How important was subbing?

I am finishing up my student teaching in three weeks. I absolutely love the job I left to student teach (Gymboree teacher). I am not thrilled with the idea of subbing, and I've heard mixed things about whether or not subs get hired as teachers.

So for all of the teachers out there-was subbing a factor in helping you obtain a full-time teaching job? I just would hate to permanantly leave a job I love so much for an experience I may not love as much. I want to be a classroom teacher so bad, and I am loving student teaching, but teacher jobs are hard to come by, and I'm not sure what to do. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

Re: How important was subbing?

I wished I would have subbed honestly....I was so intent on becoming a classroom teacher in September that I was frustrated when I didnt get a job until the day before school started... and well my school isnt the best school

I mean subbing will put your face out there and principals will put a face to the resume when the time comes to hire teachers...not only that but a lot about getting a job is about who you know...

thats my advice...

Re: How important was subbing?

well there are def positives to it.

1. you could be a lucky one and get your foot in the door. but it doesnt always happen.

2. you gain a lot of experience. I think it would be very hard to go straight into teaching without having the experience of working in a school as a sub or a teaching assistant. It helps to familiarize yourself with a school how it runs and the politics along with the education aspect.

Re: How important was subbing?

i never subbed and got a job at a great NYC school and then a great district on LI. subbing sometimes helps, sometimes not.

In my school, for some reason they have never hired a sub. they rarely hire TAs, but they have hired student teachers and leave replacements for tenure track.

i tihnk it honestly depends on the district and school. it sounds like you really love your job now, so honeslty, i would probably keep that rather than lose it and have the sub job lead to nothing.

Re: How important was subbing?

Subbing did not help me get my current job on LI.

Re: How important was subbing?

You sound just like I did getting out of student teaching and I finished in December as well.

I was sooooo against subbing but I figured it was better than nothing mid year. So since I had already given up my other job I mass mailed resumes in January and started subbing in February. I am STILL subbing.

As much as I can't wait to have my own classroom, I absolutely LOVE subbing. I just love being in the shcools and I am at the elementary level so the kids are really good for me 90% of the time. It is a great experience. I am learning so much, getting to see different routines, systems, and procedures in the different rooms I am in, and I am getting to know so many great people and kids. I really like it, more than I ever imagined.

We'll see if it helps me get a job though

I also knew I did not and would not commute to the city so I am willing to wait and pay my dues on the island.

Re: How important was subbing?

I didn't sub at all and got a FT position.

I am assuming you are elementary certified? Honestly, you may have to sub to get your foot in the door somewhere.

Re: How important was subbing?

I didn't sub and got my position... it was right place at the right time situation though

Re: How important was subbing?

Subbing did nothing for me...it's all about luck to be quite honest

Re: How important was subbing?

Honestly... if you want a job in a school... you need to get into a school. Nobody is going to hire you working at GYMBOREE (even if you love it). Get a job as a TA or permanent sub ASAP.

Re: How important was subbing?

I did very little subbing and it had nothing to do with me getting a job. (I am an ESL teacher.)

Re: How important was subbing?

Thanks for all of the input ladies! I appreciate it.

I love being in the classroom but I know so many of my peers who have subbed, some for two years, who have been glanced over for positions. Even one of my cooperating teachers said, "Don't bother subbing in this district, they don't hire their subs." I see that everyone has had a different experience. I guess I'm just nervous about jumping into such a competitive field. I think I should concentrate on graduating first!

Thanks again!

Re: How important was subbing?

DH didn't bother either, and he got a FT job in NYC.

maybe if he would have subbed on LI he would have had better luck, but he wanted a classroom, $$ and health insurance

Re: How important was subbing?

Re: How important was subbing?

I never subbed & student taught in the school I was already teaching in...granted I teach in a private school although the $$ is brutal, it has its perks