Occupations25-3031.00

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term

Teach students on a short-term basis as a temporary replacement for a regular classroom teacher, typically using the regular teacher's lesson plan.

Median annual pay
$38,470

BLS, 2024

Employment
510,100

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+1.6%

2024–34

Annual openings
61,100

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Enforce school and class rules to maintain order in the classroom.
  2. 02Answer students' questions.
  3. 03Follow lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
  4. 04Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.
  5. 05Supervise students during activities outside the classroom, such as recess, lunch, and field trips.
  6. 06Teach social skills to students, such as communication, conflict resolution, and etiquette.
  7. 07Tutor or assist students individually or in small groups.
  8. 08Distribute or collect tests or homework assignments.
  9. 09Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils, to students.
  10. 10Teach a variety of subjects, such as English, mathematics, and social studies.
  11. 11Operate equipment such as computers or audio-visual aids to supplement presentations.
  12. 12Counsel students with adjustment or academic problems.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingMonitoringWritingLearning StrategiesActive LearningMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 510,100 in 2024 to 518,500 in 2034, a +1.6% change.

BLS projects an average of 61,100 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.