Want a flexible job that makes a difference? Substitute teaching in Florida could be your perfect fit. You enjoy the freedom to choose when and where you work while contributing to students’ education.

Also, becoming a substitute teacher provides valuable experience in education and can serve as a stepping stone– especially if you want to progress to a full-time teaching career.

To become a substitute teacher in Florida, you’ll need to fulfill the set requirements by Florida school districts and obtain a teaching certificate.

There is always a demand for substitute teachers in Florida, so finding teaching jobs is easy. Substitute teaching will allow you to make a positive impact on the lives of students while gaining valuable experience in the field of education.

In this guide, we’ll highlight how you can become a substitute teacher in Florida. Find out the requirements, expected salary, and other relevant information. 

What Is a Substitute Teacher?

A substitute teacher, also known as a sub, is a trained educator who’s on-call to replace a regular classroom teacher for a short period when they take a leave of absence.

A substitute teacher can work in a classroom from a single day to several weeks or months, depending on the reason for the regular teacher’s absence. For instance, due to illness, medical leave, or family emergencies.

Long-term substitutes require more training in the classes they cover than short-term substitutes. Substitute teachers work in diverse school settings, so their daily tasks may vary from one school to another.

They also work closely with school administrators and other staff to ensure students receive a high-quality education while their primary teacher is absent.

Responsibilities of a Substitute Teacher

Substitute teachers must adapt quickly to new learning environments and work effectively with students, regardless of their learning styles or needs.

They work for public school districts or private schools to offer emergency classroom support, fill long-term absences, or help cover a class during a transition period. 

Substitute teachers also accept assignments on a flexible schedule and may be called to fill in the morning of the school day.

Other responsibilities of a substitute teacher include:

• Following the primary teacher’s lesson plans to adhere to the course curriculum.
• Upholding classroom rules, guidelines, and policies to manage student behavior.
• Overseeing students during class time to ensure they complete assigned work and follow classroom expectations.
• Maintain classroom cleanliness and a safe and orderly learning environment.
• Complying with school regulations and rules, managing student behavior, and addressing any disruptions that may occur in the classroom.
• Taking attendance and keeping notes regarding student behavior.
• Creating reports for the primary teacher to review on their return.
• Perform teaching duties on the primary teacher’s behalf during an extended absence.
• Composing and delivering lesson plans as needed during the primary teacher’s absence.
• Assigning homework to students and supervising them while completing work in class.
• Communicating with the regular teacher to gather additional information about the curriculum or to share information about the class or students. 
• Communicating with school administrators about any issues or concerns that arise in the classroom.
• Providing feedback and support and grading or evaluating student assignments.

Required Skills for a Substitute Teacher

To become an effective substitute teacher, you need a unique blend of skills to manage diverse classrooms and maintain a productive learning environment. Let’s look at the teaching skills you need and how they will impact your job.

1. Good Communication Skills

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful substitute teaching. These skills help you establish a positive and professional relationship with students. This is important for maintaining a safe and productive learning environment.

You’ll also deliver effective lessons and instructions and ensure that students understand the material and can complete their assignments.

Good communication skills come in handy when addressing student behavior and resolving conflicts in the classroom. As a substitute teacher, you must be able to assert expectations and consequences.

Substitute teachers must communicate effectively with school administrators, other teachers, and support staff to ensure a seamless educational experience for students.

Good communication skills are also crucial for keeping parents informed about their child’s progress and any issues that may arise in the classroom.

2. Flexibility

You’ll need to adapt to different schools and classroom settings fast and effectively so you can work with and meet the learning needs of students with different learning needs. 

Substitute teachers must also handle unexpected changes, such as changes in the lesson plan or disruptive behavior from students in the classroom. 

As a substitute teacher, you must adapt your teaching style and approach to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with disabilities, English language learners, and students with different learning styles.

3. Classroom Management

Classroom management skills involve creating and maintaining a productive learning environment by establishing clear expectations, managing student behavior, and engaging students effectively.

To be successful as a substitute teacher, you must have classroom management skills. These skills will help you maintain a positive and productive learning environment. 

Effective classroom management can help:

• Prevent disruptive behavior in the classroom
• Ensure smooth transitions between activities
• Foster a sense of structure and order, helping students feel safe and confident

Good classroom management skills also allow you to create an atmosphere where students can learn, participate, and engage with each other.

4. Time Management

Time management for substitute teachers involves efficiently allocating time to follow lesson plans, manage classroom routines, address student needs, and complete necessary paperwork within the assigned period.

