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Substitute Teacher Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Substitute Teacher fills in for a regular Teacher if they are absent or unable to attend a particular class or session. Their duties include following lesson plans created by the regular Teacher, monitoring student behaviour, and maintaining a positive learning environment.

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Substitute Teacher duties and responsibilities

A Substitute Teacher has the ability to manage the class and its students, and ensure that there is no gap in the learning process. Primary duties and responsibilities of a Substitute Teacher include:

  • Manage students properly and minimize distractions while encouraging student participation
  • Pay attention to each individual student, ensure they understand the learning material and clarify any questions or concerns
  • Supervise students in the classroom, in school hallways, on the playground, and during breaks
  • Provide any assignments based on the lesson plan designed by the regular Teacher
  • In case of a long-term role, develop lesson plans and assignments that coincide with the original plan designed by the regular Teacher
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What does a Substitute Teacher do?

A Substitute Teacher is typically a short-term role, which in some cases could develop into a long-term position, depending on the needs of the school. If the Substitute Teacher is only there for the short-term, they are expected to follow lesson plans and evaluate students based on learning outcomes outlined by their regular Teacher.

In addition, a Substitute Teacher is responsible for monitoring the performance and behaviour of students, and report anything they feel might be amiss. It is a Substitute Teacher’s duty to maintain a positive learning environment where students are encouraged to participate, ask questions, and receive the attention they need to learn and understand the lesson plan.

Substitute Teacher skills and qualifications

A Substitute Teacher has the necessary skills and qualifications to maintain a positive learning environment and ensure proper communication of course curriculum. Some necessary Substitute Teacher skills and qualifications include:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to interact and guide students of all ages
  • Knowledgeable about core subjects
  • Ability to create lesson plans
  • Patience, tolerance, and flexibility

Substitute Teacher experience requirements

Substitute Teachers are generally not required to have as much experience as full-time Teachers. However, those with experience teaching children or experience working with children are preferred. Past experience does not have to be limited to the role of a Substitute Teacher, but related roles such as a Personal Tutor, Camp Counsellor, or Daycare Assistant are also considered.

Substitute Teacher education and training requirements

Any applicant interested in the position of a Substitute Teacher should have a bachelor’s degree. Candidates with an Early Childhood Educator Certificate may be preferred, depending on grade level. A Substitute Teacher must also be well-versed with effective instruction methods and classroom management. Additionally, Substitute Teachers must possess a teaching certification from their respective provinces.

Substitute Teacher salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Substitute Teacher is $28.75 per hour in Canada. Rates may be dependent on factors including experience, location, and school board.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Substitute Teacher is not quite what you’re looking for, a few other job description samples that may fit your needs include:

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Substitute Teacher job description FAQs

What qualities make a good Substitute Teacher?

A Substitute Teacher has exceptional command over core subjects including language, math, science, history, geography, and social sciences. In addition, a Substitute Teacher has the temperament to teach and manage school children, while ensuring that the students are safe, healthy, and motivated to learn. The ability to manage a classroom effectively is imperative for a Substitute Teacher.

Who does a Substitute Teacher report to?

A Substitute Teacher reports to the Vice Principal and the Principal of the school. At times, they may have to discuss with the full-time Teacher they have temporarily replaced to update them of any activities that happened in the classroom. They may also share the progress of the students or any significant events that transpired during their time in the classroom.

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