Pros and Cons of Substitute Teaching in Overlapping Districts

Getting work as a substitute teacher is like going fishing. If you can't catch any fish in one pond, at least you can travel to another pond and try your luck.

Choosing to sub in multiple districts can be advantageous. However, if you choose to do so, you should consider 4 principles beforehand that will make your experience a pleasant one.

1.) Keep an Organized Calendar

The biggest hazard of accepting jobs all over the map is that you will spread yourself thin. Therefore, you must only choose to overlap districts if you are willing to take on the responsibility of carefully preparing for each assignment ahead of time.

For this reason, it is imperative that you make notes on a calendar or planner every time you accept a job, which will include: (A.) the day and time of the job, (B.) the class or grade level you will be subbing for, (C.) the teacher's name, and (D.) the job number unique to your assignment. ( Note: Be certain that you pay close attention to the date of the job and record it into the proper week of your calendar; for example, a Wednesday job for next week can easily be mistaken for a Wednesday job for this week.)

On a similar note, make sure that you have maps ready for your drive, and be familiar with them. Getting to a job can sometimes be quite challenging, especially if unfriendly traffic patterns conspire against you.

2.) Remain Aware of Differences in District Policies

The first few minutes of your day are always very important. During this time, of course, you will be expected to absorb the day's lesson plans, as well as to gain a general understanding of district policies adhered to on the campus where you are working. For teachers who call this campus home, these policies are tacitly-observed "givens." However, for an itinerant worker such as yourself, these policies are as fresh as the morning news, and they must be examined.