Do I need teaching experience to become a substitute teacher?

Substitute teacher with students in the classroom.

Reading Time: 3 minutes   Substitute teaching is an incredibly rewarding job—for some, it’s a career. If you’re interested in becoming a substitute teacher, you’re probably wondering about the requirements.   Many people think they need prior teaching experience or that they need college education to work as a substitute teacher. While that’s true for some schools and in a…

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Can I work as a substitute teacher while in college?

Substitute teacher with students.

Reading Time: 3 minutes   No matter your age or degree major, substitute teaching while in college offers many benefits. It can help to pay for tuition, living expenses, student loans, or simply provide extra spending money. If you love working with students, now is the time to apply to be a substitute teacher.  Many states allow college students…

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How to introduce yourself as a substitute teacher.

A teacher in a classroom.

Reading Time: 4 minutes   A first impression is often the key to unlocking success. You only get one chance to introduce yourself as a substitute teacher, so make the most of it! With more than 25 years of experience hiring substitute teachers across the country, our team at Kelly Education knows what works for introductions. After all, when…

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What to wear as a substitute teacher.

substitute teacher wearing proper attire working with students

Reading Time: 4 minutes   What you wear as a substitute teacher has the power to make a big impression on administrators, students, and other teachers. So, it’s important to wear the proper attire that also follows the school’s substitute teacher dress code. Quick tips on what to wear as a substitute teacher: Business casual No jeans Avoid tight,…

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Packing a school bag — what to bring as a substitute teacher.

A teacher standing up.

Reading Time: 3 minutes   Stepping into the classroom for the first time as a substitute teacher is often both exciting and nerve-racking. How will it go? What to bring as a substitute teacher? These are all understandable questions when you first become a substitute teacher. We want you to feel confident and prepared on day one. That’s why…

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Substitute Teacher Story: Niels Billund

Niels Billund - Substitute Teacher

Reading Time: 2 minutes Retired nurse finds fulfillment in substitute teaching and music. Growing up in Denmark, Niels Billund has always had a passion for helping people. In his twenties, he thought that he was going to be a teacher. He even started down that path in college. Then, he changed his mind and became a nurse. Fast-forward 35…

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Substitute Teacher Story: Claire Mayberry

Claire Mayberry - Substitute Teacher

Reading Time: 3 minutes Newlywed grad student finds the flexibility of substitute teaching helpful.  Claire Mayberry loves math. She graduated college with a degree in mechanical engineering, then landed a dream job.   It didn’t take her long to figure out that sitting in a cubical, working 8-5, wasn’t for her. It didn’t feel meaningful. Claire did some soul searching.…

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Substitute Teacher Story: Nealie Diggs

Nealie Diggs _Substitute Teacher

Reading Time: 3 minutes   Retired business owner, golfer, and actress adds substitute teacher to the things that bring her joy. Nealie Diggs has made a career out of helping people rise. Her passion is inspiring others to achieve their dreams. She started out in human resources at IBM, became a social worker, joined a national non-profit called INROADS,…

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Substitute Teacher Story: Jeff Stark

Jeff Stark - Substitute Teacher

Reading Time: 2 minutes Jeff Stark Story | Retired Spanish teacher turned substitute teacher. At age 72, Jeff Stark’s “spark” continues to enlighten students. After 38 years as a Spanish teacher in middle and high school, he retired. But he wasn’t quite ready to leave the classroom. In fact, becoming a substitute teacher was the only next step he…

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