What are the requirements of being a sub?

To be a substitute teacher (sub), you generally need a high school diploma/GED, often with some college credits (60+), must pass a background check, complete district/state training, and possess key skills like communication, flexibility, and classroom management, though requirements vary by state/district, with bachelor's degrees sometimes required for long-term roles or higher pay.

What is needed to be a substitute teacher in CA?

Emergency Career Substitute Permit (For individuals with 3+ years of substitute teaching in one school district)

• Bachelor's Degree from a Regionally Accredited Institution.
• Basic Skills Requirement.
• Verification of experience.
• Statement of endorsement.
• Staff development made available.
• No limitation on renewals.

How much do subs get paid in WV?

Average base salary

The average salary for a substitute teacher is $15.95 per hour in West Virginia. 16 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated December 17, 2025).

What is required to substitute teach in Iowa?

To become a substitute teacher in Iowa, you generally need either a Substitute Authorization (requiring 60 college credits/associate's degree + a course) or a Substitute License (requiring a bachelor's degree/full license eligibility). Both paths involve completing state-approved training (often through AEAs), mandatory child abuse reporter training, and a background check, then applying through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) and registering with local districts. 

Can you be a sub with no teaching experience?

Not usually, but it helps. Depending on the state where you want to teach, the education, experience, training, and credentialing requirements can vary greatly. If you have prior teaching experience or a teaching license, the district may pay more or offer you a longer term position.

10 TIPS FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS & THINGS TO CONSIDER | Tips for Subs

Is subbing harder than teaching?

Yes, subbing is often considered harder than regular teaching because substitutes walk into an unfamiliar environment daily, lacking established student relationships, consistent lesson plans, and established classroom management, forcing them to adapt quickly and build authority from scratch, while permanent teachers have routines, build rapport, and know the curriculum and school logistics. Substitute teaching requires immense flexibility, patience, and quick thinking, as students often test new adults. 

What is the 10 minute rule in teaching?

The "10-minute teacher rule" generally refers to guidelines for homework (10 mins per grade level, e.g., 2nd grade = 20 mins) endorsed by groups like the NEA and PTA, suggesting limits to avoid student overload. However, it can also mean a classroom management technique where teachers change activities every 10 minutes to maintain focus, as students' attention wanes after that time. A related, but different, concept is the "10/10 Rule," which keeps students in the classroom for the first and last 10 minutes to avoid disruptions and ensure they get key instructions and summaries. 

How many hours do subs work a day?

Every substitute teaching job is different. Sometimes you'll simply look after a class while they watch a movie or complete an assignment that their regular teacher left for them. Other days you will follow a detailed lesson plan. Your work day will typically last six to seven hours, ending when the students go home.

How much do subs get paid in Iowa?

Average base salary

The average salary for a substitute teacher is $24.67 per hour in Des Moines, IA. 12 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated December 16, 2025).

How long does it take to get your sub license in Iowa?

The 15-hour Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization program provides training in ethics, classroom management, diversity, and instructional strategies. Complete two classes with us then apply to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners for your formal authorization.

Do subs get paid every day?

Substitute teachers may be paid on the day they work, weekly, or monthly depending on the school. Substitute teachers rarely receive benefits such as health care, life insurance, or vacation pay.

How many hours does a sub work in a day?

6.5 hours. half hour lunch. 3.5 is half day, 7 is full, 30 min lunch!

Can you make $100,000 as a teacher?

Yes, teachers can make $100k, but it usually requires significant experience (often 15+ years), advanced degrees, working in high-cost-of-living areas or states with high pay (like some in NY, CA, NJ), taking on extra duties like coaching or department chair roles, and often combining base salary with stipends for extracurriculars. While the national average salary is lower (around $72k), six figures are achievable in certain districts and with specific career paths. 

How long does it take to get hired as a substitute teacher?

Getting hired as a substitute teacher typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months, but timelines vary widely from under a week to over a year, depending on your responsiveness, state requirements, background checks, fingerprinting, and district processing. Key factors include how quickly you complete paperwork and training, plus the state-mandated credentialing process, which often involves background checks and can take time for results. 

What is the 70 30 rule in teaching?

The 70/30 rule in teaching is a guideline that shifts focus from teacher-led instruction to student-centered, active learning, suggesting students should be actively practicing/talking for 70% of class time, while teachers provide direct instruction for 30%. It also applies to lesson planning (70% activities, 30% content) and language learning (understanding 70% of content, focusing on improving the remaining 30%). This approach promotes deeper engagement, critical thinking, and skill application, moving beyond passive memorization. 

What is a typical day like for a substitute?

A day in the life of a substitute teacher: what to expect

Prepare for the day ahead with materials and a positive mindset. Check in at the office for keys and instructions. Locate the classroom and review sub plans, rosters, schedules, and emergency procedures. Introduce yourself to neighboring teachers for support.

Are subs in high demand?

In one survey, 93% of school district leaders reported some level of substitute teaching shortage. This high demand level isn't new. Back in 2018, one estimate found that just 80% of open sub positions were filled. However, demand fluctuates throughout the year, which is why it is sometimes difficult to find open jobs.

Can you make a living off of being a substitute teacher?

Yes, you can make a living as a substitute teacher, but it depends heavily on your location, willingness to work daily, qualifications (higher pay for certified/degreed subs), and ability to find long-term assignments or work consistently in a high-paying district, with some areas offering over $200/day or even substantial annual incomes in metropolitan areas, while lower-paying regions might require a second job or frugal living. 

What state has the lowest teacher salary?

• The national average public school teacher salary for 2023-24 was $72,030.
• State average teacher salaries ranged from those in California ($101,084), New York ($95,615), and Massachusetts ($92,076) at the high end to Mississippi ($53,704), Florida ($54,875), and Missouri ($55,132) at the low end.

What do substitute teachers do all day?

Substitute teacher duties vary depending on the assignment but typically include: Following lesson plans left by the regular teacher. Managing classroom behavior and maintaining order. Taking attendance and keeping accurate records.

What is the fastest you can become a teacher?

The fastest way to become a teacher, especially with a bachelor's degree in another field, is through an Alternative Certification Program (ACP) or a teacher internship/apprenticeship, allowing you to teach as a paid employee while completing coursework, often in under a year. Competency-based programs and private school roles (which often don't require state certification) are also quick routes for career changers. 

Can substitute teachers leave for lunch?

Substitutes are entitled to the same lunch period as the regular classroom teacher whom they are replacing.

Who invented school 😡 and why?

The person who is considered to have invented the concept of school is Horace Mann. Born in 1796, Mann was a pioneer of educational reforms in the US State of Massachusetts. After he became Secretary of Education in 1837, he undertook one of the biggest education reforms in American history.

Is it illegal to just walk out of school?

It's generally not a crime to walk out of school, but it is against school rules and can lead to disciplinary action like detention, suspension, or truancy issues, especially if it becomes chronic, as students are legally required to attend school. While the First Amendment protects protest, schools can discipline you for the disruption or unexcused absence, but they can't punish you more harshly because it's a political protest than they would for any other unexcused absence, according to the ACLU. 

What is the 80/20 rule of teacher talking time?

Of course every classroom is different and not all classes have the same goal, but general rule of thumb is that teachers should talk 20-30% of the class time and aiming to have students talk for 70-80% of the class time.