How to Be a Substitute Teacher in Tennessee

<h2 id="section---OverviewOfSubstituteTeachingInTennessee">Overview of Substitute Teaching in Tennessee</h2> <p>Substitute teaching can be a rewarding position. With hands-on teaching and a flexible work schedule, substitute teaching offers a great opportunity to earn a second income, receive teacher training, or play a part in the education system. Licensing and certification procedures are usually handled at the district level in Tennessee, meaning that substitute teachers must contact and be licensed by each district they are intending to work in. The general requirements for the state are listed below, but make sure to check with the your district for any additionally needed material or requirements. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> High school diploma or GED; some districts require a bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td> Exam Requirements </td><td> SubSkills test</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Salary (2018)* </td><td> $20,250</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026)* </td><td> 7-8% nationally, for all kindergarten through high school teachers</td></tr> </table><p>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) </p> <h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3> <p>A substitute teacher provides coverage when a full-time teacher is unavailable due to scheduled vacation days or illness. With positions spanning kindergarten, elementary school, and high school, substitutes are able to choose the age range they want to work with. A temporary stand-in, substitute teachers are used to fill in gaps, but are prohibited from working long-term in one position. Substitute teachers work in close proximity with students and administrators to create a consistent and cohesive coverage of ongoing course material. Tasked with managing students and ensuring lesson plans stay on track, substitute teachers play a crucial role in the education system. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3> <p>Districts in Tennessee require substitute teachers to have at least a high school diploma, and many require a bachelor's degree from an accredited college. Specifics vary by location, so check with the district you will be teaching in for any additional requirements. </p> <p>Some districts require supplemental education for substitute teachers. This helps familiarize new teachers with what they can and cannot do in the classroom, and provides basic training on classroom management and professionalism. Check with your district to find out if this type of program exists. </p> <h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3> <p>Many districts require substitute teachers to take a SubSkills training course, which is typically offered online. The minimum passing score for the course completion test varies by district. To give an idea of the minimum score needed, Metro Nashville Public Schools requires an 85% or better to pass, whereas Franklin County School District requires a score of 70%. </p> <p>The skills test covers the basic concepts of teaching strategies, professionalism, classroom management, special education, and other general knowledge necessary for substitute teaching. </p> <h3 id="section---GeneralRequirements">General Requirements</h3> <p>Most districts in Tennessee do not require teaching experience to become a substitute teacher. The general requirements usually include fingerprinting and a criminal background check. Official transcripts must be sent to the district you are applying in, and letters of recommendation could also be required. Some districts may require recommendation from a district administrator. </p> <h3 id="section---Application">Application</h3> <p>Finally, you must submit an application along with the associated processing fee to the district you will be working. Individual procedures and expiration timelines are district-dependent and can be provided by local offices. Some districts allow candidates to complete the application online.</p>