# Is substitute teaching right for me?

April 22, 2025

There are a lot of reasons why substitute teaching can be a rewarding career! You may be

- brand new to the workforce
- looking to hone your teaching skills
- seeking a flexible way to earn income

Here are just a few reasons why people choose substitute teaching:

**Make a difference**  
Subs are called into classrooms for many reasons — ranging from instances of a [teacher on leave](/content/resources/support-teachers-maternity-leave/index.html), to schools searching for new permanent staff, to school districts facing [teacher shortages](/content/resources/your-schools-guide-to-surviving-the-teacher-shortage/index.html).

As a Swing Sub, you provide support to the students who need it most.

**Choose your schedule**  
As a sub with [an organization like Swing Education](/content/become-a-sub/faq/index.html), you can work when you want and where you want. Subbing can fit easily around your schedule, whether you’ve got an additional job, family, or lifestyle commitments that you want to maintain.

**Cultivate your skills**  
As a Swing Sub, you can teach at a variety of districts and schools. that variety means you can improve your skills as an educator and get the experience you need to meet any teaching challenge.

Even if teaching isn’t your main goal, subbing can help you gain [in-demand transferable skills](/content/resources/transferable-skills-from-substitute-teaching/index.html), like problem-solving, written and oral communication, and adaptability.