RTAM 

HEATHER L. ARKLIE 

#1308-1044B Bairdmore Blvd.                                                                              (204) 797-3060                       

Winnipeg, MB R3T 5J7                                                                    heather.arklie@gmail.com 

   

 

To Whom It May Concern:       January 1, 2012 

I am writing to invite you to one of my upcoming substitute teacher professional development 

workshops. 

  

First, let me introduce myself.  I graduated with Bachelors of Education (early years) and Arts 

(English) from the University of Winnipeg in 2004.  Since then, I have worked as a substitute 

teacher—by choice— in all grades and subjects.  From these experiences, I have come to realize 

that there is a huge gap in teacher education; subs are expected to deliver a valuable service to 

students without virtually any specific training or support whatsoever.  Nearly every teacher 

becomes, or has been, a sub at some point; these individuals should understand their job rights 

and requirements before taking on such an important responsibility. I am currently working on a 

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Education with a focus on adult education in order to improve 

my skills working with mature students. 

I have had several successful volunteer experiences spreading the word about this topic.  I first 

wrote an article for the Winnipeg Free Press in April 2009 and received many supportive 

written responses from the public.  The article can be viewed on-line at: www.winnipegfree 

press.com/ opinion/westview/substitute-teachers-are-people-too-43732997.html.  I also 

delivered two lectures at the U of W in November 2009 for teacher candidates and assisted in a 

full-day sub workshop at McMaster House in September 2010 for certified teachers.  Every 

attendee surveyed found the information to be extremely practical and requested further 

support.  Even the supervising professors and assisting instructors wrote me outstanding letters 

of reference.  All of these documents are available for viewing upon request.   

“Recent research indicates that students 

experience the equivalent of one full academic year  

with a substitute teacher over the course of their education.” 1 

~Substitute Teaching Institute 

 

In light of these positive experiences, I have decided that a fee for my services is appropriate; to 

date, I have had four organizations hire me to speak about subbing.  The Education Students' 

Council at the University of Manitoba has called me back every year since January 2010 and the 

Contact to Contract series at the U of W has continued to request my services since November 

2010.  I have also worked for the continuing education branch of Louis Riel School Division, 

speaking a few times per year since May 2010.  I was recently invited to the Interlake School 

Division and have spoken there twice since June 2011.  

 

I am hoping to use these opportunities as a starting point to provide other sub supports such as a  

website, handbook and special area group under the eventual title of 'provincial substitute 

teacher advocate'.  There needs to be someone exclusively committed to subs since it is such a 

challenging and unique job.  I have spoken, and plan to speak, about topics such as the hiring 

and booking processes; taxes, pensions and employment insurance; daily tasks and schedules; 

and unexpected challenges such as behaviour and lesson problems.  I hope one day to be able to 

target the particular challenges of subs who are also new grads, parents with young children, 

teachers who cannot find regular teacher positions or retirees. 

 

I have three sessions coming up shortly, as listed below.  Feel free to contact the coordinator to 

confirm the details. 

 

University of Manitoba    Antony Brouwer 

Education Building     Vice-Stick Internal 

Music Room 226     Education Student Council 

Wednesday, January 18, 2012   antony.brouwer@gmail.com 

3:00 to 5:00 pm     (204) 474-6452 

Topic: Introduction to Substitute Teaching 

 

University of Winnipeg    Annabelle Mays 

Manitoba Hall, 4th floor    Professor Emeritus, Director 

Room 4M47      Contact to Contract 

Monday, January 23, 2012    a.mays@uwinnipeg.ca 

12:30 to 1:20 pm     (204) 258-3036 

Topic: Classroom Management 

 

Collège Jeanne Sauvé     Jan Laidlaw 

1128 Dakota St.     Program Facilitator 

Room 101      Division of Continuing Education  

Thursday, February 2, 2012    Louis Riel School Division 

6:30 to 8:30 pm     jan.laidlaw@lrsd.net    

Topic: Introduction to Substitute Teaching  (204) 231-0038