{"id":44958,"date":"2023-10-31T12:43:15","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T17:43:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=44958"},"modified":"2023-10-31T12:43:22","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T17:43:22","slug":"how-to-become-a-substitute-teacher-in-arizona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-substitute-teacher-in-arizona\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Arizona – 2023 Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
Are you passionate about education and would like to help keep student’s education on track with uninterrupted school days? Substitute teaching can be a starting point. Becoming a substitute teacher is a rewarding and exhilarating career that allows you to gain classroom experience while enjoying a reliable, supplemental income and a flexible schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n Going into the classroom as a sub will help you evaluate your interest in full-time teaching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There is a common path to becoming a substitute teacher in Arizona. With this comprehensive guide, we\u2019ll show you all the steps and requirements you need to become a substitute teacher in Arizona.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With substitute teaching, you gain valuable classroom experience with the support of schools and other educators. You can self-pace your work and also make meaningful career connections.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some of the reasons for considering substitute teaching:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Teachers play a significant role by inspiring and motivating their learners to achieve more. Schools need qualified, passionate teachers with the drive and expertise to make a difference in their learners’ lives.\u00a0 In the 2022-23 school year, there were over <\/span>9600 <\/span><\/a>teaching positions open in Arizona. 42% of these vacancies are filled using alternative teaching methods like substitute teachers.<\/span><\/p>\n Even with looming vacancies, substitute teachers must be qualified to offer a supportive and safe learning environment that will make students comfortable, engaged, and confident in their learning and social abilities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are the requirements you need to meet to become a substitute teacher in Arizona<\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n To become a substitute teacher in Arizona, you must graduate from an approved, accredited degree program in any subject. A bachelor’s degree in an educational program makes you a more suitable candidate for a substitute teaching position.<\/span><\/p>\n Arizona offers different degree programs that can help prepare you to become a teacher at any grade. Most degree programs have a compulsory internship program to give you hands-on experience dealing with students before certification. Examples of relevant degree programs include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some significant\u00a0 key learnings you acquire as you pursue your degree program:<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Arizona State law<\/span><\/a> demands that everyone working around or with children should have a criminal background check completed before employment and every five years after that. A criminal background check serves to protect children against neglect or abuse.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A fingerprint clearance card is required to show that the <\/span>Arizona Department of Public Safety <\/span><\/a>clears you to teach. You can process the fingerprint clearance card by applying online through Fieldprint Arizona or by requesting a packet through the mail.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Schedule an appointment<\/span><\/a> by paying $74 to have your fingerprints taken and processed. The results are provided to the Arizona Department of Education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Processing of the fingerprint clearance card takes about six to eight weeks. The State of Arizona doesn\u2019t have specific tests for substitute teachers. Once you receive your fingerprint clearance card, you can apply for the Arizona Substitute Certificate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>four-page application form<\/span><\/a> on the Arizona Department of Education website requires you to fill in your basic information, including name, social security number, and address. You\u2019ll also answer some basic background questions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To apply for the Arizona Substitute Certificate, mail the following to the Arizona Department of Education:<\/span><\/p>\n The Substitute Teaching Certificate allows you to work 120 days in the same school each school year. You are not allowed to accept contract teaching in Arizona with this certificate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Once the Arizona Department of Education approves your substitute teaching certificate, you\u2019re cleared to work as a substitute teacher in any public school in the state. You can begin applying for substitute teaching opportunities through the school administrations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can also use the public school search tool to identify all schools in your area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A good resume increases your chances of being hired since it highlights your strengths, experiences, and rare qualities, placing you above the competition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To ensure a good substitute teaching resume, include:<\/span><\/p>\n Having the necessary skills<\/a> will enable you to adapt and function effectively in any substitute teaching role. The right skillset helps you connect with other professionals teaching institutions and learners from diverse backgrounds in a manner that creates a fulfilling learning environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are key skills that you need to become a substitute teacher in Arizona:<\/span><\/p>\n If you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, you can apply to be a substitute teacher through the Arizona Department of Education. Arizona State offers three different options for substitute teacher certification:<\/span><\/p>\n The Arizona Teaching Certificate<\/a> is awarded as proof that you have the required knowledge to teach in Arizona schools by the Arizona Department of Education. To attain it, you must pass a test of subject knowledge and professional knowledge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To qualify for the Arizona Teaching Certificate, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You must also have completed teacher training and student teaching programs. The Arizona Department of Education requires you to have the relevant coursework based on your subject area of interest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can apply for the initial 3-year Provisional Certificate in the area of teaching focus and then advance to a 6-year Standard Certificate after gaining teaching experience.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Department of Education issues the Arizona Substitute Teaching Certificate. You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject to qualify for the substitute teaching certificate. The certificate allows you to work for 120 days in the same school year, and you may not accept a contract teaching position in Arizona.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The substitute teaching certificate shows that you have met all requirements to fill in for absent teachers at the elementary and high school levels of learning. Your lessons are guided by the lesson plan left by the regular teacher. In Arizona State, the substitute teaching certificate is valid for six<\/span> years<\/span><\/a>, after which you must renew it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In Arizona State, the Emergency Substitute Certificate<\/a> allows you to teach in the temporary absence of the regular teacher only in the district in which you are certified.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The certificate is valid for one school year or part and expires on the next July 1. If you only hold an emergency substitute certificate, you can not take up a contract teaching position and are limited to <\/span>120 days<\/span><\/a> of substitute teaching per school year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To apply, submit the Emergency Substitute Request form, completed and signed by the district or charter school superintendent. Ensure you also pay the non-refundable fee of $60.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To get hired as a substitute teacher, submit a resume that highlights your personality and your passion for teaching while emphasizing your leadership and classroom management skills. Additionally, prepare adequately for your interview and review possible questions and their appropriate responses beforehand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some tips to acing that interview and rising above your substitute teacher competitors:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The average pay range for substitute teachers varies significantly, and there are many growth opportunities and increased pay depending on experience, location, and skill level.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Arizona is ranked <\/span>28 out of 50 states<\/span><\/a> nationwide for substitute teacher salaries, with its average salary for substitute teachers being <\/span>$44,685 per year<\/span><\/a>, which is $21.88 per hour. The salaries range between $32,597 and $61,255.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a <\/span>10%<\/span><\/a> growth in job opportunities for substitute teachers between 2016 and 2026.<\/span><\/p>\nReasons to Become a Substitute Teacher<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Becoming a Substitute Teacher in Arizona<\/b><\/h2>\n
1- Get a Bachelor’s Degree<\/b><\/h3>\n
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2- Pass the Background Check<\/b><\/h3>\n
3- Obtain a Substitute Teaching License<\/b><\/h3>\n
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4- Apply to the School District’s Substitute Teacher Pool<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Key Skills for Substitute Teachers in Arizona<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Certification Options for Substitute Teachers In Arizona<\/b><\/h2>\n
1- Arizona Teaching Certificate<\/b><\/h3>\n
2- Arizona Substitute Teaching Certificate<\/b><\/h3>\n
3- Emergency Substitute Certificate<\/b><\/h3>\n
Getting Hired as A Substitute Teacher<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Average Salary for Substitute Teachers in Arizona<\/b><\/h2>\n