The Perspective of a Long-Term Substitute Teacher

By Embyr Hesson ‘25
February 24, 2025

TOLEDO, OH. – As a student you either love or hate showing up to class and realizing you have a substitute teacher for the day, but what is it like from the sub’s perspective? 

Mrs. Bailey, the current long term sub for the American Government class at St. Ursula Academy, is taking over for Mr. Box for about two-and-a-half weeks while he is out spending time with his newborn son. 

“It’s really helpful when the teacher has a plan, but we’re all different when it comes to actually teaching the class,” said Mrs. Bailey 

Mrs. Bailey has only subbed for a class once before, but is one of the many soccer coaches for SUA, which she said helps relieve some of the stress of stepping in for someone else's class. 

“American Government is definitely a challenge for me, but I found that being myself and laying the rules down early on brings a lot more respect and positive outcomes to everyone's day,” said Mrs. Bailey.

“It’s more complicated for a sub to teach a class because… it’s not their class,” said Lily Krebs, a current senior.

Stepping in to teach a lesson that you didn’t plan out yourself can be stressful, for both the sub and the students. Mrs. Bailey shared that the cooperation of each American Government class is greatly appreciated and lifted a lot of pressure off of her shoulders. 

“You have to learn how to adapt and change your plans,” said Mrs. Bailey when asked what this experience has taught her. 

Mrs. Bailey subbing for Mr. Box’s Block 1 American Government class. Photo Courtesy of Embyr Hesson ‘25.