My Experience Long-Term Subbing for an Unplanned Leave
I was in the middle of a two-year break from full-time teaching when I got a tip about a unique long-term substitute teaching opportunity. It was October, and I had immersed myself...
Substitute Teaching
Okay, I prefer the title part-time teacher nomad. Here I document my adventures, misfortunes and tips on substitute teaching while balancing motherhood and various other life undertakings. Take a look!
My Experience Long-Term Subbing for a Planned Leave
I've had some pretty memorable substitute teaching experiences (hello, surprise water day!). My two stints of long-term substitute teaching were no exception. Here's the lowdown on my time covering for a planned...
How to Stay Organized as a Substitute Teacher
It's essential to stay organized as a substitute teacher-- how else will you be able to show up on time to be your very best part-time teacher nomad self? Imagine you're finally...
The Truth About the Disadvantages of Substitute Teaching
While there are enough benefits to being a substitute teacher to keep me in the job, there are also some real, sizeable disadvantages. My aim is to give an honest portrayal of...
6 Ways Substitutes Can Prepare for the School Year
Substitute teaching is a flexible job, which I find translates into refreshingly elastic Augusts each new school year. I get to wave casually at the school buses shuttling by instead of scurrying...
My Side Hustle as a Substitute Teacher
Substitute teaching can sound like a pretty sweet gig at first-- filling in for a teacher on your selected days, carrying out the lesson plan and actually getting to go home, free...
What is Substitute Teaching Really Like?
A snapshot of substitute teaching If you’ve never had the privilege of watching eighteen Kindergarteners skipping, stumbling and pirouetting into the room while you’re on the phone with tech support and a...
A recap of subbing in the ’22-’23 school year
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...
How my last classroom observation was my best
Even though I was a total ball of nerves every time I was formally observed, my last observation was my best– and dare I say, quite enjoyable. Here’s what I did:
How I started a small business with my fourth graders
In my last month of teaching before I nonrenewed my contract, I started a small business project with my fourth-graders. How I started teaching my students about business They were an entrepreneurial...
How to Plan for the Summer as a Substitute
Ah, the sweetness of a soon-to-be summer. Through hazes of humid air, excitements over celebrations and barbecues and time off out of the school system can have even the substitutes-- especially the...
How to Prioritize Classroom Safety in Your Substitute Plans
Teachers: Safety for all involved in the school, from the students and staff to visiting parents, is a nonnegotiable. Maybe you do prioritize classroom safety while you're there, but you may not...