TeachAde

c.salazar

I haven't started substitute teaching yet... but my mother was a sub for a few years. I will say you are correct in that subbing is NOT teaching. My mom has no certification whatsoever, and was still able to sub for a few schools in my hometown. I am supposed to start my subbing this summer, and if not then, hopefully in my fall semester this year. How do you like the who oredeal of subbing? Is it all worth the experience? I have been wanting to do it for a while, and just think it will benefit me a lot. What do you think?

Vee

From what my in service teachers have told me, subbing is worth the experience, if the teacher you are subbing for feels that you have completed his/her lesson plans to the best of your ability and maintain a fair amount of control of the class, that teacher will request you in the future and it put you into a better position to get a job at that school because the teaching staff and administration is already familiar with you. Alot of my friends received job this way. Also it a great way to see what grade you want to teach and in what district if you don't know already

jpo271

I have not had substitute experience but I work in an after school program in my district and you pretty much what they teachers do on a regular basis. Everyday we do lesson plans and it's not just on one subject. We interact with the students, have homework time, and they even have their recess time just like they would in the regular school day.

Judy B

Subbing has great benefit to the pre-service teacher. No, you are not planning and implementing lesson plans, but you have the opportunity to practice classroom management, interact and observe multiple teachers and administrators, and encourage the children. So many of our students need to know they are valuable -- you have chance show genuine interest in individuals and make that day a positive one for him or her.

pre-service28

Subbing has been pretty varied. Some teachers really shine in their classroom management skills. For example there was a teacher who had a whole notebook made just for her subs. It was extremely detailed and by far the smoothest experience thus far. I definitely think some jobs are outstanding and some jobs just need a warm body there. It is important to mention I sort of resent the negative stigma certain teachers leave with their students in regards to subs. I have had several instances where students have literally ignored instruction because I was a sub. "oh it's a sub, get your ipod/cell, what have you". Then I am forced to redirect the bad behavior. I have found when students also understand that I am a student who is becoming a teacher I have more respect. It is very much worth it to gain that classroom experience whether negative or positive.

Jennifer Little

Subbing uncovers the various systems teachers use in their classroom to organize, discipline and reward students. You quickly find out who the good and not-so-good teachers are. When you are a pre-service teacher and sub in a good teacher's room, it can be worthwhile to ask to observe the teacher in action.