In honor of Substitute Educator’s Day (Nov. 17), we reached out to several substitutes in our district to ask why they choose to work for SPS, what they like best about the job, and why others should consider serving students in this way.
We appreciate each of them, along with the hundreds of others who work across our district.
Cindy Greenslitt
A few months after retiring from the State of Washington in 2015, I accepted my first subbing assignment at Ferris High School. The fun part of that job was that I got to fill in for my daughter, Emily Schutz, while she was on maternity leave with her newborn twin boys (my grandkids). It was an added benefit to have Emily on speed dial as I learned to navigate PowerSchool, update the Reader Board, book buses for sports activities and all that goes with the duties of being an Athletics Secretary. I am proud to say I work for Spokane Public Schools as I see the district as a valuable community partner in our city.
Over the last 8 years I have met and made friends with some really great co-workers. They have included me in outside activities such as the Bowling for Kids, after-hours secretary meetings, and the Ferris Golf Tournaments. I feel like I am part of a big family. As a retired person, it's been really nice to have choices on which days and locations that I am available to work.
Working for the school district provides opportunities to get your foot in the door to a rewarding long-term career. There are a variety of career fields for folks with all levels of education. Also, being a substitute offers you a lot of freedom and flexibility with your personal life.
Jaimie Evens
I have worked for SPS since November 2018. Being a substitute offers me an opportunity to work with a variety of different students. I have met many wonderful people (both students and staff) in my years with SPS.
Others should consider being a substitute educator because it is a great opportunity to help children in their community.
Lindsey Baker
I chose to work for SPS because the opportunity to be in a school setting and working with kids is a true passion of mine. I enjoy the staff as well. I have been with the school district for about 5 months now.
What I like best about working as a substitute is the enthusiasm and friendly staff as well as the students. The flexible schedule is also very nice and accommodating. I believe other should consider being a substitute educator for several reasons, like flexible schedule, the pay rate is great, and the chance to work with students that are great. It is also rewarding serving the SPS district.
I enjoy substitute teaching at more challenging schools because they may need a little more help and I find the work to be interesting.
Joe Hunt
I choose to work for Spokane Public Schools because the district is second to none and I strive to be where excellence is expected.
My favorite thing about being a sub is the people I get to interact with each and every day. There are fantastic teachers, office and support personnel. People are warm, caring, and understanding.
I would encourage people to consider substitute teaching because of the students you get to interact with, the flexible scheduling, and the amazing support that you receive from those around you.
Stephanie Marsh
I have been subbing for SPS for going on 5 years now, and I originally decided to work in this district because of the large size and where the schools were located. I live in the Emerson neighborhood, which is centrally located, so it made sense to consider working for SPS. Also, I love teaching. I have now gone back to school and finished my master's degree in special education. I plan to teach full-time soon in the district or start off long term subbing.
I have really enjoyed working at SPS. I have made many connections and built strong relationships with both staff and students at the many schools I work at that I will always cherish. I love that even in the short time I get to work with these students I still feel like I can make an impact in their lives.
Others should consider being a substitute educator for one reason: Flexibility! It's great to be able to work when you want. This job works for me as a mother. It allows me to volunteer at my child's school, go on field trips, and be home with them if they are sick. I have subbed in my own children's schools, or on some occasions even their classes, which has given me the unique advantage of being able to get to know my child's peers and teachers. Also, it doesn't hurt that the pay is great; this is one of the highest paying school districts in the area.
Taylor Powell
I graduated with my Master's in Education last year and chose to work for SPS because this was the district I did my student teaching in and knew I would be able to get a wide variety of school and classroom experiences due to the different areas that the district covers.
So far, my favorite thing about being a substitute with SPS is the fact that I am able to substitute in so many different schools and in various grade levels. This really enables me to develop my overall teaching skills as well as allows me the opportunity to build relationships with the staff and students at the schools where I frequent. Most of all, I really enjoy being able to make connections and help show students that they are loved and cared about and have the ability to succeed when they are in the classroom with me.
I believe others should consider being a substitute educator because it is a way to gain a variety of exposure and experience in different settings with different students. Being a substitute allows for those passionate about education to be on the frontline influencing students and creating positive change in their lives. Substituting also allows one to develop relationships with schools and staff, which can lead to more frequent visits within the school and the ability to make deeper connections with students and watch their success and growth.
