Substitute teachers are a vital, though often overlooked, part of the American school system.
Tenure for substitute teachers can range from day-to-day subs, where they fill in for individual days and often work in multiple districts, to long-term subs that work in one district and cover classes while teachers are away for sabbatical, maternity leave, family leave or retirement.
Many schools also utilize building subs, or teachers that are assigned to a particular district for the year.
Teaching as a substitute is often a stepping stone between student-teaching and employment in a permanent teaching position.
Mr. Michael Parrish, a building substitute at THS and a recently-graduated Penn State alumni, says he has “learned a lot from other teachers about different teaching methods and classroom management to help with student learning.”
Many substitutes also take on this job when local schools aren’t hiring in any full-time positions. Parrish followed this path, in the hopes of gaining some teaching experience and practice in a classroom while waiting for full-time openings.
Substituting is often a challenging endeavor. Teachers are frequently assigned to cover classes in subjects outside of their specialty, which can make assisting students difficult. Day-to-day subs have to face the difficulties of being hired in multiple districts simultaneously, meaning their schedules are incredibly variable.
It isn’t a job without its rewards, however.
As Mr. Phillip Donofrio, another Trinity building sub, says, “I had an early retirement, so I still enjoy being in the classroom working with high school students.”
Donofrio also enjoys the daily changes his job brings and has enjoyed seeing how Trinity operates.
Many subs across the nation have been spread thin recently, due to a post-Covid shortage of subs and increased teacher absences.
The marked decline in substitute teachers in this field can be attributed to multiple causes. Relatively low pay, fewer retired teachers interested in subbing and a decline in participation in teaching preparation programs are all likely causes of this decrease.
The requirements to be a substitute teacher are relatively simple. Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree, U.S. citizenship and a background check. The bottom line, though, seems to be that fewer people are interested in participating in this field.
Though substitute teaching is a challenging job, subs at Trinity are appreciative of the welcoming attitudes of students and staff in the district.
