Great Jobs for Retired Teachers

4. Substitute teacher

The nitty-gritty: Stepping out of full-time teaching, but keeping a toe dipped in has long been a way for retired teachers to stay engaged and supplement income. It can take on a fairly regular schedule, but it's your prerogative to just say no when the request comes in. The life of a sub can have its challenges. Picking up a course midstream takes some fancy footwork, memorizing two dozen students' names in a blink of an eye can be daunting and quickly gaining the respect of students trying to test you takes some special mojo. Some teachers will leave a prepared class plan. But if you are filling in at the last minute, you may be in improv mode to keep the class on track. Depending on your background, you may be tapped to teach a range of subjects in grade levels from kindergarten through 12. If you have a proclivity for special needs kids, you may find your services in demand. Never forget that flexibility is your calling card. School districts typically keep an active roster of substitutes on call who are willing to drop everything and step into a classroom with little advance notice.
The hours: Flexible half-days to several week stints for the entire school day.
Median pay range: Each school district sets its own pay scale for substitute teachers. Currently, the pay rate for substitutes is $20 to $190 per full day. The national average for a substitute teacher is about $105 per full day, according to the National Substitute Teachers Alliance. Generally, the pay will match the length of the assignment and the area's cost of living. Some subs may get benefits.
Qualifications: Most substitute teaching jobs require a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The National Education Association's State-By-State Summary provides the minimum requirements. Your state's education department has the details. Learn about the full requirements for substitute teachers in each state here. You should expect a background check. Baby sitters need not apply.

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