Should I teach or substitute for the first year?

Question

I just earned my California teaching credential this June. I really had my heart set on getting a job in the district I did my student teaching at, but it is a highly competitive district. I don't know if I should just get a job at any old district and then reapply next year, or should I sub in that district for a whole year hoping I will get a job. If I sub I would bee making about $9000 less, but I would have more time to focus on getting my Master's degree. If I teach I will make more money, and maybe the district I like will want me more since I had a year of teaching experience versus subbing experience.

Answer 1

Teach first. You may be surprised at how much you like another district. The place where you do student teaching is often like your "first love."  You'll probably get over it.

Substituting is SO much different than actually teaching. I substituted before I became a teacher, and I substituted between teaching gigs. There is no comparison...you are not in charge...they're not playing by YOUR rules. They see substitutes as fresh meat.

Districts will want to see actual experience--usually two years--with great references from your principal or superintendent.

The only exception is if you are almost guaranteed a job in your desired district and substituting would just be like a place-holder...and you're getting to know the teachers and procedures at the school.

Otherwise, go for the high paying job with the experience. You can get your masters degree in the evenings and online.

Answer 2

Teach now, get your MA later or it could make it harder to relocate.

Answer 3

Subbing is to teaching like truck driving is to racing. You won't like it, and it will do more to tear down your confidence than it will to help you move up the latter.

Teaching it's self is a very emotionally difficult job. There are a lot of days were you feel like you accomplished nothing, and all you have is a pile of grades from the test you wrote. When you're a substitute, you don't even get that. Students know you're someone who'd like to be a teacher, but not one, but then so many teachers think of you just the same.

Believe me, get a job somewhere as a teacher. Cut your teeth, do the work. You can always get a different job next year, and even if you do, you'll get it will a whole new insight about what teaching is all about.

Answer 4

don't sub

you'd start to hate the job

Answer 5

I think you already stated your answer. I understand completely about wanting to get your master's degree, but I think if you want to get a job with a competitive district, chances are that they will look at the experience you have under your belt.

That being said, I would go for the experience. Try to get a teaching job. You'll make more money than you would as a substitute, and the experience you get as a teacher would be so much better than the experience you would get as a substitute.

Answer 6

I'd go for subbing, since you can get some time to get a masters degree, im sure with a masters degree, you'd be getting payed alot more,

Says the 12 year old

:)

Answer 7

I would sub until you get your Master's then you'd have more to offer the school district you really want.  Also, subbing offers you more flexibility to complete your education and then apply with experience. Good Luck!

Answer 8

I always hear from schools that districts HAVE to pay you more if you have your Master's. That said, many do not want to hire someone who they HAVE to pay more, but has zero "real" experience (as in having your own classroom). I had the same question my first year, and I was overwhelmingly given the advice to try teaching in a classroom for at least a year.

After 5 years, half of new teachers quit because they don't like teaching. Why have a Master's in teaching if you end up not liking it as a career? I have now taught for 7 years and have decided that a Master's is the way to go because I know I enjoy having my own classroom.

Subbing is very difficult. Not only is every day a huuuuuge challenge and you get paid peanuts, but you don't get any real curriculum experience. The only upside to subbing is helping you decide which grade level you'd like to teach. If you are already sure or are pretty sure, don't worry about subbing.