Last updated on September 5th, 2023 at 04:02 pm
It’s halfway through May, and I’ve decided to round out my substitute teaching year.
(There are two times a year I won’t sub if I don’t have to: late May and early August. Teachers know why.)
I wanted to summarize the subbing experiences I’ve had this year as a way to remember– and to inspire others that happen to find themselves in the coolest-ever Sub Club or are thinking of joining.
Let’s take a look by the numbers:
- 4 schools
- 5 grade levels + specials
- 1 field trip
- 1 parade
- Countless minutes improvised
- 10.5 days worked
- Around $1,450 income generated for my family
Because I had a late summer newborn, and I wanted to stay home with her those first few months, I didn’t start substitute teaching until December. I actually snuck in a single halfday teaching first graders before the calendar year turned. So I got a “late” start by conventional schedules, but it was perfect for me. I didn’t feel ready to step foot in a school until then.
And that’s the beauty of subbing.
Working 10 and a half days this year was just the right amount. Though subbing isn’t perfect (it’s always a little unnerving not knowing what the day holds!) the flexible schedule is pretty ideal.
Memorable moments:
- Bribing almost every class with a rousing game of Four Corners
- Teaching the Hinky Pinky wordplay game to the older students
- Going on a field trip to the planetarium and aquaculture lab with my favorite class
- Gathering inspiration from truly fun, knowledgeable, passionate teachers
- Captivating a group of second graders in a readaloud of “The Tale of Despereaux”
- Enjoying quirky in-between moments of getting to know the kids
Of course, I’m sharing the best memories here– the hard times are already forgotten and moved on from. Subbing can be stressful. I’ve found ways to decrease the stress on myself, and encourage any other subs out there to do what they can to best position themselves for peace in a chaotic job.
That’s another year of subbing in the books. You can read here why I think the gig is worth it and how I use it to balance other life commitments and pursuits.
(Wait ’til I update you all on everything else I got accomplished while not subbing. Stay tuned– posts are going up every week!)
