Hi Everyone! I'm wondering, is it better to be a para or a sub if you don't get a teaching position. The reason I ask is tomorrow I have an interview for a para position. I plan to look next fall for a teaching position as well and want to get good recommendations this year. I have subbed in the past and found that you don't really make "connections" with anyone in the school esp since you're not at one school only. The principal/other teachers may pop in to see you to check on the class or say hi but that's it. My dad thinks being a para is considered a more "lowly" job and that subbing is more marketable and more highly regarded although he's not in the teaching field. I don't know which is better. Part of me says being a para (even if it's 1 on 1-I find out specifics tomorrow) b/c at least I'll have more contact with teachers and principal and hopefully get a good recommendation, but on the other hand subbing is better b/c you get to be responsible for the entire class. My concern about being a para is that I won't be able to look for long term subbing that may pop up during this school year if I get hired as a para and take the job. I planned to look for long term subbing if was a reg. sub. I don't know if it possible to still look if I become a para b/c I probably can't quite once I decide to be a para for the year. In any case, I need to get the para position before getting ahead of myself. Just thinking ahead of time. Any thoughts? Thanks!
I would say....any experience is good! Para may be somewhat better if your looking to eventually get a special education position. Subbing may help you get a general teaching position as it allows you to practice classroom management. I am not sure which principals prefer, but either way you are working with students and developing skills.
Para vs SUB I graduated in December 2005 and thought that taking a PARA position in January would be better because I would be in one school continually and possibly get a teaching position in the school I was working in. I found that I WAS treated less than an educator with a degree, and I was being paid WAY less than if I had taken a sub position. Most Subs I know work everyday for between 70.00 a nd 80.00 a day. I was getting paid about 45.00 a day and working more hours than the teachers. They got planning times and breaks. I worked all day and had a 30 minute lunch break. I was not included in the planning times even though I shadowed Special education students in Math, Science and Language arts. I feel I would have gained more experience in classroom management and teaching experience had I taken a sub position. PARA's are often treated like they are not "worthy". I have the greatest respect for what a good PARA does in the classroom and I have my own PARA in my classroom this year. I have every intention of never letting her feel like she is not part of my team. My advice to you is to sub. You will get to know teachers and building principals. Best Wishes to you.
Discuss your options with the school district. Maybe you could take the para job and still look for long term subbing. At the district I signed up to sub with they will let you sub for both teachers and paras. If you do not get the para job you might want to consider doing this if your district allows it. Being a para is great expereince. My para got a job as an elementary teacher at a charter school after he student taught there. You also might call some principles around your district to see if they like para or sub expereince better. Being a para does offer more stability and you can get to know the staff at one school. You are also in a classroom. Anyway you could try it for a semester and then halfway though the year switch to subbing if you are not making any connections. Good luck with your decision. If you do take the parajob make sure to tell them you have a teaching credential or are going for one. They will respect you more. Terry G.
Last year, I worked as a para, and, Yes, I had this experience as well with OTHER TEACHERS (not the principal or other interviewing principals, or the sped. staff) And it was not all of them. (I think it depends on the school atmosphere and the personalities) I loved being a para (assistant in a self-contained MH room). I learned SO much about special ed and working with IEP's, accomodating, differentiation...all Key points to bring up when later in interviews! I was also asked to sub frequently in the building since I had my teach. certif. when a teacher called in late or had to leave early. This was a way to earn a few extra bucks once in a while. I also taught an after school program-another way to resume build etc. since you're in the same building every day. Districts like to hire coaches and extra-curricular sponsers! Either way, there are pros and cons. You will generally make less as an aide-but it's full time, consistent work. Subbing make more per day-but unless you get a maternity leave assignment, not consistent. Good luck, you can't go wrong either way!! (By the way, I was hired as a teacher for this year) ~T
