Is It Worth It to Long-Term Substitute Teach?

An empty classroom with a chalkboard and desks.

Last updated on September 16th, 2023 at 02:39 pm

Before signing up to take over a classroom for a while, you may be wondering if it’s worth it. Long-term subbing can be full of nuances that impact this decision. I took two long-term subbing jobs and wrestled with these same questions. Ultimately, each decision boiled down to its various levels of pros and cons. I’ve summed up the advantages and disadvantages of long-term subbing in this handy list:

Long-term subbing pros

1. A (possible) increased likelihood in getting hired full-time

Rather than switching schools each time they cover for someone, a long-term substitute has the advantage of teaching at the same school each day for an extended period of time.

It’s more likely the staff, students and administration will see and get to know the sub.

A strong long-term substitute performance has been tacitly known to increase chances of getting hired on full-time. You’ve got an “in” now at that school.

Is it a guarantee? Definitely not. But when administration is sifting through a pile of faceless applicants, remembering you and the work you accomplished during the term will likely give you a great running head start.

I personally think this is the most compelling reason why someone would take on a long-term sub position and all of its challenges (and there are many– I’ll get to them!). If teaching at a specific school or district is important to you, and those places are competitive, long-term subbing may be your best play.

This move is especially ideal for recent graduates who are looking for a connection with a certain school. Take the job, knock it out of the park, ask the principal to observe you teaching and possibly write a recommendation– it may just work out in your favor.

2. Long-term subbing is more stable and consistent than regular subbing

A week in the life of a regular substitute teacher may include instructing middle schoolers in creative writing one day, herding Kindergarteners on fire truck day the next (Don’t. Miss. Fire truck day.), and donning a cap and whistle to teach elementary physical education to round things out.

It’s an unforgettably exhausting brand of thrilling surprises.

While regular substitute teaching can be wildly unpredictable, long-term subbing introduces a refreshing air of consistency. A place to put down roots for a little while. One can settle in, get to know the students and co-workers better, and maybe even maybe arrange the teacher desk as one pleases.

Today’s popular teaching admonishment to “build relationships!” can be difficult to do in one day. Long-term subbing gave me time to build trust and rapport and, ultimately, stronger bonds with my students over the course of a few months. This was one of the good parts– that I knew what each day held and my place in it for a while.

3. An increased pay rate

I’ve never heard of anyone jumping to long-term sub for the money, but it’s a little perk of the position.

In my school district, long-term substitutes earn $12- $15 a day more than regular substitutes, depending on education level. Check the rates for your intended school district. Is that particular pay increase worth it for you?

In my neophyte fervor to cover for a maternity leave, I seemed to have overlooked some crucial fine print: In my district, the pay increase is only given on the long-term substitute’s 21st consecutive day working and thereafter. (This was really bothersome news when I found out. I’d already been doing all of the things a long-term sub does– which is really all of the things a regular classroom teacher does– those first 20 days. Bah. Humbug.) Heed my warning, and read the tiny words next to the asterisk.

4. Warm fuzzy feelings that you have helped

There can be some pretty desperate, last-minute situations that call for another teacher to step in. Teachers have emergencies– sometimes they have to leave unexpectedly.

This can lead to a disruption in learning. The students are pulled into uncertainty. Admin scramble to fill the gap.

I took on a long-term sub position that had been left open for about three weeks following the teacher’s unexpected leave. I was overcome with the sense of Who else will do this? and really excited to have a classroom of my “own” again after day-to-day subbing.

Not all heroes wear capes– they sometimes wear substitute teacher badges, sensible footwear, and coffee stains.

I once taught dressed up like Bell from Beauty and the Beast. Here I am holding up the picture book to match.

Long-term subbing cons

1. An increase in workload and responsibilities

In my experience, long-term subbing is doing roughly the same work as the regular classroom teacher. You still need to teach the students each day, progressing them toward learning goals. You still need to grade and record various assignments and tests. You still will need to communicate with students’ families. Even if lesson plans are provided, you still will need to adjust them as necessary and flesh them out with details.

Long-term subbing can be like full-time teaching– without the pay or employment benefits.

Remember Pro #3? The increase in pay for long-term subs? That needs to be weighed against this one– this awkward pair goes together like a bickering couple. It behooves you to ask: Is the pay increase worth it, given the amount of extra work and responsibilities?

The funky thing is that each position will vary. I took one job that was easier and therefore more worth it considering the pay to work ratio. All of the lesson plans and materials were provided, I had access to the teacher if needed for any questions, and though I graded things, she did the work of inputting the scores into the gradebook.

Not all long-term sub jobs are that, though– I’ve taught in the opposite situation as well. There are factors to consider before even accepting a job that will hint at if it’s worthwhile for you.

2. Lack of employment benefits

As far as I know, no substitute teaching role, including long-term subbing, comes with employment benefits. I could be wrong on this, but no benefits were included in my experience.

It bears repeating: As a long-term sub, you’ll likely be doing the work of a full-time classroom teacher sans benefits like health insurance and retirement.

I did find an apparent instance in Maine where substitutes could earn one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, but it seems like an outlier. (Friends from other states– if you could chime in on the issue of perks and benefits for subs, I’d appreciate it!)

Where I am in Florida, in my school district, there were no employment benefits offered.

They do let me take most of the district professional development classes for free if I want, so I guess that’s something.

No health insurance can be a big factor in the decision. Consider if you basically want to work full-time hours for a portion of the school year with no benefits.

3. Inflexible hours

I became a substitute mostly for the flexible schedule. I think many people do– that’s the main appeal. I love being able to sub and earn some quick bucks on a random Wednesday and be back in my sweatpants at home by Thursday.

Flexibility is chucked out the window for long-term subs. Not that you can’t ever take the occasional day off or two as needed, but you’re definitely expected to be there day in and day out for the term.

You may be able to make the position fit into your life, but I think losing that handpicked schedule can be a dealbreaker for many.

4. Long-term subbing is often a thankless role

If you’re going to do this, you might as well invest in a journal and an emotional playlist because No one will understand you.

Half substitute, half teacher– if you have any shred of imposter syndrome like me– you’ll be sitting (unpaid by the way) in afterschool staff meetings feeling like a fraud. Even if you are moving heaven and earth to do right by these kids.

It’s likely no one will understand your struggle. I took an especially challenging position for an unplanned leave. I felt dropped upside down into a city that I was suddenly appointed the mayor of and I didn’t speak the language, and there was a hurricane raging during the ribbon cutting/commencement speech.

That position worked out in the end, and I am left with for the most part happy memories and warm feelings. But it was no easy feat. (For others in a similar situation, I’ve written a post with my best advice for navigating through.)

A long-term sub kicking her feet back on occasion.

You decide: Is long-term subbing worthwhile?

As you can see, there are quite a few factors that go into making the decision to (or not to!) long-term substitute teach. Considerations range from the pay to the work load to how the situation fits into your unique life and goals.

If you decide to take it on, you’ve signed up for something weirdly in between substituting and full-time classroom teaching. It’ll quite possibly be one of the most obstacle-filled yet rewarding teaching experiences you have. The kids will probably learn more than a thing or two from you, and you’ll surely learn from them. Godspeed, my long-term sub friends. Let me know how it goes!

Other long-term substitute resources on the blog: