“Being a long-term substitute is a scam.” -Reddit user.
The job of a long-term substitute is never easy. These adventurous, and often naive, people can get gobsmacked with an avalanche of classroom surprises they didn’t know they were signing up for. (I was one of them!)
If you’re a student or family reading this looking to thank a long-term substitute, you can get inspired by some thoughtful teacher gift ideas in this post.
If you’re a teacher who’s jumping back into your classroom after an extended amount of time out, well, you’ve come to the right place. You have a lot of work ahead of you, but a necessary component of your return includes thanking your long-term substitute. Let’s get into the specifics on how to do that in a meaningful way:
Treat the long-term substitute as an equal
Long-term subs really get the bad end of the deal most of the time.
They are expected to perform 99% of the classroom teacher job with a fraction of the pay and little to no benefits in return.
It can be dumbfounding how one day you’re expected to show up to staff meetings, unpaid, and the next you’re not included in the staff perks or privileges as simple as getting a copy code.
The mismatch between the expectations of long-term sub, the pay, and the general reputation can be dizzying.
If you were fortunate to have a long-term substitute who tried his or her best and kept the classroom in general order while you were gone, that is no small feat, especially if the substitute had little plans or resources to draw from.
When I long-term substitute taught for a teacher’s unplanned medical leave, I appreciated the way she treated me with professionalism when she returned. It was a unique situation– due to ongoing treatments, I stuck around on random days to cover her class during appointments.
We were in it for the long haul, and I can tell you this: If she hadn’t treated me like an equal, like the room was shared for the both us, I wouldn’t have been tempted to stay.
The job of a long-term substitute can get pretty thankless. Even if you left the room amply supplied, with lesson plans for each day, the sub still has to navigate learning every detail of the job and how to successfully teach the kids. If you return to any semblance of a classroom in one piece, thank your sub by treating him or her with respect. Treat them as a professional and an equal.
Take any extras off their plate
Because I know most leaves aren’t paid, I’m not necessarily suggesting your muscle through your maternity leave to make things easier for the long-term sub.
That’s your time.
But, if there are things you can schedule before the leave starts that would chip away at the burden on the substitute– get ’em done.
For instance, if you have a complicated batch of testing to put the students through, and you have the option of doing it before you leave or dumping it on the sub… do it before you leave.
This will not only make your job easier in the long-run (complex scenarios in the job may not get executed correctly with someone else) but will relieve some of the burden on the long-term substitute.
Another example is this: Let’s say spring parent-teacher conferences are weeks around the corner, while you’ve planned your leave. I’d just go ahead (with admin approval) and schedule those conferences before the leave starts. That benefits all involved more than saddling a substitute, who met the kids 2 days ago, with this personal and complex task.
Lighten the long-term substitute teacher’s load– not because she can’t handle it, but because it’s easier for all parties in the long-run, and it makes a tough, often low-paying job more enjoyable.
Give your long-term substitute a thoughtful thank-you note and gift
If this person held down the fort for you to pretty seamlessly return to your roost after months of time away, that is an accomplishment of sizeable proportion.
It’s hard to just jump into a new classroom for a while, with varying levels of support.
This long-term substitute not only had to learn all of the small details of how the classroom runs and each student behaves, but how to successfully manage the behaviors and pace the lessons to stay more or less on track.
It’s likely this person had to endure being compared to you. Or was not treated like a professional (see first point). Or stayed late into the evening (so late, in fact, that they became buddies with all the custodians and got into some really weird political conversations) just to keep up with each day’s work.
You likely know little of the sacrifices and dedication the long-term substitute made. All you see is your classroom, not in shambles, waiting for your return. Your students eager to see you again.
After your return, I’d suggest writing a thoughtful and heartfelt note paired with a useful gift. Really thank the long-term sub for all they poured into the classroom, for all they did to keep it afloat and ready for you.
If you heard nice things about the sub, include those compliments in the note. Mention details that you noticed and appreciate. Taking the time to write this specific thank you will go far, and open the door for a continued positive relationship.
Long-term substitutes keep the education world going ’round
Just like teachers keep the school world spinning gently on its axis, substitutes and long-term substitutes also share in the task.
Good coverage is necessary, and sometimes hard to find.
When you get it, please don’t take it for granted.
There are higher-paying jobs that include easier working conditions. If a substitute has taken care of your class well in your absence, that person truly cares. Treat these people like the national treasures they are.
If you appreciate substitutes, chances are greater that they’ll want to keep up the good work. Celebrate their value, and it’ll be easier for them to show up when you need them.
For more articles on the site about long-term substitute teaching, you can check out:
The Complete Guide to Long-Term Substitute Teaching
Key Tips for Success as Long-Term Sub
A (Free!) Family Introduction Letter for Long-Term Subs
My Experience Long-Term Subbing for a Planned Leave
Is It Worth It to Long-Term Substitute Teach?
Considering Long-Term Subbing? Red Flags to Heed
Thanks for checking this post out. I’m wondering– do any long-term substitutes agree with me? What about teachers that have needed a LTS? Let me know in the comments!