Audrey Kaplan
I've been coaching Math Is Cool at Roosevelt for 10 years and during that time several teachers and parents have encouraged me to consider teaching full-time. A few years ago, a friend of mine who recently started teaching as a second career suggested that I try subbing to see whether teaching might indeed be a good fit for me. I've been subbing for the past 2 years.
I like the flexibility of being able to take jobs when it fits with my family's schedule. I also love it when I'm subbing in the middle school and my former Math Is Cool kids are in my classes.
There's a huge need for capable, caring adults to fill in for the hard-working teachers in our district. It's a nice way to give back to the Spokane education community, and also a good way to test the waters if you've been thinking about becoming a full-time teacher.
Jeffrey Howard
Teaching is my second career. I worked in broadcasting for 22 years. When I came to Spokane in 1986, I was the Asst. News Director at KXLY Newsradio 920, moving on to television before going back to school and receiving my Master's in Teaching from WSU in 2006, I applied for many jobs in all of the local districts. When didn't get a full-time job, I became of substitute teacher in five or six of them. Spokane always paid the most, so naturally I had to focus on who paid better so I could pay my bills! Eventually, Spokane was the only district I was Guest Teaching in.
As more time passed, I began to collect lots of "repeat customers" – teachers who liked the way I handled their classes when they were gone. My calendar began to fill up weeks in advance and it became less and less of a day-to-day chore of securing a job. Eventually I gave up hope of anything full-time and focused only on cultivating my "usuals" as an Awesome Guest Teacher. It's a process that has worked successfully for me for many years.
What I like most about being an Awesome Guest Teacher in SPS is returning to the same schools regularly and seeing students I've had in different classes. I can walk across the cafeteria and kids shout "Mr. Howard!" It's nice to feel wanted!
It's an important job! I like knowing that I'm helping the teacher feel confident that their class is in good hands with someone whose expectations are the same as the teacher. After I introduce myself, I tell the students my expectations -- which are the same as their teacher: Do what you're supposed to do, when you're supposed to do it, and how you'd do it if their teacher were here. It's all about respect -- for their teacher and for me! It's usually a pretty good day!
Rebecca Jorges
I choose to work for SPS because of how close it is to home. I like the variety of classrooms that I can go to. One day I will be in 5th grade, the next in preschool. It is exciting to have something new all the time.
Being a substitute is a good way of experiencing many different teaching styles. As a sub, you will learn what will work for you to be the best teacher you can be.
Sheena Artz
Why did I choose to join SPS in February 2022, you may wonder? Let me share the secret with you — it's my magnetic charm and witty personality that the educational system just couldn't say no to. After 20 years as a hairstylist, I decided to trade in my scissors for schoolbooks.
As a full-time student, I've mastered the art of juggling classes. It's like being a school superhero with a superpower of flexibility, swooping in to gain diverse experiences, sprinkle positivity, empower, encourage, and impact the next generation. Call me the 'Student Substitute Extraordinaire!'
Thinking of becoming a substitute educator in the school district? Well, buckle up because it's like an exciting rollercoaster of fun and chaos! Earning your stripes with flexible scheduling, you can chat with energetic students and meet a motley crew of colleagues who will keep you laughing all day long.
Vickie Allert
I retired from the district after almost 23 years of service in August 2022 and began subbing with the district in February of 2023. I love subbing for the district because it allows me to choose when I work and allows my husband and me to travel more often. I also enjoy working at different locations and working with kids.
I think that others could enjoy subbing for the district if they want a flexible schedule and love working with kids.
Lyle Stagg
This is my second year as a substitute teacher. I choose to work for SPS because they are a large enough district to be able to connect students with valuable services such as veteran teachers, counselors, mental health therapists, school phycologists, OTs, SLPs, PTs, transportation and nutrition services, etc. It takes a village to meet the diverse needs of our students.
The best part of my job is making a unique connection with students. I'm not someone they see every day so it's a completely clean slate. I also really love being welcomed into so many different classrooms. Having the opportunity to see such a wide variety of teaching styles and techniques allows me to pick up highly effective and engaging strategies when I see them to save for my future classroom.
The role of substitute teacher is really valuable because you have a new environment each day that provides a wide variety of academic settings and learning opportunities. There are so many different programs in our district from NEWTech Prep to the APPLE Program.