Absences occur daily for both students and teachers due to many reasons, such as illness and unplanned events. Schools depend of substitute teachers to ensure students’ education is not impacted. Mrs. Hill and Mr. Amyx have both been subbing at schools in NUSD for multiple years. They have helped and taught many students throughout their time subbing. Sophomore Bat-El Miller has had both substitute teachers.
“Mrs. Hill and Mr. Amyx have always made me feel very comfortable in the classroom environment,” Miller said. “I’ve always had a good experience with them, and I always feel supported when they are subbing.”
Hill, who has more than 15 years of experience subbing, substitutes at San Marin High School multiple days per week. She is on campus most days and has subbed long-term on multiple occasions when it was needed. She became a substitute teacher in 2007 and has subbed in Tennessee and California. Her experience leading a women’s youth group, as well as tutoring, pushed her to pursue subbing. She enjoys teaching and getting to connect with all of the different students she meets. Although her passions and talent help her succeed in this role, she also credits other staff.
“One of the reasons I am so successful at being a substitute is the help and support of administrators, campus supervisors, and the help and support of teachers,” Hill said. Hill supports students and makes sure they have all the resources they need to learn while their teachers are gone. Sophomore Nora Schiltgen remembers that Hill helped her learn in English class while she had a long-term substitute position.
“It’s definitely admirable that Mrs. Hill was able to help us keep up with other English classes while she subbed for us for three months last year,” Schiltgen said.
Amyx, who has been subbing since 2019, is regularly on San Marin’s campus.
“I would say 95% of the time it’s wonderful, fulfilling, and fun,” Amyx said. “5% of the time it can be challenging, but it’s only a minority of the time.
Amyx was inspired to start subbing by his own positive experience during high school. He enjoys the school environment and aims to provide a positive experience for high schoolers. Prior to subbing, he was a video editor and worked on movies such as “Stepmom” and “Mars Attacks.” He began subbing on the side due to his flexible schedule and has been a substitute teacher ever since. He enjoys his time subbing and prioritizes connecting with as many students as possible with the goal of making them feel both welcome and comfortable at school. He explains his perspective when it comes to how he connects with students.
“When I come in as a sub, I’m hoping in some small way I can help a student not just get through school but find a way to appreciate the time that they’re there,” Amyx said.
With teachers sometimes being absent, these two substitutes have stepped in and supported San Marin students when needed.
