Substitute Teaching

Hi B.,

I am a former full time teacher and have also subbed when I didn't want the full time committment of teaching...The first poster gave you a lot of good info...usually with the larger ISD's, they will have an organzed way to find subs such as a computer system you can log on to to find the jobs. That way you can choose which assignments best fit your schedule and or interests. The younger grades are more physically demanding because you must keep them on task and working or at least not completely out of control all day long. Now, the older ones....while not as physically demanding, they can be somewhat mentally challenging because they love to try and get away with everything when a sub is there. Often, the teacher might leave a movie of some sort to watch which can be a pain after you've seen the same move 4 times in one day LOL. But, again, the olders will start whipping out those cell phones or get mouthy or look for any excuse (and believe me, I have heard some real hilarious ones) to get out of the classroom so you have to be ready to be firm with people that are often bigger than you! :-) It really is important though that you maintain complete control, other teachers will be watching how you move your class around in the halls and if you are a mess when it comes to authority, they really won't want you in their classes in the future. When I taught full time, I always liked it when I returned to have my students tell me the sub was "strict" because I knew the day wasn't a complete party :-)

Yes, you definitely can sub in multiple districts, infact, I encourage it so you have as many options as possible. It's a good way to make extra income and if you don't need the extra benefits, then it's a win-win situation. Just know that the competition for assignments is tougher than ever because many are choosing subbing as an opportunity for extra income....best wishes, I really enjoyed subbing...it was fun to do what I was trained to do but not have the committment of grades and parent/teacher problems, etc.

All ISD's have their own rules for substituting. As far as grade level goes, it is whatever age you feel most comfortable with. If you enjoy working with young children who ask lots of questions and need lots of direction then you'll do well with younger grades. If you prefer independent students who need less assistance from you then older children will be better. Substitute teaching is a good source of income if you don't need insurance benefits. Others teachers are almost always willing to help. If you like a school and want to continue to sub there you must go above and beyond for the teachers you sub for. Keep the class focused and behaved, clean the room at the end of the day, straighten desks, check over papers if the teacher asks you to, be on time and don't leave early. Nothing is worse than coming back to school after a sub has been in your class and the room is messy and unorganized and the papers on your desk are a mess, etc. Good subs are in constant demand. Good luck!

I've been subbing since 2000 in PlanoISD for the same elementary school my daughter went to.

Yes, I can choose what schools I want to sub for as well as grade levels. I do it because I LOVE the kiddos.....you don't make a lot of $$$. If you are certified and take a long term assignment, you can make more money. Also, I do not sub for the para-professionals or teacher aides. It is just a preference, I used to sub for them until a special needs child attacked me....special needs children like ORDER and no changes...including teachers. I did care for some very special special needs children before I stopped.

I am rarely called by the Plano isd system and I can easily book 2 days a week at our school, more if I were willing. I prefer no more than 2 days unless I am filling in for K-2 on conference weeks. Most of my days are pre-booked and I don't get a lot of late night/early morning calls.

Once you get into a school you like and they like you....you will be on the "school's" list of subs. Most schools hate to go through the "system" because you never know what you are going to get from the pool of subs. That said...you do have to start somewhere.

I teach for the same groups of teachers. Each grade level has their "favorites"/first to be called. I love 1-3 grades but I sub in k-5.

Most of the teachers I sub for are very detailed and organized...that helps SO much. I've had a few who leave you out on your own.

I keep a notebook with my schedule. During my day, I keep detailed notes of what we did throughout the day, any behavior issues, and praise for a good class. I copy this and leave it for the teacher.

Be firm but still nurturing and the discipline issues will be fine. Most of the time if you have to sit 1 kid out then you are known as someone who follows rules and demands order in your class.

Enjoy! It is a very rewarding experience.

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Hi B.,

I too am a SAHM/previous school teacher. I was looking for sub jobs for this school year to supplement our income and still stay home with my baby part time, but I didn't have a lot of success since the isd's are flooded with teachers that were laid off last year. So, I partnered with a great wellness company that allows me to work around my baby's schedule, from home; it's AWESOME. If you think this is something that you might be interested and would like more info, give me a call or visit my website: www.MyFreedomAtLast.com.

Sincerely,
L. Kole
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