Day in my Life 🍎

It's incredible how life can shift, isn't it? After a decade dedicated to being a stay-at-home mom, the thought of re-entering the workforce felt both exciting and daunting. I wanted something that would allow me to use my skills, contribute financially, but most importantly, still be present for my kids. That's where substitute teaching came into the picture, and honestly, it’s been a perfect fit! One of the first things people ask is, 'How do substitute teachers work?' or 'What does a substitute teacher actually do?' Well, my day often kicks off bright and early. After dropping off my own kids, I’m usually arriving at school around 8:03 am, ready to scope out the classroom. The first order of business is often making sure everything is set up – sometimes that means adjusting the proper lighting, checking the lesson plans left by the regular teacher, or just getting a feel for the room. Homeroom is usually a quick dash at 8:20 am, greeting students and taking attendance. Then the real fun begins: teaching! Whether it's Class 1 starting at 8:45 am, or jumping into Class 3, sometimes even working with a co-teacher, you're constantly adapting. No two days are ever truly the same, which keeps things interesting. You might be guiding students through math problems before lunch at 10:35 am, supervising indoor recess at 12:25 pm, or even taking kids to the library at 2:10 pm for reading time. The key is to be prepared for anything and everything! The beauty of this role, especially for a former SAHM like me, is the flexibility. I can choose which days I work, which schools, and even which grade levels I feel most comfortable with. This means I can still be there for school holidays, sick days, and those precious after-school moments. It truly allows me to stay on the same schedule as my children, which was a huge priority. Towards the end of the day, after classes wrap up and I take the kids to the library or their final activity, I dedicate time to fill out sub notes. This is super important: it's where I detail what was covered, any issues that arose, and how the students behaved. It helps the regular teacher pick up right where I left off. Then, it's dismissal time, usually by 2:55 pm, and then I'm out of there by 3:15 pm – Byeee! – ready to pick up my own kids. If you're wondering, 'What is it like being a substitute teacher?' I'd say it's rewarding, challenging, and incredibly diverse. You get to meet so many different students and staff, and you're constantly learning. Plus, with the ongoing demand for substitute teachers in many districts, it can be a relatively easy field to enter. It’s definitely more than just babysitting; it's about maintaining classroom continuity and supporting student learning, even for a day. For anyone looking for a flexible job that makes a difference, I highly recommend looking into it!