I want to substitute teach...?

Question

I live in Florida & have a degree in English... How steady is the work and how much does a substitute teacher make a month?

Answer 1

Erm not sure

-x-

Answer 2

"How steady is the work?"  HAHAHA - Sorry, had to get that off my chest....  *Clears throat* I only know how it is in Michigan, but I'm guessing Florida isn't all that different.

In order to sub in most Michigan districts now, you have to have 85+ (?) credit hours of higher education.  It helps A LOT if you have a teaching degree (but isn't required).  It also is extremely helpful to know someone who's established in the district who can put in a good word for you, or whose name you can mention at the interview.  If you don't know anyone (or even if you do), you can go on the education portion of your state's website.  You can also Google school districts, or call them up to inquire.  There might be consortiums, too - where you send an application to one place that services many districts.  You need to do some research to figure out how it works where you are.

At least in Michigan, there are 200+ applicants for each opening for a full-time teaching job.  The applicants who aren't hired continue to sub for however many years they can stand it.  That means the field is swamped.  Once you're hired to sub in a district, there's no guarantee that you'll be booked every day of the school year.  

To get booked regularly, you need to prove your ability first.  If a sub is awful, the teacher will put in a request saying "Never give me Ms. Bad".  If a sub is great, the teacher will put in a request saying "I REALLY want Ms. Great if she's available!".  If you're in high demand, you'll get booked weeks in advance (instead of getting called at 5:00 that morning).  You'll also be able to pick and choose without worrying if that will be your only call.  (Being too picky is the kiss of death, though, since the person booking you will just skip over your name if you always say "no" to them).  After a while, you'll get to the point where you'll know which classrooms are ones to avoid at all costs, and which ones to immediately accept.

Pay completely depends on the district's geological location, population, economic situation, and if it's private or public.  (In gross pay) I had one district that paid $45/half day and $85/day; the next city over only paid $35/half day and $60/day.  As I said, it all depends.

That said, good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Answer 3

The work ultimately depends on the district since they will call you when there is a need. Your best bet is to apply to several districts within your area, a distance that you feel comfortable driving and a community that your comfortable with. This will guarantee you'll have near steady work. I must preface that by saying you cannot be picky on the job assignment if you need/want the money for that day.

As for the monetary issue, that also depends on the district. Some districts pay 90 bucks a day (gross, that is) and others pay in excess of 130; generally speaking, high schools pay more than elementary and junior high schools. You will have to take into consideration the deductions such as the usual taxes but also whatever teacher pension and other assorted deductions there are. You'll need to compile a list of districts, check on the internet for subbing jobs, make a few calls, and go from there. I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 4

In Illinois it just depends on the district and how flexible you are.  I make $92/day.  Can you live on that?

Go to your state's website and you should find instructions on what to do.  What you get paid however, is dependent upon what each district wants to pay--at least here in Illinois.