Will AI replace Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?

AI can do 15% of the work Substitute Teachers, Short-Term do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 1 of their 18 tasks, while 3 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 3 physical tasks. 11 still need a person.

AI is already doing this1 · 4% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Operate equipment such as computers or audio-visual aids to supplement presentations.Mostly assisted4% of time

AI could do this next3 · 10% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Grade students' assignments and exams.4% of time
  • Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.4% of time
  • Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, or assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.2% of time

Robots can technically do this3 · 8% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Distribute or collect tests or homework assignments.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils, to students.Robots: purpose built settings2% of time
  • Restock teaching materials or supplies.Robots: purpose built settings2% of time

Still needs a person11 · 77% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Teach a variety of subjects, such as English, mathematics, and social studies.27% of time
  • Enforce school and class rules to maintain order in the classroom.13% of time
  • Follow lesson plans designed by absent teachers.10% of time
  • Answer students' questions.6% of time
  • Supervise students during activities outside the classroom, such as recess, lunch, and field trips.6% of time
  • Tutor or assist students individually or in small groups.6% of time
  • Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, or teacher training workshops to improve professional competence.2% of time
  • Counsel students with adjustment or academic problems.2% of time
  • Organize and supervise games or other recreational activities.2% of time
  • Teach social skills to students, such as communication, conflict resolution, and etiquette.2% of time
  • Assist students with boarding or exiting school buses.under 1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

Get my personal report

What this means

AI can speed up parts of this job, mostly the paperwork and information work around it. The core still depends on hands, presence or relationships.

What to do next

  • Do the 1 task AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 3 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 3 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 11 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Self-Enrichment Teachers61%Tutors76%Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors78%Adapted Physical Education Specialists22%Teaching Assistants, Special Education34%Museum Technicians and Conservators39%

Get the weekly brief

One short email a week on how AI is changing work, including jobs like this one.

Check another job