Why Substitute Teach?

Whether you’ve just graduated with your degree in education, moved to a new city, or are returning to the classroom after raising children, you may find teaching jobs in your field are tougher to get than you had thought. Relax and consider signing up as a substitute teacher in local districts. For many teachers, substitute teaching is the beginning of the path to full time employment in a district. Don’t be discouraged if that dream position doesn’t materialize immediately; there are lots of advantages to being a substitute teacher.

It’s always easier for employers to hire known individuals over people they’ve not seen in action. Each time you enter a building as a sub, you have an opportunity to shine.It won’t be long before colleagues, administrators and other staff know exactly how skilled you are. Focus on being the most-requested substitute in your area, and you'll be paving the way to a full-time position. This first-hand knowledge may tip the balance in your favor when you apply for a full-time position.

This path runs both ways. When you substitute, you have a stellar opportunity to learn about the inside workings of the school and district. You can find out if the overall philosophy matches your own and whether you’d be happy working there. Get a feel for the working relationships between staff members and the administration, and discover how the other teachers interact with each otherr. Substitute teachers are also in a good position to hear about job openings first hand and to apply quickly.

Even the best teachers need to stay current with the skills and knowledge of the field. Substitute teaching will allow you to keep abreast of changes in best practice and in laws related to education. You can keep up with curriculum decisions and changes to scope and sequence in your area. As a sub, you’ll gain valuable job experience as well. Daily practice that you will get by substitute teaching will add to your store of experiences (and your resume). The more hours you’ve spent in the classroom, the better equipped you will be to handle the day to day mechanics of teaching.

The obvious perk of substitute teaching is the paycheck.It always helps your immediate financial health to have money coming in on a regular basis. However, there are at least two other financial benefits that are less obvious and not so immediate.

First, in most districts, subbing more than a minimum number of days moves you higher up the experience (and salary) ladder when you do get hired as a full-time employee. Secondly, you may be paying into your area’s retirement plan. Your pension may be rising from that program during every year you sub. You’ll need to get specific details from your local district.In some areas, substitute teachers are able to opt into some parts of the insurance plans. Group coverage rates are generally less expensive than trying to buy coverage as an individual. Check with the administration’s financial office or even the local representative of the teachers’ union for more information.