How to become a substitute teacher in your state.

US map for substitute teacher

Reading Time: 4 minutes   To become a substitute teacher in your state, there are some specific requirements you’ll need to meet. Though many states have similar requirements, the specifics vary.  Common requirements to become a substitute teacher. Certification, licensing, authorization, or permits  Education  Experience  Background screening and fingerprinting  Health screenings  Training  Employment verification Below, we’ve compiled a list of…

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Common school safety concerns for substitute teachers – elementary school.

elementary substitute teacher safety

Reading Time: 3 minutes   Prioritizing workplace safety in elementary schools is just as fundamental as grading papers or creating lesson plans. Understanding and avoiding safety hazards helps create a healthy and productive learning environment for both you and students.  Hazards in elementary schools: From slips and falls to breaking up fights, potential workplace dangers are always present in…

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Common school safety concerns for substitute teachers – middle & high school.

middle and high school substitute teacher safety

Reading Time: 4 minutes   Ensuring safety in middle and high schools isn’t just important—it’s essential, especially for substitute teachers and support staff. Whether you’re navigating crowded hallways, passing by the chemistry lab, or dodging flying balls at recess, staying alert is crucial.   A safe and healthy school environment not only keeps you protected but also sets you up…

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The complete guide to become a substitute teacher.

A substitute teacher guiding students.

Reading Time: 4 minutes   To become a substitute teacher, there are several steps you must follow; understand the responsibilities in the job description, learn the requirements for your state, the application process, and how to take assignments. As the leader in substitute teacher staffing in the United States, Kelly Education has assembled these articles to help you get…

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How to be a successful substitute teacher: self-evaluation.

Teacher answering questions from the front of the classroom.

Reading Time: 5 minutes   One of the best ways to tell if you’re a successful substitute teacher is to pause and reflect on your work. Yes, receiving objective, constructive feedback from a supervisor is helpful. However, if you often move around to various buildings and classrooms, it may be difficult for administrators to share specifically what you’re doing…

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Kelly Education: 2025 Employee Stories

2025 EOTY Employee Stories

Reading Time: 3 minutes Our substitute teachers, paraeducators, tutors, and support staff come from diverse walks of life. Some are former educators, others are professionals, retirees, or college students. Each one took a different path to begin working in our schools. Here are just a few of their inspiring stories. Irvin Sutton | Retired Postal Service Employee Irvin Sutton…

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How to find substitute teacher positions near me.

substitute teacher position in math class

Reading Time: 3 minutes   Finding substitute teacher positions is as easy as doing an internet search, visiting a local school district careers webpage, or getting in touch with an education recruiter.   Kelly Educaton is the nation’s largest provider of substitute teachers. We fill millions of classrooms with substitute teachers, paraeducators, and tutors each year. Our experts put together this guidance to…

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How a replacement teacher job description differs from a substitute.

female replacement teacher in front of class

Reading Time: 4 minutes   A replacement teacher job description details the responsibilities of an employee who works when a teacher is absent. While substitute teachers and replacement teachers are both temporary instructors, replacement teachers often maintain a longer-term presence in the classroom—this often comes with additional duties.  Common details in a replacement teacher job description.  Titles vary by…

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Substitute Teacher Story: Gulzar Pabani

Gulzar Pabani - Substitute teacher headshot

Reading Time: 3 minutes   Kelly Education is proud to highlight the work of our talented educators.  Gulzar Pabani is the winner of our 2025 Educator of the Year award in the pre-K Substitute Teacher category. Ms. Pabani holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a master’s degree in English literature. She’s now a long-term substitute teacher for pre-K students…

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Paraeducator Story: Jordyn Solomon

Jordyn Solomon, Paraeducator - headshot

Reading Time: 3 minutes   Kelly Education is proud to highlight the work of our talented educators.  Jordyn Solomon is the winner of our 2025 Educator of the Year award in the Paraeducator category. Ms. Solomon is a long-term paraeducator at Walter M. Schirra Elementary in Old Bridge, New Jersey.  In this Q&A, Ms. Solomon shares about her work as a…

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