Were you laid off recently?
This often overlooked role offers decent pay, flexible scheduling, and a chance to help your community or even to make a real difference for some kids. I’m doing it, and I think it’s great! I don’t think it’s easy to work by any means, but…
1. It helps your community and gets you out of the house
The main reason to become a substitute teacher is that it helps your school district, and when you show up on time and ready to go, the school is usually very grateful to have you! This role gives you a chance to impact students’ lives positively, making it both personally fulfilling a huge social benefit to your community. Also, it allows you to engage in a dynamic work environment where no two days are alike, which can be a welcome break from the monotony of the job hunt. One other benefit for parents, you might be surprised to learn how your children spend their days.
2. It offers great flexibility for job seekers
One of the biggest perks of substitute teaching is the flexibility it provides. It is essentially gig work, not unlike driving for Uber. You decide based on your schedule, making it easier to attend interviews or networking events for your main career hunt. You can even pick up assignments in the morning for the same day or a few days in advance. It’s a profession that can easily complement your job search, providing income without limiting your availability. In my case, it allows me to work on Jobalope, be available for interviews for product roles I’m applying for, and make some much-needed dough.
3. The pay is better than you think
It’s a great way to earn income while you’re looking for a permanent role. You’d be surprised how much substitute teaching pays. In my district, the work time is 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and the pay is $250 – $300 per day, depending on the assignment.
4. Getting started is fast and easy
Getting started is often as simple as having a bachelor’s degree and passing a background check. Some states or districts may have additional requirements, so be sure to check with your local education authorities. For me, it was just transcripts from my bachelor’s degree, getting a TBT test, and a background check; the whole process took 10 days from idea to first assignment.
5. A potential stepping stone or valuable skills and experience
Substitute teaching can also serve as a stepping stone into full-time teaching positions or other roles within education. If you find that you love the work, it could turn from a job-hunting placeholder into a long-term career. Many full-time teachers got their start substituting and fell in love with it. Even if you’re not planning a career in education, especially for entry-level professionals, substitute teaching can help you build and demonstrate valuable skills that are attractive to employers in any industry. It’s a role that hones your leadership abilities, enhances your problem-solving skills, and refines your communication skills.
6. Possible networking opportunities
This one is a bit more hit-and-miss, but schools are vibrant community hubs, bringing together educators, parents, administrators, and local leaders. As a substitute teacher, you’ll interact with a diverse group of individuals, creating networking opportunities that could lead to your next job.
You decide
It might be just a stop-gap, or it could be the beginning of an unexpected career journey pivot with daily opportunities to make a difference for your community. Either way, it’s a good thing to do.
