Being a substitute teacher was not something I planned, but rather a role I fell into. I know this is a temporary stop in my journey, and it is one of the best decisions I have made. Prior to coming into this position, I was recovering from post concussion syndrome due to an encounter with the trunk of my car on a rainy October night. This not only caused the worst pain I ever experienced in my life, but also exacerbated the symptoms of my fibromyalgia. I was having frequent medical appointments not only for myself, but also for one of my daughters who was going through her own health crisis. This caused me to request quite a few late arrivals or early dismissals at my previous job. I was also experiencing bouts of chronic fatigue and brain fog that made concentrating at work difficult. I felt depleted and defeated to the point where I felt I could no longer fulfill the demands of my position.
I finally made the decision to hand in my resignation and that was the best decision I made. I had no idea what was going to happen next, except I was tired of feeling unfulfilled. I was ready to start something that gave me true flexibility, autonomy, and where I wasn’t being made to feel that I wasn’t good enough. I was drawn to substitute teaching based on a combination of my life experiences, personal values, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people. What better place can I make an impact and feel some semblance of control in my day to day life?! Here are the reasons I have chosen to be a substitute teacher.
Familiar Territory
When I first moved to the United States, I worked as a nanny/babysitter for about ten years before moving into the corporate world. I still remember the money I made working in that role! That’s a story for another day. When I finally decided to cut the cord in childcare, I had different aspirations. I envisioned a more conventional career path, one that might offer more stability or higher financial rewards. But life has a way of steering us in directions we never anticipated.
My journey into education began not with a career plan, but with a series of small, seemingly unrelated experiences that planted the seeds. When I worked in childcare, people frequently stopped to ask if I was a teacher. I quickly quipped no and I have no plans of ever going into such a thankless role. Boy, did the future have a big surprise for me.
When my children started school, I always wanted to be actively involved in their school life. I attended all the parent teacher association (PTA) meetings, joined the Equity Committee and the Student Leadership Team (SLT), all of which were meant to empower parents and our school community. At the time, I thought of it as just another way to give back to the community—a way to fill my time with something meaningful. But what I didn’t realize was how much those interactions would impact me.
I also showed up to read to my daughters’ classmates, help at breakfast and was even the unofficial face painter at some activities. The way they would be so excited to see me when I came in gave me such joy. These small moments began to add up, and I found myself looking forward to my time with them.
A Desire to Make a Difference
As I continued to work in the committees and with the kids, I saw the gaps in the education system more clearly. As we discussed subjects of equity and helping in the recruitment of students and staff of a more diverse population, I saw that schools need individuals who genuinely care about the success of their students.
This realization sparked something in me. I began to think about how I could play a larger role in the lives of students, how I could help bridge those gaps, and provide the support they so desperately needed. That’s when the idea of substitute teaching came into play. I thought about it, but the timing wasn’t right. I was contemplating a move with my family to another city, so the salary from my job at the time was a necessity.
Once I moved to my new city and tested out a new job in Human Resources, I resigned from that role. This was now the perfect time to pursue substitute teaching. This opportunity allowed me to be in the classroom, interact with students, and make an impact, all while giving me the flexibility to explore my options.
Flexibility and Freedom
One of the biggest appeals of substitute teaching is the flexibility it offers. Unlike a full-time teaching position, which requires a long-term commitment to one classroom and a specific curriculum, substitute teaching allows for a more varied experience. This was particularly appealing to me as someone with an unpredictable chronic illness and the co-parent of young children who does not have a support system around us.
As a substitute teacher, I have the freedom to work across different grade levels and subjects, which has given me a broad perspective on the educational system as a whole. One day, I might be teaching elementary school students how to add and subtract, and the next, I could be discussing Shakespeare with high school seniors. This variety keeps the job exciting and allows me to continually learn and grow as an educator.
My partner and I were able to coordinated our schedules where he would do morning drop offs and I would do the afternoon pick ups. I appreciate not having to rush out from work to pick up my children. I am able to easily cancel jobs when crises or health matters arise without feeling like I was causing massive disappointment to my colleagues.
Additionally, the flexibility of substitute teaching has allowed me to pursue other interests and commitments outside of the classroom. Whether it’s furthering my education, working on personal projects like this blog or spending time with family, substitute teaching provides a work-life balance that is often hard to find in other careers.
Building Relationships with Students
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a substitute teacher is the relationships I’ve been able to build with students. Though I may be in different classes every day, I’ve found that even in these brief interactions, there’s an opportunity to make a meaningful connection. Amazingly, the group of students I feared the most—high schoolers—have turned out to be the most rewarding.
There’s something special about being the “new” teacher in the room. Students are often curious and eager to see how the day will go, and this gives me a unique opportunity to engage with them in a fresh way. I’ve learned that being a good substitute teacher isn’t just about following the lesson plan left by the regular teacher; it’s about bringing your own energy, creativity, and compassion into the classroom.
Over time, I’ve developed a knack for quickly reading the room, understanding the dynamics of each class, and finding ways to connect with students. Whether it’s through a shared interest in sports, a love of books, or simply taking the time to listen to their stories, I’ve been able to build rapport with students that often leads to positive learning experiences.
I remember one particular instance where I had a particularly difficult third grade class. The disruptions were out of control. There was a group who were amazing, but a few others who were arguing with each other. I was in my second week and completely unprepared for that. By the end of the day I was able to pull everyone together to listen to a story time that they very much enjoyed and participated in. Moments like these remind me of why I chose this path.
Facing the Challenges
Of course, substitute teaching isn’t without its challenges. There are days when it feels like everything is going wrong. These days can be frustrating and leave you questioning whether you’re making any impact at all.But I’ve come to realize that these challenges are part of what makes the role so important.
Being a substitute teacher requires adaptability, patience, and resilience. It’s about being able to walk into a classroom of strangers and quickly establish a sense of order and trust. It’s about being willing to learn on the fly and not being afraid to admit when you don’t have all the answers.
Personal Growth and Fulfillment
Substitute teaching not only allows me to make a difference in the lives of students but has also been a profound journey of personal growth. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenged my assumptions, and taught me more about myself than I ever could have imagined. It has also made me a more confident public speaker, with a level of assertiveness that I never had before.
Through this role, I also have a deeper understanding of the lives of children and teenagers. I’ve come to appreciate the diverse backgrounds and experiences that students bring to the classroom, and how these differences shape their learning. I take pride in trusting my judgment when it comes to my interactions with students, especially when all they need is a little empathy.
Moreover, substitute teaching has given me a sense of fulfillment that I hadn’t found in previous jobs. There’s a unique joy in knowing that, even if just for a day, you’ve made a positive impact on a child’s life. Whether it’s helping a student grasp a difficult concept, offering a word of encouragement, or simply being a positive presence in their day, these small acts add up to something much greater.
I’ve come to appreciate the unique position that substitute teachers hold—we’re not just fill-ins, but integral parts of the educational ecosystem, providing support and stability when it’s needed most. Most importantly, it has shown me that sometimes, the best decisions are the ones that aren’t planned. It has given me my life back in a way that I could not foresee. Even though this may just be a pit stop, I will value the lessons that this profession has taught me. I will continue to make a difference—one classroom at a time.
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