3 Things I Love About Subbing

The flexible schedule

I can set my available days.  Before my daughter, I could sub five days a week if called or I could choose to only work two and go to Bend or the beach for the day.  Of course,

 I must be careful not to decline too often, but overall, autonomy over my schedule is delightful.

Freedom from lesson plans, grading, parents, and administration

I go to school, do a good job teaching all day, and go home with just my purse.  No piles of ungraded essays hanging over my head.  No lessons to plan (I actually miss this part a bit, if I’m honest).  Just an eight-hour day.  This is particularly refreshing after three years of full-time teaching.  I never stress about backlash from parents, and I rarely see the boss. It’s awesome.

Opportunity to experience many different learning environments and teaching styles

This is probably my favorite part.  I’ve peeked into dozens of 3-12 grade classrooms in the years I’ve spent subbing.  I’ve read snippets of great literature (and gone home to finish them later on my own).  I’ve encountered brilliant lesson materials (which I’ve adapted and used in long-term gigs and my full-time position).  I’ve experienced private schools, public schools, and charter schools.   I’ve learned how to manage a P.E. class and a drama class.  I’ve seen La Bamba in English with Spanish subtitles and in Spanish with English subtitles.  On different days at different schools.  In one 3-day stint in an ESL high school classroom, I came in on day three and greeted the students in Spanish automatically.  I do not speak Spanish.  I’ve seen how different staffs interact, how schools and school days are structured, and how schools tackle integration, differentiation, and absenteeism. I’ve seen so many excellent methods and so many awful ones.  It’s been a fascinating ride.