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Why I Am Hesitant To Be a Substitute Teacher…Again
Honest thoughts, no filter
Movies like Dangerous Minds, Lean On Me, and Freedom Writers may have colored our abilities to foreshadow what an actual teaching experience looks like.
Even though the teachers in those true story movies encountered a rowdy classroom, experienced loss, and even their own family drama, many of us future teachers believed that just like those teachers, we can overcome the negatives and become the savior that the students need.
Here are some reasons why that was a pipe dream and why I loathe substitute teaching.
The pay is incredibly low.
I live in the state of Virginia, and when I began substitute teaching in 2008, the pay was $59/day if you had a paraprofessional certification or A.S. degree. Those with Bachelor’s degrees and higher were paid at least $80/day or more. For both types, the pay is a little higher these days.
Considering that you don’t know which school will call you or what you are about to experience for the day, if you are an A.S. degree holder(like I am), you’re paid in pennies. You literally would have to work 5 days a week to make a decent check. Trust me 5 full days of substitute teaching a week, is not worth it.
