In beginning...

Well, I'm already working on my calendar for next school year (2025-2026). I cannot believe it's only the second week of July, and I already have five jobs lined up! Wow! Made me think back to when I first started subbing. It was the fall of 2020, and the school year had already begun. I was taking anything I could get, and some were longer jobs (2 weeks) due to COVID outages. It was also an excellent introduction for me to teachers, schools, and the processes, as well as where I preferred to substitute or not. 

Some things to know when you first start:
They will call you early, early in the morning! Or, when you think you have the day off, you may get a last-minute call. Being prepared for anything, especially during the first year, is crucial.

Each school may have different check-in and check-out processes. My first experience at elementary school was not good - there seemed to be an expectation that I knew who to talk to and what to do, but as a total newbie, I had no clue. The middle school had another experienced substitute show me how to check in, where to get my information folder, and where to go - it was great. High school was similar to elementary school - she gave me my folder, told me the class was on the 2nd floor, and off I went.  

Take whatever you can and work as much as you can for the first year. The more familiar you become with the schools and teachers, the more likely you are to know who you will and won't substitute for, what schools or ages you prefer, and they are more likely to ask you back. 

I have also found there are two types of subs - those who work, and those who don't. Many schools will take what they can get to fill a teacher's seat, but they are more likely to ask back a substitute who makes an effort in the classroom. I try to follow the teacher's lesson plan and hold the kids accountable. But I know many subs that may (or may not) present the lesson and then let the kids play games or do whatever, as long as everyone gets through the day. I have also seen or heard of subs who fall asleep in class. Sometimes, especially in High School, with so much being online, this can be easy to do, but I don't recommend it. At least pay attention to the class!

Be prepared for anything! Sometimes the assignment may change - you pick up a job as a gym teacher, but you're put in science because they don't want a substitute in the gym or weight room. Sometimes the teacher who called out changes plans, or they need someone in a classroom instead of the co-teacher you were supposed to be. I have had times when I didn't get lunch because I was covering more than one teacher, and their lunches didn't align, or I was substituting as a para pro who shadows a student or two and doesn't get a break until the end of the day. One time, I was subbing as a paraprofessional (kind of an assistant teacher) and was told I'd be helping with field day, so I dressed for being active outdoors. However, my assignment changed to a classroom setting instead.I wasn't comfortable wearing athletic leggings in a classroom, but I did bring jeans just in case.

Dress appropriately and be aware of the age group. In elementary school, you may be getting up and down from the floor. Many schools prefer a professional dress code, but some are more relaxed, allowing jeans, and this may not be clear until you arrive. As a sub, they may not care too much, but I highly suggest business casual. Nice jeans, a button-down shirt, a dress, a skirt, a nice top, dress pants, and a dress shirt. You get the gist?