Is Substitute Teaching Worth It?

Last updated on July 26th, 2023 at 03:39 pm

If you’re looking for a side job or extra income, substitute teaching may look like a good option for you. But is it really worth your time and effort compared to other side income opportunities?

Startup Costs and Procedures for Substitute Teaching

First, find out how much the district or school you plan to sub at pays. (I recommend going with a school district, which will open up the door to sub at all schools within the district. But that’s up to you!) Be sure to check the daily rate, the half day rate, and different rates based on different positions. Classroom teacher position usually will pay more than any support staff role, for example. The mean hourly wage for classroom teacher subs was $18.47 an hour in 2021, the last time the data was published. You can look for this information on your school district’s website– try the Human Resources section.

Next, you’ll need to see what qualifications are necessary and what the hiring process is like. The hiring process may cost you. My background check entailed a drug test that the district covered and fingerprinting, which I had to shell out $90 for. (I got to pay almost one hundred bucks to prove I’m not a criminal!) I was also required to attend a district orientation that took a few hours. (Besides the opportunity cost, it could be a cost if you need to get childcare during orientation, for instance, that’s another baked-in startup expense.)

Each state and district is different, so it’s worth researching. The education level required to obtain the job differs from place to place. Or you may have to take sub certification or a short substitute course.

In my case, even though I was a full-fledged teacher (degreed, certified, and currently working at a school) when I went through the substitute application process, I still had to complete my district’s short, free online training.

Compared to other jobs, I’d say the startup costs are mid range. You don’t need a ton of materials– I have a tote bag I bring to hold my lunch and phone and a few other things. I got a lanyard to hold my staff badge and a whistle. Add that materials total with the background check cost, and you’ve got your startup costs.

Weighing the Costs with the Benefits

You might be in the position to try your hand at subbing in a few schools before making a committment toward substitute teaching in a greater capacity. You could sub one day and decide it’s not for you. You have no attachments or contracts to fulfill– unlike many positions. This is the primary reason I sub. It allows for the ultimate flexible schedule. Work as much as you want. Don’t work as much as you want. (Though some districts, like mine, may require a minimum amount of days worked per year to stay in the system for the following year– my district requires ten work days a year for this continuation.)

If your current needs cause you to search for work during school hours only– and guaranteed evenings, weekends and holidays off– that’ll add more weight to the advantages of substitute teaching for you.

The rest of the decision– after costs, pay and time– boil down to the actual work of it. Would you enjoy (or at the very least tolerate) teaching in the classroom given the other factors? Given the pay, for instance, would it be worth it to you?

Consider the stress level of the job. I had my own classroom for five years and I’ve been subbing a total of three years. I would still say this is a stressful job even with my teaching experience. The unknowns are the kicker here– you’re catapulted into a new classroom, with a new set of students and new lesson plans to teach adeptly after just a small window of study time. I’ve written detailed narratives of a handful of my substitute teaching experiences to give a honest and complete picture of what the job can be like. I’ve developed tried-and-true methods for reducing stress while subbing, though, and it makes the job worthwhile for me.

To sum it up, here’s my personal opinion of substitute teaching as a side job in comparison to other popular side gigs:

It can be a great gig for someone who needs schedule flexibility and doesn’t mind being in the classroom. As a mostly stay-at-home-mom, I find it works well with my ideal schedule. I never have to work weekends or holidays– in fact, I never “have” to work at all, and that is pretty sweet to me. And If I need the work, it’s there. I only substitute taught 10.5 days the school year my baby girl was born, but that worked perfectly for our family. I was able to make us about 1,450 extra dollars while primarily devoting my focus to caring for my child.

Substitute teaching as a springboard to better opportunities

Even if it’s not your favorite, you can use subbing as a springboard to a better opportunity and eventually turning in that badge– sub while you work on building a business or creating something, for instance. Here’s where the value is truly great. If you are working and investing time in something that needs to be cultivated but isn’t a huge money maker out the gate, it’s good to have a flexible gig like subbing to pull out of my pocket whenever I need the money. Here are some examples:

Substitute Springboard A: Working on building a freelance graphic design company + substitute teaching

Substitute Springboard B: Taking real estate classes to later become a realtor + substitute teaching

Substitute Springboard C: Writing a novel + substitute teaching

I see this model used frequently with fellow creators and small businesses just starting out. Unless you are in possession of a substantial amount of savings, a balance must be struck between Money Later and Money Now opportunities in order to give momentum to those Money Later projects. Substitute teaching works well in this model, in my opinion.

It can be a great gig for someone who needs schedule flexibility and doesn’t mind being in the classroom. Even if it’s not your favorite, you can use subbing as a springboard to a better opportunity and eventually turning in that badge…

Charmaine

Readers, let me know what you think: Is subbing worthwhile? There are even more articles on the topic of substitute teaching here at Chocolate for the Teach. Thanks for being here!