TUCSON, Ariz. — They step into the front lines when they're called upon and can be responsible for dozens of children at a time.
Vail's school district says their substitute teachers play a vital part in covering for teachers who are out of their classroom. Currently they have 138 substitute teachers and say they would like to have between 175 to 200 teachers.
Tina Henderson has been subbing in Vail for the last seven years. She says she began her career in the business sector and it wasn't until her kids were born that she found her love for teaching.
"I had done a lot of things with my church where I worked with lots of children in youth groups and so it was just really natural," she said. "I love children."
Henderson says she can still remember the first time she was called to be a sub.
"It was a second grade classroom, so they are seven years old and they can intimidate you but they were great," she said. "I walked in and we got settled in and started going through the routine of the day and then it was fine."
Even though she is a substitute teacher, Henderson says holds herself to a high standard and understands the responsibility she carries by being a leader in the eyes of children.
"They have to know that they are loved and are in safe place and cared for because beyond teaching academics, teachers have a responsibility and they take it very seriously to teach life skills."
To see how much substitute teachers make in a year visit the district's page detailing pay.
For one of the current job listings on Vail School District's page, the requirements to work as as a substitute teacher are a valid Arizona substitute teacher/training certificate and a valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
