Quiet. Thoughtful. Sensitive. Reticent. Introverted.
If you’re like me, these terms color the shades of who you are.
But that doesn’t come close to covering all of who you are.
You have many aspects of your personality and gifts tucked away, ready to wield when the world seems open. As a result, introverts have successfully (very quietly, I might add) infiltrated the ranks of a huge swath of professions.
Can substitute teaching be found among doable job choices for introverts?
A note on being quiet
I’d be remiss in this article about introvertedness if I didn’t point to the book that shifted my perspective most on the topic. When your personality is held up as a defect for most of your growing up years, it can be tricky to unwind the most longheld– yet completely wrong– assumptions about yourself. Read “Quiet” by Susan Cain if you’d like to learn more. Be assured that quietness is not weakness.
Yes, subbing can be good for introverts
In the big old question: Is subbing a good job for introverts? My answer is an equal mix of yes and no. I’ll start with why this gig can benefit the more shy among us.
Reason #1: A substitute teacher creates his or her own schedule
Creating one’s own work schedule ranks high on my list of ideal work situations. I think for anyone, this is an attractive feature. But especially for the introvert, the option of not having to show up in public every weekday becomes even more precious.
(I am assuming here that you’re using substitute teaching as supplemental instead of primary income. If you’re subbing every single day, drop to the next point.)
If I know, for example, that I have a jam-packed weekend full of social engagements, I’m not going to sign up to work Monday. That’s going to be a recharge day.
Workers without a flexible schedule can’t really adjust things like that. So subbing can be a beneficial gig to those of us who crave that pliability.
Reason #2: A sub doesn’t have to return to that particular classroom ever again
Had a no-good, very bad, horrible, apocalyptic day?
Put that class on your DO NOT RETURN list and hand over those keys when the bell rings.
The great thing about subbing is that you’re under no obligation to go back to the scene of your worst nightmares. (I’ve had several).
The caveat is when you’ve signed up for a multi-day job– technically you signed up to be there again. But I’ve also gotten out of those. It should be a rare move to cancel or let go of remaining days in a multi-day assignment, but I’ve done it twice because the situations were quite bleak.
But this is generally the glory of subbing. It’s a transitive, ever-changing, day to day job. Most of that part is frustrating, but let it serve as your advantage. Full-time teachers have more committment to shoulder in their classrooms. They’re expected to come back, even after a day of total mutiny.
The sub, however, is a free agent.
Reason #3: Introverts can make great educators
More power to you if you’re going to dance on tables or rap Shakespeare to teach the students, but I’ll just be over here using my calm but firm voice to direct the class with clear instructions, sprinkling in little personable moments of connection with students here and there.
It’s not that I fancy myself a great educator, but I know that my teaching style works and most (most!) students respond well to it. Each day I teach is feedback on my technique and style, and I’ve got years of data locked in.
The thing is, you’ll end up actually shocking and totally engaging the class after establishing a quiet and calm personality the whole day when you swoop in with a sudden injection of goofy. Few things are funnier to kids than the mouselike teacher riffing in a jolt of inspired comedy.
Another strength introverted subs can bring to the table is their understanding of introverted students.
It’s likely you’ll understand and respond well to these students’ needs. You might be the rare teacher who does.
One doesn’t have to be loud or boisterous to be engaging. One doesn’t have to possess a booming voice to command a room. An introverted substitute can manage a classroom well operating within their own personality and style.
No, subbing is NOT good for introverts
I’ve made the case for subbing as an introvert.
Now let me point out the challenges. To some, these difficulties will be enough to surpass any benefits of the job and cause you to move on. “Next!” You shudder as you consider the possibility of being charged with 20 Kindergarteners hugging and sneezing on you. But let’s just see, shall we?
Reason #1: Substitute teaching is draining
This job comes with a lot of unexpected factors. Surprises, good and bad, abound in plentiful quantities. Students, free from their usual instructor and authority figure, may seize the opportunity to test different ideas and behaviors.
It can get hectic, cacophonous, overstimulating.
And while this is not always the case, and I have a few suggestions for mitigating this kind of stress while subbing and all kinds of tools for bolstering your classroom management skills, it can still be tough.
Even on days when I had a good grasp on the class, the day ambled on in a generally orderly manner, and the plans were implemented decently, I still come home tired as all get out.
There’s just a lot going on in a room with dozens of young people who you are just getting acquainted with. To do this day in and day out can take its toll.
Take care of yourself, introverted sub
There are days of subbing that leave my head spinning.
But these days are illuminated with tiny beams of joy. I can usually find something positive about a day spent in a new classroom.
And the pay definitely helps motivate me to continue.
Though this may not be the ideal job choice for introverts, substitute teaching is worth it for me. I keep my sub work pretty seldom so it doesn’t weigh heavily on me. I build in time to recharge after substitute teaching.
If you’re an introvert considering substitute teaching, take some time to read my articles on what it’s really like. Decide if this is right for you, and if your schedule allows you the wiggle room of not working every day so you can recharge on other days.
Finally, don’t be afraid to take a moment for quiet when you are subbing. I totally don’t blame you if you’d prefer taking your lunch alone in the classroom, in the dark, instead of the teacher’s lounge. I’ll do that right along with you (separately, of course).
Other strategies I use as an introvert in this line of work is practicing gratefulness and prayer.
Should you substitute teach as an introvert?
Now that I’ve given you the lowdown, it’s up you to weigh the pros and cons.
Subbing is one of the most social jobs I can think of.
Despite this, there are features of the position that I consider highly appealing.
Perhaps the advantages of substitute teaching will overpower the challenges for you as well. And even if you feel inadequate at times, maybe these kids need you and the special set of skills and temperament you can bring to their classroom. It never hurts to try. Be well out there, subs!
