Substitute Teacher Certification in Louisiana
Substitute teachers in Louisiana do not have a state certification requirement, but each school district has its own unique list of qualifications. Pay schedules and rates can also be decided by each district.
Substitute Teaching in Louisiana
There is not a state program for licensure for substitute teachers in Louisiana. Each school district, or parish, has its own process for hiring and qualifying employees for substitute teaching. Most parishes require substitute teachers to have at the minimum a high school diploma. See more details about this position below.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Education Required</b></td><td>High School Diploma</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Testing</b></td><td> Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) required by some parishes</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Requirements</b></td><td>20 years of age, background check, drug screen, fingerprinting, letters of recommendation, classroom experience, ethics training</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Average Annual Salary (2018)*</b></td><td>$27,300 (substitute teachers in Louisiana)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026)*</b></td><td>7-8% (all educators nationwide)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *US Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---EducationAndRequirements">Education and Requirements</h3><p>Most parishes in Louisiana require substitute teachers to have earned at least a high school diploma. In some areas, potential substitute teachers will have to take an exam called the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) if they do not have a bachelor's degree.
</p><p>School districts may require substitutes to attend special classes and workshops or participate in training sessions as well, including a Code of Government Ethics class.
</p><p>Transcripts or a diploma will be required as proof of education for substitute teacher applicants as well as documentation like a social security card and driver's license. Other qualifications required might include background checks, fingerprinting and drug screens. An age requirement is also a factor with some school districts while others may ask for letters of recommendation or ask about one's ability to manage a classroom.
</p><h3 id="section---HiringProcess">Hiring Process</h3><p>Instead of the local district office, some districts use outside employment agencies to fill substitute positions. Candidates will need to follow the agency's specific procedures for application of employment. These agencies may offer opportunities for specialized training for substitute teachers and other employee benefits.
</p><h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3><p>Substitute teachers provide classroom instruction when the full-time teacher is absent. The job duties of a substitute teacher include following a lesson plan that the classroom teacher has left for the class and monitoring students during the school day. Subs also need to be able to make sure the classroom remains a safe place for students. Classroom management skills are an important part of providing an environment that focuses on student learning. Substitute teaching offers a flexible work schedule for employees allowing them to choose when and where they want to work.
</p><h3 id="section---SalaryAndJobOutlook">Salary and Job Outlook</h3><p>Salaries for substitute teachers in Louisiana can vary greatly across the state. Each parish can set its own salary levels. Sometimes pay will be based upon the substitute's level of education and experience. If the job is a long-term substitute position, the pay may be at a higher level. The 2018 report from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the state of Louisiana lists the yearly average salary for substitute teachers at $27,300. Some parishes will pay by the hour and some will pay a daily rate. The job outlook for teachers nationwide is 7-8% growth, as estimated by the BLS. Some parishes identify substitute teaching as an ongoing shortage area.</p>