What Is Substitute Teaching Like? A Personal Anecdote

What Is Substitute Teaching Like? A Personal Anecdote

In the spring of 2025, as I transitioned from the corporate advertising world into running Shamrock Marketing and Photography full time, I found myself stepping into classrooms as a substitute teacher in Lowell Area Schools. It was not a long-term plan, but it became one of the most eye-opening experiences of that year.

I remember my very first day vividly. I was at Alto Elementary, substituting for third grade teacher Kelsey Schult. Walking in that morning, there was a clear lesson plan laid out, expectations set, and a classroom full of students ready to learn. What struck me immediately was how much preparation goes into a single day and how quickly a substitute has to adapt. You are learning names, routines, and personalities all at once, while still trying to keep the day moving smoothly.

You’re also trying to teach as effectively as you can while maintaining an orderly classroom. Everyone was so willing to help out from the Principal, Paul Papes, to fellow third grade teachers and the music teacher, Barbara Gumina, and the parapros that are such an important part of these elementary schools. Of course, I was somewhat familiar with Alto going in, despite me having gone to Bushnell, Murray Lake, and Cherry Creek at varying grades growing up in Lowell.

Over those months, my respect for elementary school teachers grew tremendously. Every class had students who were eager, focused, and ready to participate, along with others who needed a little more patience and attention. Managing that balance throughout the day takes an incredible amount of energy and care. What stood out most was that, regardless of those differences, the students were genuinely excited to learn. Even now, having only substituted in some classrooms once, students will still recognize me when I see them around town or at school events.

I also spent time substituting at the middle school and high school levels, which felt different in many ways. Those classrooms were generally easier to manage, especially at the high school level. Many of the students already knew who I was, and I knew them through my work covering and photographing Lowell High School events. That familiarity created a level of mutual respect that made those days run more smoothly.

Substitute teaching gave me a new perspective on what happens inside our schools every day. It reinforced just how demanding, complex, and impactful teaching is at every level. Stepping into those classrooms, even briefly, left me with a deeper appreciation for the educators who do it full time, day after day.

So this one goes out to you Lowell educators, you’re doing great!