Keyword: how to become a substitute teacher in Florida, a substitute teacher in Florida
Becoming a substitute teacher in Florida is not as difficult as it may seem. However, all it requires is dedication and commitment.
The basic requirements you need to get started are a high school diploma, a reference and ID document, and a background check. Moreover, the Florida Department of Education did not state much on how to become a certified substitute teacher in their state, which means that each district has different requirements and amazing ways of applying.
Teaching as a substitute teacher is designed to provide valuable experience in education systems that offer unique educational delivery. Also, it serves as an open door to a full-time teaching career.
It does not matter if you are a high school or college graduate or just an individual who is interested in positively impacting a student’s learning life; substitute teaching can provide you with an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of education.
Nonetheless, in this article, we will provide a guide on how to become a substitute teacher in Florida and everything you need to know about the process.
Who Is a Substitute Teacher?
A substitute teacher is a trained, certified, and professional person who teaches a class for a short period when the actual teacher is not available.
The absence of the usual teacher could be due to illness, family emergencies, medical leave, paternity leave, or other reasons.
The time a substitute teacher works in a classroom ranges depending on how long the usual teacher’s absence lasts, and this could range from a day to several weeks or months.
Substitute teachers work in a different school schedule; this may often require them to work in more than one school every day. Additionally, to become a long-term substitute teacher requires a higher level of training in the classes they specialize in than a short-term substitute.
What Are The Educational And Training Requirements Of a Substitute Teacher?
The minimum requirement or qualifications required to be a substitute teacher is a high school diploma or equivalent certificate to qualify for employment.
However, there are some training programs or orientations that are important for a substitute teacher to attend immediately after getting employed.
Also, it may include the code of conduct within the school district, which is provided by the colleges or universities, commercial vendors, school boards, and other educational organizations that need to be talked about.
Note that new substitute teachers without prior experience will have to take an additional course that elaborates more on instructional strategies.
Also, the Florida Department of Education is responsible for providing online resources that help educate and talk more effectively about orientation measures.
What Are The Responsibilities Of a Substitute Teacher?
Below are some of the responsibilities of a substitute teacher:
- A substitute teacher always maintains classroom cleanliness.
- They make reports for the usual teacher to review when they return.
- A substitute teacher has the free will to assign assignments to students and supervise students while completing work in the classroom.
- A substitute teacher follows the usual teacher’s lesson schedule to continue the course curriculum.
- A substitute teacher must comply with the school rules and regulations.
- They deliver and compose lesson plans as needed during the absence of the usual teacher.
- A substitute teacher oversees students during class time to ensure they complete assigned work and follow classroom expectations.
- They manage classroom rules, policies, and guidelines to improve student behavior.
What Is The Average Salary Of a Substitute Teacher In Florida?
The average salary for a substitute teacher varies depending on the teacher’s qualifications and the school district. The average salary for a substitute teacher is $14.81 per hour in Florida; that is, the average salary per week for a substitute teacher in Florida is $592 per week, or $2,566 per month.
Also, the average annual pay for a Full Time Employment as a substitute teacher in Florida is $30,800 a year.
What Are The Top 10 Highest-Paying Cities For Full-Time Substitute Teacher Jobs In Florida?
Undoubtedly, all cities in Florida pay their substitute teacher employees well, usually above average.
However, some cities in Florida pay their employees higher compared to other cities in Florida.
Below, we will be reviewing the top 10 highest-paying cities for full-time substitute teachers in Florida, including their annual salary and hourly wage:
- Plantations: annual salary $44,646; hourly wage $21.46
- Miami: annual salary of $41,998; hourly wage of $20.19
- Saint Petersburg: annual salary of $42,725; hourly wage of $20.54
- Miami Beach: annual salary of $43,960; hourly wage of $21.14
- Palm Shores: Annual salary: $41,837; hourly wage: $20.11
- Panama City: annual salary of $40,807; hourly wage of $19.62
- Coral Springs: annual salary of $40,445; hourly wage of $19.85
- Port St. Lucie: annual salary of $41,814; hourly wage of $20.10
- Clearwater: annual salary of $41,687; hourly wage of $20.04
- Tampa: annual salary $41,007; hourly wage $19.72
How Long Does It Take To Earn a Teacher Certification In Florida?
Generally, a bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete. Teachers training with a bachelor’s degree in another major take an extra 1 to 2 years to qualify for a professional teacher license.
So basically, becoming a teacher in Florida takes about 4 to 6 years. There are also some programs that you need to attend, like the teacher preparation program, and also take and pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE).
Is a Substitute Teaching Career Worth It?
Yes! A substitute teaching career is worth it. Although you may not be provided with the exact work balance you are looking for, substitute teaching is a remarkable, rewarding, and worthwhile career path for individuals in various areas of life.
