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Substitute instructor vs instructor

The differences between substitute instructors and instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an instructor has an average salary of $53,426, which is higher than the $36,159 average annual salary of a substitute instructor.

The top three skills for a substitute instructor include kids, classroom management and mathematics. The most important skills for an instructor are customer service, CPR, and course curriculum.

Substitute instructor vs instructor overview

Substitute InstructorInstructor
Yearly salary$36,159$53,426
Hourly rate$17.38$25.69
Growth rate4%12%
Number of jobs67,75239,273
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a substitute instructor do?

A substitute instructor is in charge of managing and facilitating classroom activities while the teacher or instructor is not around. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating with the teacher they're substituting for to have insights into the current progress of lessons, recording student attendance, conducting discussions and assessments, preparing different activities, and overseeing the progress of students. Furthermore, a substitute instructor must prepare reports for the teacher and implement the school policies and regulations, all to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for students.

What does an instructor do?

Instructors are responsible for imparting knowledge to students. They are well-versed in different topics related to their area of teaching. They prepare lessons, create presentation materials and other collaterals, and present these to the students. They manage the classroom and ensure that students are attentive. Instructors are also responsible for creating ways to check the students' knowledge retention through schoolwork and examinations. They also evaluate their teaching style as well to further improve their skills for the next batch of students. Instructors should be patient, creative, and well-versed in classroom management.

Substitute instructor vs instructor salary

Substitute instructors and instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Substitute InstructorInstructor
Average salary$36,159$53,426
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $46,000Between $30,000 And $94,000
Highest paying CityRedwood City, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateHawaiiConnecticut
Best paying companyErie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCESKern Community College District
Best paying industryNon ProfitsGovernment

Differences between substitute instructor and instructor education

There are a few differences between a substitute instructor and an instructor in terms of educational background:

Substitute InstructorInstructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Substitute instructor vs instructor demographics

Here are the differences between substitute instructors' and instructors' demographics:

Substitute InstructorInstructor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 37.7% Female, 62.3%Male, 51.2% Female, 48.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 7.9% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 9.5% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between substitute instructor and instructor duties and responsibilities

Substitute instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage the classroom environment and help students to learn in the absence of the regular teacher with grades levels k-5.
  • Develop grade level appropriate curriculum in reading, math, science and social studies.
  • Provide educational instruction for students grade k-12.
  • Instruct students in the areas of math and science.
  • Prepare class materials such as PowerPoint presentations and handouts.
  • Tutor ages 16-mid 50's desiring to obtain their GED
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Instructor example responsibilities.

  • Discipline kids when necessary, and manage lifeguarding duties during swimming portions of the camp.
  • Own and manage a small business as a CPR and first aid instructor and consultant for diverse clients.
  • Instruct all areas of massage therapy program including anatomy, physiology, pathology, contraindications and ethics.
  • Teach a broad range of ESL classes, such as pronunciation, grammar, and conversation classes.
  • Develop curricula for college-level philosophy and ethics courses with clear expectations and objectives in mind.
  • Plan and provide human anatomy and physiology course instruction and laboratory activities for students in the nursing program.
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Substitute instructor vs instructor skills

Common substitute instructor skills
  • Kids, 20%
  • Classroom Management, 14%
  • Mathematics, 11%
  • Literature, 9%
  • Syllabus, 8%
  • Math, 6%
Common instructor skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • CPR, 11%
  • Course Curriculum, 8%
  • Professional Development, 7%
  • Classroom Management, 5%
  • Student Learning, 4%

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