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Elementary school teacher vs substitute school teacher

The differences between elementary school teachers and substitute school teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an elementary school teacher has an average salary of $52,161, which is higher than the $33,215 average annual salary of a substitute school teacher.

The top three skills for an elementary school teacher include classroom management, math and professional development. The most important skills for a substitute school teacher are classroom management, student learning, and classroom environment.

Elementary school teacher vs substitute school teacher overview

Elementary School TeacherSubstitute School Teacher
Yearly salary$52,161$33,215
Hourly rate$25.08$15.97
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs84,60782,842
Job satisfaction22
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does an elementary school teacher do?

Elementary school teachers are trained to provide education to children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The teachers are responsible for children's emotional and educational growth in the classroom. They manage the resources and materials to be used for their education. It is part of their duties to evaluate the students' performance, social development, physical health, and behavior. Also, they adapt to teaching methods and instructions to meet the interests and needs of the children.

What does a substitute school teacher do?

A substitute teacher is liable for providing learning instruction and managing classroom settings in the absence of the regular teacher. They are responsible for checking student attendance, explaining homework, and maintaining classroom cleanliness. They generally report to the principal at the school to which they are assigned. They plan and prepare lesson plans and teach students a variety of subjects, including English, science, and mathematics. Moreover, they ensure that the students are disciplined, and talk with parents and discuss the progress.

Elementary school teacher vs substitute school teacher salary

Elementary school teachers and substitute school teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Elementary School TeacherSubstitute School Teacher
Average salary$52,161$33,215
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $72,000Between $23,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityBaltimore, MDSanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateMarylandAlaska
Best paying companyGerman International School New YorkOxnard Union High School District
Best paying industryGovernmentEducation

Differences between elementary school teacher and substitute school teacher education

There are a few differences between an elementary school teacher and a substitute school teacher in terms of educational background:

Elementary School TeacherSubstitute School Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorElementary EducationElementary Education
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Elementary school teacher vs substitute school teacher demographics

Here are the differences between elementary school teachers' and substitute school teachers' demographics:

Elementary School TeacherSubstitute School Teacher
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 19.5% Female, 80.5%Male, 32.3% Female, 67.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 7.9% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%11%

Differences between elementary school teacher and substitute school teacher duties and responsibilities

Elementary school teacher example responsibilities.

  • Offer leave of absence for remainder of school yearupon adoption of twin girls from Russia.
  • Help kids expend excess energy so they can sit still in regular classes for the rest of the afternoon.
  • Differentiate lessons to fit the needs of students in the ESL program, students with special needs, and gift students.
  • Create innovative PowerPoint presentation for daily lesson.
  • Create various PowerPoint presentations for multiple projects.
  • Develop innovative approaches to literacy development and mathematics teaching.
  • Show more

Substitute school teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Substitute for Pre-K and elementary classes.
  • Follow IEP and teacher's lesson plans.
  • Participate in student SST and IEP meetings.
  • Integrate math skills with literature and writing.
  • Present the needs of children and teachers to management.
  • Show more

Elementary school teacher vs substitute school teacher skills

Common elementary school teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 18%
  • Math, 9%
  • Professional Development, 9%
  • Mathematics, 8%
  • Social Studies, 4%
  • Instructional Materials, 4%
Common substitute school teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 18%
  • Student Learning, 14%
  • Classroom Environment, 12%
  • Substitute Teaching, 9%
  • After-School Program, 9%
  • Math, 5%

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