Substitute Teacher needs advice!

[TennisPlayer]

I've been substituting on a PT basis (even though I'm
available everyday)for 4 years now after graduating from
graduate school. Last year, I earned a Special Ed.
Endorsement to make myself more marketable and I think
it's good experience if I'm hired as a General Ed. teacher.

I am hoping that I will be hired somewhere this next year,
either in a private or public school but if I'm not, I'm
strongly considering being a full-time nanny for about a
year and then apply the following year.

I want to know how I will be viewed during an interview if
I take a full-time job that is not in the schools? I
enjoy taking care of kids so I would enjoy it more than
another year of substituting while I continue my search for a full-time position.:)

[Mountshasta]

I've been substituting on a PT basis (even though I'm
available everyday)for 4 years now after graduating from
graduate school. Last year, I earned a Special Ed.
Endorsement to make myself more marketable and I think
it's good experience if I'm hired as a General Ed. teacher.

I am hoping that I will be hired somewhere this next year,
either in a private or public school but if I'm not, I'm
strongly considering being a full-time nanny for about a
year and then apply the following year.

I want to know how I will be viewed during an interview if
I take a full-time job that is not in the schools? I
enjoy taking care of kids so I would enjoy it more than
another year of substituting while I continue my search for a full-time position.:)

Subbing is a good way to get noticed in a school(s). I was hired my first position through subbing. Nanny job would show experience with children. It most likely would not compare to directing a class of 34. It's hard to say. If someone really wants you, doesn't matter. ;)

[busbus]

Four years trying to get hired as a full-time teacher, is surprising to me. I don't know why you are having a tough time getting hired.

If money is a factor, you must do what you have to do. I do not think that it will matter if you work as a nanny for a year instead of subbing. The fact that you have had continual employment will look good on your application.

Even as a nanny, if you have the opportunity to sub from time to time, do that. You never know if you will be in the right place at the right time.

Good luck to you.

[upnorthteacher]

You could talk to teachers and other subs in the district where you have been subbing about typical hiring patterns. I have been in some districts where the administration has been releuctant to hire "good" subs as full-time employees, because there is such a shortage of substitute teachers. If that is the case where you are, taking another job would probably be a benefit.

[Oak Tree]

I've heard a lot people say that subbing is good way into a full time teaching job and I know it does work for some people but for me, when I subbed, I always tried to keep a low profile and go as unnoticd as possible. I always felt like they were more likely to notice something bad than something good. It may sound paranoid or lacking in self-confidence but my strategy worked.

Anyway, you're probably in a really cush district if you're not getting in with those credentials. Go ghetto, they'll take you.

[Oak Tree]

Oh about the nanny thing. Whatever it pays, when you interview after you're through, be sure to act like it's hard to give up because the pay was better than teaching by far but you feel like teaching is a calling. Like that.

[J E Price]

I think that an important point has been overlooked. I need to point out two things that I have noticed, then a judgment:
1. Subs get no respect.
2. This contempt can negatively prejudice hiring.

If this is not the case, you may need to make a sober and hard evaluation of your competency.

When I worked as a sub, I did it to learn valuable class management skills and to earn some battle scars. Both of which I did. I will always feel that substitute teaching provides the finest proving grounds for prospective teachers. If you can make it there, you will easily master your own classroom.

I am worried that the administration does not agree with you that you would be a good full time teacher. This may be due to the district adopting a dismissive view of you as a sub, or it may be something more systemic. I do not think that how you are viewed as a nanny will be the main concern for your next employer.

[Mountshasta]

...When I worked as a sub, I did it to learn valuable class management skills and to earn some battle scars. Both of which I did. I will always feel that substitute teaching provides the finest proving grounds for prospective teachers. If you can make it there, you will easily master your own classroom....

Exactly!;)

[Oak Tree]

Where I'm at, subs don't stand a chance unless they know the students' names so there's no good to come of it unless you get a long term deal and even those are frequently a doomsday deal (that being why the last teacher split).