Becoming a teacher is an exciting journey! However, some educators who are new to the field or without prior experience in the classroom wonder if starting off as a substitute teacher is a better way to ease into the profession.

If you’re looking to start your teaching career feeling prepared and confident, substitute teaching may be for you. Here’s what you need to know about substitute teaching as a stepping stone:

Gaining practical experience

Substitute teaching offers a unique opportunity to work in a number of diverse classroom settings without officially committing to one specialty, which allows you to:

• Understand classroom dynamics: Each classroom has its own unique culture and dynamics. Substitute teaching helps you become familiar with different classroom environments, teaching styles, student behaviors, and different grade levels and subject matters.
• Hone classroom management skills: Managing a classroom effectively is a valuable skill for any teacher. Teachers face new challenges every day, and as a substitute, you’ll gain the necessary experience to help you overcome various obstacles and refine your classroom management techniques.
• Adaptability and flexibility: Substitute teaching requires you to adapt quickly to new situations, schools, and grade levels. This adaptability is invaluable when you become a full-time teacher, as you’ll be better prepared to handle any unexpected changes and challenges.

Building relationships

Substitute teaching provides valuable opportunities to build relationships within the educational community. These connections can help you gain: 

• Networking opportunities: Establishing relationships with school administrators, teachers, and staff can open doors for future job opportunities and provide valuable references.
• Mentorship and support: Experienced teachers and administrators can offer guidance, mentorship, and support as you navigate the challenges of teaching. These relationships can be instrumental in your professional growth.
• Insight into school culture: Working in different schools gives you insight into various school cultures and environments. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions when applying for full-time positions.

Exploring different teaching levels and subjects

Substitute teaching allows you to explore different grade levels and subjects, helping you discover your preferences and strengths. By teaching various subjects and age groups, you can identify which areas you are most passionate about and where your skills are most effective.

Additionally, understanding your strengths and preferences can help you choose the right grade level and subject area for your full-time teaching career, leading to greater job satisfaction and effectiveness.

Financial considerations

While substitute teaching provides invaluable experience, it’s essential to consider the financial aspect. Substitute teachers often earn less than full-time teachers and may not receive benefits. However, the experience gained can be a valuable investment in your future career. 

With Swing, we ensure you know exactly how much you’ll earn with each and every assignment with pay transparency. 

We take the hourly wage and number of hours in the request and do the mental math for you, giving you as much insight into your pay as possible. From the average daily pay rate to knowing how and when you’ll get paid, you’ll no longer be left in the dark. 

Personal reflection and growth

Substitute teaching also offers a period of personal reflection and growth. It allows you to:

• Assess your commitment: Teaching is a demanding profession that requires passion, patience, and resilience. Substitute teaching provides a realistic preview, helping you assess your commitment to the field.
• Develop confidence: The experience and skills gained through substitute teaching can boost your confidence and readiness for a full-time teaching role.

Substitute teaching with Swing

When you substitute teach with Swing, you can easily find and select the assignments that you actually want, so that you can focus more on teaching and less on the logistics of responding to requests.

From our one-time, paperless onboarding to our dedicated support team, we make it easy for you to get into the classroom. Rather than working with many different districts in your area or a local temp agency, the Swing platform does the heavy lifting of partnering with districts and collecting sub requests. As a result, you get to focus on teaching instead of getting bogged down by logistics and multiple onboarding processes. 

We recognize the importance of a positive subbing experience, from responding to a request to providing feedback at the end of the day. We not only make those processes easier, but we also give our subs opportunities to earn cash bonuses and rewards along the way.

Ultimately, the decision to substitute teach before becoming a full-time teacher is personal and depends on your individual circumstances and career goals. By considering the advantages and challenges, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your aspirations and sets you up for success in the rewarding field of education.