new sub

[kmitchell767]

Hi. I just started subbing and am interested in high school.
What I am not clear on are the background requirements of a sub. My background is biology, which I have taught at junior colleges. I have gone through a temp agency for sub positions and they suggested I could sub for any class, irregardless of my background. Is that true, and if so, how do you deal with not knowing the material?
Thanks!

[MrsR]

The requirements depend on what district you are looking to sub for. In my area in Southern New York (not near NYC) you have to fill out applications for all the districts you want to sub for and for some of them you will have to go on an interview. After that you will be approved by the Board of Ed. and then you can start to sub. Where are you looking to sub?

[kmitchell767]

I am in the Boston area.

[busbus]

In my school district, teachers who apply to be a substitute teacher can be called to substitute in classes and content areas outside of the substitute's certification area. However, when called to substitute for a particular grade or content area, the substitute has the option to accept or reject the position. I also understand that when applying for substituting positions, the applicant can be specific about the grade and/or content area for which to be called.

My first classroom position was that of substituting in a grade one class. My certification was in secondary education. So, you see that, in my school district, it is possible to be called to substitute where needed.

I don't know about other school districts; but, in my school district, every classroom and content area teacher has to have emergency lesson plans available for a specific number of days. Sometimes, after those plans have be used, many teachers fail to submit new plans. For this reason, many substitute teachers prepare plans for grade-bands, just in case.

I think that after subbing for a while, you will see what you will have to do to prepare for grades and classes outside of your area of expertise.