Laughing Lindsay

Travel Reviews, Giveaways, & More!

Long-term Substitute Teacher: Pros and Cons

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long-term substitute teacher

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?

Substitute Teacher Supply List

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substitute teacher supply list folder

Since I couldn’t get a full-time teaching position in the fall, I signed up to substitute teach for the county I live in. I have been subbing pretty regularly since September now. Granted, there are some issues that occur because the students don’t know me and I’m there for only a day. However, I have found that being prepared with the right materials can definitely help. Plus, it also helps that I actually love my job. I thought I would share with you my substitute teacher supply list which is a list of stuff I keep ready to go.

* Tote Bag – I’m actually using the Vera Bradley Va Va Bloom Go Round Tote Bag that I reviewed last year. It’s pretty and it holds all of my stuff from this substitute teacher supply list nicely. A high school student even commented on it because she loves Vera Bradley.

* Notebook – I try to take copious notes throughout the day, just in case. At the high school, I write stuff down for each period (even if it’s just a simple “all present”) and for the elementary level, I try to write things as they happen. At end of the day/week, I combine my notes to write up a letter to the teacher I’m filling in for. I also keep a running list of the days I’ve worked (including place and teacher).

* Writing Utensils – I need pens/pencils to write my notes and letter. I’ve also found it useful to carry around some chalk and dry erase markers as I write down the assignments on the board (along with my name and the date) for the students. Occasionally, the teacher doesn’t have any out. So, I carry some, just in case. Also, some students may not come to class prepared with a pencil/eraser.

* Food – I always have a bottle of water in my bag along with a snack and some gum.

* Beauty supplies – This includes a pony tail holder, deodorant, lip balm, hand sanitizer/lotion, etc.

* Book – It can be boring to sit in a classroom without anything to do for 50 minutes (during planning period). So, I always carry around a book.

* Money – I always pack a lunch if I’m going to work all day. However, sometimes I’m scheduled to work the first half of day and get asked for the second. So, it’s nice to have some money for lunch.

Now you have my substitute teacher supply list. What do you think of it? Do you have any suggestions for me? What should I add to my substitute teacher supply list?