Expected Annual Pay (Texas)
$29,610
Average salary range
Job Title
Substitute Teacher
Job Outlook (Texas)
+18%
Employment growth
Level of Education Required
Most substitute teachers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some school districts prefer candidates with college coursework, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree, particularly for long-term substitute assignments.
Minimum requirement
Credentials or Licenses Required
Most districts require a background check and may have minimum education requirements. A teaching certificate is not typically required for day-to-day substitute teaching, although some districts may prefer or require certified educators for certain assignments.
Licenses / Certificates
Work Experience Typically Required
Work experience is not always required for substitute teaching positions, but many substitute teachers have experience working with children in some capacity. Experience managing groups of children, following instructional plans, and adapting to different learning environments is often helpful.
Related experience needed
What is this role responsible for day to day?
A substitute teacher temporarily fills in for an absent classroom teacher and supports daily classroom operations. Day‑to‑day work includes:
- Following lesson plans provided by the classroom teacher
- Supervising students and maintaining a safe learning environment
- Managing classroom behavior and routines
- Taking attendance and completing required classroom tasks
- Communicating with school staff about the day’s activities
- Adapting to different classrooms, grade levels, and schedules
Career Snapshots
Explore different career paths within education and find the one that fits your passion
Mia
Mia began her career as an assistant teacher in a child care center while completing college coursework. Wanting to gain experience with different age groups and to see how public schools worked, she became a substitute teacher. She realized she loves early childhood the best! When she finishes school, she plans to get her teaching certificate and apply to be a prekindergarten teacher.
Jerome
Jerome started as an afterschool teacher supporting elementary school students. Through that experience, he discovered he enjoyed working with kids in an educational setting. He became a substitute to see what it would be like to spend full instructional days as a teacher. In the future, he would like to go to college to become a special education teacher.
Hannah
Hannah first became involved in education as a school volunteer while raising her children. After becoming familiar with school routines and classroom environments, she transitioned into substitute teaching. She plans to remain a substitute teacher long-term because she enjoys the flexibility of the role and appreciates the opportunity to continue supporting students and schools without taking on a full-time classroom assignment.
What are some skills or personal traits that people in this role typically have?
Substitute teachers are flexible, dependable, and able to think quickly. They communicate clearly with students and staff, manage classrooms confidently, and adjust easily to new environments and expectations.
What are some jobs that people had earlier in their careers?
People in this role often previously worked as:
People in this role often previously worked as:
- Teacher Aide or Educational Assistant
- Child Care Worker
- Volunteer or Paraprofessional in a school setting
What are some jobs that people in this role have later in their careers?
With experience, people in this role may move into:
With experience, substitute teachers may move into roles such as:
- Classroom Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Instructional Support or Campus Staff Roles