These last couple of months have really been a roller coaster. My father-in-law moved in with us, and although his time here was much shorter than we expected, his passing left an impact on our family. By the time he passed, I was also dealing with congestion and chronic indigestion—apparently my body’s way of saying slow down.
So, I took a week off. I needed to help my husband take care of things, clean up, and get my health back on track.
One of the great things about being a substitute teacher is flexibility. You can say no when you need to—whether it’s to care for your kids, manage college classes, look after an aging parent, or simply take care of yourself. But remember: if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. Substituting isn’t high-paying, but it can be a solid supplemental income, a good retirement gig, or a way to stay afloat while you figure out your next steps.
Don’t Be That Sub!
In a past post, I mentioned there are two types of subs: those who work and those who don’t.
The ones who don’t often fall into the “fun sub” category. They present the classwork, keep things light, and let the kids enjoy themselves—sometimes a little too much. But at least they still respect school rules.
Recently, I heard about a sub who won’t be asked back to one of the schools where I’ve worked. Why? They broke a major rule: they let students use their phones in class.
Lesson of the Day: Know (and Follow) the Rules
Always pay attention to school rules. Every school has its own policies, and even if a rule seems minor, breaking it can cost you your reputation—or your spot on the call list.
Being a substitute teacher is about balance: bringing your personality and flexibility into the classroom while respecting the structure that keeps everything running smoothly.
So take care of yourself, take the jobs that fit your life, but when you walk into that classroom—remember, you represent more than just yourself.
What about you—have you ever had to take time off from subbing for family or health reasons? Or maybe you’ve seen some “fun subs” in action? Share your experiences in the comments! I love hearing from other subs—your stories always remind me that we’re all learning and growing together.
