Looking for that first teaching job, should I substitute or hold out for that class of my own?

Question

I have just graduated, and live on the border of Ohio and West Virginia. I will have a K-3 in Ohio and K-6 in West Virginia. I also have certification in Special Education. How bad is substitue teaching? I've heard conflicting reports about this???

E in Ohio

Answer 1

If you can't get a class of your own, and money isn't a severe problem, I think you should try substitute teaching.

The reason is, you will see different classrooms, and if the teachers have left good lesson plans, you'll have the chance to try different styles of teaching. The kids may act up a little (or a lot) when a substitute comes in, but that's also a learning process! You learn how to handle that.

I teach English as a foreign language in Japan at the elementary school level, and I'm walking into brand-new classes every day. I've had to learn how to catch the kids' attention and keep it, and I've also had to learn when to back down and say, "I'm here for one day -- this isn't my fight." Of course, for you, the former would be very, very valuable.

Just my two cents.

Answer 2

I teach high school, but it's brutal.  I don't know how anyone does it.

Answer 3

You can always sub until you are offered a teaching position - that's what I did - it was great experience!

Answer 4

I think you should try and get a special education teaching job.  I did that right after I graduated and just finished my first year as a special education teacher.  I am going into my second year as a special education teacher and love what I do.  This kids like me alot and so do some of the parents.  

Just remember, your first year as a teacher will be your hardest and you will have to do it sometime.  You might as well start now.