Becoming a Substitute Teacher in Nebraska, NE
Nebraska, a state with 285,000 public students, ranks 38th in state population. Recently the state has been adding to its teaching force, which brings along the inherent need for more substitute teachers, making now a great time to look into the educational field. Being a substitute teacher brings with it the need to have a flexible schedule as you may be called upon to work on short notice. Many full-time salaried teachers started as subs and greatly appreciate the experience as it allows you to get a feel for the teaching industry without fully committing to a 4 year degree right off the bat. Many subs also enjoy the flexible work schedule as it allows them to pursue other ventures on the side, often times finishing up their Bachelors Degree or working part-time on the side. Another alluring aspect is that many states and districts do not require a Bachelors Degree in order to begin subbing, making it the perfect job if looking to work and complete a Bachelors at the same time.
Required Training, Qualifications, and Education
To be a substitute teacher in Nebraska you do not need a Bachelors Degree, however you must have at least 60 hours of collegiate courses. You will also need to go in for state fingerprinting and state and federal background checks. 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 (Valid for 1 year)–
- 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 Expectations For Substitutes in Nebraska
Nebraska is in demand for more teachers, and this trend will continue hand in hand with predicted state and national population growth. More public students has required the continued need for more teachers and substitutes which makes now a great time to look into the educational field. Teachers faired better then most through the recession, and are doing even better now through the economic upturn. Economic upturn has allowed most states, including Nebraska, to continue expanding their educational systems, which bodes well for job security as well as job availability. Since being a Substitute Teacher means you need to have a fairly open availability, many subs like to use time off to continue working on a Degree Program or finding other part-time work on the side to provide a boost to income. Also, the fact that you do not need a Bachelors Degree in order to sub makes the position very alluring as time off can be used to pursue becoming a full time salaried teacher.
Salary Expectation
Currently, the average salary for a Substitute Teacher in Nebraska is approximately $25,000 a year (according to bls.gov) which is about 8% lower then the national average. Important to keep in mind is the fact that this average can be skewed greatly as final pay is determined by district, experience, and education. Additional income can be gained through other part time work when you are not substitute teaching.