Do you know which subjects, schools and student age groups you are most interested in teaching? If you have experience teaching or working with young people you probably already have an idea of what your ideal substitute teaching job might be. However, if you are just embarking on this new career, you may need to accept a variety of assignments to have a better idea of where you might be most successful. And it just might surprise you! Most school districts offer some kind of orientation or training programs for substitute teachers. There you may learn about the characteristics of each of the schools in your district. You also may have an opportunity to visit a few schools and classrooms so that you can observe firsthand a variety of teaching options. Besides understanding what is going on in classrooms today, you can also have some insight as to how you think you might fit in with select schools. If your visits make you feel comfortable with the schools, you could introduce yourself to the teachers and principals, expressing your interest in working there. Such decisions as whether to restrict yourself to elementary, middle or high school jobs or to specialize in a subject area in which you have expertise can be made at any time. And because you are a substitute teacher, you can easily change and try out something else you think you might enjoy. There may also be unique situations with special programs within your school district, such as the International Baccalaureate programs at high school and Magnet schools at the elementary, middle and high schools. You can learn more about knowing and motivating your students that will help you work confidently with all students. You can also keep a substitute logbook where you briefly record your experiences in the classroom. Reading and reflecting on your prior experiences with students can help you decide where you can be the most effective and what you enjoy the most. Don't forget to talk with other teachers and administrators about job options, including other substitute teaching opportunities and full-time teaching careers.