by Tina Haapala

Created on: April 20, 2009

Top 4 Reasons to be a Substitute Teacher

If you are considering taking a position as a substitute teacher, these are some of the top things that you are looking for. Substitute teaching can be rewarding and challenging, depending on what you are looking to get out of it.

1. Experience in the Classroom

If you are considering becoming a teacher, or have already decided to become a teacher, 'subbing' is a great way to gain experience. Being in charge of your own classes will help you to pinpoint your own strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. Will you find your authoritative voice when the volume in the room rises to ear-bending levels? Do you have an authoritative voice? Possibly you thought you wanted to teach kindergarten or first grade. Are you ready for a room full of miniatures seeking direction at every turn? Maybe you are feeling 'young and hip' and think you could relate to high schoolers. Are you ready to have your uncoolness and age exposed?

If you are willing to take these risks, then being a substitute teacher will be just as beneficial as the observation of the classrooms you will need, should you decide to become a certified teacher.

2. Desire for a flexible and early schedule

If you substitute for a school district with many schools, there may be days where you can choose which school or class you wish to sub for. This way, you can choose the job that is most convenient or most interesting to you. In most places, there is a bank of substitutes vying for the available jobs. This is different than your other "everyday job"as a substitute, if you cannot work on a certain day, you can choose not to pick up a job. Many school districts use software that can be accessed over the internet and/or via phone for substitutes to choose their jobs.

This flexibility is helpful for the person who may be trying to start up a business, or is supplementing another part time job. Are you a gardener and the weather forecast is keeping you inside? You can see if there's a sub job available instead.

Because you are not a full time teacher, you will not have to spend the additional time creating full lesson plans, attending staff meetings or heading up other student activities, such as after-school sports. Usually, when the final bell rings, you'll be close behind the kids. This can get you in and out of the gym and back home before your friends working in the cubicles have even started their commute.

3. Help Your Community

We depend on our schools to prepare the children

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>