Today, on National Substitute Educators Day, we take a moment to acknowledge the often-overlooked professionals who step into the classroom and take the reins when the regular teacher is away. Substitute educators play an essential role in keeping our schools running smoothly, and I wanted to share a personal reflection on the impact teachers (and substitutes) have on our lives, as well as offer some insight on how we, as parents, can help foster respect and kindness for these valuable individuals.

My Personal Journey with Teachers

We all remember our first teacher, our favorite teacher, and maybe even our least favorite teacher. For me, it was Mrs. Ballard, my kindergarten teacher, who set the foundation for my love of learning. She was patient, nurturing, and made each day an adventure. Then there was Mr. Wizig, my English teacher in high school. He sparked my love for literature and writing, and to this day, I credit him with inspiring my passion for storytelling and communication.

But I also remember my least favorite teacher, my AP English teacher in high school. Her lessons were tough, and she had a no-nonsense approach that, at the time, felt overwhelming. In fact, I dare not speak her name, as she still haunts my dreams at night! Despite the challenges she presented, I’ve come to appreciate her style and the discipline she instilled. After all, tough teachers often mold us in ways we don’t realize until much later in life.

How Do You Want Your Child to Be Referred to or Perceived by Their Teachers?

As a parent, one of the most important things you can teach your child is how to respect authority—whether that authority is a teacher, substitute, or even their peers. It’s essential for children to understand that teachers and substitutes are there to help guide them, create structure, and offer knowledge. A good teacher can shape a child’s future, just as a bad experience can leave lasting scars. As parents, we have a significant role in encouraging our kids to view their educators with respect.

Ask yourself: How do I want my child to be perceived by their teachers and substitutes? Do you want them to be known as a student who is respectful, cooperative, and responsible? If so, those qualities must first be instilled at home. As a parent, modeling these behaviors in your everyday life will help ensure that your child understands the value of respect in all their relationships, including with their teachers.

Instilling Core Values of Respect and Boundaries for Others

It’s important to instill the core values of respect, responsibility, and kindness in your child from an early age. Start by practicing these values in your daily interactions—whether with neighbors, co-workers, or even people in customer service. Children often mirror their parents' behaviors. By treating others with respect, you’re teaching your child the importance of understanding boundaries, respecting authority, and the idea that everyone deserves kindness.

You can also talk to your child about the importance of empathy. Substitute teachers, in particular, face unique challenges. They often come into a classroom with little to no prior relationship with the students, yet they are expected to maintain control, deliver lessons, and keep things running smoothly. Teach your child to appreciate the challenges substitutes face, and encourage them to be extra respectful when a substitute is in charge.

Teaching Students to Be Respectful to Their Subs

As a parent, it’s important to explain to your child that substitutes are filling in for someone who can’t be there, and their role is just as important. Here are a few ways you can encourage your child to be respectful to substitutes:

1. Lead by Example: Demonstrate respect for teachers, substitutes, and all authority figures. Kids pick up on how we treat others, and it’s essential to model the behavior you expect from them.

2. Open Conversations: Before your child is in a classroom with a substitute, have a conversation about what makes a great student. Remind them that they should treat substitutes the same way they would treat their regular teacher—with kindness, attentiveness, and respect.

3. Praise Good Behavior: Reinforce respectful behavior by acknowledging when your child treats a substitute well. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in encouraging the right habits.

4. Encourage Communication: If your child had a substitute teacher, ask them about their experience. This opens the door for them to share their feelings and gives you the opportunity to guide them if any issues arise.

How to Become a Substitute Educator in Los Angeles

If you’re someone who has always been drawn to the idea of teaching but perhaps doesn’t want the full-time commitment, becoming a substitute educator might be a great fit. In Los Angeles, the process to become a substitute teacher is straightforward but requires some preparation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Educational Requirements: Most school districts in Los Angeles require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Your degree doesn’t necessarily need to be in education, but you must have at least 90 college semester units or a degree from an accredited institution.

2. Substitute Teaching Permit: In California, you will need a 30-day substitute teaching permit. You can apply for this through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The permit requires a background check and completion of a fingerprint clearance.

3. Apply to a District: Once you have your substitute teaching permit, you can apply directly to the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) or any other district in the area. Some districts also offer an online application process for substitute teachers.

4. Complete Training: While not all districts require substitute teachers to undergo training, many offer orientations or training sessions to help you better understand classroom management and district-specific procedures.

5. Stay Flexible: One of the best qualities a substitute teacher can have is flexibility. As a substitute, you will be stepping into various classrooms and dealing with different age groups and teaching styles. Embrace this dynamic environment, and you’ll find it to be both challenging and rewarding.

National Substitute Educators Day is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible role teachers—especially substitute teachers—play in shaping our children’s futures. As parents, it’s our job to encourage and model respect for all educators and to teach our kids to appreciate those who step into the classroom to support their learning.

Just like the best teachers, substitutes can leave lasting impressions on students, so let’s ensure that our children are ready to make those impressions positive ones. Whether you’re a parent looking to instill values of respect or someone considering becoming a substitute teacher, there are many ways we can all contribute to a better educational experience for everyone involved.

Happy National Substitute Educators Day!

All the best,

Nathan Derry, Realtor

📍JohnHart Real Estate

📞(424) 303-0440

📧 nathan@jhagents.com

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