What are the duties of a substitute teacher?

I'm considering working as a substitute teacher part-time while in college. Can someone tell me what the typical duties are for a sub? I'm curious about the responsibilities and the kind of flexibility this job might offer.

Being a substitute teacher can indeed provide a lot of flexibility, which could be perfect for your college schedule. However, it's important to know that the responsibilities can vary greatly depending on the level of the class (elementary, middle, or high school), the subject, and the individual school's policies. Here's a general rundown of some typical duties:

- Implementing the regular teacher's lesson plans: In most cases, the regular teacher will leave lesson plans for you to follow. These could involve teaching new material, supervising in-class assignments, or conducting tests. It's your duty to implement these plans to the best of your ability.

- Classroom management: Maintaining classroom discipline is often one of the most challenging parts of being a substitute teacher. You'll need to enforce the class rules and deal with any disruptive behavior.

- Administrative tasks: You may also handle light clerical duties like taking attendance, grading papers, or preparing the classroom for the next day.

- Emergency procedures: In case of emergencies, substitutes must know and adhere to the school's safety protocols.

Since every district, school, and class is unique, your specific duties could vary. Some assignments may Last for only a day, while others could span weeks or even months. It's common for substitute teacher assignments to be given on short notice, which can contribute to the flexibility of the role.

There are also certain skills that are helpful for substitute teachers, such as strong communication skills, adaptability, patience, creativity, and a firm, but fair approach to classroom discipline. Having a passion for working with children and a basic understanding of child psychology can also be very beneficial.

Whether you're looking to gain classroom experience for a future teaching role or are interested in teaching as a part-time endeavor while studying, substitute teaching can be a rewarding job with lots of real-world experience. Just remember that being a substitute teacher can also be challenging, as you'll often need to quickly adapt to new classrooms and student dynamics.