I've come across a lot of posts about substitute teaching being a great survival job, but does anyone have any experience teaching full time and attempting an acting career?

Well u can only have so many days off as a teacher your students count on u. Substitute teaching is better u won't have to be so committed to coming in when you don't want to.

Anyone know about the requirements for becoming a substitute teacher? I have a bachelors degree, but it's not teaching related. Is there some sort of certification program? Any thoughts would be helpful. : )

Shiloh

Shilohdancer - the requirements vary state-by-state and often district by district, so you'll have to check it out locally.

My hubby was a full-time teacher for nearly 10 years. When we relocated for my job he substitute taught for 6 months. Didn't pay squat! ($46/day, if memory serves... back in 2002-03). But that too varies by district.

~Tanya

I retired from teaching when my first child was born. Lucky enough that I was able to stay home and raise my children. During that time, did over 50 shows (community theater in 3 states). But now that my kids are grown and I have the freedom to pursue an acting career, the economy has forced me back to work. I choose to substitute so that I have the freedom to audition. As a full time educator, your major focus MUST be on your students. When I was teaching, every thought I had was on how to serve them. If I had to miss a day, I was upset. Don't think it doesn't make a difference to the students. They need consistency, especially the young ones. What I am trying to say is that teaching was my passion. Now my passion is acting. So I sub when I can, and I am not obligated when I can't.

Just call your local board of education and they will tell you the requirements. Depending where you live, there is a company called Source4Teachers, its like a temp agency specifically for substitutes.

I'm a sub for LAUSD. A bunch of my posts are in the other thread. I don't think that you could be a full time teacher and an actor as well. The admins wouldn't put up with your taking off that much, and it would be hell on the students. On the other hand, subbing is a certain kind of hell in and of itself.
But subbing is probably the way to go for the actor. Unfortunately, there are no jobs right now, and the district is talking about laying off 2500 subs...

I never subbed but taught full time for two years, and enneirda's right: the focus is a must for full time educators in that they are totally stretched tight. The MUST is their curriculum, teaching practice (constantly under review) and giving to the school community in meaningful ways outside of the classroom. Subbing in NYC makes you about $120 a day which isn't terrible, but two days a week is probably enough if you are an actor.

There is the other possibility of teaching part time, but I'm not sure if health benefits goes along with it. Call your local school districts to find out.

I am a teacher and it is so difficult. My husband takes my son on most of his auditions because he is much more flexible. Teaching DOES NOT pay, so I have othen thought about stopping. But, it is the only occupation I have ever had, and with the economy...well you know.
Anyway, you usually need some kind of teaching background to sub where I am from, and the pay starts out low but you get more money the more often you sub. Let me end by saying...whatever you decide IT IS NOT AN EASY JOB! Subbing is very challenging!