Benefits and Requirements of Substitute Teaching for MEd Students
Written by:
Wilson College
• Sep 18, 2025
In many professions, taking a leave of absence, whether for a day or several weeks, isn’t a big deal. There might be paperwork to catch up on or meeting dates to move around, but day-to-day operations are largely uninterrupted.
However, in K-12 education, having enough qualified professionals at all times is key to student development and safety. That’s where substitute teachers come in. According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are about 30 million teacher absences each year and only about 600,000 substitutes to cover them.
For Master of Education (MEd) students who can’t work full time, filling the substitute teacher gap can be a great financial and professional opportunity. Fortunately, most students meet substitute teacher requirements in their state.
What Is the Role of a Substitute Teacher?
The primary role of a substitute teacher is to stand in during a full-time teacher’s absence. However, the exact scope of a substitute teacher’s duties depends greatly on the needs of the school and the length of the absence.
During a short-term absence, substitute teachers are often asked to:
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Review and implement lesson plans drafted by full-time educators
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Supervise and assist students as they complete preplanned tasks
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Fill out reports on classroom behavior and attendance
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Serve as lunchroom monitors and fulfill other tasks as needed
Substitute teachers covering long-term absences may have more in-depth responsibilities. They may be asked to create or add to lesson plans, grade assignments, and carry out other duties more commonly associated with full-time teachers.
Substitute Teacher Requirements
Each state sets substitute teacher requirements, which are often more lenient than those for full-time educators. In fact, many states offer multiple pathways to becoming a substitute teacher, making it an accessible option for experienced MEd students and newer professionals considering a career change to teaching.
Common pathways for becoming a substitute teacher include the following:
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Holding an Active Educator License or Certificate: Many states accept out-of-state credentials, as well.
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Getting an Emergency Permit: Regulations vary, but securing an emergency permit typically requires holding at least a bachelor’s degree, passing a background check, and being authorized to work in the United States.
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Having an Inactive Certificate or License: Many states allow teachers with inactive credentials to substitute teach for up to a year.
Public school districts typically offer these pathways. Private schools may have their own requirements. Schools requiring long-term substitute teachers may prefer more experienced educators.
Benefits of Being a Substitute Teacher While Pursuing Your Degree
One of the main benefits of being a substitute teacher is that it allows MEd students to earn extra income while pursuing their degrees. Substitute teaching can also be enriching both academically and professionally.
Flexible Hours
Depending on their scheduling needs, MEd students seeking substitute teacher positions can choose between long- and short-term positions. Short-term substitute teachers may be able to opt in to work on specific days as their needs change.
Additionally, MEd students can choose from these types of positions and also choose whether to work full time or part time. This, combined with the flexibility that online MEd programs offer, makes pursuing an advanced teaching degree accessible to professionals with varying schedules and needs.
Gaining Experience
Because substitute teacher requirements are often flexible, relatively new teachers pursuing MEds can gain additional experience before seeking new roles. Similarly, substitute teaching allows more experienced professionals to work with different age groups and in different types of schools. This experience can be helpful for developing post-MEd career goals.
Experiencing Different Strategies and Pedagogies
Throughout their studies, MEd students often take classes on leading, building positive school cultures, applying advanced pedagogies, and developing other high-level skills. By substituting in different schools and classrooms, students can see how what they’re learning is applied across multiple real-world settings.
Building Your Professional Network
Substitute teachers are in the unique position to work with multiple teams of educators and administrators. For MEd students planning on changing schools or positions after graduation, this can be a great opportunity to meet potential new employers. Students who plan to stay in the same school after graduation can expand their existing professional support network and find new career development opportunities.
Discover an MEd Program That Fits Your Work Schedule
Whether students want to maintain their current positions or take a step back and substitute for a while, the MEd program at Wilson College Online is designed with working educators in mind. Offered in a flexible asynchronous format, this program allows students to learn new skills at their own pace.
Just as important, this program balances convenience with academic rigor. As students take classes on topics such as differentiated instruction, technology integration, and classroom assessment, they get personalized support from a team of experienced educators.
To find out more, request more information or contact the admissions team today.
Recommended Readings
Master of Teaching vs. Master of Education: What’s the Difference?
What Are the Requirements to Earn a Master of Education?
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Education?
Sources:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Substitute Teaching in Pennsylvania
Indeed, Substitute Teacher Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
Indeed, Substitute Teacher Skills: Definition and Examples
Pennsylvania State Education Association, Find Your Next Substitute Teaching Job
