3 Questions
Veteran Substitute Teacher
Denise Williams

Forest Of The Rain Productions: What does it take to be an effective substitute teacher?
Denise Williams: To do an effective job as a substitute teacher it starts with the administration. They set the tone. Your day will go well as a substitute teacher when you are treated with respect from the moment you enter the school.
The effectiveness of a substitute teacher can be impacted by factors such as when assignments are given to you to share with students, if the administration takes time to brief you about the class, and offer assistance as needed. When those factors are in place, you are empowered and better prepared to assist students.
Forest Of The Rain Productions: Do you think people understand the demands of being a substitute teacher?
Denise Williams: The response from parents and the public to you will likely be based on the way you respond to them. I never say, "Oh I'm just the sub." Well, that only takes away my authority. Naturally, no one wants to talk to you. As far as administration, they very rarely even speak to substitute teachers.
Forest Of The Rain Productions: How do you determine where to Substitute on any given day?
Denise Williams: There is a big difference in substitute teaching is the less/under-served schools. Subbing in under-served school can be a disaster. In honesty, it can almost feel impossible. However, if you get a nice suburban school with 2.5 parent involvement and a supportive staff, subbing is a breeze. However substitutes are not needed much there because teachers don’t take off as much. In an under-served school teachers need a break weekly. They are dealing with so much. These schools always need subs.
Denise Williams: To do an effective job as a substitute teacher it starts with the administration. They set the tone. Your day will go well as a substitute teacher when you are treated with respect from the moment you enter the school.
The effectiveness of a substitute teacher can be impacted by factors such as when assignments are given to you to share with students, if the administration takes time to brief you about the class, and offer assistance as needed. When those factors are in place, you are empowered and better prepared to assist students.
Forest Of The Rain Productions: Do you think people understand the demands of being a substitute teacher?
Denise Williams: The response from parents and the public to you will likely be based on the way you respond to them. I never say, "Oh I'm just the sub." Well, that only takes away my authority. Naturally, no one wants to talk to you. As far as administration, they very rarely even speak to substitute teachers.
Forest Of The Rain Productions: How do you determine where to Substitute on any given day?
Denise Williams: There is a big difference in substitute teaching is the less/under-served schools. Subbing in under-served school can be a disaster. In honesty, it can almost feel impossible. However, if you get a nice suburban school with 2.5 parent involvement and a supportive staff, subbing is a breeze. However substitutes are not needed much there because teachers don’t take off as much. In an under-served school teachers need a break weekly. They are dealing with so much. These schools always need subs.