As a substitute teacher, you must balance multiple responsibilities in a limited time. Effective time management lets you plan and organize your day, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. 

Good time management skills allow you to manage your instructional time, ensuring you cover the necessary learning material and maintain a consistent pace throughout the day.

By effectively managing your time, you can maximize your time in the classroom and provide students with a positive and productive learning experience.

5. Lesson Planning

You’ll need lesson planning skills to design and organize your lessons to achieve specific learning objectives within a specific timeline.

An effective lesson plan is clear, engaging, and purposeful. It guides students toward specific learning goals, encourages active participation, and includes ways to measure student understanding. 

A well-structured lesson plan ensures that every moment in the classroom is productive. Here are the five stages of lesson planning are:

• Preparation: The first step is to set clear learning objectives, gather necessary materials, and organize the lesson structure. 
• Presentation: You’ll then introduce new information to students, explain key concepts, and provide examples.
• Association: Students will connect new information to what they already know through activities such as discussions and class presentations.
• Generalization: Students will now  apply learned concepts to new situations, demonstrating a deeper understanding of what they’ve learned 
• Application: Students will use the new knowledge to solve problems or complete real-world tasks. 

6. Leadership Skills

When a regular teacher is absent, the substitute takes on the role of classroom leader. They must establish authority, maintain order, and guide students through the day’s activities.

By demonstrating strong leadership, substitute teachers create a positive learning environment and ensure that students stay on track academically.

Leadership skills for substitute teachers come into play in various situations. For example, you might might need to:

• Resolve conflicts between students peacefully and fairly.
• Motivate unengaged students to participate in class activities.
• Adapt to unexpected challenges, such as behavior issues or technical difficulties.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.
• Manage classroom time effectively to ensure all planned activities are covered.

7. Problem-solving Skills

As a substitute teacher, you’ll move to different schools throughout the school year. Problem-solving skills are critical as you may encounter challenges and difficulties in various classrooms. 

Effective problem-solving skills allow you to identify and analyze issues, consider various options, and confidently develop and implement effective solutions. This way, you can manage unexpected events and respond to student behavior issues constructively and effectively. 

Likewise, good problem-solving skills will help you address academic challenges, such as helping students struggling with a particular concept.

By solving problems effectively, you can maintain a positive learning environment and ensure you’re productive without much assistance.

Benefits of Being a Substitute Teacher in Florida

There are many benefits of becoming a substitute teacher in Florida. It’s an excellent job for someone looking for a day job that doesn’t require a lot of commitment. 

Florida has a strong and growing economy, which can lead to job security and stability for teachers. Many school districts in Florida offer paid vacation, sick leave, and 401k contributions. There is also the chance that you will be required to serve as a substitute several times during your career.

There’s more. The state boasts a high quality of life and is an attractive option for educators. A recent study by Study.com  ranked Florida as the 5th best state for teachers 

due to the following reasons:

• Competitive salaries: Salaries vary based on experience, education level, and location, but Florida offers teachers a decent compensation package with an average hourly rate of $16.92.
• Lower cost of living: Compared to many other states, Florida boasts a lower cost of living. Houses and other utilities are affordable, meaning you can enjoy a higher standard of living without stretching your budget.
• Excellent quality of life: Florida has beautiful beaches, diverse communities, and year-round warm weather, making it an attractive place to live and work.
• Strong job security:Florida has a growing population, so there’s an increased demand for teachers and, therefore, more job opportunities for substitute teachers.

Steps to Becoming a Substitute Teacher in Florida

There are specific steps you must follow to be come a certified substitute teacher in Florida. 

Let’s look at the essential steps to pursue this opportunity, from meeting basic qualifications to securing substitute teaching positions.

1. Determine the Type of Substitute.

Determining the best substitute teaching role for you involves careful consideration of your personal goals, availability, and desired level of commitment. 

To determine which type of substitute teacher you want to be, you must consider different factors that best suit your goals and preferences. These factors include:

• Your desired schedule: Whether you prefer to work full-time or part-time, regularly or on an as-needed basis.
• Subject area expertise: For instance, if you have a background or experience in a particular subject, such as math, science, or language arts.
• Your preferred teaching setting: Whether you work in a traditional classroom, special education or bilingual classroom, or a virtual classroom.
• Geographic location: Your preferred location to work in a specific school district, city, or state.

Based on your personal career goals, consider whether you want to gain experience as a substitute teacher while pursuing a full-time teaching position or whether you wish to serve as a long-term substitute teacher.

2. Polish Your Skills and Credentials

To become a substitute teacher in Florida, you need to polish all the skills highlighted above, such as time management and communication. 

