You may have noticed that since I returned from the Shot@Life Champion Summit, I haven’t been around much. That’s because I returned on a Wednesday and then immediately started a long-term substitute teacher position on that Thursday. That means I’ve been staying busy offline and haven’t had as much time to write posts or respond to emails. So, I thought I would take a moment to reflect on the differences between regular subbing and being a long-term substitute teacher.
Regular Substitute Teaching
- More free time. When I’m not working everyday, I have time to blog and do other things around the house.
- Inconsistent. The con of that is I never know my schedule and can’t make plans. It also means that the pay can be inconsistent.
- Get to know more people. Regular subbing allows me to be in multiple schools and to meet different kids and principals.
- It can be hard. By being a new face in the school, the students tend to try to test the limits with you.
Long-term Substitute Teacher
- Consistency. I have a reliable schedule/routine and pay.
- Relationships. I can build relationships with students and the staff.
- Lots is unknown. This is my second long-term substitute teacher position. In neither of these cases have I been told how long the position would be for.
- Better pay. They school systems pay per day. So, they automatically increase the rate when you work 10 consecutive days in one position.
- Time suck. This whole working all day, everyday is taking up lots of my time. Plus, I’m currently having to do lesson plans and some other stuff at home which also takes up my free time.
So, what do you think of being a regular sub versus a long-term substitute teacher? Do you think it’s better to be a regular one with a day-to-day schedule or a more expected one as a long-term substitute teacher?
Cindy @MomMaven says
I too have been both and at the time I liked being a long-term sub better because of the consistency.
pammypam says
Long term subbing is always better. The day to day instability of subbing is crazy making.
ConnieFoggles says
Although I’ve never taught, I know people who do. They agree that long term subbing is the best way to go. It can lead to a permanent job too. Good luck!
Shanaka says
I asked my friend about this and she said her choice would be for long term subbing.
Kelli says
Short Term is great because it is so flexible if you aren’t use to being tied down.
Susan says
I was called to take a long term sub position and first week of accepting they called me a few times and now I’m wondering why I haven’t got called again. What can I do to find out?
Lindsay says
One of the long term positions I had, I accepted for weeks at a time. Perhaps, they assumed you would continue coming? Did you ask them before leaving on the last day? It’s also possible their definition of a long term sub is a week or so. Around here, long term is 10 days or more. I suppose you could call the school and ask them, if you thought they might still need a sub for the position.