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Substitute teacher vs substitute paraprofessional

The differences between substitute teachers and substitute paraprofessionals can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a substitute teacher has an average salary of $32,904, which is higher than the $28,914 average annual salary of a substitute paraprofessional.

The top three skills for a substitute teacher include kids, math and help support. The most important skills for a substitute paraprofessional are instructional support, math, and classroom environment.

Substitute teacher vs substitute paraprofessional overview

Substitute TeacherSubstitute Paraprofessional
Yearly salary$32,904$28,914
Hourly rate$15.82$13.90
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs69,29246,060
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age4244
Years of experience--

What does a substitute teacher do?

Substitute teachers are responsible for filling in the role of regular teachers who will not be able to come to school. They may be engaged short-term or long-term, depending on the need. Substitute teachers should have a deep understanding of the topics that are related to the subject matter and are appropriate to the learning level of the student. They should be able to advance the lessons while the regular teacher is unavailable. At times, they are required to create their own lesson plans. Substitute teachers should have the skills of regular teachers. They should also be flexible and adaptable.

What does a substitute paraprofessional do?

The man who is highly acclaimed working in the education field is simply known as the substitute paraprofessional. These professionals are education workers who help licensed teachers in student administration.

Substitute teacher vs substitute paraprofessional salary

Substitute teachers and substitute paraprofessionals have different pay scales, as shown below.

Substitute TeacherSubstitute Paraprofessional
Average salary$32,904$28,914
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $45,000Between $23,000 And $35,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAPacifica, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaWashington
Best paying companyEthical Culture Fieldston SchoolBoston Public Schools
Best paying industryEducationGovernment

Differences between substitute teacher and substitute paraprofessional education

There are a few differences between a substitute teacher and a substitute paraprofessional in terms of educational background:

Substitute TeacherSubstitute Paraprofessional
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorElementary EducationPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNorthwestern University

Substitute teacher vs substitute paraprofessional demographics

Here are the differences between substitute teachers' and substitute paraprofessionals' demographics:

Substitute TeacherSubstitute Paraprofessional
Average age4244
Gender ratioMale, 27.2% Female, 72.8%Male, 15.4% Female, 84.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.7% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 8.2% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage11%6%

Differences between substitute teacher and substitute paraprofessional duties and responsibilities

Substitute teacher example responsibilities.

  • Manage the classroom environment and help students to learn in the absence of the regular teacher with grades levels k-5.
  • Manage substitute teaching responsibilities in elementary and secondary school including ESL and bilingual programs.
  • Lead classroom management activities including attendance while coordinating lesson plan delivery for consumer science, physics and mathematics classes.
  • Maintain effective classroom management contracts and apply advanced math teaching strategies in middle and high school align with common core standards.
  • Substitute teach throughout the district grades k-5.
  • Attend necessary CPR and child care trainings.
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Substitute paraprofessional example responsibilities.

  • Obtain finger print clearance card, CPR and first aid certify.
  • Help students with strategies to assist them with studying, reading and math.
  • Assist teachers with math, literacy and science centers and chaperone field trips.
  • Assist in a variety of classrooms throughout the district with children who qualify for para support
  • Provide care for kids in grades k-12 in a fun, safe environment after school.
  • Assist students with reinforcement activities in areas such reading, mathematics and language arts, etc.
  • Show more

Substitute teacher vs substitute paraprofessional skills

Common substitute teacher skills
  • Kids, 19%
  • Math, 15%
  • Help Support, 14%
  • Language Arts, 12%
  • ESL, 12%
  • Social Studies, 12%
Common substitute paraprofessional skills
  • Instructional Support, 15%
  • Math, 9%
  • Classroom Environment, 9%
  • Mathematics, 8%
  • Classroom Management, 7%
  • Para, 7%

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