There's No 'Substitute' For Work

BROOKSVILLE - With the economy slowing down, more and more local residents are turning to substitute teaching in local K-12 schools as a source for income.
But while there are currently more than 750 substitute teachers, lunch aids and custodians registered in the Hernando County School District, officials say there is still a shortage of those willing to work.
"We always need substitutes," said longtime district volunteer Cynthia Moore. "There's not a day that goes by that we don't have (difficulty) finding someone."
Substitute teaching positions require applicants to be high school graduates, pass background and drug tests and attend a one-day training course on classroom management and techniques.
Yet to remain in the district's system, substitutes only have to work three days per year. While some are "regulars," many work minimally, preferring to keep their credential as a back-up plan if other work options fall through.
Substitute teachers, who earn a minimum of $7.55 per hour based on education level, typically work 7.75-hour days and do not commit to a job until the morning they want to work. They select their assignment either online or via computerized phone system between 5:30 and 7:30 a.m.
Wednesday, 20 new hires "graduated" from the district's first one-day substitute training class for fall. The course is typically offered once a month, with a limit of 40 people per class.
Some are parents, and said they chose the job because it coincides with their children's school schedules.
Spring Hill resident Marie Dzierzawski said she worked as a substitute lunch aide last year, and decided to pursue a substitute teaching credential this year to provide variety.
A single mom of three, she also cited the flexibility of being able to decide that day whether or not to work.
"If one of my children is sick, I can be there. I can't afford babysitters," she said.
Others are teaching hopefuls, hoping to pursue substitute jobs as a way of obtaining experience for a future career.
"I already work with the YMCA, and being a college student, the extra money will come in handy," said Spring Hill resident Elizabeth Garcia, 20.
Garcia, who attends the University of South Florida, said she intends to work "whenever she can," but also enjoys the flexibility of staying home to study when she needs to.
Still others are waiting on other career opportunities, such as Weeki Wachee resident Alicia Serrano, 55, who recently graduated with her associate's degree and had hoped to work as a paralegal.
Though she tried to find a job here, her closest job offer was in Tampa.
"With the gas situation, I can't afford that," she said. "So I went for substitute teaching while I complete my bachelor's degree."
Brooksville resident Cathy Mara, 48, a social worker, will work as a long-term substitute guidance counselor this year at Fox Chapel while she obtains her master's degree in mental health counseling. The school's current guidance counselor will be taking time off for maternity leave.
She is one of many substitutes who will be holding down another job after school hours.
"I don't want to work two jobs, but sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do," Mara said, citing the job as valuable work experience.
And not all are newcomers.
Some are non-tenured teachers who were released from their district jobs in May, and have turned to substitute teaching while they wait for other teaching jobs to open up, said Janeen Defillippo, human resources specialist and substitute coordinator.
Many turn in their credential once they find other jobs, either with the district or elsewhere, she said.
For more information on becoming a substitute, go to www.hcsb.k12.fl.us.