Substitute teacher enjoys working with students while waiting for grad school.
Meet Jenna Kroeger. After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she started to work as a substitute teacher. Her goal was to do rewarding work while making (and saving) money before heading to graduate school.
Why did you start working as a substitute teacher?
When I was growing up, all my teachers said, “Jenna, you should be a teacher when you grow up.” I was just not interested in that. Turns out they were on to something, since I'm now a substitute teacher.
In saving money for graduate school, I’m working three jobs. As a substitute teacher, I especially enjoy the flexible schedule. In applying my psychology degree to teaching, I see how my skills innately align with this role. I like to help people and foster a growth mindset, so teaching is a natural fit.
You mentioned flexibility, why is that important?
Yes! I am busy and juggle many responsibilities, so I need to be intentional with my time. I go to the gym, hang out with friends, and work multiple jobs. So, I appreciate the ability to build my own substitute teacher schedule.
I can work a half day, pick the school where I want to work, and even choose the class or subjects to teach. I schedule my assignments in advance when a teacher knows they’ll be out or find work on the same day if a teacher calls out sick.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
In a high school setting, when a student asks for help, I realize they are letting me into their world. I tell them that I know that I’m a substitute teacher and might not know this topic well. For example, I don’t know all the chemistry equations! However, if they’re going to struggle with it, we can struggle together. We can figure it out. They don’t have to do it alone. I want the students to feel like someone cares to help them.
What would you tell someone considering work as a substitute teacher?
If you like to help people, this is a great job. For me, returning home from college and being part of my community is rewarding work. Not every student enjoys school, but I hope to inspire them so that they see what they can achieve if they stick with it.
As I work toward my ultimate career goal of working in law or psychology, substitute teaching helps me grow while also improving my resume. I'm putting into practice important skills—like organization, communication, responsibility, and mentoring.
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