Starting as a Sub

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : July : 1

Starting as a Sub
By Nahid Sharif-Garcia

Judy I was in the same situation as you. I was a school secretary for 22 years and I wanted to be a teacher but was scared with the CBEST, MSAT Tests. I started with a book by Princeton cracking the CBEST. I focused on
the Math and Reading and took that part of the tests only. Then I was so scared to take the essay part. (I'm 48 years old). I returned to a local junior college taking english composition classes on top of working 40 hours per week plus taking care of 5 kids and a husband who had back surgery and is home bound for 5 months. Then I took the CBEST a second time focusing only on the writing.

I had 4 hours to write an essay. I know I ended up paying $80 dollars to take the CBEST twice but it is worth it. I passed the CBEST . Then I applied to every district within a 5-10 minute drive from home. I quit my secured job as a secretary for a school district. I worked last spring as a sub 3 days a week (I told them I am only available Mon Wed Friday.) Tues and Thursdays I devoted myself to studying the MSAT planning to taking the test soon) This summer I am taking education classes and hopefully waiting to get into the teaching program next spring 2002. Also subbing is a great way to earn money while you are getting your teaching credential. Take advantage of financial aids and scholarships. Also another item is health benefits. I use Kaiser Permanente and also I enrolled in a 1.0 unit classes at a community college so I have access to free counseling, low cost dental insurance.

Subbing is a great way to see if you want to be a teacher. Start by volunteering your time at a local school near you to take the first step. Be a tutor or read to children at a local library on weekends depending on your schedule

Good luck I may be over the hill by the time I get my credential but follow your heart.