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  • How to Pass the STEDI Substitute Teacher Exam
  • Do Less: How to Throw a ’90s-style Birthday Party With Less Stress
  • Steal My Introduction From Every Time I Substitute Teach
  • Only the Best: Kids and Baby Products We Actually Value
  • Classroom Survival Kit: Engaging Brain Teasers

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  1. Charmaine on It’s Gonna be May: A Substitute’s Survival Guide to the End of the Year
  2. Felice Barlett on It’s Gonna be May: A Substitute’s Survival Guide to the End of the Year
  3. Charmaine on Substitute Teaching: How to Endure (and Maybe Even Enjoy!) the Mayhem
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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!

  • September 5, 2023

Considering a Long-Term Sub Position? 3 Reasons to Pause

A woman looking thoughtful-- a long-term substitute considering whether to take the assignment.

Long-term substitute teaching can be a rewarding gig-- I've filled in for extended periods of time twice, and even the most challenging position had its fulfilling moments. As a long-term substitute, you...

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  • August 31, 2023

A Letter of Introduction for the Long-Term Substitute

A notebook ready for writing a long-term substitute letter.

If you're planning to take on a classroom for a long-term period of time, it's best to keep parents and caregivers in the loop. After all, you'll be with their children all...

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  • August 30, 2023

My Experience Long-Term Subbing for an Unplanned Leave

Matilda was a hit when long-term subbing for a third-grade class. Here is the poster drawing of Matilda I made.

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...

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  • August 29, 2023

My Experience Long-Term Subbing for a Planned Leave

Long-term subbing: A picture of a desk with school supplies on it.

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...

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  • August 11, 2023

How to Stay Organized as a Substitute Teacher

It's great to be organized as a substitute teacher. Pictured is the author in a classroom, ready to teach.

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...

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  • August 9, 2023

The Truth About the Disadvantages of Substitute Teaching

There are some disadvantages to substitute teaching that can't be ignored. Pictured is an overwhelmed teacher with her head on the desk.

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...

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  • August 8, 2023

6 Ways Substitutes Can Prepare for the School Year

It's good to prepare for a new school year as a substitute. Pictured is me with books falling vs. me with a stable stack of books. Prepared!

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...

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  • July 25, 2023

My Side Hustle as a Substitute Teacher

A picture of the author substitute teaching-- or, well, on a break from substitute teaching. She is smiling in a selfie in front of monster fabric.

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...

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  • June 22, 2023

What is Substitute Teaching Really Like?

From a substitute perspective: An up-close view of cups of art supplies like markers and colored pencils sitting on the art room table.

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...

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  • May 16, 2023

A recap of subbing in the ’22-’23 school year

The substitute and author taking a selfie in a classroom.

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...

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  • May 9, 2023

How my last classroom observation was my best

The title, How My Last Observation Was the Best, over a primary classroom scene.

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:

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  • May 5, 2023

How I started a small business with my fourth graders

"How I Started a Small Business with my 4th Graders" over a hand painted glass vase.

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...

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Charmaine
Charmaine

Former Teacher ☼ Substitute ☼ Writer ☼ Mom

Recent Posts

  • A person holding a pencil filling out test answers for the STEDI substitute teacher exam

    How to Pass the STEDI Substitute Teacher Exam

    October 4, 2025
  • An old-fashioned birthday party: A vintage image of a child blowing out candles on a birthday cake

    Do Less: How to Throw a ’90s-style Birthday Party With Less Stress

    August 24, 2025
  • The substitute teacher and blogger smiling as she looks over her fourth grade classroom.

    Steal My Introduction From Every Time I Substitute Teach

    August 20, 2025
  • Habits for happy motherhood: A smiling mother holding her daughter.

    Only the Best: Kids and Baby Products We Actually Value

    June 20, 2025
  • A photo of someone completing a colorful puzzle. Brain teaseres, bell ringers, and other puzzles can be engaging time-fillers for substitute teachers!

    Classroom Survival Kit: Engaging Brain Teasers

    May 31, 2025
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