Substitutes filling shoes of teachers during hybrid learning

     North Harford recruited the help of three substitutes this year to fill the shoes of teachers. According to most of the staff, virtual/hybrid learning has been a big challenge they had to overcome, and according to the substitutes in the building, they have adapted to the same challenges.

     Nicholas Petraglia was offered the position of a long-term substitute filling in for Mrs. Allred this year. Petraglia graduated from Towson University in May of last year. He was a student who dealt with the challenges of learning virtually. Although he was still a student for some time during the pandemic, he stated that he “doesn’t think anyone (including the other teachers and administrators) was prepared for this means of teaching.”

     Being not much older than the seniors enrolled, Petraglia says one of his struggles stepping into a role of a teacher this year has been his age. He stated in an interview “I am young and not much older than my oldest students… On one hand, I can relate to the students in a way others can’t. On the other hand, sometimes it can feel like I am more of a peer than an instructor.”

     He added that growing up in a younger generation than most other teachers in the building has more perks than one when it comes to adapting to virtual learning, saying “being younger and more familiar with all of the social media platforms everyone uses is helpful. I grew up during a time where technology was just starting to become what it is today. The first iPhone came out when I was in elementary school. I think being able to bridge that gap is what can make me unique.”

     Despite the changes, Petraglia said that he still plans on becoming a full-time teacher after this year. When asked about his plans, he stated “I absolutely want to continue my path towards becoming a teacher. Sitting in front of a computer all day is never the reason anyone gets into teaching, but it has not deterred me.” He went on to add that “the goal is to become a full-time teacher next year, be it at North Harford or elsewhere.”

     Petraglia stated that adapting to the role of teaching at North Harford has been easier due to the “administration along with the rest of the staff has made me feel like I belong.”

     Kathleen Rea is another long-term substitute, filling in for Mrs. Pang this year. Rea said that “since [she] retired in 2012, subbing gives [her] the opportunity to still work with students and to travel during the summer.”

     Being a substitute is nothing new to Rea, when asked what made her want to work on the NH staff this year, despite the new means of educating, she said “Since I have been substitute teaching for so long, it was not difficult to come in during this unusual year.” 

     She went on to add “I am glad that I started the year teaching English because it is an easier subject to have completely online because there are no “virtual labs” to deal with and to try to explain math concepts including those in science. I like working with students and I get a chance to teach different subjects.”

     When asked in an interview if the experience of this year has deterred her from wanting to continue subbing in future years she stated, “Not at all but I am trying to not work as much but because there is such a great need for substitutes, I keep getting called to substitute. When we were strictly virtual and did not have to commute to school, I was able to teach at schools that were too far to commute but being back in the classroom, I have limited my subbing to North Harford High and Middle because I do not want to travel too far.”

     Virtual learning is a different means of teaching than what the staff has been working through since the beginning of their careers. Rea said that in relation to the adjustment to virtual learning “I am glad that I have a good understanding of using a computer in teaching, as this made the transition easier. The teachers are very helpful when I have questions about ItsLearning.” She then goes on to say “Thank you, Mr. James and Mrs. Jestel for all of your help at the beginning of the year in ItsLearning.”

     Rea has adapted to the role of a North Harford teacher, saying “I have been long term subbing at North Harford for several years now. I subbed for an entire year a couple of years ago. This makes it easier for me to be comfortable with the school and faculty. The faculty and staff are very supportive and willing to help in any way that I need.” She later added, “I have come to feel like I am a part of the Hawks family because I have been here so much and know my way around the building and many of the faculty.”