When Swing began, we had a laser focus: using technology to help schools find high-quality substitute teachers to fill teacher vacancies. And since then, our mission has not changed. However, the world around us has. The national substitute teacher shortage that existed before COVID-19 has only grown more profound necessitating even deeper recruitment and retention efforts. At Swing, we’re … Read More
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion: Lessons and Teaching Ideas for Inclusive Schools Week
*Swing recommends that substitute teachers get all outside teaching resources approved by the school prior to sharing with students. Diversity, acceptance, and inclusion should all be taught at home and in the classroom. And, for teachers, the upcoming Inclusive Schools Week provides an opportune time to further engage students in these important topics, while continuing to implement and reinforce inclusive … Read More
How Swing Education Helped Me Balance Work, Life and Family
For Stephen Kooshian, the path to becoming a Swing Sub took a few twists and turns. Though he’d been drawn to teaching since high school, he had two other careers before substitute teaching. Prior to teaching, Stephen worked in a traditional office job environment and also ran a small business, but he felt that he didn’t have the ownership … Read More
10+ Teaching Resources to Commemorate Native American Heritage Month
*Swing recommends that substitute teachers get all outside teaching resources approved by the school prior to sharing with students. Since an official proclamation in 1990, November has marked Native American Heritage Month. This represents a dedicated time to celebrate – and teach students – about the culture, traditions, and contributions of Native people, as well as the challenges they have … Read More
How Swing Education Helps This Substitute Teacher Do It All
Jose VanDerburg loves helping people and being active in the Los Angeles community. He also loves helping students which is one of the reasons he entered into education as a one-on-one and classroom aide with the local school district. “It is great meeting and interacting with students on a daily basis,” said VanDerburg. “Having the opportunity to impact young … Read More
How Swing Education Helped This Substitute Teacher Get into the Classroom Quickly
After a more than 20-year break from substitute teaching, Valerie Pierce knew she wanted to return to education and follow her passion of helping students. This spurred her decision to go back to school and pursue a degree in special education studies. “I really just love being with students and trying to create an engaging learning environment for them … Read More
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month in the Classroom
*Swing recommends that substitute teachers get all outside teaching resources approved by the school prior to sharing with students. Wednesday, September 15th marks the kick-off of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latinx Americans. This date is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for the countries of … Read More
Inclusion, Determination, and Grit: Teaching Students Important Lessons from the Paralympic Games
*Swing recommends that substitute teachers get all outside teaching resources approved by the school prior to sharing with students. The Paralympic Games, which are held every four years and kick off on August 24th in Tokyo, are a longstanding multi-sport event for athletes with physical, mental, and sensorial disabilities. The first Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960 and … Read More
End-of-Year Resources to Teach Students about Equity
*Swing recommends that substitute teachers get all outside teaching resources approved by the school prior to sharing with students. As June marks both Juneteenth and Pride Month, now is a great time to reinforce the importance of equity with students through engaging, topical learning experiences. Also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration … Read More
Resources to Help Teach About and Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
*Swing recommends that substitute teachers get all outside teaching resources approved by the school prior to sharing with students. May marks Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and acknowledge the culture, heritage, and history of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. According to The Library of Congress, May was chosen as it commemorates the immigration of … Read More