Substitute teachers—are they the same as guest teachers and occasional teachers?

If you’ve searched for substitute teacher jobs, you probably noticed a few different titles pop up. You may have come across guest teacher or occasional teacher jobs. 

Sometimes, school districts choose to change the job title “substitute teacher” because they want to elevate the respect given to the role. Perhaps, in their area, it’s developed an unfortunate connotation of being “just a sub” — or worse — a babysitter with little authority. In any case, the most important part of the job title is the word: teacher. 

Alternate titles for substitute teacher jobs.

Here are a few of the different titles we’re seeing emerge in districts around the country: 

• Guest teacher 

• Occasional teacher 

• Relief teacher 

• Long-term substitute teacher 

• Per-diem teacher 

• Temporary teacher 

• Supply teacher 

• On-call teacher 

• Cover teacher 

• Stand-in teacher 

Some districts might use the titles relief teacher or guest teacher for leave replacement opportunities. This is essentially a substitute teacher who replaces a certain teacher for a few months at a time. Most districts would call this a long-term substitute teacher. Many districts will require educators who fill this role to have a teaching certificate or license. 

The term occasional teacher is reflective of the flexibility of the work. In this case, substitute teachers may choose short-term assignments—daily or weekly. These assignments may be at different schools, in different subjects, and across different grades levels. 

The essential work of a substitute, guest, or occasional teacher.

Whatever the title, substitute teaching is rewarding work within your school community. You are responsible for educating students when the teacher can’t be there. This means everything from managing a classroom to executing lesson plans to connecting with the students. 

Creating a safe environment for learning.

The first and perhaps most important responsibility is to create a safe environment for learning. This means managing the classroom, enforcing the rules, and following procedures each period. 

Executing lesson plans.

Whether you’re called a substitute teacher, guest teacher, or occasional teacher, you may be working an assignment at the last minute—with little or no time to prepare. Hopefully, you’ve been left with a good lesson plan. Always follow it. Don’t improvise with something you brought with you unless you consult an administrator. 

Answer questions if you can. If a question (or the subject itself) is beyond your knowledge, there is no shame in admitting it. This can be an opportunity to pick the brains of the students. Many of them enjoy sharing their knowledge, and it’ll reinforce concepts. 

If lesson plans are not left, have a backup plan that works for the subject and grade level you are teaching. Deliver it with confidence. 

Substitute teacher job description.

It’s important to understand exactly what the school district expects from you in the role you are being hired to perform. Our example job description provides a good framework for understanding the skills, characteristics, and responsibilities for the job. A good job description even explains what tasks you will not be responsible to complete. Remember, the most important part of the job title is teaching, not the adjective that describes it.  

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education.

Whatever title the district uses to describe the role of a substitute teacher; it is a rewarding career. Kelly Education can help you get started. We have a wealth of articles to help, including: 

• Classroom management for substitute teachers 

• What not to do as a substitute teacher. 

• How to become a substitute teacher in your state 

If you or someone you know is interested in substitute teaching jobs, fill out our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions. We’ll also share more about opportunities to become a substitute teacher or support staff with one of our school district partners.

I’m interested