AW: Accepted first real sub job

AmberMarieTX

I'm soooooooo nervous!! I don't know if any of you guys know, but I graduated in May with my teaching degree and I did not get a job this summer. But I did get a sub job at the district that I want to teach in, so I was hoping I could get my foot in the door.

Well, I finally pulled the trigger and accepted my first sub job. It's Pre-K, though, at an early learning center. Way different than what I'm used to (I prefer the older kids in 3rd grade).

I'm excited but SO NERVOUS--- anyone have any tips??

anglcakes7

Speaking as a teacher, I would suggest talking to the teachers when you are subbing!!  Not in a nosy kind of way, but in a professional way.  Once you get in with the teachers, they will call you to sub, then the principal will notice you more!  That is how 3 of our teachers in my school got hired this year... they were amazing subs that were used all throughout the school.

Good luck!!  I am a 3rd grade teacher so agree that 3rd grade rocks!  

AmberMarieTX

I love third grade! Not a fan of the testing, of course, but I loved coaching them through it and pumping them up for it. I know these things can be stressful for them. I'm interested to see what Pre-K is like, though. Should be interesting!

I'm definitely hoping to get my foot in the door through subbing. I applied to probably close to 20 different districts and not one interview!

TexanTreasure08

Congrats!!

rach7779

I'm a sub too! I prefer the high school age though (even though the younger ones are better when you are subbing - they don't try to take advantage of the fact that you are a sub!). I didn't get my teaching degree, but after I finished my degree decided I wanted to teach and went through an alt. certification program - but have been having the hardest time trying to find a job.

All I can say about subbing is to get in good with the teachers, and also the secretaries in the front office! I got a lot of jobs after I made friends with the lady in charge of all of the subs at the school that I liked, if someone needed a sub she would call me or tell me about it. Also, always pretend like you know what you're doing even if you don't The kids can always sniff out uncertainty, haha. It was tough at first to learn all of the different policies for taking attendance, lunch, etc. at each school - but once you get that down its a breeze! Good luck!

AmberMarieTX

That's what I'm most nervous about is the attendance, lunch schedules, pull out programs, etc etc...

llc2011

Congrats!

1fwdarlin

Congrats! I'm a sub too (also looking for a full time job). Don't be nervous! You can do this- it's what you spent years working towards. And younger kids love substitutes! Expect to get a lot of drawings given to you.

I agree with the others- talk to the teachers and secretary- don't be afraid to ask questions. One thing I did last year was leave my substitute card with a detailed letter to the teacher I subbed for and I was called and even texted all the time to substitute. Get to know people- finding a job is a lot about who you know, having a good reputation, and being remembered. I subbed for one semester and ended up getting a job after school tutoring twice a week at one of the schools in January because of someone I met (on top of substituting). I think I would have been hired as a teacher if it weren't for my district having to let teachers go.  What district are you working in?

1fwdarlin

Oh and get there early- then you'll have time to look over all of the lesson plans and figure out where things are so you don't need to worry about anything. It's not a bad idea to have some ideas of things you can do with the class because on occasion the lesson plans I was given didn't last the whole day.

rach7779

Good advice above! I was going to mention bringing extra stuff to do with the kids too. Also a side note about just how tough it is to get a teaching job right now: I know someone in the Keller district that told me there had been a last minute Kindergarten teaching opening, and they had 500 applicants! For just that one job! Ugh.

anglcakes7

To all of the subs that are out there... What school districts are you subbing in???

1fwdarlin

Birdville and White Settlement

BanannaP

I substitute taught for a year after I graduated with my bachelor's in Music Education. I hated it, and it made me realize that I didn't really want to be a teacher after all. And I have some very interesting stories from that year.

Definitely get there early, and make sure you introduce yourself to the other teachers in your grade and those whose classrooms are physically near yours. That way they can come to your aid should you need it. 

AmberMarieTX

Keller is the district I'm subbing in and the district I REALLY want to work in! thanks for all the advice, guys!!

dianaslik

I'm a sub in HEB
Works well while I'm in grad school.

I agree with the pp about getting in good with teachers/secretaries (and leaving a "note" and a card or something with your Sub ID).  A lot of schools have "regular" subs (and/or a "preferred sub" list).  And some schools will let you leave a card in the office or in the teachers mailboxes (even if you aren't subbing there that day... just call in advance).

Bless y'all that to elementary... I mean, the young kids are sweet, but I get overwhelmed just thinking about them in large groups!
Honestly, my favorite to sub is junior high. It sounds crazy, but my experience is that they are old enough to "get it" and get jokes, etc... but still young enough to have a healthy level of fear/respect.

GOOD LUCK!

DFWIndian

No tips, but Congrats!!!