To begin, most substitutes browse open assignments on a web-based absence management system. This is where the classroom teacher absences are tracked and substitutes can see what is available. Substitutes pick between grade levels, subjects, school sites, and which days they want to work.
Most schools pay about $100 - $150 per daily assignment, with additional pay for longer-term assignments.
On the day of their assignment, substitutes usually get to the school site about a half hour or so prior to the start time to check in at the front office. Often, a quick briefing about procedures and any special activities of the day is given by the school staff member before the sub is shown to the classroom. Many schools also introduce the substitute to neighboring teachers who are a source of support.
Your primary goal is to keep the class safe and help them continue learning in the absence of their teacher. You'll usually be following a lesson plan left by the teacher, along with some guidelines to follow that are specific to your class and school site.
The rest of the day is as varied as the assignments available! You could be guiding a class of 10th graders on a physics lab, helping 3rd graders learn to read or creating art projects with a middle school class. Most school days are about 6 to 7½ hours long, with time for lunch and often an open period. No matter what, you'll always have a story to tell from a memorable moment of the day.
Most school days are about 6 to 7½ hours long, with time for lunch and often an open period. No matter what, you'll always have a story to tell from a memorable moment of the day.