In praise of substitute teachers
While substitute teacher appreciation week is not until March, substitute teachers provide professional services every day in schools throughout southern Alberta. They often come in with little notice to carry out a sick teacher’s instruction, classroom management and student supervision responsibilities, with the added challenge of not possessing the same student knowledge and relationships.
Students’ education cannot be put on hold due to the absence of their teacher. It takes enthusiastic, flexible, skilful and knowledgeable professionals to be effective in the variety of positions substitute teachers are asked to fill. These teachers know that children do not learn from adults they do not like and are typically excellent relationship builders.
These fully qualified, certified teachers often travel to local and remote schools to replace regular classroom teachers when necessary. If substitute teachers were not available as professional replacements, regular teachers would not be able to enhance their practice through professional learning opportunities. Substitutes are integral to the public education system and the teaching profession. For that we are eternally grateful.
Recently, jurisdictions across the province are finding it more difficult to find substitute teachers. As more and more teachers retire, there are increasing opportunities for teachers to fill permanent positions. While schools will always require substitute teachers, new graduates are encouraged to leverage substitute teaching as an opportunity to get into a variety of schools. This will not only enhance their chances of being hired on a probationary contract by the jurisdiction, but will provide them with a better opportunity to determine which schools they would like to join.
Those teachers wishing to become a substitute teacher are encouraged to contact Horizon’s human resource department as strong student-centred professionals that are committed to making a difference in the lives of students are always welcome.
Wilco Tymensen is the superintendent of Horizon School Division No. 67.