What to Expect When Transitioning from a Support Role to a Full-Time Teacher

Individuals who fill classroom support roles are strong candidates for full-time teaching and often take that next step. However, while classroom support roles provide the necessary foundations to transition into full-time teaching, there is still a difference to prepare for.

Teachers are leaders who steer their students through engaging lessons, use effective classroom management skills, communicate with guardians and know who to call on for support—like paraprofessionals. Their attitude sets the classroom’s tone and can often change a student’s day from good to bad.

Substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, on the other hand, dance between leading and following. To students, they are leaders, however, they must also follow the teacher’s lead. This change in mindset is just one example of how support staff must evolve as they work to become certified teachers.

What other shifts should support personnel expect as they transition to the front of the classroom as lead teachers?  

We tapped into online discussions among teachers who started their careers as paraprofessionals and substitute teachers.  See what these established educators had to say as they offered advice to online colleagues interested in making the switch.

Better relationships with students

“The difference comes from the relationship that develops between a teacher and the students. There is a bond based on trust and acceptance. The teacher receives much more from the kids than does a sub. Unless a sub spends months in one class, it is difficult for her/him to boost kids' faith in themselves.”

Upsadaisy, A to Z Teacher Stuff forum

“Comparing the two, I faced way more discipline/behavioral issues as a sub than I have as a teacher. As a teacher, if you set really solid procedures from the beginning, you can eliminate a lot of future discipline problems. For example, my students know I have a zero-tolerance policy with phones. The first month or so, I would confiscate phones, write them up, etc. Once the procedure is established, they don't even bother trying to take out a phone in my class because they know they'll have a consequence and they'll have to deal with them (and me) the rest of the year.”

Mb1478, r/Teachers

“Teaching full time is much easier. First, you are getting a fair wage, so that makes the motivation go way up. Second, you can build up better rapport and relationships with the students, and this will garner respect if you are a positive person that cares about the students. Lastly, you are going to be comfortable in your day to day setting, which will give you a good comfort zone.”

EstablishmentIII8452, r/SubstituteTeachers

“I've both subbed and had my own classroom. Is there a difference? Absolutely. Students are rarely going to act for a sub the same way they act for a regular teacher. However, I don't think it's anything that isn't manageable.

It's been my experience that students are chattier and less productive when they have a sub. I'm aware of that and I expect that. As long as they're working (however slowly) and the noise level is under control, I'm ok with that. I think subbing is an exercise in picking your battles.”

Shanoo, A to Z Teacher Stuff forum

More structure and organization

“As a sub, it’s easy to let things slide just to get through the day, but as the full time teacher, I need to have consistent routines and expectations.”

Mynamelessname, r/Teaching

“After two years of testing out different grade levels I decided to get my credential in Art. I just completed student teaching and will be a full time high school teacher next year. While subbing, I loved the flexibility, ability to make my own schedule, and not being responsible for grades! But I really longed to teach art in my own classroom with a stable schedule.”

Purethought09, r/SubstituteTeachers

“I’ve been a teacher, a principal, a director, and finally a sub. Subbing is 100% by far the most difficult job to do well.”

MindlessSafety7307, r/SubstituteTeachers

“Use voice level visuals, have a system for everything, set visual timers in the smart board, create class rules together, post them. Don’t be afraid to switch up something that’s not working immediately. Think about your seating plan ahead of time, and change as necessary.”

Which-Ad-4070, r/Teachers

Extra disciplinary support

“As a teacher you can literally just pick up the phone and call their parents if they’re out of line. You have a direct hand in their grades if they don’t do the work. You really have nothing backing you as a sub.”

MindlessSafety7307, r/SubstituteTeachers

“When you have your own classroom from day one, the children know what to expect from you and you know what to expect from them. It is not reasonable to expect to walk into a classroom to sub and have the children conform to a discipline plan they are not familiar with. Discipline in a classroom is an ever evolving "creature" that needs to be worked on over a extended period of time.”

Guest, A to Z Teacher Stuff forum

“I was a classroom teacher for five years but now am a substitue. The hardest part for me is not knowing the kids names. Discipline is so much more effective when you can address the kids by name.”

Guest, A to Z Teacher Stuff forum

ParaPreppED caters to paraprofessionals and substitute teachers

ParaPreppED is a new teacher apprenticeship program that provides necessary resources for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals to become certified full-time teachers.

“Though the need for student support professionals is exceptionally high, individuals who serve as teacher aides and paraprofessionals face significant professional barriers, which impact recruitment and retention,” said Kwamé Floyd, founder and executive director of Teacher Apprenticeship Network.

The program’s format accommodates the unique experiences and needs of substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, making the appropriate channels easy for them to reach.

Overall, the program aims to:

• Increase the number of Registered Teacher Apprenticeships in the state; 
• Expand the teacher pipeline, leveraging the existing district talent; 
• Address barriers for aspiring teachers through targeted support like Praxis prep; and 
• Conduct and disseminate ongoing research on the implementation and impact of the initiative.

“Investment in these professionals is not only a moral imperative, but it is also our most viable path to saving the teaching profession,” Floyd said.

If you’re considering following your dream of teaching, Rutgers Alternate Route can offer you the support and training you need to succeed. Be sure to follow Rutgers Alternate Route on Twitter and sign up for Alternate Route’s monthly newsletter for more information and stories from the field of education.