Jun 17 2009
WOULD YOU CARE TO BE A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER?
You walk in a classroom and the atmosphere is static, with tension, all eyes are plastered on you, the student to the left not only pop their gum so loud it cracks the sound barrier, but she is polishing her nails. Along with the fumes, another student is crushing what looks like a cigar under his big feet and he yawns, and places his sunglasses back on- he is bored before you even introduce yourself.
Glancing at the clock, you realize: 3 minutes before the school bell rings and you have to introduce yourself to these beings, people lovingly call students. They don’t know you, but their teacher has unwittingly warned them last week that you were coming in to sub.You are a substitute teacher: hardcore, stone faced, temporary soldier called from the barracks to go into various unfamiliar zones and get paid pennies for your services.
There are a few things one should know before they get into this field of work. It isn’t easy. Not at all.
ORIENTATION
Before getting hired as a substitute teacher, there is an orientation(Or should be. I’m from Va, so it may be different elsewhere). It is best to listen to experienced teachers who have substituted for more than a year preferably, and take notes at this special orientation because here you will find out great resources and how to’s and don’ts to get you on your way. Everyone is nervous at first. What kind of power does a substitute teacher truly have? All of this you will find out from the school board that hires you.
PREPARATION
As a substitute teacher, you never ever know what kind of class or type of class you will have. So prepare yourself by Googling worksheets and activities for all grade types. You never want to rely solely on a teacher’s plans because they may not have one, or their plans may be a bit skimped so be prepared. This means be mentally prepared as well, if you must meditate, pray, talk with another person who has subbed before- do so.Although it is rarely mentioned-having a degree is a one up. This is because a school will deem you more competent (even though you aren’t really teaching), it comes in handy because one day you may have to sit in a Calculus class, or Advanced Science course of some sort. Even if you haven’t a degree, reading and keeping abreast of trends in education is key. Students will come up to you and ask for help on a problem, and they appreciate someone who knows how to arrive at an answer or who tries.
COMPENSATION
Every state has their own compensation laws. In Virginia, a person with an Associates Degree is still unfortunately considered as “non-degreed” and so makes roughly $59/day if they are not taking the place of a teacher assistant. If you are non degreed and subbing in a teacher assistant’s place, it is about ten dollars less a day and that is the kicker. Again, this is in Virginia, yet it is very low.Now if one has a Bachelor’s degree, they can make over one hundred dollars per day, possibly. So, be sure to research the pay scale where you live.A long term sub- which is a substitute who takes the place of teacher who will be gone for a long time, makes about one hundred or so a day as well.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Becoming a substitute may seem scary at first, but it is a job that’s worth it. You set your own hours, meaning you can turn down a job for that day, or work only three days a week, or the full week if you want to. It is a very flexible, ideal job if you love working with young people. The downside for some is that when summer rolls around, there aren’t any sub positions. Don’t worry, one can qualify for unemployment while looking for work, or if financially set-enjoy the summer.
