedom as well as the | | | | teachers get in trouble when they attempt to cover |
| variety. | | | | a class in an area in which they have no knowledge |
| If you'd like to work in education, substitute teaching | | | | or training. If you are trained as an elementary |
| offers an opportunity to see what it's like before | | | | generalist, for example, attempting to teach Industrial |
| being tied down to a contract, and will give you | | | | Arts or Advanced High School Biology is probably not |
| chances to meet and interact with many potential | | | | a good idea, unless you are very knowledgeable in |
| colleagues. | | | | those areas. |
| If you plan to make a career as a substitute teacher, | | | | Most districts today use an automated phone |
| plan ahead - not only on a daily basis, but also to | | | | system, and have a substitute website as well. |
| protect yourself, because while you will have some | | | | Substitute teaching can be stressful, but you can |
| wonderful experiences as a substitute teacher, there'll | | | | reduce that stress by selecting and scheduling jobs |
| also be days when you wondered what the heck | | | | ahead of time. Be careful though - if you work for |
| you were thinking. | | | | more than one district and are not conscientious |
| If you didn't know before, know this now - the | | | | about keeping a written planner, it's easy to |
| education profession is a legal minefield. The smallest | | | | double-book yourself. |
| misstep, misunderstanding or mistake could cost you | | | | If you decide that you'd like to make substitute |
| your career. Therefore, it's necessary to take steps | | | | teaching a career, keep in mind that you are not |
| to protect yourself. | | | | under a contract. You are not guaranteed a certain |
| Substitutes are not usually part of the union, although | | | | number of days per year, and signing on as a |
| they are welcome to join. However, since certificate | | | | substitute with any district may prevent you from |
| substitute teaching pays half that of a contracted | | | | receiving any unemployment benefits to which you |
| teacher's salary (without raises for experience and | | | | may be entitled. Also remember that you will not |
| additional education), it doesn't make economic sense | | | | receive any sort of health or dental coverage. |
| for most subs. Nonetheless, you should talk to the | | | | Depending on the district and the part of the |
| district union representative and find out what sort | | | | country, certificate substitute teachers are paid |
| of legal protection may be available to you. | | | | between $90 and $120 per day. |
| There is no subject requirement - substitute teaching | | | | |