Get a Job No Matter What Degree You Have: How to Become a Substitute Teacher

If you have just graduated from college or you are recently out of work, you can easily get a job no matter what Bachelor's degree you have. Maybe you just want a part-time job or do not have any idea what you should do with your life. I highly suggest becoming a substitute teacher because it is flexible, rewarding, and pays well,

Obtaining your substitute certification is a quite simple task. My experience has been in the state of Illinois, but it is assumed that the certification process would be similar throughout the United States. In order to receive your certification, contact your regional education office. If you are unsure where the office is, contact a local school and they will most likely have a phone number to give you. Another way to find where the office is would be using an internet search engine such as Google or Yahoo.

After you locate the regional office, you may call first to determine hours of operation. You will have to stop in because they will have a packet of information for you to fill out in order to be certified. The packet will contain a sheet for your doctor to fill out and your contact information, as well as a page for you to sign that will give the office permission to perform a background check.

There is a also a fee to become certified totaling $50. But, do not worry; this money will be compensated for once you start working. Another expense you will have to keep in mind is the payment to your doctor for your physical. This will be according to your insurance so it may be a small or large amount.

Once all of your paperwork is filed in the regional office, they will send you your certificate. At first, you will only receive a temporary one, but this is sufficient to register with the schools that you desire to teach in.

The next step you must take before you begin teaching is registering in schools. Depending on the school district, you will either register in the superintendent's office or with a teaching supervisor. Remember to bring your certificate (temporary is fine), a photo identification card, and your social security card. You can also bring a passport or birth certificate instead of your social security card if you so desire.

After this is done, just sit back and wait! Do not expect calls until mid-October because most teachers avoid missing the beginning months of the school year. Also, remember that once you teach in a school, they will take note of your reliability and you will most likely get called again and again.

The position of a substitute teacher is very flexible. The downfall that you often do not know until that day that you are working, but the benefit is you can always say no if you already have plans or do not feel good. Plus, because you are not stuck in a single classroom, you have the opportunity to teach a variety of subjects to a variety of ages. You are also able to choose what grades or classes you desire to teach.

Also, substitute teaching is very rewarding. Most often, your role in the classroom will consist of supervising rather than teaching, but this gives you the opportunity to help students with their homework or just chat with them. They will enjoy this break in their day hanging out with you rather than listening to a lecture.

The final benefit, of course, is the pay, and substitute teaching pays very well! According to your area or what school district you teach in, you can receive $75-100 per day. Multiply this by five days a week and you are making very good money! Also, if you are asked to fill in for over ten days, your pay will be almost doubled after the tenth day. This shows that the schools truly appreciate their substitutes.

There are some drawbacks to substitute teaching. Sometimes, you have a group of students who disrespect you. Also, you do not receive any benefits or guaranteed work everyday, but for the most part, teaching is wonderful! If you enjoy being with students and have a good attitude, substitute teaching is one of the best opportunities for you.