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Substitute Teacher Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 31161818015substitute teacher23.86teacher4.29education1.66substitute teaching1.64teacher assistant1.46812016102800260.00157.33400.00DAILY38013100402025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Substitute Teacher, or Sub, teachers and supervises students in the event that their regular teacher is unable to lead class. Their duties include managing classroom behavior, quickly interpreting lesson plans and creating reports to inform the students’ permanent teacher of their success.

31161818015substitute teacher23.86teacher4.29education1.66substitute teaching1.64teacher assistant1.46812016102800260.00157.33400.00DAILY38013100402025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Substitute Teacher duties and responsibilities

Text reads: "A day in the life of a substitute teacher: Managing classroom behavior, Quickly and effectively interpreting & executing lesson plans, Supervising students in and out of the classroom, Creating reports to inform teacher of absences, student behavior, etc."

In order to create an encouraging learning environment for students while their regular Teacher is absent, the Substitute Teacher will need to effectively manage and instruct the class from roll call through to tidying up the classroom after the students have left. Some of the Substitute Teacher’s duties and responsibilities include:

  • Follow lesson plans provided by the regular Teacher to create a cohesive and consistent learning experience for students
  • Manage the classroom effectively to encourage student participation, minimize distractions and maintain a positive learning environment
  • Adapt teaching methods to fit the needs of each individual student
  • Supervise students in and out of the classroom, including in the halls, on the playground and in the cafeteria
  • Provide in-class and at-home assignments based on the available lesson plan
  • For long-term substitutes: develop lesson plans and assignments consistent with the regular teacher’s past lesson plans

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Substitute Teacher Job Description Examples

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What does a 31161818015substitute teacher23.86teacher4.29education1.66substitute teaching1.64teacher assistant1.46812016102800260.00157.33400.00DAILY38013100402025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Substitute Teacher do?

Substitute Teachers work for public school districts or private schools to offer emergency support for classrooms, fill long-term absences or help cover a class during a transition period. They accept assignments on a flexible schedule and may be called to fill-in the morning of the school day. Substitute Teachers track attendance, administer quizzes and tests, explain assignments, collect homework and provide general supervision during class periods. Substitute Teachers work with students individually or as a group to keep up with the regulalr curriculum. They read lesson plans and teach them to the students, providing guided instruction on their subject.

Substitute Teacher skills and qualifications

A strong candidate for the Substitute Teacher position will possess the following skills and qualifications:

  • A valid and current Substitute Teacher license (if required in your state)
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in education
  • Strong English verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to lead and instruct students of all ages
  • General knowledge of several subjects
  • Ability to adapt plans to specific classrooms
  • Flexibility and critical-thinking skills
  • Patience

Substitute Teacher salary expectations

A Substitute Teacher makes an average of $9.18 per hour. Pay rate may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Substitute Teacher salary expectations

2025-10-0160.00157.33400.00DAILY
  • Common salary: 157.33 DAILY
  • Typical salaries range from 60.00 - 400.00 DAILY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Substitute Teacher education and training requirements

Substitute Teachers need at least some undergraduate education, though most districts prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees in education or a similar subject. Some districts require Substitute Teachers to be certified while others don’t. Any training programs or Teacher preparation courses would also be an asset that demonstrates the candidate’s familiarity with effective instruction methods and classroom management.

Substitute Teacher experience requirements

The experience requirements for Substitute Teachers typically aren’t as high as they are for full-time, regular Teachers. However, it is advantageous to have a candidate who already has experience working with children and instruction, whether that’s in the form of past substitute teaching assignments or in related roles such as Daycare Assistant, Tutor or Camp Counselor.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the 31161818015substitute teacher23.86teacher4.29education1.66substitute teaching1.64teacher assistant1.46812016102800260.00157.33400.00DAILY38013100402025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Substitute Teacher job description sample above doesn’t quite meet your needs, check out some of these similar job description samples also available on Indeed:

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Frequently asked questions about Substitute Teachers

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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