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Zaffira
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
1
Question
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I'm interested in gardening and becoming a substitute teacher, what classes should I take in high school and college?
I'm interested in taking over a gardening business and being a substitute teacher or a preschool teacher
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8 answers
Barby LeBlanc
Administrative Tasks for Partners of the Firm
1
Answer
Brooksville, Florida
Updated
Barby’s Answer
Becoming a substitute teacher is more important than many people realize. It's one of those roles that quietly keeps the whole system running. Substitute teachers provide consistency when a regular teacher is absent. The steady presence helps students feel safe, supported and able to continue learning without a major disruption.
Short-term substitutes can make a lasting impression. A kind word, encouragement, or simply showing patience can mean a lot, especially to students who may need it most. You will need to determine what grade levels you would enjoy the most, and then have flexibility, adaptability and provide new energy into the school environment.
This is a wonderful way to explore a career in education, stay connected to schools, and give back to the community without a full-time commitment.
Classroom management is a must!
Short-term substitutes can make a lasting impression. A kind word, encouragement, or simply showing patience can mean a lot, especially to students who may need it most. You will need to determine what grade levels you would enjoy the most, and then have flexibility, adaptability and provide new energy into the school environment.
This is a wonderful way to explore a career in education, stay connected to schools, and give back to the community without a full-time commitment.
Classroom management is a must!
Luna Monet
Member Services
8
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Luna’s Answer
Hi Zaffira,
Your journey will depend on the type of school you're at, but no worries—there are great steps you can take! If your school doesn't focus on agriculture or horticulture, you can start with local gardening classes. These are often available at community centers or stores. Biology is also a fantastic subject to explore, as it helps you understand the wonders of nature.
If your high school offers extra biology classes, try to take them as soon as possible. If not, you can look forward to more advanced biology courses, like biochemistry, when you go to college.
To become a teacher, you'll need a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Education. During your studies, you'll learn essential skills like classroom management and ways to connect with students. If you're interested, you can also specialize in special education with additional courses. Keep pushing forward—you're on the right path!
Your journey will depend on the type of school you're at, but no worries—there are great steps you can take! If your school doesn't focus on agriculture or horticulture, you can start with local gardening classes. These are often available at community centers or stores. Biology is also a fantastic subject to explore, as it helps you understand the wonders of nature.
If your high school offers extra biology classes, try to take them as soon as possible. If not, you can look forward to more advanced biology courses, like biochemistry, when you go to college.
To become a teacher, you'll need a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Education. During your studies, you'll learn essential skills like classroom management and ways to connect with students. If you're interested, you can also specialize in special education with additional courses. Keep pushing forward—you're on the right path!
Kate Bowers
People Operations Senior Associate
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Kate’s Answer
When considering becoming a substitute teacher, it’s important to note that requirements vary by state and school district. I recommend researching the specific requirements for your local district to get a clear idea of which classes you should focus on in high school and college. While it might not be class-related, gaining experience by babysitting children around the age group you’d like to teach can provide valuable hands-on experience working with kids.
If you’re interested in starting a gardening business, taking courses related to horticulture and gardening is essential. While many high schools may not offer specialized classes in these areas, getting involved in organizations like 4-H or FFA can provide valuable hands-on experience and knowledge through their various projects.
Additionally, I suggest taking business-related classes. Regardless of the type of business you want to run, understanding business fundamentals is crucial for successfully managing and growing your venture.
Best of luck with your plans!
If you’re interested in starting a gardening business, taking courses related to horticulture and gardening is essential. While many high schools may not offer specialized classes in these areas, getting involved in organizations like 4-H or FFA can provide valuable hands-on experience and knowledge through their various projects.
Additionally, I suggest taking business-related classes. Regardless of the type of business you want to run, understanding business fundamentals is crucial for successfully managing and growing your venture.
Best of luck with your plans!
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
62
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
That's a great combination, and it makes more sense than you might think. Both gardening and teaching need patience, planning, and working with people, especially kids. In high school, try to take biology or environmental science to learn about plants and ecosystems. If your school offers agriculture, horticulture, or landscaping classes, those are perfect. For teaching, classes like psychology, child development, education, or sociology are really helpful, especially if you're interested in preschool. English classes are also important because teaching involves a lot of communication.
