Is Subbing the Best Way to Get a Job?

[Teacherman]

Hello! I am a 25 y/o male currently looking for a K-6 teaching position. My teaching experiences consist of several field experiences that lasted 4-5 months each time. During these experiences I was able to observe, teach and assess elementary students. I have also students taught in one suburban school and one urban school. Since my student teaching I have been doing limited subbing. I have not subbed since October. I am also enrolled in the Reading Masters program at a local university. The reason I haven't subbed is because I have had a full time job that is not in the education field for the last eight years. This position pays ok and I get full medical benefits. Currently, I have all the regular financial obligations, but I am also getting married in a year and I am trying to save for it like a crazyman! I am also on two prescription drugs for my asthma so the medical benefits are real helpful there. My question is this: What am I to do about subbing? I know it is the best way to get a position but I have financial responsibilities. I want to be a teacher more than anything!!! I should note that with my resume only containing the above teaching experiences, I have already received an opportunity to interview in a few weeks for some elementary positions in one school district. What do you think? Anyone is welcome to respond but I would sure like to hear from some administrators if possible. If some of you could ask your principals that would be great. Thank you!!!!!

 

[YHG311]

It all depends where you are. If you are looking for a job at one specific school, than subbing is a good way to go, though by no means does it guarantee you a job. However, you'd have to make sure that you sub at the school often for you to become known, and go above and beyond your duties to make an impression.
If you sub at numerous schools, subbing is a good way to "get your name around," though it depends whether you are in small district or large one (with your chances being better in a small district because more people will know each other). I am subbing in one of largest districts in USA, and though I'm known in a few schools, 90% of schools have no idea who I am, which is fine with me.
Most likely, I am not going to teach in my present county next year. Instead, I am going to move to a different district in Florida, which I am able to do because the state really needs teachers everywhere. If I wanted to work at a school in my present county, I would have done more to network/impress people. Basically, I did my job and nothing else "extraordinary." I wanted just the experience on my resume, and not to get in the inner circle at a particular school (which is what you should do). I have no other teaching experience, but that really doesn't matter in Florida.
In other states, you need to have more experience, connections, etc., but I'm just telling you how it is in the great state of Florida.

 

[Teacherman]

More info

Thank you for the response. To clarify, I have already sent my resume out to 30 school districts. I do not mind working anywhere in the state of Connecticut. The subbing would basically be for experience on my resume. But you must note that my university required me to have many field experiences and student teaching. The last time I subbed which was the first time I ever subbed was in October of 2005.

 

[Teresa]

I Say NO!

School systems are desperate for subs - once you sign on as a sub - that is where they will keep you - that is my experience and my opinion and I know others who feel the same way.

 

[MelissaJ]

That makes so much sense...it really does. Why hire your good subs and then have to replace them? It's so frustrating.

 

[bucki]

I subbed too

I subbed in 4 districts for 2 1/2 yrs after I graduated. They were going through cut backs and most of my friends subbed for 5 years before any school would look at them for a perm position. I couldn't do that financially, so I moved out of state.

A friend of mine and I were interviewing with many schools in Fl and Ga. I had the subbing experience. She worked as an office temp. She was hired before me. Although, I ended up in the district she wanted. So, I think if you can let them know you have legit reasons for not subbing but keeping your other job, they would understand.

 

[trailpaint]

Need a chance

I am a military spouse and have been subbing for the last year...hoping to get hired for a permanent position. I work steadily and have built a repuatation as a highly qualified and sought-after substitute; however, our district gives hiring preference to teachers already holding permanent teaching positions. Because we are forced to move every 2 to 3 years, I feel that this also makes me an unattractive candidate. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and have flooded the district with applications, but I feel that my situation has caused me to be discriminated against. Teaching is the only thing I want to do. I know I will be a great teacher. I just wish someone would give me the chance.

 

[collteach]

In states that have many more applicants than jobs, it is often not wise to become a substitute. I have seen many friends who were excellent teachers, get passed over for jobs because they were subs. Naturally a school system does not want to lose that great sub. After 4 years of subbing (and one year working for Head Start so that she could have medical benefits for the family), my mother finally got a teaching position. She really got lucky because most subs in the system don't end up getting hired.