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That is so variable. The bigger of a school district that you sub for, the likelier that you will work everyday--or sign on for several. I was subbing exclusively for spec ed last year and worked every day that I wanted to, but sped assignments aren't popular. I don't know why--I thought they were easier, but then I love sped and have my praxis tomorrow. Anyway, I've never heard of subs getting benefits. It's good to get on with one that has a computerized system like AESOP so you can plan your schedule.
Some ways to up your chances to work every day:
*Start off the day by introducing yourself and tell the kids a bit about yourself--you may as well be nice, b/c the mean subs will get run over just as much as the nice ones, sometimes worse--I saw a lady start off very authoritatively one day and I was pretty impressed at first, but then I saw her go dragging a couple of kids out by their ears and the school asked her to not come back! If the kids like you, you have a chance.
*Learn some good classroom control tactics--google some stuff.
*Don't wake up nappers or bother kids not doing the work--they know what they're supposed to be doing, and as a sub, you'll have little success in motivating them. Do inform them that you'll be leaving names for the teacher of anyone who chose to sleep, or not work, or whatever. Also, don't worry about it b/c I've seen perfectly nice kids just shut down on sub day. Again, if they like you. . .
*Leave a good detailed note for the teacher about how your day went and what you got to and what went wrong, but be sure to be more positive than negative.
*Have a bag full of worksheets and coloring sheets and alternate activities--also google sponge activities--this will save your life when the teacher leaves no plans (it happens more than it should), maybe keep a couple of VHS or DVD movies, mad libs are fun for 5th-8th grades or spec ed
*Make yourself a business card or have some printed up and leave them with teachers--a magnetized back so they can hang it on a file cabinet so they won't lose it is good. Few subs do this, and it's such an easy way to get yourself called back--if you're even halfway decent, they'll request you, b/c otherwise they can get a nasty surprise. To my amusement, some of my favorite teachers still have mine from over a year ago.
Istarted subbing in September. Since then, I have had an assignment every day, except for the last day before Christmas break. No, I don't get benefits, but my wife is a school bus driver so I get them through her.
Is it possible to sub full-time? What parts of the country are really desperate for subs? Do any parts of the country offer health insurance to subs?
I did substitute teaching in MAdison WI in 1996-1997. Though it was not full-time everyday there were several other districts nearby and between three districts I had work everyday--75% in Madison.
I think Madison at the time offered bennies, but you had to pay for them.
They also gave sick days and were represented by the union...
Where I live, NC, subbing is a great way when you are between teaching jobs to stay in the loop. Plus you get to know more about your own child's education. There is a course offered at most community colleges in NC called Substitute Effective Teacher Training. Some districts require it. It is about 20-25 hours and very benefitial, even to an experienced teacher.
Some districts are limiting new sub applicants to those with jobs or even teaching certifications. That is because so many people are signing up to sub to make money until they find a new job in their field.
I was brand new this year, since we just moved, and I worked as much as I wanted. It is always slow in the beginning until the teachers get to know you. If you show them that you can actually teach their classes and leave them caught up, you will always get more sub jobs than you may want.
There are no benefits that I know of, but that was not a concern of mine so I didn't ask. Here there is a pay scale based on qualifications. I make $91 a day as a certified teacher, which isn't bad considering I love the job and I do not have child care expenses as a result of this job.
And, I second the poster who liked subbing in the special ed classes. Those days were so incredible I am now considering switching to resource teaching.
Here in my district there are long-term sub positions for subs who have a teaching certificate. The regular teacher could be on extended sick leave, maternity leave, family leave, or it could be an open position waiting to be filled. Thus, it's a great way to get into a full-time teaching position.
Many schools like ours "adopt" our favorite subs that we use all the time. They even come to our staff parties! It's a great idea to latch onto a couple of schools & become a friend.
If you can become accomplished & well-known as a "great sub," many will want you! We are always looking for GREAT subs.
Here in my district there are long-term sub positions for subs who have a teaching certificate. The regular teacher could be on extended sick leave, maternity leave, family leave, or it could be an open position waiting to be filled. Thus, it's a great way to get into a full-time teaching position.
Many schools like ours "adopt" our favorite subs that we use all the time. They even come to our staff parties! It's a great idea to latch onto a couple of schools & become a friend.
If you can become accomplished & well-known as a "great sub," many will want you! We are always looking for GREAT subs.
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