It is not new news that the shortage of substitute teachers in the United States has become a pressing issue for school districts across the country. The shortage is leading to a number of consequences, including increased classroom sizes and a decrease in the quality of education that students receive. By exploring the reasons behind the shortage and the implications it has for the future of American education, it is clear that district policies need to change and will require strong support from state and federal funding sources. The Causes of the Shortage There are several factors that have ..read more

Put worry in it’s rightful place … in the dust! Everybody worries sometimes. Right now, you probably have a few worries on your mind. You might be thinking about a relationship or a situation at work. Maybe you are worried about your health or whether or not you are going to have enough money to pay the bills at the end of the month. Whatever the case, worry happens whether we intend for it to or not. When I talk to people who have considered becoming a Professional Substitute Teacher the biggest hurdle for them to overcome to make the commitment is based on worry. They worry they will not be ..read more

When is a rule, not a rule? We grow up thinking many things are set in stone. There are rules all around us. Some for fire safety. Some to protect our possessions. Some to keep things the way they’ve always been. What becomes more complicated is the idea of educational norms. An educational norm is a way people behave in schools, which has become so familiar people think of them as rules when in truth, they are not. So, while we’re toeing the line, and there might be a time and place for this, sometimes it can do more harm than good. This is especially true when it comes to doing what’s right ..read more

Have you ever experienced something and found after the experience that you forgot it? For instance, you may have attended a workshop that taught you how to be a better writer. But, when you left the workshop, you didn’t know how to apply it and your writing stayed the same. This is a time when reflecting on what you learned can help you make the real changes you were seeking. When you reflect, it gives you the ability to break down your teaching into smaller steps. You can think of it as a reenactment of the day. This doesn’t mean you won’t learn anything from your experiences in the classroo ..read more

Welcome 2022! The new year is ringing in and if you are like me, you are anticipating the renewal a new year promises. And if you are like me, there is some courage required to meet those promises head on, firmly grasp them, and make them mine. I did a quick search on Indeed.com to see how many ProSub opportunities are being promised to amazing candidates just like you. 11,144 – that is how many offers I saw. WHOA! That sounds like easy pickings doesn’t it? But it is not that simple is it. It takes courage to overcome perceived fears to enter the career of Professional Substitute Teaching. So ..read more

How many years has education been hearing about Growth Mindset? For decades we have put up posters, changed our lesson plans, taught mantras to students, and thought up catchy phrases to push the concept that skills and intelligence can be improved with effort and persistence. If it is believed that with effort and persistence anything can be accomplished and growth will continue, the growing the number of substitute teachers available by persistently beating the bushes for everyone (and anyone) willing to try their hand at the profession should succeed. Anecdotal and hard data unequivocally p ..read more

Professional Substitute Teacher recruitment and retention is almost becoming a competitive sport. As the pandemic longevity continues and increased stress continues to weigh upon teachers, there are more and more repercussions emerging. Districts are being faced with making the incredibly difficult decision to close schools for extended weekends and holidays to accommodate teacher absences that cannot be filled. Is this a new challenge for schools? Have we previously been flush with substitute teacher candidates and no place to assign them? That would be a wonderful problem to have, if that we ..read more

We have all heard it and we all know it; Communication is Key. The Teacher Feedback Report is one of the most important communication tools you have. Not only for the returning teacher, but for you as the ProSub too. It is more than an opportunity to leave notes about students, lesson successes or challenges, and basic information. It is a multi-purpose instrument you can leverage for four-fold impact. Functions one and two of the feedback form are for the returning teacher. Numbers three and four are for you. By taking advantage of these suggestions, you can turn a simple form into an impactf ..read more

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a Professional Substitute Teacher? Do you ask yourself, “Do I have ‘it’ to be a success in this career?” Chances are, if you are exploring this option, you already have the skills, talents, and personality it takes to be a really great ProSub. You just need some encouragement and guidance to develop your hidden natural born teacher qualities. Qualities of a ProSub I am a checklist person. When I am thinking about something new and trying to decide how I feel about it or just wanting to organize my chaotic brain, my go to strategy is a checklist. I wil ..read more

Summer break is looming. Substitute jobs are waning. This is the time of year that many substitute teachers worry about. The regular days of employment will not be available. That can be stressful, money is not going to keep coming in and it can be a real problem. If money is not a problem (lucky you – that’s awesome) this is an excellent time to brush up on your ProSub skills and do some annual housecleaning. Summer work Many substitute teachers have side hustles during the summer break. If you are not a retired teacher or retired from another profession, then you probably depend on the regul ..read more