Long-term substitute teachers are an often unrecognized group in the school community. These educators step in when regular teachers are unavailable, ensuring that classrooms run smoothly. While their role might be seen as temporary, substitutes provide essential continuity in the educational process.

Dorsharica Jefferson, a long-term substitute at Rock Hill embodies the dedication of these educators.

“It’s very rewarding,” Jefferson said.. “I find it to be rewarding in a sense that I have a serving heart, so I show up every day here to make a difference and impact in the students who I get to serve in whatever subject matter that is.”

One of the biggest challenges substitutes face is adapting to new classroom dynamics. Unlike full-time teachers, substitutes often have limited time to build relationships with students or familiarize themselves with the curriculum. Despite this, many substitutes bring fresh perspectives to the classroom, helping students stay on track.

“I try to instill an everyday applicable principle, a leadership principle in my room,” Jefferson said. “I try to extend that to my students per week, in an assignment especially when I’m in a long term assignment to give to them a leadership principle that they can make application to their lives even as young adults.” 

Jefferson is committed to upholding Rock Hill’s standards: prompt, prepared, productive and polite.

“I believe that I make an impact on the students’ lives because one, I’m going to uphold the Rock Hill standards, I’m going to encourage the students with the 4 P’s,” Jefferson said. “I also bring with me a life perspective to each one of my classes.” 

Though substitutes’ efforts may not always be as celebrated as those of full-time teachers, their contributions are invaluable. Whether they are in the classroom for a day or a week, substitutes ensure that students’ education needs are met.

“I get to leave and know I have helped someone, and that I helped a student get a quality education and experience in the absence of their assigned teacher,” Jefferson said.

For Thanksgiving, Jefferson plans to spend time with her family.

“I’m going to be around the house baking,” Jefferson said.. “My family is small but we love the holidays. It gives an opportunity to cook their favorites, and prepare them in a setting where we get to share meals together, and we usually hang out and do some stuff. Maybe go to the movies and things like that, but it’s just also really a time to be thankful to the Lord that we made it through another year.”

Jefferson, in particular, finds her motivation and dedication from her faith.

“I show up first in my commitment to Him, to always be ready to serve and to share,” Jefferson said.  “That’s my motivation, and that’s where my dedication comes from because I know that this world is pretty twisted. And I want to be dedicated to being a part of what is going to be helpful in preparing young students and young adults for the world. And hopefully, the light that I bring is the light that they see, and that they can remember that I tried to make a difference in their lives.”