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Pre-k teacher vs substitute school teacher

The differences between pre-k teachers and substitute school teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pre-k teacher has an average salary of $40,301, which is higher than the $33,215 average annual salary of a substitute school teacher.

The top three skills for a pre-k teacher include kids, math and language arts. The most important skills for a substitute school teacher are classroom management, student learning, and classroom environment.

Pre-k teacher vs substitute school teacher overview

Pre-K TeacherSubstitute School Teacher
Yearly salary$40,301$33,215
Hourly rate$19.38$15.97
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs60,46482,842
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a pre-k teacher do?

Pre-K teachers play an essential role in the lives of young children ages three to five years old by developing and nurturing their interest in subjects appropriate for their age. They promote a creative learning environment and encourage social interactions among students while providing the fundamental educational foundation that will prepare them for a successful start to kindergarten. They are responsible for overseeing children during their mealtimes, reinforcing personal hygiene, and developing children's social skills. Pre-K teachers also plan curriculum and work with other school staff members.

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.

Pre-k teacher vs substitute school teacher salary

Pre-k teachers and substitute school teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pre-K TeacherSubstitute School Teacher
Average salary$40,301$33,215
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $57,000Between $23,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkAlaska
Best paying companyFaulkner UniversityOxnard Union High School District
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between pre-k teacher and substitute school teacher education

There are a few differences between a pre-k teacher and a substitute school teacher in terms of educational background:

Pre-K TeacherSubstitute School Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorEarly Childhood EducationElementary Education
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Pre-k teacher vs substitute school teacher demographics

Here are the differences between pre-k teachers' and substitute school teachers' demographics:

Pre-K TeacherSubstitute School Teacher
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 8.5% Female, 91.5%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 pre-k teacher and substitute school teacher duties and responsibilities

Pre-k teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Maintain records on each child s progress and development for the purpose of planning and compliance for NAEYC standards.
  • Educate children with autism during the regular school year in a self-contain setting according to their IEP goals and objectives.
  • Assist in: developing a curriculum, maintaining lesson plans, making sure kids have an understanding, and teaching students.
  • Assist in NAEYC accreditation with individualize portfolios.
  • Develop and implement IEP's; individualize education plans.
  • 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

Pre-k teacher vs substitute school teacher skills

Common pre-k teacher skills
  • Kids, 27%
  • Math, 21%
  • Language Arts, 17%
  • Social Studies, 17%
  • Bilingual Education, 9%
  • Pre-Kindergarten, 2%
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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