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When it comes to integral individuals in our kids’ lives, I think everyone can agree that educators top the list.

If you paused right now, I bet you could vividly remember your favorite teacher and the impact he/she had on you during your time with them.

I can tell you each of my own three kids’ favorite teachers and the exact ways in which each of them rocked my kids’ worlds.

Teachers pour into their students every day, often when their own cups are empty.

They develop an ability to detect when something is off, they adapt to the nuances of 20+ individuals, they have a keen sense of when one kid needs a little extra and when another kid is ok to be a little bit more independent. They are by my definition, superheroes.

But what happens when that cape needs a mend? Let’s be real, even the “superest” of superheroes needs a day every now and then, and when that happens it’s time to call in some reinforcements.

I first began substitute teaching post COVID when they announced there was a shortage of subs. I had never done anything like this before and to say I was intimidated by that room full of 10-year-olds is an understatement.

I had no idea what to expect walking into the classroom on my first day, but what I didn’t expect was to absolutely love it.

A few weeks into an extended assignment one of the kids walked up to me and gave me a treasured rock he kept on his desk because he said I looked sad that day.

That little gesture was the moment I knew just how these teachers are able to get up each day put those capes on. I still have that rock sitting on my own desk here at home.

Substitute teaching is truly the best of so many different worlds, your lessons are pre-planned, so you basically get to show up and hang out with some cool kids. If you’re a parent with a child in the Hamblen County School system, then there are some other added benefits to consider as well.

Substitute teacher, Amanda Brobeck has a 4th grader in the Hamblen County School system and says, “I like subbing because it gives me an extra insight into my daughter’s life that I wouldn’t normally get to see. I always hear so many stories about different kids, so it’s nice to put a face to the name and open the line of communication with her better.”

Gerri Edwards, who is currently filling an interim position at West Elementary, has a long history in education and remembers needing a sub herself, “After teaching for 24 years and then taking two years off to care for my mother, I returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher in 2022.

“I remember all too well being a teacher and needing a substitute in my classroom.

“As a single mom, I enjoy the flexibility that being a substitute has to offer. I can pick up my boys, pick my schools, my days, my grade levels, etc.

“Since I’ve become a substitute teacher, I have subbed from pre-k up to high school. It’s a great feeling to know that you have helped not only a teacher in need, but their students as well.”

Substitute teaching is a great way to give back to your community and support the teachers.

The flexibility of scheduling and choosing locations is an invaluable bonus for parents looking for part time work that they can schedule around their children.

Karmella Grant, who now owns her own business downtown, Intricate Beauty, was once a substitute teacher and said “I got in to subbing because it allowed me the freedom to go to school to become an esthetician and also be able to pick my daughter up from school being a single mom. The best part was the students’ excitement when I came to sub. They still had to do the work though!” Grant was a favorite at every school she walked into, she was my own daughter’s favorite sub in middle school. She is now a freshman in high school but she still talks about her favorite sub, Miss Grant.

The rewards, benefits, and flexibility of substitute teaching make this the perfect job to consider for any parent or college student.

You’re off on holidays and weekends, and in the event of inclement weather you don’t have the added stress of worrying about childcare.

Not to mention you’re giving back to your community and supporting teachers all while earning yourself a paycheck.

If interested in finding out information on how you can become a substitute teacher, contact central office at The Hamblen County Department of Education 423-586-7700.