How many started out subbing? (sort of a poll)

I think subbing is really good to help you figure out what grade level you would want to teach. I knew i didn't want elementary , those kids are too young for me. My daughter was in 8th grade, so I asked for middles school for student teaching, and ended up getting 8th grade. I liked it, i felt that i could do 6th, 7th or 8th and subbed mostly in middle schools. I subbed in elementary a few times, which just confirmed that it wasn't for me.

Then i ended up subbing at a high school lock up, and i loved how these kids were so much more mature. I did that for a year and a half, and really started loving high school. My daughter is now in 10th grade, so she's also a good point of reference for me. Quite a few times i still subbed at a lock up where they had a lot more middle school age kids, and now I knew that i would prefer high school.
I would not have known this if didn't get tue chance to sub high school.

 

Every interview I had they mentioned that they liked that I subbed, and that I tutor.

 

After I left the business world in 1995 (making $80,000+) I decided to go into teaching. I had to go back to school for a year to get re-certified in elementary ed and, in addition to the 6 classes I had to take, I either had to do student teaching all over again or go to work in a private school for a year. I chose working in a Catholic School - at $15,000/year (at least I had some income).

So that got me my RI Teaching Certificate.

After staying at the Catholic School for 2 years I realized there was no way my family could make it on that pay, so I bit the bullet and dove into subbing in the public school system for $50-$70/day to "get my foot in the door". It took a full year of subbing before I got in and, since I wasn't called in every day, I made about $6,000.00 that year.

My starting pay in the Public System in 1999 was $26,000.00 and it took me ten years to work up to the $70,000.00 I was making when I walked away.

 

Many people recommend in today's economy to sub first. It's an excellent way to get your foot in the door. I started out subbing when I was in college getting my degree. It didn't get me a job though... just experience

 

I subbed at different schools, but nothing long term, just day to day. Great experience, but I'm not sure it helped me get my foot in the door anywhere. While getting my license I did take a 4 day "part time" position w/o benefits that I know helped me get my FT job the following year.

Last year I interviewed for a higher-paying position in a great district and didn't end up getting the job, but they did contact me about being a regular sub in their district. I told them I would love to, but I needed a steady, FT job w/benefits. I would have absolutely considered it were I in a different financial situation and able to take that kind of risk.

I think some people do get their foot in the door through subbing, more likely through the long term sub positions that they can actually put on their resume.