MY JOURNEY AS AN EDUCATOR: SUPPORTING LEARNERS AT EVERY STAGE

As an educator, I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring students from a wide range of backgrounds, adults in workforce development programs, college students eager to enter the professional world, and now, young minds in elementary, middle, and high schools. Each experience has shaped my journey and taught me that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it is also about adapting to the unique needs of each learner.

According to the Learning Policy Institute report “An Overview of Teacher Shortages: 2025

• There are at least 49,000 vacant teaching positions nationwide for the 2024-2025 school year.
• Due to the teacher shortage, schools are relying more on substitutes to fill gaps, creating steady job opportunities.
• On an average school day, 8% of the nation's 3.2 million public school teachers are absent, requiring over 250,000 substitute teachers daily.
• Around 86% of school districts report struggling to find quality substitute teachers.

As a substitute teacher, I feel privileged to support the educational journeys of young students, ensuring they have the tools and encouragement they need to succeed. The impact of a substitute teacher may not always be as visible as that of a full-time teacher, but it is just as vital in keeping students on track with their academic goals and ensuring they feel supported throughout their educational journeys.

1. MY JOURNEY AS AN EDUCATOR: SUPPORTING LEARNERS AT EVERY
STAGE
As an educator, I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring students from a
wide range of backgrounds, adults in workforce development programs, college
students eager to enter the professional world, and now, young minds in
elementary, middle, and high schools. Each experience has shaped my journey and
taught me that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it is also about
adapting to the unique needs of each learner.
Working with Adult Workforce Learners - My teaching journey began in adult
workforce development at the Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Centers
(OIC) Opportunities Inn, where I helped individuals gain valuable skills in
preparation for careers in hospitality and tourism. Collaborating with adult
learners, many of whom were returning to education after years away, was
incredibly rewarding. These students were motivated by a desire to improve their
lives, and I was fortunate to guide them through that transformation.
At that time, I focused not only on providing technical knowledge but also on
helping students build confidence and resilience. These adult learners faced
various challenges, from balancing work and family responsibilities to navigating a
learning environment that might feel intimidating after years away from school. I
learned to be patient, empathetic, and creative in my lesson presentations to make
them accessible and engaging.

2. Transitioning to College Students - As I transitioned to teaching college students at
Temple University School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM),
Community College of Philadelphia Tourism and Hospitality Management program
and National Coalition Of Black Meeting Professionals my role shifted to guiding
young adults through the challenges of higher education. Here, I concentrated on
fostering critical thinking, preparing them for careers in business and hospitality,
and encouraging them to explore their passions. The rigor of college-level teaching
presented new challenges that required me to balance the depth of subject matter
with the need to keep students engaged and motivated.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of teaching college students was helping them
understand the practical applications of their learning. I ensured that the
theoretical aspects of their coursework related to real-world business scenarios,
emphasizing the importance of networking, industry knowledge, and career
development.
A New Chapter - Teaching Elementary, Middle, and High School Students Now, my
teaching journey has come full circle as a substitute teacher, focusing on
elementary school students and supporting those with intellectual disabilities. This
role has profoundly shifted my perspective and expanded my understanding of the
impact of education on every stage of life.
According to the National Education Association, substitute teachers play a crucial
role in the educational system. The NEA recognizes that effective substitute

3. teachers make a significant contribution to school’s program. They serve as
educational bridges when regular classroom teachers are absent. The Association
urges school districts to employ highly qualified individuals to fulfill the critical role
of substitute teachers. Substitute teaching ensures that learning continues
seamlessly in the absence of regular teachers, preventing disruptions in students’
academic progress. By stepping into the classroom providing a stable and
supportive environment that helps maintain routine, ensuring students are not left
behind.
According to the Learning Policy Institute report “An Overview of Teacher
Shortages: 2025
There are at least 49,000 vacant teaching positions nationwide for the 2024-
2025 school year.
Due to the teacher shortage, schools are relying more on substitutes to fill
gaps, creating steady job opportunities.
On an average school day, 8% of the nation's 3.2 million public school
teachers are absent, requiring over 250,000 substitute teachers daily.
Around 86% of school districts report struggling to find quality substitute
teachers.
Supporting students with intellectual disabilities has become one of the most
rewarding parts of my current role. These students have unique needs, and it is my
responsibility to meet them where they are. I have learned to adapt my teaching
strategies to ensure these students feel included, understood, and empowered to
succeed. This often means breaking down lessons into smaller, more manageable
steps and using firsthand activities that allow students to engage with the content
in meaningful ways.
Throughout this phase of my career, I have realized that substitute teachers do
more than fill in for absent instructors; we are essential to the smooth operation of
schools. When I step into a classroom, I not only ensure that lessons continue but
also create a safe and stable environment where students feel supported. This is
particularly important in elementary schools, where the structure and routine of
the day are vital for young learners.
Substitute teachers can also serve as mentors and role models. By offering
guidance, listening to students, and maintaining classroom order, we help nurture
the social and emotional development of young minds. Whether it is reinforcing

4. positive behaviors or simply being a calm presence in a sometimes-chaotic school
day, we help keep the wheels of education turning.
My evolution as an educator from teaching adult workforce learners to college
students, and now to elementary school students with intellectual disabilities has
been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Each stage of my career has
taught me something new about teaching, learning, and the diverse needs of
students. As a substitute teacher, I feel privileged to support the educational
journeys of young students, ensuring they have the tools and encouragement they
need to succeed. The impact of a substitute teacher may not always be as visible as
that of a full-time teacher, but it is just as vital in keeping students on track with
their academic goals and ensuring they feel supported throughout their
educational journeys.
Sources/Links:
OIC Philadelphia https://oicphila.org/
Temple University School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management
https://sthm.temple.edu/
Community College of Philadelphia Tourism and Hospitality Management
https://www.ccp.edu/college-catalog/degree-programs/associate-arts-aa/
tourism-and-hospitality-management
National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals https://ncbmp.com/
We Are Teachers https://www.weareteachers.com/most-important-lesson-
for-students/
National Education Association https://www.nea.org/substitute-teachers
Learning Policy Institute
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/overview-teacher-shortages-
2025-factsheet#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20latest%20June,fully
%20certified%20for%20their%20assignments.
Life Works Schools https://lifeworksschools.com/blog/educating-children-
with-intellectual-disabilities/