Becoming a substitute teacher

[TheShaker]

From my search, it seems that a surprising amount of SDN premeds have done substitute teaching as a part time gig. I never really knew that it was that accessible, I always thought you needed some kind of teaching credential. Anyways, is it hard to get a job subbing? I'm still not sure if there's a catch, it can't be that easy. It sounds like a cool job and I'd like something with little commitment for my forced gap year. 😛 Thanks!

EDIT: Since it seems relevant, I'm from CA.

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[quechua]

From my search, it seems that a surprising amount of SDN premeds have done substitute teaching as a part time gig. I never really knew that it was that accessible, I always thought you needed some kind of teaching credential. Anyways, is it hard to get a job subbing? I'm still not sure if there's a catch, it can't be that easy. It sounds like a cool job and I'd like something with little commitment for my forced gap year. 😛 Thanks!

You usually just need a BS or BA, pay for a background check, take a couple of online training modules. It's pretty simple. Just contact human resources at the school board you're interested in. Sometimes they hire an outside staffing service to cover subbing... Not a big deal either.

 

[KGflyboy]

A lot of states don't even require a degree, which is how a lot of college students are able to sub. Check out the requirements in your state. All I needed was 60 credits to sub.

 

[annawmc]

I subbed in college and taught after I graduated (I'm a non-trad). Some schools require that you have a teaching certificate, but most just require a certain amount of college credit. It's really up to the individual districts. Typically you apply to be a sub and go through some sort of orientation once approved. If you think you may enjoy it, go for it. Without a teaching certificate you won't be able to land a long-term gig (subbing for one teacher usually out on some sort of leave) so you won't be making much per day. That being said, if you don't need to make over $10-12 an hour and you like working with kids it's worth trying out. Just google the districts in your area - most have sub requirements and application procedures listed online. Good luck!

 

[KGflyboy]

I subbed in college and taught after I graduated (I'm a non-trad). Some schools require that you have a teaching certificate, but most just require a certain amount of college credit. It's really up to the individual districts. Typically you apply to be a sub and go through some sort of orientation once approved. If you think you may enjoy it, go for it. Without a teaching certificate you won't be able to land a long-term gig (subbing for one teacher usually out on some sort of leave) so you won't be making much per day. That being said, if you don't need to make over $10-12 an hour and you like working with kids it's worth trying out. Just google the districts in your area - most have sub requirements and application procedures listed online. Good luck!

I think there is a lot of variability depending on your area. Requirements to sub are usually set by the state, which licenses teachers, including subs. There is no reason any sub can't take long term sub jobs. This all varies depending on where one lives, but individual districts don't have much authority in this regard. These policies vary by state.

 

[TheShaker]

Thank you for your responses. From what I'm reading, it seems like I have to take some kind of aptitude test but I think I'll be fine there. What do you guys think of the job availability? Is it hard to get a job or do I have a pretty good chance?

 

[KGflyboy]

I taught for years in a fairly urban district. There was a need for more subs. The farther you went into the suburbs, the lower the need. The greatest need was in the inner city schools.

 

[gettheleadout]

Thank you for your responses. From what I'm reading, it seems like I have to take some kind of aptitude test but I think I'll be fine there. What do you guys think of the job availability? Is it hard to get a job or do I have a pretty good chance?

I imagine it depends heavily on your particular area (more specifically than "the entirety of California" lol).