Substitute Teachers, Short-Term

What the job really is

Teach students on a short-term basis as a temporary replacement for a regular classroom teacher, typically using the regular teacher's lesson plan.

At a glance

• Sector: Education & Library
• O*NET-SOC code: 25-3031
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Enforce school and class rules to maintain order in the classroom.
• Answer students' questions.
• Follow lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
• Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.
• Supervise students during activities outside the classroom, such as recess, lunch, and field trips.
• Teach social skills to students, such as communication, conflict resolution, and etiquette.
• Tutor or assist students individually or in small groups.
• Distribute or collect tests or homework assignments.
• Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils, to students.
• Teach a variety of subjects, such as English, mathematics, and social studies.
• Operate equipment such as computers or audio-visual aids to supplement presentations.
• Counsel students with adjustment or academic problems.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Common Curriculum, EasyCBM, Edmodo, Flipgrid, Google Classroom, Google Meet, Instructure Canvas, Moodle, Nearpod

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
• Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
• Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
• Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
• Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
• Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
• Teaching Assistants, Special Education
• Special Education Teachers, Elementary School

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Substitute Teachers, Short-Term — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.