Substitute Teaching - Fort Worth,TX

When I did day to day subbing, I had my name in with about 6 different school districts. I was getting calls all the time and usually had to turn some down. Also, as I became more well known by the teachers and principals I started to have teachers request me personally. I ended up getting several permanent sub jobs through that. I can't give you advice about the day care because when I had my first child, I stopped teaching to stay at home. I know I've considered going back to work but the subbing wages here in Pittsburgh wouldn't even cover the cost of day care. The wages are anywhere from $70 - $85 a day and day care for my two kids would be about $1200 a month at least. Good luck with your certificate!

Yes, you should get more phone calls since you registered with another school district. If you work full time as a sub, you should be able to afford daycare, I would imagine. Do you get insurance from the school district? Also, I am wondering if you like subbing. Do the kids respect you since you are the sub?

I subbed for 3 years. To work the most days you need to tell the sub caller that you want to work as many days as possible and you are only going to be on x school's list and you will work any grade or subject. She will call you first. Also, if principals request you, you can get longterm assignments and great references. It is a good way to meet principals so for one year I did three districts and picked the one that was best.

I would put your name in several school districts. I did that a couple years ago. I finished my teaching online and then did some subbing. My kids were also in daycare so I needed to make sure that I had income coming in to pay the daycare. If the school districts know that you can do full time, they will keep you in mind. Especially if someone is going on maternity leave or has an illness.

Good Luck

It depends on what you mean by "hiring". If you mean "registering", then sign-up with as many districts as you can. Typically, you have to apply for clearance and then you can be put on the list for subbing. The more sources you have for calls, the more calls you will receive!

Although my job didn't require a sub, I will tell you that teachers have their favorites and will call them first before "going down the list"! Make little business cards on your home computer with your name, email, cell and home phone. Don't hesitate to leave it for the teacher with your daily summary and notes. You can also post them in the teacher's lounge and in the main office. If the teacher and the kids like you, they will call you each and every time before they call a random person!

Some districts in NY actually have a "position" for full-time subs- meaning that it is a posted position and you work exclusively for that district on an annual salary. Your "job" may change hourly, daily or you may be on a 2 week assignment, but you are "their" sub. Ask around and see if this is an option where you are.

Otherwise, start sending out those resumees and filling-out the necessary forms. The paperwork can take a while and people will start arranging for coverage as the time for "annual state testing" comes closer- the teachers are the "scorers" and subs are in demand in the spring.

You can register and get on the ISD list, however, each school and grade level has a "preferred list".

I've been subbing since 2000 at 1 school only and I could easily sub 2-3 days a week but I prefer no more than 1-2 every other week or so. I am just too busy with our company right now to sub so much. I don't get calls from the ISD system...all of my subbing is pre-arranged (conference week, teacher training days, etc)

Get to know some teachers, manage to actually help the teachers during planning time (ex:, laminating, grading, filing, whatever they need) instead of seeing planning time as your break. The subs at our school who disappear during planning are not asked back. Someone somewhere at the school can use the extra help during most of that time.

Good luck!

Not sure how it works in TX, but I think a lot of districts have lists for subs that are available to work every day. Put your name on that list and you will probably get called every day. The down side is you will usually get called for the jobs no one else wants like Special Ed., etc. I did that and got called a lot...I worked mostly in Special Ed and the library, but I was working so I didn't care, besides neither of those positions were all that bad, just challenging! Also keep your eye out for pregnant teachers...they will need a permanent or long term sub and that's a great gig!! Befriend them and then let them know you're available. Teachers can and will request subs who are good and efficient, so do your best and let them know that you're always available, this will help you get more work too!