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Substitute Teachers, Short-Term

Typical education: Associate degreeLower pressure

What they do

Teach students on a short-term basis as a temporary replacement for a regular classroom teacher, typically using the regular teacher's lesson plan.

Kinds of work

  • Social: Helping, teaching, caring for and supporting other people.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Artistic: Creating, designing and expressing ideas through art, writing, music or performance.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $41,670 Median per year · $20.03/hr Most earn $28,560–$65,790

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Enforce school and class rules to maintain order in the classroom.
  • Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.
  • Teach social skills to students, such as communication, conflict resolution, and etiquette.
  • Distribute or collect tests or homework assignments.
  • Operate equipment such as computers or audio-visual aids to supplement presentations.
  • Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, or teacher training workshops to improve professional competence.

Job outlook

United States
2% more jobs by 2035, slower than average · about 65,000 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Elementary and secondary schools73.3%
  • Temporary help services13.3%
  • Self-employed (their own business)5.2%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 6 months to 1 year

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Associate degreeExperience before this job: 6 months to 1 year

Substitute teaching is an entry-level option. Many people get there with an associate degree and about 6 months to 1 year of work with students, though requirements vary by district and state. Check your local school district's rules early, since they set the actual qualifications.

  1. Associate degree

    About 2 years

    Complete a two-year degree, ideally in education, child development, or a related field, to build a foundation in how children learn and how classrooms run.

  2. Teaching Assistant

    6 months to 1 year

    Work alongside a classroom teacher to help students with lessons and activities. This gives you hands-on classroom experience and lets you see how a teacher's lesson plans are carried out.

  3. Substitute Teacher, Short-Term

    Ongoing, as needed

    Step in for a regular teacher on a short-term basis, usually following the lesson plan the teacher leaves behind. Many people use this role to gain classroom experience before pursuing a full teaching license.

Where it can lead

  1. Elementary School Teacher

    6 months to 1 year of experience first

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree and a teaching license, plus classroom experience. You would take on full responsibility for planning and teaching one class for a full school year.

  2. Special Education Teacher, Secondary School

    6 months to 1 year of experience first

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree and a special education license. You would work with students who have learning or other disabilities and build individualized learning plans.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take child development or education classesIf your school offers them, these courses show you how kids learn and whether you enjoy working with them.
  • Volunteer with younger kidsHelping at a library story time, a rec center, or an elementary school gives you real experience with children.
  • Get a babysitting or camp counselor jobWorking with kids regularly builds the patience and planning skills that substitute teachers use every day.
  • Join peer tutoring or mentoringHelping classmates understand material is good practice for explaining ideas clearly to a class.
  • Take a first aid or CPR courseMany schools and youth programs value these skills, and they are useful in any job with kids.

In college

  • Work toward an education-related associate degreeAn associate degree in education, child development, or a related field is the typical starting point for this career.
  • Become a campus tutor or teaching assistantThese jobs give you paid experience working with students and show you how lessons are taught.
  • Volunteer at a school or after-school programRegular time in a real classroom or youth program helps you build experience and references.
  • Get first aid or CPR certifiedThis is a low-cost credential that many schools and youth programs appreciate.
  • Join an education student organizationClubs for future teachers let you network, attend workshops, and learn about certification paths.

Tips for getting started

  • Ask your local school district what they require for substitutes, such as education level, background checks, or training, and plan your coursework around it.
  • Volunteer or work with kids regularly, such as coaching, tutoring, or running camps. Schools value experience with children when they hire substitutes.
  • Learn classroom management and keep a simple log of the experiences you gain, since districts and future employers often want to see them.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

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