Also, being a substitute teacher can be exciting with lots of opportunities, such as flexible schedules, supplemental income, good pay, and good learning opportunities. You can make a living and meet expenses as a substitute teacher.
What Are The Skills Of Substitute Teachers?
There are some professional skills that a substitute teacher needs to be equipped with, either during their certification program or after their certification program. Also, a substitute teacher needs both soft skills and technical skills for their respective roles.
The following are some skills a substitute teacher needs to be equipped with:
1. Flexibility:
To become a substitute teacher, you need to be very flexible when accepting classes. A substitute teacher may work in different schools or classrooms every day of the week. It is very important to adapt to the rules and regulations of each school or classroom.
2. Communication Skills:
Generally, it is very important to have good communication skills. Good communication skills help substitute teachers understand the expectations of the usual teachers and also the school system.
3. Classroom Management:
Classroom management simply requires a substitute teacher to make sure that classroom lessons and activities are running smoothly without any disruptive behavior from students during class hours.
Substitute teachers running classroom activities and managing the classroom smoothly can help the usual teacher lesson plan and schedule during their absence, so students can still catch up without losing valuable resources during their time in school.
4. Time Management:
Time management simply means the process of organizing and planning how to make use of your time between different tasks and activities. It helps substitute teachers make themselves available to meet up with their schedules and cover classes as needed.
As a substitute teacher, it is very important to practice time management, especially if you are a part-time substitute teacher. This will help you balance other responsibilities that are important as well.
5. Problem-Solving Skills:
Practicing problem-solving skills will allow a professional substitute teacher to manage problems or challenges in the classroom. Professors and substitute teachers usually apply their knowledge and expertise to easily overcome any classroom challenges.
How To Become a Substitute Teacher In Florida
Below is a guide on how to become a substitute teacher in Florida:
Step 1: Know What Type Of Substitute Teacher You Want To Become:
The first step is to figure out what type of substitute teacher you would like to become. There are different varieties of courses a substitute teacher can decide to teach.
The majority of substitute teachers only work part-time or for a short period, depending on the agreement being negotiated.
A substitute teacher who works for long-term assignments may need to have their Florida teaching license to qualify for their position because they need to plan and deliver their lesson plans during the usual teacher’s absence.
Also, a substitute who works for short-term periods only needs fewer credentials than those who work full-term as a long-term substitute teacher. Therefore, it is crucial to decide if you want to become a full-time or part-time teacher.
Step 2: Account For Your Current Skills And Credentials:
The next important step on how to become a substitute teacher in Florida after figuring out what type of substitute teacher you want to be is to consider your current qualifications and skills.
In Florida, substitute teachers are required to have at least a high school diploma or something equivalent as a minimum requirement.
So as a substitute teacher in Florida, you do not need to have any experience to qualify for or apply for a substitute teacher position. Although some schools may prefer a candidate with professional teaching experience or credentials.
Note that most school districts provide training based on their policies, standards, and procedures for the substitute teachers they employ.
Step 3: Do Research On The Typical Requirements For Your Preferred Teaching Position:
Some expectations must be met for you to qualify for a substitute teacher position in Florida. Florida can easily help you determine what exact credentials you need to pursue your preferred job.
For instance, do some research and check out job listings for the school district you would like to work in. It is important to know if these districts require substitute teachers to have previous experience or a teacher license to qualify for a position.
In some districts, before they can offer employment to a substitute teacher, they expect more from them, like having more experience and specialized certifications than other substitute teachers.
Also, some elementary schools may expect substitute teachers to have experience working with young students.
Step 4: Pursue Additional Qualifications As Needed:
Pursuing more qualifications, achieving higher teaching certifications, or having more experience will help you stand out from the crowd during your job search process. Moreover, earning a college degree in education or a related field can be the best way to learn more about teaching methods and classroom responsibilities.
You can choose to volunteer with a youth organization, either to work as a tutor or host a youth program for students who are willing to learn. This method will help you develop your teaching skills.
So, considering volunteering will also help your career development in the future, you will be able to gain more experience working with students, children, or young adults.
Step 5: Apply For a Substitute Teaching Position.
Immediately after researching substitute teacher job positions that are available in Florida, the next step is to start applying for positions. Ensure to review the job listing carefully so you can prepare a well-detailed application for the position.
The majority of substitute teacher positions require applicants to submit a professional resume and cover letter as part of their applications.
When applying for job positions, ensure to include the expectations and preferences for each position to which you apply, and also add your materials for each position you are applying for.
Also, state your relevant skills that qualify for the specific position you are applying for and ensure they match the requirements.
Conclusion
Becoming a successful substitute teacher in Florida will provide you with several job opportunities because there is a high demand for certified substitute teachers in Florida.
This article has provided a guide on how to become a substitute teacher in Florida and other requirements necessary. We hope it is helpful to your search.
Reference
- Indeed.com
- ziprecruiter.com
- teachersoftomorrow.org
