Substitute Spotlight: Meet Samantha Hemmert and Shannon Mead

As part of National Substitute Educators Day, we’re highlighting two dedicated substitute teachers, Samantha Hemmert and Shannon Mead, who have made a significant impact at Anthony Wayne Local Schools (AWLS). Both bring unique backgrounds and talents to the classroom, ensuring that students continue to learn and grow in the absence of their regular teachers. Their stories reflect not only the importance of substitute educators but also the passion and commitment they bring to their roles every day.

Shannon Mead: An AW Grad Returns to the Classroom
Shannon Mead’s connection to Anthony Wayne Local Schools started in the classroom—she’s a proud member of the Class of 2002. After attending Bowling Green State University, starting a photography business, and committing her time to being a stay-at-home mom to her three children (grades 4, 6 and 7), Shannon decided to pursue a path in substitute teaching. Friends who teach within the District encouraged her to try it, and she quickly fell in love with the role.

Shannon is currently a long-term substitute at Fallen Timbers Middle School, teaching 5th grade science. While she initially filled short-term or single-day roles in various buildings, her long-term position has challenged her to grow her skills as a substitute educator.

“I get lesson plans from the teacher, but I have to figure out how they connect to the curriculum and figure out the best way to teach the lesson,” she explained. “I’ve been lucky to have a lot of amazing teachers help me along the way. When I’m not sure what to do, they have guided me through it.”

For Shannon, the most rewarding part of her job is helping students navigate both academic and personal challenges. Whether it’s assisting with difficult subjects or offering emotional support when frustrations rise, she’s there to lend a helping hand. “Sometimes my ‘mom hat’ comes out,” she says with a smile, reflecting on how her own children’s experiences have helped her relate to her students.

“I love working with the kids, and they have accepted me as their teacher,” she said. “Getting to know them a little and seeing them at sporting events, when they run up and say ‘hi’—that’s special.”

Shannon says it’s going to be difficult to give up her assignment when it ends in January and has even considered returning to school to become a teacher.

Her advice to others considering substitute teaching is simple: “Go for it,” she encouraged. While she agrees the job has its challenges, such as lesson planning and adjusting to different classrooms, she emphasizes the rewards of working with students and the supportive environment of the district. “You can try different buildings and subjects. You can figure out what age group you like, and the kids teach you things, too.”

Samantha Hemmert: From Social Studies Teacher to Full-Time Substitute
Samantha Hemmert brings a wealth of experience to her role as a substitute teacher. With a grades 7-12 social studies teaching license, she began her career in 2012 as a substitute teacher in Sylvania and later spent five years teaching at St. Patrick’s of Heatherdowns. Later, as a stay-at-home mom of three (grades 11, 7 and 2), she began taking half-day subbing jobs while her youngest was in preschool. In 2018, she started subbing at Anthony Wayne Local Schools, primarily at Waterville Primary and the Campus schools.

Her favorite age group to teach is middle school, a period she describes as the perfect balance between childhood innocence and growing independence.

“It’s a great age - They’re willing to go along with fun and creative projects, but they also have minds of their own,” she said. “Their conversation skills are increasing, but they’re not too cool to talk to the sub.”

Samantha feels that one of her key strengths is her ability to quickly adapt to whatever class she is in to create a positive and constructive learning environment. If she is called in on short notice, that may mean giving students time to work on assignments or taking more of a study hall approach. When there is time for the teacher to plan ahead, it means quickly deciphering the lesson and keeping the learning moving forward.

“I love the unexpectedness of every day. I get to go to a new class or subject and take on new challenges,” she said. “Kids will ask questions,  I enjoy retracing how I learned things and helping kids understand.”

She said she has had great support from other teachers, and it helps to look for opportunities to make connections with students, who are often willing to help her get settled.

“When a student asks how I am during roll call, it opens the door for conversation,” she said. “We have a great school district with great kids and great teachers. Everyone is so kind and the kids are just really fun.”

When she gets a rare day that she’s not on a substitute teaching assignment, Samantha supports the District as a parent volunteer. She plays a key role in fundraising efforts, including chairing the Waterville Primary School Generals March, which raised $31,000 this fall. She can also be spotted cheering for her children at tennis, baseball, cross country, cheerleading and horseback riding events.

Her commitment to the district is a reflection of her belief that schools thrive when parents, teachers, and substitute educators work together.

“Substitutes help make things run smoother and ensure that teachers can take their sick and personal days without feeling guilty,” she said. “They can take care of themselves without worrying that their absence will put an extra burden on their colleagues.”