Substitute Teacher Story: Nealie Diggs

Retired business owner, golfer, and actress adds substitute teacher to the things that bring her joy.

Nealie Diggs has made a career out of helping people rise. Her passion is inspiring others to achieve their dreams. She started out in human resources at IBM, became a social worker, joined a national non-profit called INROADS, Inc. where she developed students for college and careers. Then, she launched her own staffing agency. Finally, she retired from The University of Phoenix. Her lifetime work has launched hundreds of careers—and propelled leaders to the ranks of Navy Admirals and top CEOs.

It’s no wonder that in retirement, Nealie couldn’t sit still on her couch. She found a new dream (and incredible joy) in inspiring young people by becoming a substitute teacher.

In this Q&A, Nealie Diggs shares why substitute teaching is a flexible and rewarding job for retirees.

After I retired from the corporate world, I thought I’d spend time on the golf course and live out a dream of working on TV as an actress. I did both! I was on many TV shows as an extra—Law & Order and Madame Secretary to name a few. Then, COVID hit, production stopped, and I was just sitting here in my flip flops with nothing to do.

There was a career fair at our local mall, put on by the Chamber of Commerce. Three weeks later, I was teaching 3rd grade as a substitute teacher.

Aside from continuing your personal mission of helping others, why substitute teaching?

I travel a lot and I love to golf. With substitute teaching, I choose my schedule. I don't have to work every day. There really is flexibility.

Most retirees wake up early. Principals start posting their openings at midnight, or very early in the morning. I can go into the scheduling system at any time and look at the available opportunities for that day. And if there is an availability, I just click on accept, and show up. Most schools start at 8 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. so I can still head to the golf course!

Also, it's very casual. You don't have to dress up in a suit and tie, but it gives me a reason to put on my earrings and nice shoes. I often tell my retiree friends that it's a good source of supplemental income, too. You get paid every Friday.

Talk about being a role model.

There aren’t a lot of African American teachers in Connecticut schools. So, when students see someone who looks like them, who thinks like them, and who they can sit down and talk to, I think there's a comfort they have in talking to someone who has experienced what they have experienced. They might now say, “I never thought about the teaching profession, maybe I can be a school teacher because I like what she's doing. Maybe I can do this as well.”

It makes them more at ease and more comfortable in their classroom because I know where they’re coming from.

What do you tell other retirees who are considering becoming a substitute teacher?

Classrooms have changed since we were in school. I now get to see what my grandchildren are experiencing. Math is taught differently. Sometimes, students have indoor recess. They don’t go out when it’s cold or raining!

I've met retirees who are in their 80s doing this. I always tell my friends who have retired, you'll be surprised. I think you'll like it. Just try it, even for a week. Just take that leap of faith. It's an opportunity for you to have a different conversation, dress up in your vibrant colors, put on your earrings and a nice pair of shoes. The students will bring out the best in you.

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