This explains some of the advantages as well as the disadvantages involving the profession of substitute teaaching.
If you love kids, meeting new people, can exhibit flexibility, can go with the flow, and are up for adventure on a daily basis, then substitute teaching may be for you. If you are a prospective teacher, this can be a great way to get your feet wet into the world of teaching and get the "inside scoop" at particular schools. Substitute teachers are always needed at various school districts across the states and the requirements vary depending on which school district you choose to prosper. However, there are drawbacks to this underrated profession as well, such as lack of a support system and lack of inconsistency. Depending on your particular situation, this far from dull profession may very well be for you, especially if you possess a confident and outgoing attitude with children and adults.
Advantages:
1) Great addition to your resume Any experience you have had with teaching kids always looks positive to a potential educational employer, especially if you’ve subbed for various age groups. This demonstrates your flexibility and willingness. Employers can see that you’ve gotten your feet wet and have a basic understanding as to what goes on day to day inside classrooms. If you’ve subbed long term for a specific class, this looks even better.
2) Set your own schedule The beauty about being a substitute teacher is that you can pick and choose the particular days you want to work. Whether you prefer to work two, three, or all five days of the week is strictly up to you. It’s a great part-time job if you just need a little extra spending money. Most school districts desperately need subs so they tend to appreciate any days you are available to work.
3) Pick and choose your own jobs Many school districts nowadays have an automated system, in which the system either calls you or you can log onto the website with a password and see a list of jobs that are available. You have the advantage to choose the ones that interest you the most. The best part is that you don’t have to talk to anyone or give an explanation as to why you chose this job or that one.
4) Discover Grade Preferences If you have the strong desire to pursue a career in education, it is highly recommended that you experience subbing so that you can find out what grade level you most prefer to work with. Every single grade level is different, as far as curriculum, standards, lesson planning, and the age group behaviors. Therefore, this is a great way to find your grade level "niche."
5) Gain familiarity with schools Substitute teaching is a terrific way for you to personally assess the schools, and decide whether or not you would like to pursue teaching at a particular school for the long haul. Maybe you clicked with the principal, teachers, or kids at one school and you’ve decided that you would like to try to get a permanent position there. On the other hand, maybe there was a particular school that didn’t sit well with you for one reason or another. It’s better to know what school you like before you get hired and sign the contract.
Disadvantages
1) Inconsistent group of co-workers Since substitute teaching involves working in various classrooms, you are around different principals, teachers, and kids everyday. Thus, the substitute teaching profession can get very lonely and even intimidating if you don’t know who you will meet on a daily basis. Although if you are very extroverted and thrive on new situations and meeting new people, this won’t matter.
2) Significantly less pay than regular teachers Unfortunately, many school districts pay substitute teachers far less than what they truly deserve. They are putting forth their dedication and efforts to step in for the regular teacher and enrich the lives of our kids and are expected to fulfill the task as the regular teacher would, but often receive far less compensation for doing so.
3) No benefits Substitute teachers receive no health or dental benefits whatsoever. This is a dire situation especially in a world today where so many Americans are uninsured. If your significant other already has health coverage through his or her employer, than this obstacle doesn’t matter.
4) Unpredictability In the world of substitute teaching, you never know where you’re going to be from one day to the next. Therefore, it’s hard to mentally prepare yourself for the day’s events. You have to be ready to go to a particular school on a moment’s notice, since sometimes jobs don’t become available until the morning you work. This is due to unexpected circumstances, such as teachers becoming ill.
5) Subject to disruptive behavior Since the regular teacher is out for the day, some of the kids in that particular classroom may feel as though they don’t have to listen to you or follow through with the day’s instructions, rules, and procedures. Therefore, you become an easy target for the high-maintenance kids. If you can exhibit good classroom management skills, you should in most cases be able to make it through the day with flying colors.
Now that you have acquired the lowdown on the pros and cons of substitute teaching, you can effectively decide whether or not it’s right for you. If you have the sincere desire to be a teacher and enrich the lives of young people, it’s best to get your feet wet first before pursuing a full-time teaching job. Teaching isn’t for everyone, but hopefully being a sub first will help you decide if it’s right for you.