In college, your path depends on how you want to balance both interests. If you want to run a gardening business, consider majors like horticulture, agriculture, environmental studies, or plant science, and maybe add a business or entrepreneurship minor. If you're thinking about substitute or preschool teaching, look into early childhood education or education studies. Many states allow substitute teachers with a bachelor's degree in almost any field, so you could major in something related to gardening and still qualify to teach, depending on certification rules.
Getting hands-on experience early is a smart move. Help with the gardening business, volunteer at a preschool, or work with kids through tutoring or camps. This experience will help you decide which path to focus on or how to balance both. You don't have to choose just one path forever. Many people create careers that blend practical skills with teaching, and your interests fit well for that kind of flexible future.
In college, your path depends on how you want to balance both interests. If you want to run a gardening business, consider majors like horticulture, agriculture, environmental studies, or plant science, and maybe add a business or entrepreneurship minor. If you're thinking about substitute or preschool teaching, look into early childhood education or education studies. Many states allow substitute teachers with a bachelor's degree in almost any field, so you could major in something related to gardening and still qualify to teach, depending on certification rules.
Getting hands-on experience early is a smart move. Help with the gardening business, volunteer at a preschool, or work with kids through tutoring or camps. This experience will help you decide which path to focus on or how to balance both. You don't have to choose just one path forever. Many people create careers that blend practical skills with teaching, and your interests fit well for that kind of flexible future.
Christy Candreva-Naczi
Human Resources Senior Associate
2
Answers
Brooksville, Florida
Updated
Christy’s Answer
Hello Zaffira,
In high school, focus on classes that support both interests. Science classes like biology or environmental science can help with gardening, while business or entrepreneurship classes are useful if you want to own a gardening business. For teaching, take strong core classes such as English and math, and look for electives like child development or psychology. Volunteering with children or helping in classrooms can also give you valuable experience.
In college, your path depends on your goal. To become a substitute teacher or preschool teacher, you’ll need a degree in early childhood education or a K–6 education program and the required certification. If gardening is your main interest, you could study business, or environmental studies to prepare for running a business.
You can also combine these interests to keep your options open. It’s okay to explore both interests as you go. Many people combine their passions in creative ways, and taking time to learn what you enjoy most will help you build a career that’s both successful and fulfilling.
In high school, focus on classes that support both interests. Science classes like biology or environmental science can help with gardening, while business or entrepreneurship classes are useful if you want to own a gardening business. For teaching, take strong core classes such as English and math, and look for electives like child development or psychology. Volunteering with children or helping in classrooms can also give you valuable experience.
In college, your path depends on your goal. To become a substitute teacher or preschool teacher, you’ll need a degree in early childhood education or a K–6 education program and the required certification. If gardening is your main interest, you could study business, or environmental studies to prepare for running a business.
You can also combine these interests to keep your options open. It’s okay to explore both interests as you go. Many people combine their passions in creative ways, and taking time to learn what you enjoy most will help you build a career that’s both successful and fulfilling.
Margaret Hubbard (US)
Admin
6
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Margaret’s Answer
In high school, take classes like biology, environmental science, and any courses in horticulture or agriculture. In college, focus on subjects like horticulture, botany, plant science, and landscape design to build your skills. Also, take English, communication, social studies, and any classes in education or child development. In college, study education, child development, and classroom management, and gain teaching experience through practicums. Most states require some college education and certification to be a substitute teacher. Volunteering or working part-time in gardening or with kids can be very helpful. Getting involved in local parks and community programs is a great way to gain skills in both gardening and teaching.
Annette Ramirez
5
Answers
Updated
Annette’s Answer
Hi there! Landscape design is a fantastic career choice for anyone passionate about gardening. It's creative, always evolving, and offers great financial opportunities. Plus, you can substitute teach on the side while you learn and grow in this field.
Lindsay Schroeder
Communications
2
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
I would suggest looking for business courses on entrepreneurial skills if you want to take over a business that you would own and manage. They can help set you up for what running a small business would look like and the right steps to take based on your specific interests.
And for substitute teaching, my understanding has been that you just need a college degree to substitute teach in the elementary/middle/high school levels, but the specific topic isn't as important since you may be supporting a wide range of students. Criteria changes for Pre-school, but for public schools at older levels a degree should suffice.
And for substitute teaching, my understanding has been that you just need a college degree to substitute teach in the elementary/middle/high school levels, but the specific topic isn't as important since you may be supporting a wide range of students. Criteria changes for Pre-school, but for public schools at older levels a degree should suffice.