Try new assignments as a substitute teacher. 

Every January 1, countless new “beginnings” are planned in New Year’s resolutions, which we know all too well — lose weight, travel more, save money. Why not set a professional goal for the New Year—one that you can actually achieve? Expand your horizons and improve your skills by trying new types of assignments as a substitute teacher. 

The benefits of trying something new. 

The fact is trying new things is really good for you! Catherine Hartley, an assistant professor in New York University’s Department of Psychology and co-author of an article in Nature Neuroscience, has found that people generally feel happier when their routines and experiences are varied.

In addition, researchers at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute conducted a study that showed that “learning new things can prime the brain for adapting to changing circumstances.” New experiences literally reprogram regions of the brain associated with learning and memory. This helps keep us more flexible and adaptable when faced with new circumstances. 

How does this relate to substitute teaching? A Brain World article explains, “Career success is also dependent on [novel experiences], since people become bored and unmotivated if sufficient new challenges are not offered.” Research cited in the article found that those “who actively seek out new experiences… live happier, healthier lives.” 

Why try new substitute teacher jobs or assignments?

So, if you want to be a happier, healthier substitute teacher (and you do), try something new! In addition to improving your overall well-being and sense of happiness, as mentioned above, there are other advantages to expanding into substitute teaching jobs outside of your comfort zone. Here are a few you might want to consider: 

Find something new that you prefer. 

By diversifying into areas you’ve never taught before, you may discover a subject you enjoy. Biology, chemistry, physics, or advanced math, for example, may intimidate you now, but you might find them interesting now that you aren’t in school being tested on them!  

And even though you may have little experience with music, foreign language, computer science, art, phys ed, special education, or career and technical courses, it could be a welcome change. And who knows? Maybe something will pique your interest enough to make you want to pursue it further in your free time. Check out this guide when substitute teaching new subjects.  

Additionally, you might find a grade level you prefer. Have you limited yourself to just high school or elementary school? Have you heard that middle school is a waking nightmare? For some teachers, middle school is their favorite. Try other grade levels. You might just enjoy it!  

Expand your skill set. 

As a substitute teacher, you know that every class requires some advanced preparation. This is true even if the teacher left a lesson plan. So, when you prepare for a subject you haven’t taught before, you’ll likely encounter unfamiliar concepts and ideas. And if you’re teaching a grade level you haven’t taught before, you may have to deploy different classroom management techniques. Instead of feeling intimidated, look at it as an opportunity to increase your own knowledge and skills as a teacher. 

Reinvigorate your professional outlook. 

Instead of opening your scheduling system app and looking for the same old classes and grade levels, expanding into things you haven’t tried will help you grow as a professional and give you a new, fresh perspective on your career.  

Soon, you’ll be keeping a special eye out for those substitute teaching experiences you haven’t had yet, and you’ll excitedly choose those jobs over the same-old same-old. As you gain experience, your confidence will grow, and this will also cross into areas outside of your professional life. 

Make more money. 

This can be true for two reasons. First, when you expand your horizons, you can take more assignments. When you look at your app to see what jobs are available, you’ll feel comfortable accepting just about any one of them. Second, some jobs — such as special education — may have a higher pay rate. 

Develop your repertoire. 

A repertoire? That’s right: your repertoire of instructional and management strategies. For example, several strategies you use to manage the 4th grade art class can be used in a 12-grade physics class. You’ll also find that you need to adapt well-loved strategies and learn some new ones. 

As you work in various teaching environments and with different teachers in different schools, you’ll pick up lots of good experiences, tips, and suggestions. 

A sense of personal satisfaction. 

By stepping out of your comfort zone, you may have the opportunity to teach in schools in underserved communities or classes with underserved students. By giving these students your personal attention and assistance, you could impact them in a way that they’ll never forget. So, if teaching for you is a calling, branching out into other areas could add meaning and purpose to your career.  

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education. 

For more guidance on working as a substitute teacher, check out our library of articles, including: classroom management for substitute teachers, social media guidance for substitute teachers, and how to introduce yourself as a substitute teacher. 

If you’d like to make a difference as a substitute teacher, we’d love to talk to you. We’re proud to provide comprehensive training that sets you up for success on your first day in the classroom and beyond. Fill out our interest form to talk to a recruiter about substitute teaching jobs with one of our school district partners. 

I’m interested