Becoming a Substitute Teacher in Oklahoma, OK
Consistent population growth has driven educational system growth in Oklahoma and throughout the rest of the nation. Since demand for teachers and substitutes goes hand in hand, now is a great time to consider a position as a sub. Substitute teaching offers many enticing perks, including a flexible schedule that allows for free time to do things like continue education, work a part time job, or simply relax on days off. The ability to have a flexible schedule is important when considering a job as a substitute as there can be little to no warning when you will be needed. Substituting is a great experience for any potential full-time teacher as it allows the opportunity to test out the educational field before committing completely. 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
The requirement for a Bachelors Degree to substitute teach varies by district, so make sure to contact local schools and districts to verify if one is needed. In all cases it is required to submit to state and federal fingerprinting and 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-
- 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 Oklahoma
Recent economic and growth factors have allowed educational systems across the nation to expand, driving up demand for educators. Financial upturn has allowed for more teachers to be hired, along with the fact that there is growing state and national populations means teachers are not only in demand presently, but will continue to be for quite some time. Even through the recession the education field proved to be fairly stable, and consistent population growth dictates continued need for new educators in the future. Because of the flexible schedule, substitute teachers find themselves with extra time on their hands to accomplish things like finishing Degree work or holding part-time jobs. Whether you want to ultimately be a full time salaried teacher or not, subbing looks great on any resume as it shows you not only have the capability to teach others, but the patience to deal with people who may not understand concepts right away.
Salary Expectation
Currently, the average salary for a Substitute Teacher in Oklahoma is approximately $26,000 a year (according to bls.gov) which is about 6% lower then the national average. Although Oklahoma has one of the highest substitute average salaries, actual pay can vary greatly and is dependent upon district, experience, and education. Additional income can be gained through other part time work when you are not substitute teaching.