Morgan Hunter Education is proud to recognize Courtney Garlick as the September Sub of the Month! Courtney was selected for her outstanding team-player attitude, positive outlook, and willingness to step in whenever she is needed.
Whether it is accepting a last-minute, early-morning assignment, arriving early, or staying through the afternoon, Courtney consistently goes above and beyond to help ensure that students have a teacher in their classroom. Her flexibility and dedication make a meaningful difference to the schools, students, and teachers she serves.
Thank you, Courtney, for always being willing to help and for being such a valuable part of the Morgan Hunter Education substitute team!
A Passion for Education
Courtney has been a substitute teacher for the past five years. She and her husband, Chris, have two children—a 14-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son—who keep their family busy with school, sports, and activities.
Being a parent has given Courtney an even greater appreciation for educators and the important role they play in children’s lives. Her passion for education has also inspired her to continue her own education. Courtney is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Elementary Education at Emporia State University, with the goal of continuing to grow in the field of education and eventually having a classroom of her own.
Finding the Flexibility—and the Passion—for Substitute Teaching
Courtney originally became a substitute teacher because she wanted to be involved in education while maintaining the flexibility to be there for her own family. Over the past five years, however, substitute teaching has become much more than a flexible job.
She has discovered how much she enjoys working with students, building relationships, and becoming part of different school communities.
“I have discovered how much I enjoy working with students, building relationships with them, and being part of their school community,” Courtney shared.
Making an Impact, One Day at a Time
For Courtney, some of the most memorable parts of substitute teaching aren’t necessarily the big moments. Instead, they are the small connections she makes with students.
She says it is especially rewarding to walk into a classroom and have students recognize her and become excited that she is their substitute for the day. Students have remembered conversations they had with her, asked when she would be returning, or stopped her in the hallway simply to say hello.
Those moments have shown Courtney that even though a substitute teacher may only be in a classroom for one day, that day can still make a lasting impression.
“Even as a substitute, you can make a positive impact on a child’s day,” Courtney said.
She also enjoys the variety that comes with substitute teaching. Experiencing different classrooms, grade levels, teachers, and teaching styles has allowed her to learn something new each day.
Courtney’s Advice for Substitute Teachers
When it comes to having a successful day as a substitute teacher, Courtney believes three qualities are especially important: flexibility, patience, and a positive attitude.
Every classroom and every day can be different, so she recommends coming prepared to follow the teacher’s plans while also being ready to adjust when things don’t go exactly as expected.
Courtney also emphasizes the importance of establishing a positive relationship with students from the moment a substitute walks into the classroom. Treating students with the same respect and kindness that a substitute teacher would want in return can make a significant difference.
Most importantly, Courtney encourages substitute teachers not to underestimate the impact they can have.
A substitute teacher may only spend one day with a group of students, but that one day can still be a positive and meaningful experience for them.
Courtney’s willingness to help wherever she is needed, her positive attitude, and her genuine commitment to students exemplify what it means to be an outstanding substitute teacher.
Morgan Hunter Education is grateful for the dedication Courtney brings to every assignment and for the difference she makes in the schools she serves.
Congratulations to Courtney Garlick, Morgan Hunter Education’s September Sub of the Month!