A career in teaching can begin as a substitute teacher in Texas.
Substitute teachers are a vital component in the education process of today's youth. Substitute teaching is a great way to enter the world of education without the commitment of a full-time job. Substitute teachers are generally paid daily. For example, a substitute teacher in the Plano, Texas school district would start out earning $81 per day. As a substitute teacher in Texas, you can begin your teaching career before completing your full teaching credentials. This will help you gain experience and help you decide where you want to teach and what subject and age group of children you want to teach on a full-time basis.
Instructions
1. Earn your baccalaureate degree in the major of your choice if you have not already done so. A four-year degree is the first step toward becoming a substitute teacher and is the most time-consuming part of the process. You can complete your bachelor's degree from a traditional undergraduate school in Texas or from a number of online institutions. You will need to have a copy of your official transcripts that include the school seal after you complete your degree.
2. Set up an appointment with your family doctor and get a complete physical examination. This will make sure that you are healthy enough to begin working around children. Your examination should include laboratory testing for communicable diseases, such as a tuberculosis test, and a drug screening. Obtain a copy of your drug screening results once they are available.
3. Get a criminal history background check completed. Each individual school district may require a specific company that you need to have your background check done with, or you may be permitted to utilize the agency of your choice. There may be a fee involved for your background check, or it may be paid for by the district that you will be employed by.
4. Apply to the school district of your choice by completing a substitute teacher application form. You may want to consider applying with multiple districts to increase your chances of getting hired. Employment application forms may be available on each district's website, or you may need to contact the school district directly and have an application mailed to you.
5. Submit the school district's employment application, along with your official college transcripts and a copy of your criminal history check. You may be required to submit the results from your health examination or drug screening along with your job application, depending on the individual hiring policies of the school district.
6. Wait to hear back from the school district that you have applied with. Response time will vary from district to district, and can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, depending on the demand for substitute teachers. If you don't hear anything back after a few weeks have elapsed, follow up with the district to ensure that your application hasn't been misplaced by sending a follow up letter.
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