I choose to substitute in the school system instead of go to the junior high and high school for lunch once a week. I never thought going to the schools for lunch was a good idea. For some reason, it just doesn’t sit right with me and the students I talk to agree. While numerous youth pastors disagree with this strategy, it works better in the situation I’m in. Let me tell you why.
- Students don’t mind me being on their turf when I have a reason for being there besides lunch
- Substituting is not invading or evasive
- Substituting isn’t “creepy”
- I get to know students on their terms and see them interacting with their friends
- Teachers need Jesus too. The conversations I have had with staff are amazing
- I get just as much work done at school as I do in the office
- Everyone knows I’m there after 1st hour for the whole day
- Lunch just goes better
- I get to see how the kids learn and what they are capable of learning
If you haven’t thought about substituting, give it a shot. It’s really a great experience that is different than going to the schools to eat lunch with the kids.
What do you think?
-Jordan
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I helped coach the wrestling team at the high school this year. It was a great way to get on campus and meet pre-saved kids.
Yup, coaching is an awesome outreach as well. I coach the freshman baseball team at our high school.
When I lived in Missouri it was alot easier to get into the schools for substitute teaching as long as you have so many college hours they let you in. In Pennsylvania it is very difficult. So needless to say I have not subbed in PA. However I do think it is a wonderful way to get to know kids on different levels and get them comfortable with you.
Great idea! I am sure it differs in each state, but what kind of training and certification do you need to sub? I have a BS in Bible, nothing in teaching.
Brandon…it varies in each School District what the qualifications…some just need a warm body, others need someone that will be able to handle a specific situation.
I know the education does affect the amount you are paid per day. X number of dollars for High School Grad…X number for B.S.
With having a Bachelor’s…you are in baby! have at it. fun stuff.
I don’t know of any place you can sub if you don’t have a H.S. Diploma and I am not sure that would be the best outreach for someone that doesn’t. ha.
dustin
Brandon, I sub here in Ohio and you just have to have a bachelor’s degree- it doesn’t matter what it’s in. Then you can get a substitute teaching liscense and sub to your heart’s desire. I highly recommend it! I use that time to put the names I see all the time to faces I see at youth group. And when you sub, be sure to spend the time between periods in the halls so you can say hi to as many kids as possible. The best subjects to sub for and still get work done are music and art- music gives study hall and art kids just do their project. And FYI: the lower the grade the more likely you’ll be to have lessons that you have to teach.