How Being A Substitute Teacher Changed My Life
At a time when many educators are saying goodbye to the classroom, this former marketing professional is eager to return. When I showed up for my first day of substitute teaching, I was excited yet super nervous. I arrived early enough to get the school’s layout and settle into the classroom. Being in charge of twenty second-graders was a big deal. I had always adored children, despite not being blessed with my own. I love being an auntie and had some experience working at an after-school program. But it was different from leading an entire class. I soon met the teacher’s assistant, that provided me with the lesson plan for the day and informed me about classroom procedures.
Before taking my first assignment, the school district required all applicants to take a substitute training course. I was introduced to early childhood education in that class, which helped ease a few reservations and showed me how to create a lesson plan. However, no amount of prep could prepare me for actually running a classroom. It’s just one of those things that you have to experience firsthand. Day one went well. Fast forward to today. I recently completed my first year with the NC public school system. Being a substitute teacher is even better than I could have imagined!
What’s it like being a substitute teacher?
Working with kids and tons of flexibility make substitute teaching very attractive. You work when you want. So it’s a great job for retirees, artists, stay-at-home parents, or anyone looking for a side gig. Yet, every teaching job is different. It all depends on the assignment. This past year I had the opportunity to sub at various elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the school district; this was a treat because I could see how different schools operated first-hand. I quickly realized I preferred substitute teaching at elementary schools and was the least fond of subbing at the middle school level.
Substituting for elementary school classes takes more energy. You may also be required to teach at times, which I enjoyed tremendously. The kids aren’t self-reliant yet, so they need your help quite a bit. Yet, their goodness reminds you of how our world should be. Discipline can be an issue in all grades. Although, I found classroom management more difficult at the middle school level. Substitute teaching for high schoolers was the easiest. The kids are self-sufficient. Your role there is often looking after a class while they complete an assignment that their instructor has left. I was not required to teach and never had any disciplinary issues. I treated the students as young adults—not as kids. Watching Sidney Poitier in the film To Sir With Love inspired this approach. When you give respect, you get it in return.
What should you expect on your first day as a substitute teacher?
Most teachers leave a detailed lesson plan, class schedule, attendance sheet, and additional information ready when you arrive to sub for them. Many elementary school classes also have teaching assistants willing to offer help and support. However, please note that they aren’t there to teach the lesson for you. I cannot tell you how many assistants have complimented me on my willingness to lead and engage with the students.
Your workday typically lasts about six or seven hours. I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before you’re scheduled if you can. Reaching your assignment early will provide enough time to clock in, find the classroom, and review the lesson plans and any notes the teacher may have left. In middle and high school, a substitute’s day is usually over once all their classes are complete. Yet, elementary school subs generally stay until all their students have gone home—either by bus or car. Most schools do their dismissal differently. Some elementary schools ask that their subs assist with their car riders, while others prefer you to walk with your students to the buses.
I found each day incredibly fulfilling—no two are the same. There’s nothing like knowing that you’re making a difference, and the reaction from the students when they see you over time is priceless. Get ready for lots of hugs!
How my life changed once I became a substitute teacher
As a child, my Saturday mornings were spent watching cartoons and playing school in my bedroom. As the teacher, I carefully lined up each doll as if they were sitting at their own invisible desk, ready to learn. Spending days coveting extra worksheets that I could get from school or the library, looking forward to using them as course material in my make-shift classroom. I had forgotten this. But the memories came flooding back when I began subbing.
I kind of fell into substitute teaching. I was in a transitional period in my life. After spending thirteen years in broadcast media, I was let go during the COVID-19 pandemic. I soon realized that I didn’t just want another marketing job. I wanted a career that I could be passionate about. But I wasn’t sure what that looked like exactly. I tried working for a fantastic tech company, but despite the bells and whistles, it wasn’t a good fit. The only thing I was certain of was that I wanted to help people. So, while I figured it out, I decided to try substitute teaching. The onboarding process took a month, including a training course at the local community college. I took my first assignment in Sept of 2022, and my world hasn’t been the same since. I imagined being a teacher when I was young. This time it was more than a dream.
Planning and schedules
Becoming a substitute teacher transformed my life in several ways, reinforcing my appreciation for planning and schedules is just one example. I enjoy the structure found in the academic day. It teaches self-discipline and organization. Whether setting daily goals or getting to lunch on time, demonstrating the value of planning ahead empowers students to manage their time effectively. Incorporating these skills sets them up for success in both academics and life.
Learning and growing
Someone once said, “If you want to master something, teach it.” I couldn’t agree more. Being in the classroom has nurtured my love of learning in a new way. Teaching allows me to deepen my understanding and knowledge of a subject, as I have to break it down and explain it in a way that children can understand. When you teach something, you must think critically about the concepts and find creative ways to engage your students. This process solidifies your understanding and helps you uncover new insights and perspectives.
Discovering passion
Finally, after subbing, I realized that I wanted to be a schoolteacher—it is the career I am passionate about. My true calling. Something that beckoned to me from a young age. I knew I wanted to make a difference, and what better way to do that than through the great equalizer, education? Teaching allows me to impart knowledge and inspire young minds, shaping them into the leaders of tomorrow. I have never experienced this kind of joy and fulfillment in the workplace. Teaching allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of students, helping them develop not only academically but also socially and emotionally.
Tips I learned in my first year
Are you considering becoming a substitute teacher? Please continue reading for 11 things I learned during my first year.
- You set the tone for the classroom. Decide every morning that you’re going to have a good day. Another instructor told me this on my first day, and it’s stuck with me ever since.
- Giving thanks changes the atmosphere. Are you having a rough day? Take a few minutes to think about everything you’re grateful for.
- Classroom management is everything. You can’t even begin to teach without it. Students will always try to see what they can get away with when there is a sub. Remember when you were in school and saw a substitute teacher in your class? Don’t take it personally. A reward system works well when it comes to managing behavior.
- Kindness goes a long way. Some kids have it hard at home and school. So a tender word of encouragement can be all they need to make their day.
- Do your best. Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay. You made it! Your best is always enough.
- Kids respond to consistency. If you say you’re going to do something, do it!
- Celebrate the superstars, and don’t spend all your time on the students that need correction. Reward those with good behavior. Some ideas include colorful stickers, erasers, pencils, or even candy.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other teachers or even the class.
- YouTube is a great resource. Get ideas from other educators.
- Make sure to take a break. Bring a good lunch—something to look forward to.
- Use the online system to find assignments, but also leave your number with your favorite teachers/classes. They will call you!
Finally
Being a substitute teacher completely changed my life. Yes, teaching requires a lot of dedication, patience, and creativity. Still, the joy of seeing students succeed makes it all worthwhile. Whether you choose to sub full-time or prefer to take an assignment only a few times a month, you make a difference. Teaching is a privilege. I proudly embrace the opportunity to help children unlock their full potential. Being in the classroom this past year has allowed me to overcome any reservations about being an educator. I don’t take the responsibility lightly. It’s not an easy job, but it’s incredibly worth it.
