As students waltz into their classes, they begin to notice their teacher’s water bottle and laptop aren’t on their desk. They kick their feet back and take in a deep breath, ready for the easiest class of their life. The substitute teachers of the KSD, however, don’t want to put the students’ learning on hold whenever they step in: they’re determined to take action as if the regular teacher was there.
Clint Johnson, Robinson elementary building substitute teacher, started his career at Parkway North High School as an art teacher. However, after was passed in Missouri, allowing retired teachers to come back and sub, he decided to return to teaching in the KSD. Johnson originally started as a district sub, moving from building to building on a day to day basis, but this year he started substituting strictly at Robinson Elementary.
“I was working part time at Lowe’s, and someone had told me that because of this amendment [I could] go back and teach unlimited hours,” Johnson said. “I thought what the heck, why not?”
Even though he prefers to teach art, working at Robinson for multiple years gave Johnson many fond memories to look back upon. There are many instances where he has seen children grow, along with receiving gifts such as styrofoam snow in a box.
“I’ve discovered just from the times that I was at Robinson, to see the progress of some of the kids from third grade [to] fourth grade it’s been really kind of neat to see,” Johnson said. “Preferably I [would] teach art every day, but I really enjoy the challenge of being in different classrooms and levels.”
Phillip Norman, KHS building substitute teacher, said he too feels this connection to students at the high school. According to Norman, working in one building throughout the week allows him to connect with high schoolers.
“I’m here every day,” Norman said. “I’m able to walk alongside you guys through your schedule throughout every day versus someone who’s just coming in and just subbing for the day here and there. Because I’m always with [students], [they] know me and respect and relationship is there.”
Both Norman and Johnson recognize the difficulties with being a sub. Whether it’s behavior with the students or a misunderstanding with the plans, they adapt in order to give the students a quality education.
“The toughest part about being a sub is the behavior with students because students [want to] let their hair down, especially when there’s a sub,” Norman said. “I understand that, but with me being a sub and who I am it’s interesting for me because I’m old enough to not feel like a student, but I’m still young enough to be relatable. So, I have to strike that balance between making sure that I’m friendly but I’m not your friend.”
At the core of what both these subs care about is one answer: students. Johnson said he loves teaching the elementary students and if he hadn’t formerly taught high school, he would’ve lept upon the opportunity to teach elementary full time. Norman said that he has always had a deep connection to KHS and feels substitute teaching is the best way to give back.
“I wanted to become a teacher because I love to learn and educate students,” Norman said. “I’m also a KHS [alumni]. So I wanted to come back and give back to the high school and community that has given so much to me.”