How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Texas?
How to become a substitute teacher in texas? Substitute teachers are valuable members of the education system and offer assistance when full-time teachers aren’t available for teaching. These education professionals work to keep students up-to-date with their assignments and provide guidance to students when needed for the completion of these tasks. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a substitute teacher in Texas, it’s important to first understand how to become one and what they do.
In this article, we explore what a substitute teacher does, list steps on how to become this type of education professional in Texas and discuss the salary and work environment for substitute teachers.
What Does a Substitute Teacher Do?
Substitute teachers are education professionals who instruct students in place of the usual teacher when a full-time instructor needs time off or otherwise can’t come in to teach. They provide instruction and guidance to students on assignments and continue the course plan outlined by the permanent teacher. Other duties may include:
- Explaining homework and other assignments
- Ensuring the classroom stays clean
- Using the curriculum and lesson plans used by the full-time teacher
- Complying with school policies and regulations
- Taking attendance of students
- Documenting classroom behavior and other related notes
Skills for Substitute Teachers
There are several skills that substitute teachers benefit from in their careers. Some of these skills include:
- Working with children
- Mediation
- Time management
- Networking
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership
- Organization
How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Texas
Follow these stepladders to become a substitute teacher in Texas:
1. Complete the Minimum School Requirements
Individuals who love to work as substitute teachers often require a minimum of 60 college credit hours or a bachelor degree in education or a related field. Examples of courses covered in a bachelor’s degree in education include educational foundations, educational psychology and development of children and adolescents and educational technology for teaching and learning.
2. Get a License
While many Texas districts don’t require substitute teachers to hold a license, having one can help you stand-out among other applicants when searching for a job.
3. Gain Teaching Experience
While some Texas districts don’t require substitute teachers to have previous experience, it can still help your resume get the attention of hiring managers. One way to gain experience is by working as a teacher’s aide.
4. Prepare your resume
Nearly all substitute teaching jobs necessitate you to submit a resume, so taking time to update yours is a great idea before and during the job search process. Look at the job listing and consider what the school wants in standings of a substitute teacher and their abilities.
5. Start applying
You can apply for more than one job at a time, which may increase your chances of getting a call back. You can look for education service hubs such as the Texas Association of School Administrator’s (TASA) to find open positions or contact schools to get on their list of subs they contact when needed.
What is the Salary of Substitute Teachers?
Substitute teachers in Texas make an average salary of $39,185 per year. This number may vary built on a variety of factors, such as the teacher’s level of experience and education, where they work geographically and the school in which they work. For example, a substitute teacher working in Austin, Texas makes an average of $40,786 per year, while those working in Conroe, Texas make an estimated $34,059 per year. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link(s) provided.
Conclusion: How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Texas
To become a substitute teacher in Texas, you need to meet the basic requirements of having a high school diploma or GED, though some districts may prefer or require a college degree. You must complete an application with the school district or education service center (ESC) where you want to work. Additionally, passing a background check and fingerprinting is mandatory. Some districts may also require substitute teacher training or orientation. Once these steps are complete, you can begin working as a substitute teacher, with pay rates and job expectations varying by district.