How to Apply for a Substitute Teaching Job

Preparing Your Documents

You need a one page teacher's resume. Recruiters and employers prefer a one page resume, because it saves time. It has to be well written and easy to read. Check for grammatical and spelling errors. There are a lot of free templates online, just Google "resume templates," and you will have lots of different versions to chose from. You will also need a cover letter and thank you letter. Again, use Google to find templates and examples and adjust them to your needs. Once you have your four docs ready (one page resume, teaching philosophy, cover and thank you letter), you are ready to begin your search. 

Also, You will also need to know what clearances you need (they vary from state to state). In my state I needed, state, federal and child abuse clearances. These clearances are usually good for one year when applying for work. Some employers require that you submit the clearances as part of your application. So it is a good idea to start working on that immediately. A prospective employer may accept your proof that you have started the process and accept your application. They will not let you work, however, until your clearances are complete and submitted.

Choosing an Employer

You need to know what is your objective? Are you seeking a permanent job? Do you see substitute teaching as a means to of doing so? Or, are you looking for temporary work? If you want to work in your local school district, then that is where you should apply for a substitute teaching job. You should be seeking a long term assignment and build a relationship with the administration and staff, so they can get to know you, your work ethic and capabilities. If you chose to an agency as an employer, you will be exposed to school districts in the surrounding area of the agency's location. You will have the opportunity to work in multiple school districts (or charter schools) and more prospective employers, if that is your goal.

Logistics

I chose to apply to my local school district and an educational service. In time, I would decide which situation I liked the best. After a year and a half, I chose the educational service because I liked working in different places. You have to decide what is best for you. Consider transportation also. Do you have a car? Do you live close to public transportation. If you are using public transportation, you must prepare to chart your course carefully, especially if you are going to an area for the first time. For example, some suburban / rural locations do not have sidewalks and if you are not comfortable with that, you may not want to take that assignment. I use Google Maps to get a visual of what the school and surrounding area looks like. I find that really helpful. Also, you have to leave early in anticipation of traffic jams, inclimate weather or off schedule buses and trains.

More to come...

TeachersPayTeachers:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Middle-School-Grammar-Jeopardy-PowerPoint-Game-1209150