Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Substitute Teacher
What substitute teachers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Accept an assignment on the district app and check in at the office. From there, the day usually includes follow lesson plans, take attendance, and manage classroom behavior. Substitutes choose assignments, working full days, half days or long-term assignments during the school year.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a substitute teacher working full time.
- Accept an assignment on the district app and check in at the office.
- Read the teacher’s plans and seating chart.
- Greet students and take attendance.
- Teach the planned math lesson.
- Supervise lunch duty.
- Manage a group project.
- Write notes for the teacher about the day.
Where substitute teachers work
Substitutes work in schools, often in different classrooms and grades each day.
Hours and schedule
Substitutes choose assignments, working full days, half days or long-term assignments during the school year.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Follow lesson plans
- Take attendance
- Manage classroom behavior
- Help students with assignments
- Supervise students throughout the day
- Follow school procedures and emergency plans
- Leave notes for the regular teacher
Tools you’ll use every day
- Substitute assignment apps
- Lesson plans and seating charts
- Classroom technology
- Attendance systems
- School procedure guides
- Emergency folders
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Flexible schedule
- Try different grades and schools
- Path to teaching
- Often no license required
What’s hard
- Behavior challenges with new students
- Inconsistent work
- No benefits in many districts
- Unfamiliar classrooms
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want a flexible schedule
- I’m confident in front of groups
- I’m adaptable
- I might want to become a teacher
- I like variety
- I can manage behavior calmly
Not sure? Take the free Substitute Teacher fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Learn emergency procedures for each school
- Never leave students unsupervised
- Follow student medical plans
- Know how to call the office