AN EDUCATOR'S JOURNEY: 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.

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 the 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 teachers make a significant contribution to a 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, and 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 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.

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