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.
Substitute school teacher responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real substitute school teacher resumes:
- 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.
- Teach all ages and subjects, specializing in mathematics and science
- Develop innovative approaches and implement new ways to enhance kids learning.
- Perform daily and weekly class assignments for Pre-K through 6th grade.
- Work with diverse student population (ESL) who are at risk, disadvantage.
- Assist teachers to prepare materials for variety of subjects like math, history and art.
- Used appropriate and effective methods of discipline to encourage kids to be excite about learning.
- Fill in for all subject areas in grades k-6 for district wide schools including special needs classrooms.
- Instruct students in elementary, middle, and high school in study skills, English, and mathematics.
- Experience with mentally and physically challenge students, ESL students, DLL students, and at risk students.
Substitute school teacher skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Substitute School Teachers are proficient in Classroom Management, Student Learning, and Classroom Environment. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Resourcefulness, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Substitute School Teachers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Classroom Management, 18%
Provide classroom management and communicate with teachers and administrators while demonstrating a passion for quality education and student / school success.
- Student Learning, 14%
Prepared instructional materials, supervised classrooms, taught and thoroughly evaluated student learning in preparation for return of teacher.
- Classroom Environment, 12%
Fostered a positive classroom environment and effectively administered lesson plans provided by the teacher.
- Substitute Teaching, 9%
Substitute Teaching - Susquehanna Community School District
- After-School Program, 9%
Supervised all children attending after-school program.
- Math, 5%
Substitute taught throughout the school district, instructing 6 -12 students in all core subjects, especially in math subjects.
"classroom management," "student learning," and "classroom environment" are among the most common skills that substitute school teachers use at work. You can find even more substitute school teacher responsibilities below, including:
Interpersonal skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a substitute school teacher to have is interpersonal skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "teacher assistants must be able to develop relationships with a variety of people, including teachers, students, parents, and administrators." Substitute school teachers often use interpersonal skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "assisted children in academic and personal/social growth development - to include interpersonal, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills and character development. "
Resourcefulness. Many substitute school teacher duties rely on resourcefulness. "teacher assistants must find ways to explain information to students who have different learning styles.," so a substitute school teacher will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways substitute school teacher responsibilities rely on resourcefulness: "showed resourcefulness and teaching effectiveness in meeting the needs of students with learning disabilities. "
Communication skills. This is an important skill for substitute school teachers to perform their duties. For an example of how substitute school teacher responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "teacher assistants need to be clear and concise in discussing student progress with teachers and parents." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a substitute school teacher: "managed and maintained positive classroom behavior, communication and learning environment. ".
Patience. substitute school teacher responsibilities often require "patience." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "working with students of different abilities and backgrounds may be difficult." This resume example shows what substitute school teachers do with patience on a typical day: "learned how patience and showed groups of kids various ways to solve problems (math etc. )"
The three companies that hire the most substitute school teachers are:
- Kelly Services172 substitute school teachers jobs
- Substitute Teacher Service
120 substitute school teachers jobs
- Connections Academy53 substitute school teachers jobs
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Compare different substitute school teachers
Substitute school teacher vs. Teacher associate
A teacher associate is responsible for assisting the teacher in classroom operations and providing teaching support for the students. Teacher associates develop learning materials according to the instructions of the headteachers, helping them to track students' progress and observing class behaviors. They also take class responsibility if the teacher is away, ensuring to keep activity records and attendance for reference. A teacher associate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in handling students' difficulties and working with the teacher to develop techniques to address those challenges.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between substitute school teachers and teacher associate. For instance, substitute school teacher responsibilities require skills such as "student learning," "substitute teaching," "after-school program," and "public schools." Whereas a teacher associate is skilled in "child care," "cpr," "child development," and "cleanliness." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Teacher associates really shine in the health care industry with an average salary of $32,745. Comparatively, substitute school teachers tend to make the most money in the education industry with an average salary of $37,999.The education levels that teacher associates earn slightly differ from substitute school teachers. In particular, teacher associates are 5.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a substitute school teacher. Additionally, they're 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Substitute school teacher vs. Teacher/tutor
A teacher/tutor is primarily in charge of facilitating discussions and other learning activities for students. Their duties typically revolve around developing lesson plans and teaching materials, assessing the progress of students through quizzes and examinations, assisting students in areas they find difficult, and helping them develop their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. Furthermore, as a teacher/tutor, it is essential to monitor the progress and behavior of students, all while maintaining a healthy and safe learning environment for them.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that substitute school teacher responsibilities requires skills like "substitute teaching," "grades k-12," "iep," and "classroom control." But a teacher/tutor might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "k-12," "english language," "study," and "reading comprehension."
On average, teacher/tutors earn a higher salary than substitute school teachers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, teacher/tutors earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $43,459. Whereas substitute school teachers have higher pay in the education industry, with an average salary of $37,999.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Teacher/tutors tend to reach similar levels of education than substitute school teachers. In fact, they're 3.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for substitute school teachers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Diana Jones
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University
Substitute school teacher vs. Teacher aide
Teacher aides help lead teachers in managing the classroom. They assist teachers in conducting classroom sessions by setting up the classroom in advance, sourcing materials needed for class activities, helping in presentations, and guiding students during class activities. Teacher aides are also responsible for maintaining classroom cleanliness and helping clean up after the children. They also help manage the students during breaks and during classes. They help the lead teacher keep the students'students' attention. They also assist the students in any other tasks that they may need.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from substitute school teacher resumes include skills like "student learning," "substitute teaching," "after-school program," and "math," whereas a teacher aide is more likely to list skills in "child care," "cpr," "art projects," and "administration policies. "
Teacher aides make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $35,388. On the other hand, substitute school teachers are paid the highest salary in the education industry, with average annual pay of $37,999.teacher aides typically earn lower educational levels compared to substitute school teachers. Specifically, they're 9.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Substitute school teacher vs. Teacher
Being a teacher is one of the most passionate professions, among others. Teachers educate, motivate, and guide every generation of learners to prepare them for the real world. Every teacher is unique and has their own teaching styles and methods depending on the subject they teach and the age of their students. Oftentimes they also function as a parent, counselor, coach, friend, and even a lawmaker. There is essentially no limit to the roles a teacher portrays.
Types of substitute school teacher
Updated January 8, 2025
