Tanya Wunschel started substitute teaching during her days as a student teacher. After completing her teaching degree, she decided to continue subbing, because the flexible schedule allowed her to meet her family needs as well. She has enjoyed guest teaching in the Tahoma School District for years and, after taking two long term substitute roles during the pandemic, she joined Team Tahoma as a full-time hire in 2021!
Deanna Purdy has been engaged in the Maple Valley community through sports as a coach and she has been a substitute teacher for the past 10 years. She’s enjoyed working as a substitute paraeducator as well, which allowed her to observe and learn classroom management strategies from full-time teachers.
“I like being flexible, so I teach from preschool through 12th grade, including Transitions and other Special Education classes. I like the variety,” Purdy said. “One of my favorite places is kindergarten because they love you. Tahoma offers flexibility for choices that work for the substitute teachers, including half day options.”
While she was a substitute teacher, Wunschel valued the rapport she developed with teachers and school staff. The teachers knew they could count on her to teach the curriculum in their absence without worrying about lost learning time for their students.
Both teachers agreed that to be a successful substitute teacher, flexibility and being present for the students was key. They both talked about their personal strategies for quickly building rapport with students, which was fundamental to their long term success as substitute teachers. Wunschel said, “You have to like the kids to do this job and enjoy their uniqueness.&rdquo
“Being someone the teachers can rely on makes the experience great,” said Purdy. “When a teacher trusts me with the class, that is so cool.”
Tahoma School District has openings for substitute teachers, paraeducators and more. Click here for more information about joining our team and to apply.
The Tahoma School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.