Seven years ago, a simple request from my six-year-old niece changed my life: She asked me to be her substitute teacher. I had worked in business, medical and pharmaceutical fields for the past 20 years, yet I always had a desire to work with children. My niece’s innocent request inspired me to embark on another phase of my journey. Today, with the unwavering support of my staffing firm, I am fulfilling that wish, working as a substitute teacher in the heart of Miami-Dade County, Florida, impacting the lives of countless students.
Growth Opportunities
The Kelly Education talent team has been instrumental along my journey, not only recognizing how my diverse work experience across industries could fit into this role but helping me capitalize on my skills to get the most out of the work that I do. And they’ve provided tools and training to enable me to put those abilities into action, boosting my confidence and engagement at work. My talent manager keeps me updated on payroll, benefits, events, learning opportunities and savings, ensuring I’m well prepared for any situation.
And the learning opportunities are many. Teaching is a profession that requires continual professional development, and Kelly Education provides access to a number of workshops on various topics like communicating with children, special education, autism, substituting and behavioral intervention. These workshops are easily accessible and enable me to tailor my learning to my schedule and needs. The instructors are caring, eager to assist and committed to helping us excel as substitute teachers. The learning workshops have boosted my confidence and engagement at work.
Beyond these training opportunities, Kelly Education encourages substitutes to further their education and offers financial assistance for obtaining teaching certificates or diplomas or pursuing other positions within the school district. This support and wealth of information fuel my eagerness to continue my journey as a substitute teacher.
Work-Life Balance and Lifelong Learning
Thanks to flexible working schedules and regular updates on calendar events, I’ve been able to strike a balance between my professional and personal life. Kelly Education provides incentives and promotions such as weekly perks for gym membership, home internet and city passes for traveling. It also offers extended medical, dental and vision benefits even to employees working part time or on flexible schedules and offers a bonus incentive for those who work for over a year with the required hours.
Working consistently in the Miami-Dade School District enabled me to experience and admire its innovative teaching strategies. Also, with the use of the latest technologies made available by the district within a real-world application, including virtual tech, I’ve gained confidence in guiding students in their academic and social growth. I focus on identifying each student’s needs and areas of strength and weakness to help develop them to their fullest potential.
Bringing My Whole Self
Teaching is not just a job for me; it’s a calling. It’s an opportunity to mold young minds, to bring about positive change and to contribute meaningfully to society. I find my role as a substitute teacher enables me to utilize my skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, public speaking, patience and time management. But this journey is not without its challenges. The most significant among them is maintaining effective classroom management.
To navigate this, I encourage student collaboration and nurture positive substitute educator-student relationships. This approach has not only helped me manage classrooms effectively but also build meaningful connections with my students and the school staff.
And it’s the power of collaboration with my staffing firm that enabled me to embark on this journey at all.
Meaningful Outcomes
Providing children with an eminent education creates a resilient and prosperous community. As a substitute teacher at Kelly Education, I know I’m making a difference and contributing to this world. And that, to me, is the essence of meaningful work that changes lives.
