Becoming a Substitute Teacher in Massachusetts
Massachusetts, a state with 980,459 public students and 1,934 public schools is ranked 14th in terms of state population. Recent economic upturn has allowed the state along with the rest of the nation to expand its educational system, making now an ideal time to consider a potion in the educational field. With more teachers being hired, more substitutes are required to fill positions, making now an opportune time to consider a position as a substitute teacher. Substitute provides a number of great opportunities that one would not receive if simply becoming a full time teacher right out of the gate. One of the most important things to keep in mind when considering a position as a substitute teacher is the need for open availability, as a position may need to be filled with little to no warning. However, having a flexible schedule allows substitutes more free time to do things like continue education or work on the side. Substitute teaching is especially beneficial for those who are considering becoming a full time teacher at some point down the road as it provides extremely valuable work experience. Another bonus to substitute teaching is that most states do not require a Bachelors Degree, so it is possible to substitute teach while completing a 4 year degree.
Required Training, Qualifications, and Education
Whether a Bachelors Degree is required or not in Massachusetts varies by district, so make sure to check with local schools and districts to meet any necessary requirements. In all cases it is also required to submit to state and federal fingerprinting and background checks, as well as have a high-school GED. Some districts may have other requirements so make sure to check before applying.
Licensure and Certification
The following situations are required for a substitute teacher license-
- Submit the Substitute Application through a local school system
- Include any official transcripts, references, or other relevant material
- Include required Application fee/s
- Meet any additional state requirements
Career Expecatations For Substitutes in Massachusetts
Job security in the educational field is fortified by consistent state and national growth, causing educators to be in need well into the foreseeable future. This coupled with economic upturn as the nation recovers from the recession has caused demand for new teachers and substitutes alike. Becoming a substitute comes along with a huge resume boost providing immensely valuable teaching experience. Many teaching positions are looking for teachers with experience, which is hard to get, making substitute teaching especially attractive. Another benefit of substitute teaching is that it is possible to continue education or work part-time when not substitute teaching, as subs generally have pretty flexible work schedules. Regardless of whether you wish to become a full-time salaried teacher or not, substitute teaching highlights to potential employers the fact that you possess very useful skill sets that are relevant to almost any job you might apply for.
Salary Expectation
Currently, the average salary for a Substitute Teacher in Massachusetts is approximately $32,000 a year (according to bls.gov) which is about 11% higher then the national average. Actual pay can vary greatly as final wages are dependent upon district, experience, and education. Additional income can be gained through other part time work when you are not substitute teaching.