Becoming a Substitute Teacher in North Carolina

<p>When you are considering pursuing a career in the education field, substitute teaching is one path to consider. The first step to get moving in the right direction is simply knowing what you need to have under your belt before getting started on the application process. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> High School Diploma or GED as a minimum in some counties - check with local LEA</td></tr> <tr><td> License Requirements </td><td> Not required by State but can be issued by individual schools. Contact schools directly.</td></tr> <tr><td> Exam Requirements </td><td> No testing required</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Salary (May 2018) </td><td> $23,720*</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Growth (2016-26)</td><td>8% (national)</td></tr> </table><p><i>*US Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---CareerInfo">Career Info</h3> <p>Substitute teaching is a great career for anyone looking to work in the education field with a flexible schedule. It is important to have a flexible schedule when considering a career as a substitute teacher because many times you will be needed on a short notice. A career in substituting provides the satisfaction of teaching and making a difference in children and young adult's lives. This path can be very rewarding if you are someone who thrives on making a difference in other people's lives. </p> <h3 id="section---JobRequirements">Job Requirements</h3> <p>Currently, the state of North Carolina does not require a substitute teacher to have licensure. Each Local Education Agency (LEA) set their own specific education requirements and so in some counties, candidates are required to have at minimum a high school diploma or GED. Some counties may require you to attend in-service training, orientation, or have met higher educational requirements, for example an Associate or Bachelor's degree. If you have obtained a teaching license, you will be exempt from taking a substitute teaching course. </p> <h3 id="section---NecessarySkills">Necessary Skills</h3> <p>Any experience working with children or teaching can potentially increase your chances of becoming a substitute teacher in North Carolina. Possessing leadership skills, communication skills, and organizational skills are imperative to being successful as a substitute teacher. As a substitute teacher, you need to demonstrate your ability to be a leader as well as being comfortable taking charge and leading students from an educational perspective. Since everyone learns at a different pace and in a different way, so as a substitute teacher you need to be able to tailor your teaching skills in various ways through communicating. You are an example to students, therefore, being organized and having a plan of action each day is required. </p> <h2 id="section---ApplicationProcess">Application Process</h2> <p>After you have met all of the above requirements and are ready to apply for a position as a substitute teacher, you will have to pass a background check as well as possible fingerprinting. Your record needs to be clean or you will not be considered. As with any other job application, it would be beneficial to have 2-3 references or a letter of recommendation demonstrating that you are the best person for the job. Candidates have to prove they are up to date on all vaccinations, and substitute teachers are no exception. You will have to pass a medical screening and provide records of all vaccinations required by the state to begin working in a school.</p>