Substitute Teacher Story: Clara Strickland

Kelly Education is proud to celebrate the incredible impact of educators across the country.

For 15 years, Clara Strickland has been a trusted substitute teacher in Mississippi's Gulf Coast schools. Principals and teachers keep asking her to return time and again, and students light up when she walks into the classroom. Clara combines patience, encouragement, and genuine care, and she is a role model for what a substitute teacher can be.

In this Q&A, Clara shares her story.

Why did you become a substitute teacher?

I was already around kids all the time. I grew up in a big family, and my mom had close to 40 grandchildren. My husband and I have also run our own ministry for about 30 years. One day I thought, "I'm already with kids all the time, and they love me. I might as well be in school with them, teaching them and showing them the right way to go." That was 15 years ago, and I've loved it ever since.

Where do you work, and what do you like to teach?

I work mostly in Harrison County, and I also serve schools in Gulfport, Biloxi, and Long Beach. I fill in at every grade level, from elementary to high school. High school is my favorite because the students are more independent and do more on their own.

My favorite class to cover is a STEM or computer class. Students are focused and independent when they work on computers. I also spent about five years supporting a special needs classroom at Gulfport High. They didn't want me to leave.

How often do you teach?

It feels like a full-time job. I work almost every day. Right now, I'm on a two-week assignment. Most places I go, they ask me to come back.

Why do you think schools keep asking you back?

I don't scream or holler. I treat the students the way I'd treat my own children. I hardly ever send anyone to the office. If a child is acting up, I sit them down and talk to them like a human being.

With an elementary student who won't do their work, I ask, "What do you want to be when you grow up? A doctor? Then you've got to do the schoolwork first." Then, I walk them through the assignment.

Students tell me, "Miss Strickland, you're strict, but in a good way. You don't fuss. You talk to us." That's the best compliment I can get.

Do you feel part of the school community?

Yes. My work doesn't stop when the school day ends. I see students at church, around town, and everywhere else.

I go to sports games, including football and basketball. I make sure the players, the cheerleaders, and everybody else see me there. I'm a Gulfport High alum, but I serve students at all of the area schools, so I want every team to win. I just say, "Good game," and encourage them. You never know what their future holds, so just tell them to hang in there.

The teachers, principals, and staff are wonderful too. The teachers leave good lesson plans, and if I can't find something, the teacher across the hall helps. The principal usually stops by asking if everything is okay.

What's the hardest part of the job?

When students graduate, I miss them. A new group comes in, and then that group leaves. But I love knowing I might have said or done something that helped them do better.

What advice do you have for new substitute teachers?

Just be yourself. Walk in, greet the students, and tell them your name, even if it's written on the board. They might not know how to pronounce it. I say, "Good morning, I'm Ms. Strickland, and if you need me, I'm right over here." Then I read the teacher's plan on the board out loud, so everyone knows what we're doing.

That one-on-one communication makes things better. It makes students smile. Be kind. Don't send a child to the office for every little thing, or you'll be sending kids all day long. Talk to them, encourage them, and show them the way.

What does it mean to you to be there for students?

It makes me feel good to know I've been an influence on someone's life. I've always liked doing things for people. I think we need more people who look out for others, and that's what I try to be.

Getting started with Kelly Education.

Substitute teaching is a flexible and rewarding job. Are you ready to make a difference? Complete our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will share more about applying to be a substitute teacher. You can also learn more by reading our complete guide to becoming a substitute teacher.