The Role of Substitute Teaching in Learning to Teach

• In Event: Practices Related to Teacher Candidates in Professional Development Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this interview study is to investigate the types of skills that can be learned while substitute teaching during a teacher preparation program. Twenty-one teacher candidates who experienced at least three days of substitute teaching were interviewed during a three-year study. Findings from the study showed that teacher candidates at all levels found a primary benefit of substitute teaching to be interacting with students. This was reflected by the high number of relationship and classroom comments, which together totaled over 50% of the total comments given.

Authors

• John E. Henning, Monmouth University

• Tracy Mulvaney, Monmouth University

• Bernard Bragen, Monmouth University