Start Teaching Part-Time and Make Extra Cash: A Guide on Substitute Teaching
Substitute teaching isn’t just a side gig: it’s an opportunity to shape the next generation and earn decent money doing it. If your day job is in the evenings or on weekends, this can be a rewarding way to supplement your income. This post may just nudge you towards a rewarding side hustle.
What does it take to be a substitute teacher? Well, requirements can differ from one state to another. I’ve had experience with two in particular: New Jersey and Virginia.
In New Jersey, to step up to the blackboard, you’ll need a background check, fingerprinting, a recommendation letter, and at least 60 college credits under your belt. You also need to secure a substitute teaching license, which involves submitting the required documents and paying a fee of $125. The typical income for a day of substitute teaching was around $90, but in some districts, it went up as $120.
Virginia, on other hand, ups the ante a bit. You need a Bachelor’s degree, though it can be in any field. There are no licenses or associated fees to worry about, but you must attend a day-long orientation on substitute teaching. This was actually quite useful, especially for someone like me who was a teaching newbie. However, the pay starts at a somewhat modest $59 a day.
I’ll readily admit my debut as a substitute teacher was quite the initiation. My first day involved breaking up a fight between students, which happened before I had a chance to read the school’s manual on how to handle such a situation! Substitute teaching can be challenging, as was the case for me. You learn on the job, sometimes the hard way.
Now, substitute teaching does have its drawbacks. The training can be a bit thin on the ground, depending on the state. Compensation varies, and the discipline of the kids can be unexpected. You might need to front some costs, like fingerprinting or state licensing fees, and getting up at 5:30 AM for the job confirmation call isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Notably, some states require a teaching license and specific degrees, making it less viable as a side hustle.
However, the flexibility of being a substitute teacher was a major advantage for me. Virginia, for example, uses an automated system, letting me specify which days I could work and my preferred grade levels. If I didn’t want the assignment for the day, I just wouldn’t answer the call. In New Jersey, it was a bit more manual: I had to phone in to let them know if I couldn’t work the next day.
Furthermore, I relished the opportunity to handpick the age group I wanted to work with; reassuringly, there is an age group to suit everyone’s taste. The pay can also be quite decent depending on where you live.
For more specifics about becoming a substitute teacher in your state, have a quick Google search. Meanwhile, for tips on managing your income effectively, look up ‘Multiple Streams of Income: How to Generate a Lifetime of Unlimited Wealth’ by Robert G. Allen.
Remember, substitute teaching as a side hustle isn’t just about the extra income. It’s about engaging with, inspiring, and teaching the next generation. And who knows? You may just find the whole experience truly rewarding. Go ahead and give it a shot!