So, you have an interest in substitute teaching? Let me give you the ins and outs.
My experience
I have been a substitute on and off again since 2022. What appealed to me back then and what appeals to me now is the flexibility, the nearly guaranteed hours, and the pay. The districts that I am employed with have an app that lets you pick and choose what assignments you would like and when; some are half-day, but most are full-day so if one week my daughter has an appointment at 2 pm, I schedule myself a morning half day assignment or if I am needing a few extra days off during finals week, I simply wont pick up an assignment.
What are the requirements?
In Colorado, there are different "tiers"; you can either apply for a 1-year subbing authorization, a 3-year subbing authorization, or a 5-year subbing authorization. The 1-year subbing authorization is geared towards those who don't have a bachelor's degree (at least). The cost for a 1-year subbing authorization is $60. The 3-year authorization is for those with a degree, and a 5-year authorization is for those who have held or currently hold a teaching license. Both of the upper tiers cost $120. In addition to the authorization cost, there is also a fingerprint/background requirement, which costs around $60. The upfront fee is anywhere from $120 to $180.
They will also ask you to submit your resume and references. Now let me give you a heads up: unlike many jobs, they reach out to every reference.
What is the pay like?
The pay is decent; I can make anywhere from $21 - $25 an hour in the districts I sub for. This can vary, though, so check with your local district. Typically, there are tiers,
1-60 school days worked (within a school year) pays $170 per day/$85 per half day (for my district)
61-90 school days worked (within a school year) pays $180 per day/$90 per half day (for my district)
91 school days worked and up (within a school year) pays $200 per day/$100 per half day (for my district)
There are also considerations like if you are a teacher retiree, you automatically start at the highest pay rate, $200 per day or $100 per half day, or with my district if you have been a sub for 5+ years, you also start out at the higher pay rate.
Bonuses
Traditionally, there typically aren't bonuses offered, at least not from what I've seen, but another district I sub for had a $300 bonus if you worked 12 days a month and a $500 bonus if you worked 15 days a month. They have discontinued this, but it is something to look out for.
How hard is it?
Basic substitute teaching is fairly easy; most assignments are a single day, the teacher leaves lesson plans, and all you have to do is follow them! I have had assignments where, by the end, I had decided that I would not be returning, but that's okay. My district has 145 schools to choose from throughout the school year, so if one doesn't fit your needs, you simply don't accept another assignment with them. When you get into long-term substituting, things get a little more challenging. Here are the benefits...
Higher pay
In my district, you are bumped up to the higher pay once you work so many days in a school year.
Consistent working hours
An Example would be M- F, 7:45 am-3:30 pm until your assignment ends.
Guaranteed hours
You are typically guaranteed your long-term assignment. Usually, they are available due to maternity leave or an injury/surgery.
The regular teachers' planning periods are yours
This essentially means that if the teacher you are subbing for has 1st and 5th for planning, that time is yours (this may vary by district). You can use the time to plan, run errands, go home and throw in a crock pot meal, go to an appointment, or just sleep in!
Here are the cons....
Limited flexibility
You can't pick and choose when you want to work; you are committed to the entire assignment. But that doesn't mean that if you need a day off, like for an appointment, that can't happen. I usually try to plan things ahead and inform the office with some notice. You will typically be responsible for making sub plans (sub plan templates) and will not get paid for that day/half day
If you hate the assignment, you're stuck with it
Benefits
In my experience, the only benefits that are offered are retirement (PERA where I am) and sick time. Again, every state/district is different, but this is what I've encountered.
Final Thoughts
Overall, being a sub has really offered me the flexibility and income that I currently need. I do sub for two districts currently and interchange which ones I do typically on a daily basis. Becoming a sub is fairly easy and manageable. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a part-time job or a mom with school-aged children.
Check out my resource page for sub plan templates!
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