Substitute teaching can be a pathway for students to explore career possibilities and to gain experience leading a classroom.

Substitute teachers are generally hired and paid on a per diem basis, so while it may be difficult to find full free days for substitute teaching during term time, many K-12 schools begin their school year before the start of the fall semester and continue well beyond final exams in the spring. College vacations also present opportunities for undertaking this work.

In Tennessee, individual school districts have considerable latitude to set their own standards for substitute teachers. In some, those who hold a high school diploma or a GED are eligible to serve, while others require at least 60 college credits (roughly equivalent to two years of full-time study). Since substitute teachers are generally required to undergo a pre-service background check, it is advisable to begin the application process well in advance of the intended starting date.