Substitute Teacher: Pros & Cons

Were you excited or disappointed to see a substitute teacher when you were in school?  Did you think you were going to get away with things, have less work, or be bored by busy work?  Maybe you had no idea what to expect because it was a random person that you'd never seen before.  Perhaps you were thrilled to see that someone you knew was taking charge for the day.  All this may have gone through your head, but did you ever consider becoming a sub (Yes, the teacher, not the sandwich.)?
Substitute teaching has many pros and cons.  Depending on your situation (Eh hmm, you moms trying to have it all), it could be a great option to help support your family.  Let's take a deeper dive.

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Pros

• Flexible - This position is great for flexibility!  If you know you have an appointment, you don't have to take a job on a specific day.  Even if you just want a day off or if your babysitter does and you need a break to hang out with the kids, you can take jobs when you want them, but never have to.
• Great hours - Working a school job means school hours.  Around me that means about 7:30am to 3pm.  Great for moms with school-age children because you can work when they are at school and sometimes at the same school which makes pick-ups extra easy.
• No take home - Now if you happen upon a long term substituting position, this could change, but for the most part, when the last student leaves, you are done for the day.
• Multitude of opportunities - The number of schools or school districts that you can work with is limited only by how far you are willing to drive to get there.  I like to stay within about a half hour of home.  In that radius, there are about seven school districts and plenty of work to go around.
• Work conditions - Generally, you have lunch off, a planning period free, and are in a climate controlled room.  I can think of worse ways to spend a day.

Cons

• Typically low paying - This varies by region.  I typically make $90 for working a day.
• Can't necessarily work every day that you want - The availability of positions depends on a lot of things like what grades or subjects you can work with and if you are a short or long term sub.  Make sure that you are kind and respectful to the school secretaries.  They are usually the first to hear about openings and may call you first if they know you are reliable.
• Need a license - This is specific to each state and probably require a background check, and yes, all these things do cost money. Look up your Department of Education for more information.
• May need some higher education - Again, this is state specific.  See your Department of Education for more.
• Last minute - To get the most work you will need to be available at the last minute.  This can mean getting up and getting ready everyday like you have a job lined up and having the babysitter on stand by.  Some jobs can come as late as... well, as school is starting and they need you as soon as you can be there.
• Limited benefits - Here the time I serve does go toward a teaching retirement plan, but there are no other benefits available to me.
• Not available during the summer - Or during holidays.  If the school is closed, this is not an option.
• Snow days - If school is cancelled for inclement weather, even if you were booked for the day, you won't get paid.

Think you have what it takes to sub?  Check out your state's Department of Education and contact your local school districts.  Schools are in need of great subs and often will help you navigate the process.  Make sure schools know you are available, be prepared to walk into anything from seven fully prepped teaching periods to a day of study halls(bring a book), and if you are willing to sub for P.E., be sure to have a whistle!