How to Earn Supplemental Income as a Substitute Teacher

If you are looking for a way to earn supplemental income, substitute teaching is a great option. The pay is good, the hours are short, and school districts are always looking for good stand-in teachers to help out during vacations or sick days. The process is pretty simple as long as you have the proper credentials. I recently became a substitute teacher in our school district, and enjoy working from 8:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., and being home when my children are home. In addition, I make a nice sum of money, and can work the days that I want to, or take a day (or ten) off. Substitute teaching is also a nice break from working from home in a solitary, lonely environment.

Requirements

Before you begin the process of becoming a substitute teacher, check out your school district's requirements. You can find these online, or in person at the employment or Human Resources office for your school district. Many states require a bachelor's degree, but some states have an Emergency Substitute Program that allows individuals with an associate's degree to serve as substitute teachers. Once you determine that you meet the requirements, you can then move ahead in the process.

Substitute License

Contact your local Board of Education or school district to start the process of obtaining a Substitute Teacher's License. You must complete a background check and provide proof of education, so have your college transcripts with you. Fill out the application and provide the necessary information and then wait to be contacted with an approval or denial. If your License is granted, you can usually begin teaching right away.

Accept Assignments

Once your Substitute Teaching License is granted, you can begin work. Some school systems still use the telephone to find substitutes, and a school secretary will call you in the morning before school to check your availability. Many school systems have gone to automated assignments via computer. You can log into the system in the morning before school begins to locate assignments. If you are looking to work as a substitute, you can then select an assignment and report to work at the designated time.

Substitute teaching is far from the highest-paid temporary job on the job market, but it is a fun way to earn a little extra cash for bills or spending money, and can fit into your schedule. You can also help others and get to know people in your community at the same time.