I only substitute high school. My view is definitely skewed from that perspective, because honestly I think subbing for the elementary levels should pay more than high school. More on that later perhaps.

The district I sub for is probably the best in terms of academic performance in this metropolitan area. Lots of rich or “well off” parents, so these kids in the district are good discipline wise. Few fights, no disrespect, etc. I like that about this district, maybe that is the main reason why I work here, despite the neighboring districts paying a higher wage (per day).

In order to be a substitute teacher, I needed both a bachelor’s degree and either a permit to sub, or a credential. I have a teaching credential, so that is covered. These requirements must be the true barrier to limit the number of subs in the district, since 99% of the time, any dummy with a little common sense could physically perform the job of a substitute teacher.

Subbing is not exactly a career path, but a transition from people from for full time work in teaching, or perhaps for retired teachers looking for extra income. As a result, subs usually fall into two categories; Very young teachers, or very old teachers; I fall into the former.

just some interesting things I have noticed from doing this for a time.