Substitute Teaching. Should you do it?
After graduating in 2023 with a degree in Marketing, I spent the past year traveling as a Chapter Development Consultant for my sorority. Now I’m at a crossroads, trying to decide: should I go to grad school, find a full-time job, or maybe both? While I’m figuring that out, I’ve picked up a few (expensive!) hobbies, wheel throwing and pageantry, so let’s just say income is essential. Enter: substitute teaching.
Why Substitute Teaching? I chose to substitute teach because it’s flexible, giving me the chance to work while exploring other options. Plus, there’s a high demand—jobs pop up daily, so I can work as much or as little as I want.
Pros of Substituting:
Flexibility: You can choose when to work, so the job can be as consistent or sporadic as you want. So far, I’ve seen opportunities almost every day, making it ideal if you need a flexible schedule.
Less Pressure Than Full-Time Teaching: You have your day in the classroom, but then you’re done. There’s no lingering responsibility or daily stress, so you won’t get as involved in students’ ongoing struggles or feel the weight of long-term issues.
Cons of Substituting:
Unpredictability: Every day is different, and unless you regularly sub for the same teacher, it’s hard to know what you’re walking into.
Students May Not Respect You : Some students, especially older ones, know you’re only there for a day or two and might test boundaries. It’s not uncommon to experience some rowdiness or even defiance.
My Experience So Far: I’ve subbed twice now. My first experience was a half-day as an ESL (English as a Second Language) sub for third-grade students. I didn’t think I’d need to know much Spanish, but I quickly learned otherwise! Many students barely spoke English, and my Spanish was limited to a few basics—"nombre," "la casa," "la comida," and "¿cómo se dice…?” But, surprisingly, those simple words impressed them. A few students even asked if I’d return the next day and were crushed when I said no.
Next, I subbed for a full day in middle school. That…was interesting! Let’s just say middle schoolers have a way of keeping you on your toes. Some students told me outright, “You’re not in charge of us, and we’re not doing your work.” Two even commented on my makeup looking terrible— I wasn’t wearing any makeup! So, I guess my face was just…ugly to them. Despite the tough crowd, one student left me a note with an apology for the class’s behavior, complete with a little drawing. It reminded me that there’s good and bad in everything. That said, I probably won’t be substituting for middle school again anytime soon.
So, Should You Try It? Absolutely! I believe in trying everything at least once. If you like it, fantastic! If not, hey, you gave it a shot. I hope sharing my journey so far helps you get a feel for what it’s like in the world of substitute teaching.
Live life to the fullest,
Mikayla
