How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Broward County, Florida

<p>To be a substitute teacher in Broward County, you need at least 60 hours of college coursework from an accredited institution, but there are different requirements and salaries for different types of substitutes. Substitute teachers are responsible for taking over the duties of the regular teacher and supervising students. More teachers are out on Mondays and Fridays than on other days, according to the district. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education Required </td><td> At least 60 college credit hours for a regular substitute; bachelor's degree for interim substitute</td></tr> <tr><td> Training Required </td><td> County substitute teacher training course</td></tr> <tr><td>Certification Renewal</td><td> Certification is valid as long as substitutes work 90 hours per year</td></tr> <tr><td> Hourly Rate (2017-18)* </td><td> $11.27/hour (regular); <br />$12.67/hour (pool substitute); <br />$27.21/hour (interim substitute); <br />$14.08/hour (no bachelor's degree in a higher-rate location); <br />$15.49/hour (bachelor's degree in higher-rate location)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *Broward County Public Schools Substitute Teacher Salary Schedule </i></p> <h3 id="section---WhatToKnowAboutTheJob">What to Know About the Job</h3> <p>Substitute teachers are required to cover the classes of absent teachers, which includes taking attendance, supervising students and sticking to the lesson plan the teacher provided, but the county also recommends substitute teachers have a back-up plan in case the absent teacher does not leave lessons for the day. Substitute teachers will also complete other duties that the principal assigns. They should report for their assignments early and leave notes for the regular teachers about what happened that day. </p> <p>Substitute teachers need to work at least 90 hours each school year to keep their employment with the district. Daily placements are not guaranteed, and substitutes are called as needed. </p> <h3 id="section---TypesOfSubstituteTeachersRequirementsAndSalary">Types of Substitute Teachers: Requirements and Salary</h3> <p>To be a regular substitute teacher, you need 60 college credit hours and the pay is $11.27/hour. </p> <p>To be a pool substitute teacher (which guarantees you daily placements) the education requirement is the same, but the principal must recommend you. The pay is $12.67/hour. </p> <p>Interim substitutes are required to have a bachelor's degree and are also recommended by the principal. To be considered interim, you have to be in a placement for at least 20 days, and the pay is $27.21/hour. </p> <p>Finally, some substitute teachers work in higher-rate locations (like schools categorized as disciplinary centers, for example). The pay at these locations is $14.08/hour without a bachelor's degree, and $15.49/hour with a bachelor's degree. </p> <h3 id="section---ApplicationRequirements">Application Requirements</h3> <p>You can apply online for a substitute teacher position in Broward County. You must provide your college transcripts and two reference letters (including one from your last employer, and if you were a teacher, your last principal). </p> <p>You must also sign up for the substitute teacher training, which includes information about the job, teaching tips, ethics and more. No exceptions are made for those with teaching experience. Applicants will have to get fingerprinted; the county will provide information about that once you apply. </p> <h3 id="section---GettingYourPlacement">Getting Your Placement</h3> <p>Once you attend the training and get hired as a substitute teacher, you are eligible to start working. A calling system contacts substitutes with available assignments at scheduled times during the morning and afternoon on weekdays, and in the morning on weekends. Substitute teachers can also use an online system to look for available placements and update their availability. </p> <p>The county recommends going to schools and introducing yourself for an increased chance of getting an assignment. Another tip from the county, to increase chances of getting work, is to make yourself available at more locations.</p>