Additionally, you can enhance your skills and knowledge as a substitute teacher through professional development courses. For instance, the school district may provide you with classroom management and instructional training. Other requirements may be certification in CPR and first aid.

You must also pass a background check before you’re allowed to teach officially. By meeting these credentials, you’re eligible for certification as a substitute teacher in Florida.

3. Get Certified. 

If you meet the right credentials, you can apply for a substitute teaching certificate through the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). The certification requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma, depending on the state
• Passed a level 2 background check
• Completed an FDOE-approved substitute teacher preparation program.

Submit an online application and provide the required documents, such as transcripts, proof of completion of the substitute teacher preparation program, and a background check. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive a substitute teaching certificate from the FDOE.

4. Apply for Substitute Teaching Jobs.

Once you have all your substitute teacher documents and certification, you can apply for substitute teaching jobs in Florida.

Contact your local school district and inquire about substitute teaching opportunities. You can also check the school district website for open substitute teacher positions.

Online Job Boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn have job listings for substitute teacher positions in Florida. Create a profile, upload your resume, and apply for available substitute teaching positions.

You can also work with teacher placement agencies in Florida that help school districts to locate substitute teachers. You can apply to these agencies, which will place you in available substitute teaching positions.

Degree Requirements for Substitute Teachers in Florida

There are no state-level requirements for substitute teachers in Florida. They vary from one county to the other. Most school districts require at least a high school diploma. In some districts, you may require additional training or a college diploma. 

For instance, in Seminole County, substitute teachers must be at least 18 years old and hold an FLDOE certificate. They must also complete an online training course that’s part of the onboarding process.

In Orange County, substitute teachers are hired through a placement agency known as Kelly Services. They undergo thorough training and background checks before they’re placed in a classroom setting.

In Osceola County, substitute teachers must have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old. They also undergo a level 2 background check and a check to ensure they’re not predators.

The training for substitute teachers in Osceola County includes safety procedures, professional responsibilities, and ethics.

The process makes it simple for those without a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, as they can also become substitute teachers if they pass the certification criteria.

Substitute Teaching Certificate

The Florida Department of Education does not issue certificates or special permits for substitute teachers. The certification program, however, needs to be FLDOE accredited.

A substitute teacher shall be eligible for or hold a Seminole County or a Florida educator’s certificate and have it registered at the District office.

All the ongoing training and professional development available for certified teachers must be made available for substitute teachers.

Certification Steps

Here are the four steps you must follow for certification as a substitute teacher in Florida:

• Complete your initial package: This step involves submitting an online application through the FLDOE website. Provide all the required documents and transcripts. You’ll also need to pay the fee for the substitute teaching certificate.
• Get employment in a Florida elementary or secondary school: If your Status of Eligibility states that you’re eligible for employment in Florida, you’re offered a temporary certificate to look for substitute jobs there.
• Submit fingerprints for certification: All Florida public and charter school employees must be screened and fingerprinted at the district’s personnel office for employment. You’ll receive your certificate once you’re cleared of any disqualifying offense.

Certification Fee 

To obtain a Florida Substitute Teacher Certificate, you will need to pay a fee. The fee amount depends on the type of certificate you are applying for:

• Full-day certificate: $105
• Half-day certificate: $62

Salary Expectations for Substitute Teachers in Florida

The average substitute teacher salary in Florida is $2,447 monthly. This translates to $34,561 annually. The highest-earning substitute earns $50,233 per year, while for entry-level substitute teachers, you can expect a salary of $23,765.

Here are the highest-paying cities in Florida for substitute teachers:

• Kissimmee: $19.51 per hour 
• Lakeland: $18.86 per hour 
• Pensacola: $18.37 per hour 
• Crescent City: $17.40 per hour 
• Miami: $19.61 per hour 

The varying wages depend on the school district, subject of specialization, and years of experience as a substitute teacher.

Take the Next Step to Become a Substitute Teacher

Working as a substitute teacher is a rewarding career option that allows you to impact the education system positively. 

By fulfilling the requirements we’ve discussed and obtaining the certification, you, too, can become a substitute teacher in Florida.

You’ll get to enjoy the fantastic weather, job security, and competitive pay.

If you want to make a difference in student’s lives as a substitute teacher, Teachers of Tomorrow’s certification options will prepare you to become a certified educator.  

We offer a personalized curriculum, expert advisors, and experienced coaches. To date, we’ve certified over 8,000 teachers. Join our growing community and become the teacher you’ve always desired to be!