It is not often that students look forward to class with a substitute. The class rarely yells for a specific substitute when a teacher announces their upcoming absence, but with Carole Sharp around, it’s a different story. If Carole Sharp is not spotted zipping up a mountainside trail, you’ll find her in school district enthusiastically answering to this call.

   Sharp believes that being a teacher is an amazing gift, but unfortunately not something she decided to pursue as a career. As a sub, though, she lives out that dream of teaching.

   Sharp gets called into the school district around three days a week.

   “My favorites are the Middle School and High School because I am challenged by the sub plans provided, as well as rewarded by being with the wonderful students.. AND I get to follow the kids on their remarkable journey,” Sharp explains.

   She is comfortable teaching all subjects except for math, but only because it is not her forte.

   “All other subjects I embrace and it is really fun to learn alongside,” says Sharp.

Sharp has been a substitute for over sixteen years, which may be the reason she gets along so well with the students. She loves watching everyone grow up as a pupil and more importantly, as people.

   “ I feel extremely fortunate to know all the students, their siblings and often their parents,” she says.

   Sharp loves getting to know the students and teachers as she fills in at the school district, and the feeling is mutual.

Sophomore Grace Ferguson, who has Sharp a few times every year, believes that she is an extraordinary sub.

   “Carole is an amazing sub! She’s always excited about teaching us no matter what subject it is. She is very approachable and whenever I see her, she has a huge smile on her face,” Ferguson says.

   Students around the school district look forward to meeting her in the hallways, in the classroom or out of campus.

   Sophomore Francesca Seeman agrees. Sharp is her favorite sub, mostly because she can relate to kids because of her own two boys who came through AHS and her own athleticism.

   “She cares enough to understand what class she is subbing for and then preps according to what information she will be teaching. Most importantly, she is kind and puts her trust in the kids,” Seeman said.

   She creates a positive environment where students don’t feel pressured to do the work, but want to please Sharp so they do it anyway.

   “She trusts us and has faith that we are going to do the assigned work, and that’s the reason why students can easily create a good relationship with her,” Seeman explains.

Many people do not realize that teachers and substitutes do in fact have a life outside of school. Carole is well known by the bus drivers, bikers and AVSC athletes because of her countless roller skis to the Maroon Bells. Every year she puts on the Hike for Hope, a benefit for for her son Ian Sharp who has Muscular Dystrophy. Many students come to support Ian and the family. Carole loves hiking, traveling and being outside in our beautiful environment, and also helping out our school district by subbing. She believes that it is “truly an honor to fill in for our amazing teachers.”

Carole’s Tips for Other Subs-

   Carole has a few easy tips that she abides by, which other subs should keep in mind too.

   “Just be chill and accept the kids for who they are, which is basically knowledgeable, helpful and earnest.  We are lucky we have ‘uptown’ drama for the most part, as our district is very fortunate and our student body rocks; we have thoughtful, intelligent and kind kids in our system,” Sharp said.