You start the day with a sense of anticipation, you get to the school as early as possible, because you don’t yet know the plans for the day. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by the bustling atmosphere of the school and the friendly greetings of fellow teachers. You enter your assigned classroom for the day, and you review the lesson plans over and over before students arrive with enthusiasm. Throughout the day, you lead different activities. You collaborate and inquire with students, and you create an environment where every student’s voice is heard and respected. Some students help you to understand the rules of the classroom, while other students try to bend them. But you’re prepared, everything you need is in the notes. You are patient, you are adaptable, you are kind. The final bell rings, you say your goodbyes, and you leave with a new sense of fulfillment, knowing that each day brings new opportunities to inspire and connect. You are a substitute teacher.
Although the role is often viewed as a temporary solution, it plays a crucial part in maintaining continuity in schools as it ensures that learning continues even when regular classroom teachers are away. Substitute teaching offers a unique opportunity for parents and community members to make a meaningful impact in their local schools. By becoming a substitute teacher, people can actively contribute to the education of the children in their community.
Substitute teaching is also a great experience to gain firsthand knowledge of true classroom dynamics, curriculum delivery, and student interactions, which can help deepen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education. Gerri Bucher is one of two full-time substitutes at the school. She reflected on her position, saying, “After 40 years in education, I thought that retirement was going to be this glorious thing. But I’m the kind of person who needs something to do every day. I need a routine and a schedule, and need to be needed somewhere. I still have a lot to give, and it has been a wonderful blessing for me to be here.” Although Bucher was in education administration for many years, her position wasn’t always in the classroom. She feels that subbing still taught her new things about education. “I thought I understood classrooms, and what teachers were going through, what students were struggling with. But these four years of subbing have taught me so much about what teachers are doing every day,” Bucher stated. Another substitute teacher, parent, and community member, Katie Ontiveroz said, “I think it helps you see education from the other side and what you are trying to implement for your own children. Talking with teachers to find out why [curriculum is] done the way it is, helps you teach it to your own children. Like the way they are teaching math can be different than what I learned. It helps me to see differences in education over the years.” Ontiveroz also mentioned that she enjoys being able to take pieces of classroom activities she’s seen in the classroom and implement them at home, to reinforce the skills with her children further.
It can strengthen ties to the school, as it allows for the opportunity to build relationships with students, staff, and administrators. A supportive network fostering a sense of community benefits both the educators and the learners. Another substitute teacher of both Solomon and Abilene, Mr. Robert Ely, said, “Support from other teachers has been great, I really can’t tell you how much that has meant to me when the other teachers at the school offer personal support. If I have questions they are always willing to come and help me.”
The meaningful connections made with students are a significant part of what teachers, administrators, and substitutes alike love about their roles. Ely said, “I will be out in the community, at the store or wherever, and I will see some of my students and they will come up, ‘Hey, Mr. Ely!’ and they will have a big smile, and it is just always so awesome to see them. Sometimes the younger students will come up and give me a big hug, it just always makes my day.”
Of course, like any job, being a substitute teacher is not for everyone. When asked what advice they would give to someone new to substitute teaching, Bucher said, “Be firm, or there will be chaos and you won’t get anything done. They won’t learn and you won’t accomplish anything. Subs are here to teach, not to fill a chair and be crowd control. You have to interact with the kids, follow the lesson plans, and you’ve got to be able to think on your feet. When teachers leave, they expect the day to go on. You should have high expectations. Just because I’m a sub, you’re not going to play games, you’re going to learn. I love them, and I respect them, and I get that in return.” As for Ely, he advises “Patience is going to be your best friend, as substitutes, we have to be very flexible, you’ll need that every single day.” Although it has many benefits, it’s much more than that. Passion, dedication, and effort in being a substitute are crucial for the success of all students.
Ultimately, being a substitute teacher allows parents and community members to make a difference in the lives of young people. As Ely stated, “It’s more than just a job. It’s very much a calling, and a privilege to be able to impact young lives even when we are just there for a short time. Get to know the students. You just never know what kind of an impact you will make on a student’s life.” Whether it is providing encouragement, fostering a love of learning, or simply being a positive presence in the classroom, there’s no doubt that a substitute teacher has the power to make a difference.