Refer a friend to be a substitute teacher.

Do you know someone who has a natural gift for working with kids? You know the type — someone who is positive, confident, and patient. Are you wondering how to refer them to become a substitute teacher?  

Substitute teaching jobs can be fulfilling and flexible work for a new graduate, a way to make a little extra money for a working professional, a military mom or veteran, or a fun part-time job for a retiree.  

What makes a good substitute teacher?

If you have a friend or family member who is interested in the idea of substitute teaching but may not think they are qualified, here are some common traits you can share to help them understand what makes some of the best substitute teachers. 

• Natural leaders who can inspire and mentor others.  

• People who can take a mundane subject and make it super interesting. 

• Those who want to make a positive impact in their community.  

• Hardworking people who want to embark on a new career. 

Requirements to become a substitute teacher.

Many substitute teacher jobs do not require previous classroom experience. In fact, substitute teacher requirements vary from state to state and even from district to district. 

For example, some states require a bachelor’s degree and/or college credits or certifications, while others require a high school diploma or equivalent. Many districts and Kelly Education provide substitute teachers with training, orientation, and professional development so they are ready on day one—and beyond! 

Share our Complete Guide to Becoming a Substitute Teacher with your friend. It includes information about state minimum requirements, a look at a typical day, and even information about what substitute teachers make.   

Great reasons to become a substitute teacher.

At Kelly Education, we hire thousands of substitute teachers for school districts nationwide each year. Here are just a few great reasons to consider substitute teaching jobs: 

• Control your work schedule. Substitute teachers can decide when they want to work and when they don’t. This makes it ideal for retirees, college students, recent graduates, and professionals who have extra time. They can take a vacation whenever they like and can accept both long- and short-term assignments.  

• Make some extra money. Substitute teaching can help with paying bills, saving for a vacation or major purchase, or supplementing retirement income. You decide how much you want to make because you decide how much you will work. 

• Enhance your skills. As with anything, the more you teach, the better you get at it. The work sharpens so many skills, including time management, communication, creativity, and the ability to work with students from different backgrounds and cultures. 

• Make a difference. It’s difficult to overstate the impact one substitute teacher can have on students’ lives. Just by being there, they make it so that the students don’t miss out on a day of instruction because their regular teacher is absent!  

Responsibilities and duties of substitute teachers.

Substitute teachers play a vital role in the classroom, whether it’s a short- or long-term assignment. Some substitute teacher duties and responsibilities include: 

• Teaching lesson plans. Executing the day’s lesson plan left by the regular teacher is the primary duty of a substitute teacher. If no lesson plan is provided, check with neighboring teachers or the school principal. Some experienced substitute teachers always bring a few back-up lesson plans, just in case. 

• Assigning homework. Again, this may be something the permanent teacher has already planned. If so, substitute teachers simply instruct students about the homework and provide support as needed.  

• Providing supervision. Students need an orderly, structured, safe environment to learn. Substitute teachers provide that much-needed supervision. They may also be asked to help at assemblies or lunchrooms, and in the event of a fire drill or actual emergency, their assistance is vital. 

How do they apply to become a substitute teacher?

There are several avenues to search, find, and apply for substitute teaching jobs.  Your friends and family can: 

• Apply directly through the school district. Positions are often listed on the district’s website, and it’s usually possible to apply there too. 

• Search job boards. Check out internet job boards. Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and our own site, MyKelly, are good places to look. 

• Do an internet search. Simply open a search engine and type “substitute teaching jobs near me” for positions in your area.  

• Go to a job fair. Hiring events are often good places to meet and network with recruiters and others who work in education. Be sure to dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. 

• Check with a staffing agency. Many districts use a third-party staffing agency to find substitute teachers. 

Already work with Kelly Education? Make a successful referral. Earn $100!

If you’ve found substitute teaching to be a fulfilling and rewarding career, why not tell a friend about it?  

At Kelly Education, we have a referral program that provides our current employees with a little incentive to recommend us to others. It’s simple—if you refer a new substitute teacher or paraeducator, you’ll receive a $100 bonus after they complete the hiring process and work five full-day jobs. And there is no limit on the number of referrals or money you can make!  

We’ve found that our substitute teachers can make the best referrals. If you are a current Kelly Education employee and know someone who would make a great substitute teacher, please contact our Talent Services team for information on our referral program. 

 Recommend us to a friend. 

If you are not a current Kelly Education employee but have a friend who is interested in becoming a substitute teacher, please share this brief interest form with them. One of our recruiters will reach out, answer their questions, and tell them more about opportunities we have with our school district partners across the country.