5 Reasons I Love Substitute Teaching

Twenty-one typically chatty fifth graders sit at their desks in front of me, and yet, it's absolutely silent. I stand by the teacher's desk at the front of the room, slowly reading the last lines of the chapter as they read along. One of the main characters has just died.

I lower the book and look up. The students look at me. They sit there and I stand there in silence for what seems like quite a while, shaken. Then they start talking. They're angry, they're sad, they feel cheated that the author has taken away one of the characters that they had grown to love over the last 12 chapters and several days.

For me, that day was a testimony not only to the power of good books but also an example of one of the ways working as a substitute teacher has blessed me over the past decade.

It's a job I didn't know I'd enjoy so much, let alone love. It's a job that's gotten a bad reputation over the years. Fortunately, that's changing. In an effort to better understand who's applying to fill these positions and how to make them more appealing, substitute or "guest" educators are being asked about their priorities and concerns. This is a step in the right direction. The more people know about this job and the benefits it offers, the more they will want to give it a try themselves.

There are myriad reasons I love my job. Here are just five:

1. Helping in an important way. Teachers are in demand. News of America's teacher shortage is often in the headlines. This shortage of classroom teachers consequently leads to a shortage of substitute teachers. The National Center for Education Statistics recently reported that nearly all public schools have experienced difficulty in the past couple years finding substitutes.

This crisis we so often hear about in the news means that administrators often have to step in to cover classes or students will be split among other classes or teachers will substitute for absent teachers during their regular prep periods. It puts a strain on the entire system. That trickles down to the children.

When I read the headlines or drive by a school with a sign out front that says SUBS NEEDED, I am saddened, but I also have a sense of satisfaction in knowing that the country needs one less substitute teacher because I'm showing up to fill one of those spots every day. It is so needed and — at least in the school where I work — greatly appreciated.

2. It is interesting and fun. As a substitute, every day is different. In the 10 years I've been subbing in elementary schools, I have worked as a classroom teacher and an instructional assistant at every grade level from preschool to grade 6.

In addition to covering all academic subject areas, including history, reading, math and science, I have also covered art, music, physical education, instructional technology, library science and Spanish. Sometimes I've worked in a couple different capacities in a single day. Moving around so much keeps it interesting, and I'm always learning something new.

It's also an opportunity to play. When was the last time you molded Play-Doh? Kicked a ball? Shook a maraca? When I spend a day with children, I often find myself doing all sorts of things I wouldn't typically do in my grown-up world.

I've paired up for badminton in P.E. class when there was an odd number of students. I've run races with preschoolers on the playground, slid down slides, played in sand tables, rolled marbles through plastic mazes, laughed at silly jokes, danced.

Not only have I played new games, I have also revisited forgotten childhood joy and remembered how good it feels to laugh and run and smile.

3. Flexible hours and days. This was one of the benefits I appreciated when my children were young. I was able to work while they were in school, and I was home for them before and after school. Also, as a per diem substitute, you can choose which days you want to work.

In some systems, as long as you work a minimum number of days, you remain active in the system. This helped tremendously when I had to take time off for emergency eye surgery.

In addition to choosing which days you work, being in the school, the hours are set. You know you will not be working on the weekends or over school breaks or on snow days, and once the school day is over, your work day is done. No overtime. No work to take home.

4. Extra cash. This was the reason I initially applied to substitute teach. After staying home to raise our children, I realized I needed to work outside the home in order to supplement my husband's income. In the first few years, I worked almost every day. Since then, my pay has increased.

For the past two years, I've worked as a building sub in a wonderful school. I work every day. Since substitutes are in such high demand, chances are good that new subs may be able to work every day as well. Although it is unlikely to make you rich, substitute teaching can help pay the bills. Pay rates vary by state, between districts and sometimes even from one school to another.

5. We all have something unique to offer. If you think you're not qualified to substitute teach because you haven't taught before, think again. Everyone has something to offer. You have life experiences unique to you. Whether it's what you've done, where you've gone, or who you've known, your experiences alone make you one-of-a-kind and, therefore, provide something only you can give to others.

Subbing also presents a wonderful opportunity to share your talents and interests with others. As I mentioned above, I've been able to share my love of books and the beauty of language. I've talked with students about my love of writing and enjoyed reading their stories with them.

I've also had more than a few conversations about Maggie, my black Labrador retriever. More than that, I've come to realize that the most valuable gift we can provide to children (and adults) is our time and attention. We all have at least a little of that to spare. To actively listen and to have been heard are among the greatest joys of this job.

I wish more people would look into their district's requirements and try subbing. We often read newspaper headlines and think What can I do? The substitute teacher crisis is something we can actually do something about.

Whether or not you see yourself as a teacher, you have so much to offer. Your time, your talents, your attention. Ultimately, it's not about how much you know. It's about being open to trying new things and spending time with people.

It's a chance to connect with others and make new friends. If you're looking for a new job, a way to get involved in your community, or make a little extra cash after retirement, substitute teaching may be the answer. You may just find yourself, as I did, among a roomful of wide-eyed, curious students, all of you eager for the next chapter.

Amy Nicholson Nicholson lives with her family by a waterfall in northwest Connecticut. She works as an educator and freelance writer. Find more of her musings at amynicholson14.wordpress.com. Read More