Becoming a sub para

[Anonymous]

I’ve been out of work for 4 months and prospects are not looking good. I need some structure to my day. I am focusing on my job search but really there is only so many hours you can apply for jobs and network.

I don’t want to be in a classroom alone as the sole adult. Is being a sub para an option?

[Anonymous]

Yes it is. Although if you sub as a teacher in a Pep program (preschool for kids with special needs) you would not be the only adult and usually the paras that are in the classroom are the ones that run everything when the teacher is out.

[Anonymous]

DP in a similar situation (looking for job). How much money can one make this way? Is it hard to get this position? Where do you apply?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DP in a similar situation (looking for job). How much money can one make this way? Is it hard to get this position? Where do you apply?

The pay is not great. I think it’s less than $20/hr. For me, (OP), I want to do it so I have a reason to get out of bed a few days a week. I’ve pulled back all unnecessary spending so I’m not going to grab coffee with friends. I just need to be around other people and have some structure and purpose. But I’m don’t think this is going to be an income replacement.

[Anonymous]

I think that if you can't Google your way to the MCPS Careers page, click on the salary scales posted, with most para job listings including the hourly rate already, being a para is not for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that if you can't Google your way to the MCPS Careers page, click on the salary scales posted, with most para job listings including the hourly rate already, being a para is not for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that if you can't Google your way to the MCPS Careers page, click on the salary scales posted, with most para job listings including the hourly rate already, being a para is not for you.

Why be so rude? Nothing wrong with asking here

[Anonymous]

There is nothing wrong with asking here. No need to be rude

[Anonymous]

Paras get kicked, hit, bit, and spit upon too often for me to recommend it.

[Anonymous]

Our school never assigns subs if a para is out. If you arrived at the school to sub for a para they would put you in for a teacher who is out instead (because we never have enough subs for them).

[Anonymous]

Good luck getting paid! Some subs haven’t been paid since December despite being in long term sub positions. Others have only been paid once in 2025 for work they did in November 2024!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Paras get kicked, hit, bit, and spit upon too often for me to recommend it.

Teachers too.

[Anonymous]

My friend is a sub and loves it. Picks and chooses the days she wants to work. Doesn't need the money, but like to get out of the house. She has had no trouble getting paid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My friend is a sub and loves it. Picks and chooses the days she wants to work. Doesn't need the money, but like to get out of the house. She has had no trouble getting paid.

To be a sub you need a bachelor's, to be a para you just need 60 graduate credits.

[Anonymous]

Pretty rare actually unless you find a long term sub position.