Whether a teacher’s absence is because of illness, vacation or maternity leave, long and short-term substitute teachers are a crucial aspect of the school.

While substitute teachers are usually in charge of only leading the class for a day or two, many substitute teachers choose this job because of that. Substitute teacher Steven Bock likes subbing because of its flexibility.

“Being an elementary school P.E. teacher was a very time-consuming job,” Bock said. “Subbing was fun. I got to work all the time and it was enough. My busiest time of the year [now] is June because I run [tennis] camps.”

Despite substitute teachers only being in classes for a short amount of time, teachers, such as history teacher Angie DalBello, prefer to rely on substitutes who are familiar with the school.

“I like people who are in the building somewhat regularly, who have a good rapport with students, so they’re not coming in blind,” DalBello said. “[I like when] they have a relationship or a familiarity with students and also [know] the ways that Mill Valley works.”

Many students, such as sophomore Myra Chamberlain, also like substitute teachers who are comfortable

with the school and its students.

“I [like] a sub that knows what they’re doing,” Chamberlain said. “They’re helpful, they’re nice, and they don’t just read out the directions and sit there. They’ll explain it to you; they’re there for you.”

Many substitute teachers believe that making a good learning environment allows students to still get work done despite the teacher being absent. Substitute teacher Cimony Mahoney believes that those environments are the best to sub for.

“I love showing up and kids are happy to see me,” Mahoney said. “That’s the best feeling. [I love] when I can teach a lesson where the kids are having fun and learning, and we incorporate good conversation and group work.”

Even if they aren’t teaching in the same way a teacher would, substitute teacher Heather Keeler believes it is the sub’s job to prevent teachers and students from falling behind.

“The purpose [of a sub] is to keep the ball rolling in class, do the best you can to stay on track for the teacher while they’re gone,” Keeler said. “There’s so little time, so to miss a chunk of time is so hard, so [that’s why] I’m here to keep things going.”

Chamberlain also believes substitute teachers are important because they can be relied on when a teacher is absent.

“I think teachers need breaks too, or have emergencies happen,” Chamberlain said. “Having available subs is always such a great thing, especially good subs, because teachers need someone to take the class for them.”

Substitute teachers are especially needed when teachers need to take a longer period of time off. Mahoney is currently English teacher, Victoria Byrd-Wright’s long-term substitute, and has noticed the difference in short term subbing.

“Subbing for day to day, the teachers always have great plans already ready for you,” Mahoney said. “But long term, you are now the one making the plans, doing the grading, doing the conferences and making sure the grades are done. It’s definitely more responsibility, but the teachers always leave a good outline on where [the class] should be and what we should cover, and the team that I work with is always really helpful.”

Since long term subs are in the same class for so long, many build a connection with their students. Although Keeler enjoys short term subbing, she misses having a class she can see every day.

“I miss getting to know a class,” Keeler said. “It’s special to have your own class; when you’re a sub, you don’t get that little glimpse.”