What is required to be a substitute teacher in NYS?

To become a substitute teacher in NY, you generally need a bachelor's degree (in any field for NYC, though requirements vary), English proficiency, and must pass a background check via fingerprinting; the key step in NYC is getting an online nomination from a school principal after applying, followed by online workshops and onboarding to get on the substitute registry, while in other districts you'll apply directly to the district after meeting their specific education and background requirements.

What do you need to be a substitute teacher in New York?

Interested candidates must have authorization to work in the United States, as well as a Bachelors Degree or equivalent education as approved by the New York State Education Department in order to be eligible for the Substitute Teacher position.

What are the requirements of being a sub?

Substitute requirements vary by state and district but generally involve at least a high school diploma/GED (often a bachelor's degree is preferred/required), background checks (fingerprinting), application/fees, official transcripts, and sometimes a TB test, with specific state permits or authorizations needed, often focusing on basic eligibility and eligibility for "emergency" permits. Requirements can differ for teaching vs. non-teaching (classified) substitute roles, notes. 

How much does a substitute teacher make in NY?

The average salary for a substitute teacher is $23.47 per hour in New York State. 1.5k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated January 4, 2026).

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. 

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

Can you be a substitute teacher with no experience?

No, you often don't need prior teaching experience to be a substitute teacher, as requirements vary by state and district, with many hiring people with a high school diploma/GED or some college credits, but relevant experience with children (like daycare, volunteering) or a degree in any field can be very helpful and sometimes preferred. Key requirements usually include a background check and meeting education minimums (often a Bachelor's degree or 60+ college credits), plus some districts offer training for those without experience. 

What is the 70 30 rule in teaching?

The 70/30 rule in teaching is a principle that shifts focus from teacher-led instruction to student-centered, active learning, suggesting students should do 70% of the talking/practice and teachers 30% of direct instruction, or that teachers plan 70% for activities and 30% for content, promoting deeper engagement and skill development over passive reception, particularly in language learning. 

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. 

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.

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. 

Do substitute teachers need lesson plans?

Substitute teachers rely heavily on detailed instructions and lesson plans provided by the regular teacher. These plans should include instructions for the lesson, any assignments or activities, and any materials or resources necessary.

What's a typical day like for a substitute teacher?

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.

Is there a demand for substitute teachers?

Yes, substitute teachers are in very high demand across the U.S., with many school districts struggling to fill absences, a situation intensified by the pandemic but with roots in pre-existing teacher shortages, leading to unfilled requests and increased reliance on subs for regular teaching gaps. Demand consistently outstrips supply, making substitute teaching a reliable way to get into schools, though challenges like low pay and lack of support persist. 

What is the quickest program to 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 an internship program, which can get you teaching in a classroom as a salaried employee in under a year, sometimes as quickly as 9-12 months, while completing coursework and exams. These pathways allow you to bypass traditional education degrees by leveraging your existing degree, focusing on practical experience and state requirements. 

What are the pros and cons of substitute teaching?

That said, I have done my best to describe the best and worst parts of subbing in general.

• Pro: Substitute teachers have an extremely flexible schedule. ...
• Con: Substitute teacher pay is not great. ...
• Pro: Substitute teachers get to encounter a new challenge almost every day. ...
• Pro: Subs get to work with kids.

Can you teach in NYS without certification?

No, you generally cannot teach in New York public schools without a New York State (NYS) teacher certification, as it's required by law, but there are alternative pathways like Transitional Certificates, TeachNYC.net website Teacher Fellows, and specialized programs that let you teach while earning your required Master's degree and certification, especially in high-need subjects or career/technical education. These options often involve starting in a program like Teaching Fellows while you complete coursework and exams for your license. 

Do substitute teachers get paid weekly or monthly?

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.

Do substitute teachers get to pick their own schedule?

For substitute teachers, one of the perks of the job is having the ability to choose your own schedule. Unlike full-time teachers, substitute teachers have more flexibility in determining when and where they want to work.

What skills do substitute teachers need?

Examples of substitute teacher skills

• Interpersonal skills. Substitute teachers use interpersonal skills to interact with students and build trust as they get to know learners. ...
• Leadership skills. ...
• Critical thinking skills. ...
• Presentation abilities. ...
• Classroom management. ...
• Problem-solving. ...
• Time management. ...
• Organization.

Why are substitute teachers quitting?

Substitute teachers are quitting due to a combination of low pay, lack of benefits, poor working conditions (especially challenging classrooms with behavioral issues and no support), health concerns, job insecurity, and burnout, with many finding better pay and stability in other sectors, while also feeling disrespected and lacking professional growth opportunities, leading to high turnover. 

What is the #1 most important trait in a substitute teacher?

The number one common trait of successful substitute teachers is adaptability or flexibility, allowing them to quickly adjust to different classrooms, subjects, age groups, and unexpected challenges like missing lesson plans or behavioral issues, while maintaining a positive attitude and strong classroom management to keep students engaged and learning. 

Can you make a living as a sub?

On average, substitute teachers in the U.S. earn $38,240 yearly, but this varies by state, experience, and education. For instance, Hawaii's substitutes make around $46,680, while Mississippi's earn about $28,460. Generally, having a bachelor's degree can mean higher earnings.

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. 

What is the Goldilocks principle in teaching?

The 'Goldilocks principle' states that teachers should focus on material that is not too easy or too hard, but 'just right'.

What are the 5 P's classroom rules?

The 5 Ps of classroom management are common behavioral expectations: Prompt, Prepared, Polite, Productive, and Positive (or Patient), creating a framework for a respectful and efficient learning environment where students arrive on time, have materials, respect others, stay on task, and maintain an optimistic outlook. These principles guide student conduct, helping minimize distractions and foster a positive classroom culture focused on learning.