Why Not 2

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Why Not 2
By Cathy-Dee

I agree if it is something you want to do, then go for it. Even when jobs are tight, there are many who bypass the waiting list because they have skills or backgrounds that the schools want. The fact that you are in Law
School might be something that you can bring into the classroom, especially social studies, and I'm sure there are schools that would love to have your knowledge available for their kids.
As far as the negative comment about passing papers, etc., Yes I'm sure there are classes where that's what the substitute teacher does. I had a few like that when I was subbing. It really does depend

on a lot of factors. In my district we do not always know until the sub arrives whether we have a qualified teacher or not. If it is a parent (because we can't get a qualified teacher), then I'm not going to leave work that they most likely will not be able to teach. Also some classes the work is quite involved and trying to write out plans is more effort than it's worth. It's easier to do simple plans.

Remember that substitute teachers are filling a vital role. They are helping out schools by replacing staff who have to be away for a variety of reasons. The teacher who is very sick or who has just lost a loved one, may not feel like writing extensive plans just to make the substitute teacher's day more fulfilling. I expect any sub who comes into my room to be creative and if I haven't left enough materials that they can come up with something creative to cover the time. I rarely have done this, but when I had an absessed tooth a few years back, planning was the last thing on my mind.

I think for you the experience would be great, you'd make some extra money and not lose the skills you trained for. Getting into law firms isn't that easy anymore either, so by substitute teaching you'd also be keeping the doors open to a second career choice if necessary. Or you may just fall in love with teaching and decide to do it full time down the road.

Now is not too early to get your name on the lists. And if it doesn't happen, keep reapplying over the summer months. And especially when school starts up again. Quite a few people move or change jobs over the summer months, so openings often come up first thing in the Fall.

Good luck with both your studies and the job hunt.