Portable Career and Extra Income: Substitute Teaching as a Military Spouse

While the education system is hurting for quality substitute teachers, military spouses are presented with an opportunity to step into a sustainable and portable career field. Substitute teachers are on-call teachers who are contracted, usually through a third party, to stand in for full-time or part-time teachers.  

While qualifications vary by state/school district, typically subs are required to pass a background check or may require minimum education standards, like an Associate’s degree or even a Bachelor’s. Also, the state may or may not require specific substitute certification, but you’re most likely to be paid more if certified.

Subs are responsible for carrying out the lesson plans left by the teacher they are replacing, operating in managing the classroom, and caring for the students in the classroom, answering concerns or meeting educational concerns.

Substitute teaching can be a lucrative way military spouses who need flexibility and a little more control over their daily schedules to earn some extra money. Even after a fresh PCS, there is usually always a need for quality substitutes. This portable career offers flexibility, in that teachers can even set their hours to half-days if need be. Even more so, choosing to work on specific days of the week offers military spouses an option for controlling their own weekly schedules.

For the most part, here’s what it looks like to pursue a substitute teaching position:

• Complete your state’s degree requirements (*Bonus if you have already completed a degree)
• Some states only require a High School diploma
• Apply for a teaching license
• Complete the required state testing, if necessary
• Onboard your hiring path through your chosen third party
• Start working at school districts around your installation

One of the most recommended third-party contractors is Kelly Educational Staffing.

Depending on your area of interest, you can request to be placed in early childhood education, upper grades like K-12, or even in collegiate settings. On Kelly Education’s website, there is even a resource section, highlighting articles and helpful case studies toward building a successful experience in subbing.