I’m going back to work…sort of. After 15 months of retirement (following a 31-year career as a teacher), I’ve decided to go back into the classroom as a substitute.
I’m not sure how I feel about it. On one hand, I look forward to reading and writing with students again. On the other hand, I’m nervous about walking into a room where another teacher has set the standard for classroom management. I’ll mainly be working at the school where I spent my last 16 years as a teacher. Fortunately, many of my colleagues still work there. It will be nice to reconnect; but it may feel awkward since I was so adamant that I was ready to retire. Will they think I’ve failed as a retiree?
I wonder if I’ll miss the slow mornings I’ve enjoyed for the past year? I wonder if I’ll feel as if I’m contributing in a meaningful way to the students, faculty, and school as a whole? I wonder if I’ll feel as if I fit in, or if I’ll feel like an outsider?
Regardless, it feels kind of good to wonder.
9 responses to “Back to Work”
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This is such a wonderful post. I’m so glad you are going back to substitute. The students and your school are so lucky. Think of it as an opportunity to connect in new ways. You don’t have the limitations of being “the teacher.” You can sit back a little and do some creative, engaging activities.
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Thank you! I’m surprised how much I’m looking forward to it now that I’ve made the decision.
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Lori,
I hope you enjoy your new adventure. I bet you’ll fit right back in. Enjoy interacting with the kiddos and your colleagues without the stress of full time teaching!
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Thank you! My goal is to sub at least once a week for the remainder of the semester.
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This is a great way for you to keep your hand in teaching. The students will definitely benefit from your experience in the classroom. The nice thing about about subbing is that if there is a day you don’t feel like doing it you can just decline for that day. Good luck.
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Good for you. As we all know, there is a tremendous need for teachers who care to cover classes! I’ve chosen to teach grad school and aquacise where I am a SUB because I moved to a new state where I am not certified. I bet you are going to love teaching without the administrative craziness.
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Lori, I had your same reservations about walking into another teacher’s classroom with her rules established. I thought for sure it would not be a pleasant experience, but I was sure wrong. I actually LOVED subbing, and ended up subbing for 15 years after retiring. I was in control of the days I wanted to work, I went in and ‘taught’ reading and writing and all of the other subjects. Pure fun teaching and interacting with the students. From experience, stay away from long term jobs unless it’s too good to pass up…and being in your home school, it may. I did two long term jobs and that was it-no more than 2 consecutive days was my rule. I hope you love and enjoy the opportunity to connect and teach the kids…all grades! 🙂
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I’m on board with yhe “you’re gonna love it crew”! subbing been subbing for the past four years and my happiest days are the ones I spend in the elementaryschool I retired from in 2022. I enjoy subbing in other schools in our district, but I definitely prefer my home school. So many kids know me by name, because I’ve subbed in every grade, and in most specials. And, if if I don’t feel like working, I don’t. : )
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The best part about subbing is is that you get to be the “fun aunt”—drop in for a day or maybe two, enjoy the kids, and dip right back out. I think in succeeding at retiring—loving your profession so much that you still need a bit of it in your life!
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