How to become a substitute teacher without a degree (4 Steps) -

How to become a substitute teacher without a degree: Being a substitute teacher is a super flexible and fulfilling job. Whether you’re thinking about becoming a full-time teacher, gaining practical experience, or just looking for a reliable income, being a sub is a great way to go. Now, do you need a degree for it? Well, it really depends on where you want to work.

Different states, school districts, and schools have their own rules. At the bare minimum, you’ll need a high school diploma or a GED, and you’ve got to pass a background check. After that, it varies depending on where you’re applying. So, check out the requirements where you want to sub, and you might be good to go.

No matter where you live, follow these three easy steps to find out what you need and land your first substitute teaching gig. This guide covers everything to get you set for your first substitute teaching job and answers common questions like “Do I need a degree to be a substitute teacher?”

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Table of Contents

Steps- How to become a substitute teacher without a degree

Here are four step you can follow to become a substitute teacher without a degree:

Complete High School Diploma or GED
Look into the rules of your state and the schools you’re interested in.
Complete the necessary certifications, licenses, and training.
Submit your applications and background checks

1. Complete High School Diploma or GED

In places like California, you can be a substitute teacher if you finished high school or got a GED. This makes sure subs can understand and follow lesson plans and have basic reading and math skills.

But in many of these areas, schools might like it even more if you have more education or experience that fits the job

2. Look into the rules of your state and the schools you’re interested in.

Start by looking into what your state says. Some places, like Pennsylvania and Colorado, might need you to get a special license or certification. Others might just want you to finish their training. After checking the state rules, get in touch with the schools nearby. They might have their own extra requirements or things they don’t need. Just ask them directly.

If they ask for a certificate, it could mean different things. Some might need you to finish certain college classes, have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or even a higher-level degree. Sometimes they care about the subject you studied, too.

Remember, each place might have its own way of doing things, so it’s good to check both the state rules and what the local schools want. [How to become a substitute teacher without a degree]

3. Complete the necessary certifications, licenses, and training.

You’ve probably noticed that the rules for getting a teaching job can be really different in different places. Where you choose to work can make a big difference in how much time, money, and effort you need to put in before landing your first job. It is crucial to consider what is most logical for you.

Go grab them once you’ve compiled your list of required qualifications!

4. Submit your applications and background checks

After you’ve got all the papers you need, applying to each school will have its own way, but it’s usually not too hard. You might need to set up a time for fingerprinting and a background check. They usually do these at a special place, run by the state or an outside place.

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What is a Substitute Teacher?

When a regular teacher can’t be there, a substitute teacher takes over. They might work for a short time, like a few hours or days, or even for a few weeks.

Substitute teachers are really important because when the regular teacher isn’t available, they make sure students can still learn and grow.

Reasons to consider being a substitute teacher?

Substitute teaching is like creating your own exciting adventure, You get to decide when you work, what subjects and grades you teach, and you get to be a part of students’ lives of all ages. It’s all in your hands, and it can be really rewarding. [How to become a substitute teacher without a degree]

Is degree is necessary to become a substitute teacher?

Not every state asks for a lot! In places like Arkansas, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Mexico, having a high school diploma is often enough. But there are some rules, like how long you can sub and the grades or subjects you can teach might have limits.

Also, keep in mind, if you go for more education or training, you might get paid more. So, there are options to level up if you want.

How can you find the top substitute teaching opportunities?

Finding substitute teaching jobs can happen in different ways. Some places use a job board, others work with staffing agencies to fill spots. If you want to know about open positions, just reach out to the school districts directly.

But if you join a group like HelloSubs, things get easier. Their experts know all about the hiring process, making your job search less confusing. They can help you find great substitute teaching jobs in the United States and around the world. If you sign up with them now, they’ll answer your questions, find the best jobs for you, pay for your background check, give you training for free, and send you the top job listings in your area. [How to become a substitute teacher without a degree]

Salary Expectations for Substitute Teachers

Knowing how much you can earn as a substitute teacher is useful as you start this job. How much you get paid can depend on the state, school district, if you have a teaching certification, and how long your job lasts.

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Here’s a general idea to help you estimate your pay:

In 2020, the average yearly salary for substitute teachers in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), was around $35,250. But remember, this number can vary a lot depending on where you work. Different states and areas might pay more or less based on how expensive it is to live there and how much they need substitute teachers

Some states pay substitute teachers more than others. Hawaii, Alaska, Oregon, and California are among the highest-paying states, where substitute teachers can make around $40,000 to $46,000 per year, according to the career website Zippia.

On the other hand, Mississippi, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Oklahoma are among the lowest-paying states, with average yearly incomes ranging from $20,000 to $25,000.

Your salary as a substitute teacher is also influenced by whether you have a teaching certification. In some places, you might need a teaching license, a bachelor’s degree in education, or a similar degree. For example, in places like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, they increased the starting pay for substitute teachers with a teaching license by 73% and 50%, respectively, according to NCTQ, a research and policy organization focusing on teacher quality.

Conclusion

Being a substitute teacher is like creating your own unique journey. In some places, having a high school degree is enough, while others might want more training or experience. To get started, you need to check the rules in your state, get the right qualifications, and send in applications with background checks.