Question: I am thinking about becoming a substitute teacher. Is there any special training that is needed? How can I learn more about becoming a substitute? - Seeking a New Career
Answer: Requirements for substitute-teaching positions vary greatly. In some districts, holding a high-school diploma is all that is needed. Many, however, do require you to have some college credit hours or even a teaching license. Some districts have programs to acquaint substitutes with the job.
Substitutes need to acquire the skills to handle classroom situations. The biggest problem is maintaining order. They also need to be able to deal with sketchy lesson plans, roll-taking and dismissal at the end of the hour.
Besides training programs and talking to experienced substitutes, you would profit from reading a book on substitute teaching. Here are a few that will give information on classroom management and other skills substitutes need: "Substitute Teacher Handbook K-8," "Super Sub: A Must-Have Handbook for Substitute Teachers" and "A Survival Kit for the Substitute & New Teacher: Your Blueprint to Having a Successful Day."