Article by Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Communication and Community Relations
(Posted 2023 January)
If you are a retiree interested in embarking on a “second act,” consider substitute teaching. It is a wonderful opportunity to earn income while giving back to your community, sharing your knowledge, and connecting with the youngest generation. You may even learn a thing or two from the kids!
School districts across the region and the country are experiencing a substitute shortage and looking for creative ways to encourage qualified applicants to apply. A new Fairfax County Public Schools program provides bonuses to substitutes based on the number of days they work – those who work 50 days as a substitute receive a $200 bonus, with the program maxing out at $900 in extra pay for those who log 150 days of subbing this school year.
The school district is also offering bonuses for those who sub on so-called “high volume” days when administrators expect many staff may be out on leave. People who fill in for teachers on those days, which include a number of Fridays throughout the school year, will earn an extra $80 per day, and those who serve as substitute instructional assistants will earn an additional $55.
Jason Pensler, principal of Bull Run Elementary School in Centreville, says an average day at his school will have two or three teachers out – whether due to illness, family emergencies or personal leave. High volume days can mean twice as many teachers are absent, he says, adding he hopes the new financial incentives make those times easier to manage.
If you are intrigued by the idea of becoming a substitute teacher but have never taught, here are a few other factors to consider:
- You don’t need to worry about what to teach. Teachers leave substitutes with detailed lesson plans for the day, and school staff are available should you ever need assistance.
- You control the who, the what, and the where. You can choose which grade levels, subjects and schools you would like to assist.
- You set your own schedule. You can stipulate which days you are available to work.
“Retirees have so much experience they have acquired in their lifetimes that is so good to share with young folks,” Principal Pensler says. “I’d tell all retirees to consider this – please share your knowledge with students, staff and community. I hope more will consider this good work because it is truly needed and truly valued.”
To learn more about becoming a substitute teacher with Fairfax County Public Schools, visit fcps.edu/careers/career-opportunities/substitute-teaching-opportunities/new-applicants.
Meet Substitute Teacher Bunni Cooper
Bunni Cooper, or Ms. Bunni as she’s known to students, has had students ask her to serve as a fill-in grandma. She’s also had a group of “feisty” sixth graders ask her to join them at their cafeteria table for regular lunches – and she obliged. Cooper, who worked at the World Bank for 23 years before retiring and becoming a Fairfax County Public Schools substitute, gets hugs in the hallway and warm greetings from students she passes in the hallway on their way to recess.
“I’m not the type to just sit at home and do nothing, so when I retired I looked for a way to pay it forward,” Cooper says. “I’m 76 – but you don’t act it when you’re around kids all day. They taught me a few years back how to do the 'dab’ – I’ve learned all sorts of different dance moves in this job. I just have fun with them.”
Cooper, who became an FCPS substitute teacher in 2013, has focused her time almost exclusively at Bull Run Elementary School in Centreville. Cooper works in all grades – from kindergarten to sixth – and can also be found serving as a stand-in librarian, music instructor, or assisting with special education, depending on the day.
Cooper says she was drawn to substituting because she loves kids, which she notes is important for anyone interested in the work. Now nine years after she first became a substitute, Ms. Bunni typically works five days a week and has no plans to stop.
“These kids give me energy and purpose, they give me so much joy,” Cooper said. “I feel like I am helping these students in some way establish the road to their success.”
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).