ABERDEEN, S.D. – Aaron Malsbury has always had a lot of respect for teachers—and that feeling has only increased since he started working in the classroom himself as a substitute teacher.
“I have a huge respect for teachers now,” said Malsbury, who has subbed for the Aberdeen Public School District for six years.
It’s American Education Week, and Nov. 22 is Substitute Educators Day, a day to show gratitude to our substitute teachers at Aberdeen Public Schools—including Malsbury.
Malsbury, who is also a pastor, has been subbing at Aberdeen Public Schools since he and his family moved to Aberdeen. His wife, Laca, also works as an educational assistant at Lincoln Elementary, and they have three children in the school district.
While Malsbury primarily subs at the elementary level, he has also subbed at the middle schools and high school as well.
When it comes to working as a substitute teacher, Malsbury said flexibility and patience are important.
“It’s a very rewarding job,” he said.
While there are times substitute teachers are asked to fill in at the last minute, there are opportunities to see what openings are available in advance. Also, teachers do a great job of leaving lesson plans for their subs to follow, he said.
“You make a lot of good connections with the teachers,” Malsbury said. “We have really great teachers. That’s one of the things I really do love about the school district.”
The best part of the job, he said, is getting to know the kids. Now that he has subbed for several years across the district, Malsbury gets a unique perspective that not all teachers experience.
“What I get to see going all around, especially subbing for six years, is kids come in that struggle in kindergarten, and then you see them turn into these efficient and self-reliant kids in fifth grade,” he said. “It’s neat to see all the kids and how they grow.”
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.