Substitute Teacher Story: Kalisha Carter

    March 20, 2024

    Kalisha Carter is a highly-requested substitute teacher for the Uplift Education School District in Texas.

    This former stay-at-home mom loves to work with young people. She founded a non-profit program to mentor at-risk children living in shelters. It gives her incredible satisfaction to work for the betterment of her community.

    She says she often dreamed about becoming a teacher and the experience as a substitute teacher has given her the confidence to pursue her passion. She's now beginning to look at going to college to make her dream come true.

    In this Q&A, Ms. Carter shares about her experiences and offers inspiration to new substitute teachers.

    Why did you become a substitute educator?

    After my own children were all in school, I wanted to work outside my home. I have always enjoyed working with children and wanted to become a teacher. I don't have a teaching degree, so assisting in the classroom seemed to be the right next step.

    What do you enjoy most about being a substitute teacher?

    What I love the most is working with the kids—especially the ones who are behind and helping them with their homework. I make time in my day to support them if they have questions before we move onto the next lesson.

    What advice would you give to new substitute teachers?

    • You have to be a positive role model and lead by example.
    • Be confident in the classroom. Show students that you know what you are doing. The minute you show weakness, the students will see that and take advantage of you.
    • Your job is to educate the students, but that's easier when you build a trusted relationship with them.

    What is the benefit of being a Kelly Education substitute teacher?

    I really enjoy the free webinars, workshops, and seminars. I have learned so much about classroom management that has made me a better teacher.

    Getting started with Kelly Education.

    Substitute teaching is a flexible and rewarding job. Are you ready to make a difference? We’re excited to get to know you and help you get started! Complete our brief interest form, and one of our expert recruiters will contact you to share more about applying to be a substitute teacher. You can also learn more by reading our complete guide to becoming a substitute teacher.

    Kelly Education logo

    View Related: Video Education Workplace

    Related resources

    View All
    3 min read | March 20, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Camil Fowler

    Kelly Education shares a substitute teacher story about Camil Fowler who was able to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Education while getting teaching... Watch Now
    3 min read | March 20, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Turkesa Code

    Kelly Education shares a substitute teacher story about Turkesa Code who works in Polk County Public Schools, Florida and offers her inspiration to new... Watch Now
    7 min read | March 4, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Jim Rue

    Kelly Education shares a substitute teacher story about Jim Rue, our 2023 Substitute Educator of the Year in the K-12 category. Watch Now
    6 min read | March 14, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Rudolph Ervin

    Kelly Education shares a substitute teacher story about Rudolph Ervin, the winner of our 2022 K-12 Substitute Educator of the Year award. Rudolph teaches... Read More
    6 min read | March 13, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Katie Reagan

    Kelly Education shares a substitute teacher story about Katie Reagan, a substitute early childhood educator for Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District... Watch Now
    5 min read | March 8, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Saira Zamarripa

    Kelly Education shares a substitute teacher story about Saira Zamarripa who graduated college, then decided that maybe she wanted to become a teacher. To... Watch Now