Why? Well, I really wanted to try my hand at that self-flagellation thing with chains or leather and blood and pain and all. But, being a substitute seemed to be a way to achieve those same goals faster.
And get paid less at the same time.
Actually, at the risk of sounding like I need to be placed in a padded room for my own protection, I will admit to you all that I enjoy being a substitute. I have the freedom to say yes or no when asked to work. Most folks don't have that choice. They call me on my cell phone to ask me to work and if I know I don't want to go in one day, I just turn the phone off. The hours are the same as my kids so no juggling rides or child care is needed. What's not to love?
Except the fact that every day is a roll of the dice. Depending on the voice on the other end of the phone, I might be teaching sixth grade math, fifth grade language arts, a technology class, keyboards, or orchestra. Or, I could be listening to beginners learn to play some lovely band instruments (which apparently, when learning, loud is the same as good).Some days I roll in there to find that the teacher has left me a DVD to play - the same DVD - to seven classes in a row. Try getting the songs from "Annie" out of your head after a day like that. The next day I might show up to find that I am to start a new unit in math on word problems.
Now, throw into the mix that only two kids out of the whole school feel any need to be honest to a sub. I am constantly amused by what they think they can pull over on me. It's on those days that I am eternally grateful to my own little hellions at home and the fact that they have given me years of practice smelling compost when it is being spread around me.
Which brings me back to my original question of why I do this job barely making more than minimum wage and taking care of your little lovelies all day long. I do think it is some sort of personality quirk within me. I like the challenge. I like not really knowing what I'm going to walk into and then seeing how well I can manage the day. I enjoy testing myself on how fast I can learn the kids' names (tip - it is usually not a good sign if a sub knows your child's name) and how easily I can navigate through the day's plans.
Some days are great days - like yesterday. Some days, I wonder if they will ever ask me back. And, like most teachers have told me, no two days are ever the same.I'm hoping this job will keep my mind sharp and keep me out of the nursing home longer. Because heaven knows, I'm not making enough to afford to go there.
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127 comments:
Wow I honor you and feel for you at the same time...all I know is that I was very mean to subs...well me and many others but I was a rowdy clowny type who was always trying to impress peers with my funny sub antics..I was Ginger Ale or Jim Nasium..etc..or sending spit balls with a straw... or hiding the subs purse or brief case...you name it...I was very naughty..but you know what ..some of the subs liked me anyway..I had that kind of personality..ya know Love /hate. ..but now I now how stressful and tedious that job could be..and I am sorry for all of my crazy behavior...You do what I fear and again..I Honor you with all my heart and wisdom...Have a Great day..!
My husband used to be a High School math teacher. He used to rate the subs...some were good...some not so good. I'm sure your super powers of lie detection would have garnered a very high rating.
Thanks for a smile this morning.
Oh, wow! I sure hope the kids you teach are nicer to you than we were to our substitute teachers. I went to an all girls school (catholic to boot) and you'd think we would have been little angels... Not so! When we had substitute teachers, we had a little challenge going to see how fast we could make them cry - men and women alike. Now I can't believe we did that! Kids can be so mean... So, I definitely hope that your experience is much better and nobody makes you cry!! Hugs, Silke
I was a substitute teacher for a long time too. I know exactly where you're coming from!
I was (pre-headache days) a sub as well. I actually love it. I am a planner, and subbing helped me to let go of that control and just roll with it. It's amazing that you can be in a room for two minutes and detect the manure from the "good seed" immediately. And, I think no teacher gets paid enough--especially a sub!
I admire anyone who can be a substitute teacher!
You are a very brave woman. Keeping a classroom full of 12 year olds in line is a tough job.
I was just talking to a girlfriend about what jobs we'd want when the kids are in school - substitute teaching came up. Although sometimes volunteering in my kids' classrooms and that's only for 90 minutes just about does me in. :)
i use to love it when my aunt would sub for my class :P i was the goody-two-shoes sucking up in the front of the class.
lol @ the "hello my name is..." i love that movie.
I am on call sometimes too, and know that "I don't hear you phone" thing ... ha ha haaaaaa!
I think I would enjoy teaching, but then again, I do not know what it is like to have 30 students gone wild :-)
The schools are lucky to have you. Finding good subs is hard. I hated subbing myself.
I think you are probably the most interesting substitute teacher in the school, and that the kids love having you there!
Secretia
Oh how I wish you lived in our district!! I would love to have you teach my Oldest for a day. Not to brag, but I'm fairly sure you would'nt know his name by the end of the day ;-)
The name tag - awesome. Hope you don't mind if I download it and send it to my Hubs. His favorite movie line, well, besides "Some things in here do not react well to bullets."
You are a brave brave woman. I went to a private catholic school and I think we were pretty vicious to our subs. Sorry bout that. ;)
LOVE that last pic... prepare to die.. ha! LOVE Princess Bride!
LOL!! Laughing only at your humor, NOT at you!!!!
I'm glad you have taken on this challenge and I'm sure you do a fantastic job!! Bravo!
I did not know that about you!
I loved this--it is so positive. You sound perfect for the role. I bet the teachers request you first to the person whose job it is to call for subs.
Loud is good?
I disagree and dread the day when my (loud) toddler starts playing instruments (badly probably and definitely loudly!).
You are a brave soul.
I was a high school teacher for 17 years; I can't bring myself to go back as a sub.
Good job subbing! :) I may enter that crazy world next year (as the school district isn't taking subs for the rest of this year) :)
I admire you -I could never do it. My son told me this morning "Yesterday, we had a sub. Lot's of the kids were mean to her. Sometimes it's fun to see what we can get away with."
Ugh.
There is a special place in heaven for Subs. I know my step daughter who will soon be a full time teacher thinks so.
I remember always LOVING substitute teachers. Although that's because that usually meant, like you said, a movie day or a free homework day or something, hehe.
how exciting to have a different job every time you go in.. more of us should be so lucky
I really like the work today or not option. That sounds delightful.
At least when you have those video days, you can amaze everyone by reciting all the lines of the movie AND if it's a musical, you could do interpretive dances too.
yes not all subs are good, but the majority are, excellent post Debbie, happy wednesday :)
Wow! I am amazed - and scared! Good luck! There should be more teachers like you - who actually are going in for the challenge and enjoy it!
I very much admire substitute teachers. I can't imagine walking into a classroom knowing that the kids are just waiting to pull one over on you. ;-)
I ask myself the same question about driving the "little hellions" to school on the big yellow bus. It all comes down to the bottom line...I like kids and I like the hours/days I work. That, and I'm just a little bit crazy.
I applaud your tenacity! Being a "sub" has got to be one of the most challenging of jobs. My DIL is a first grade teacher and she used to sub. She loved it too!!
Hugs
SueAnn
As one who used to get subs on a moments notice while working in the office, I loved this post. It was the same in the office...some of the subs we loved....some not so much. I've wish I'd kept a diary of all those years. And I'm glad I'm not in it now. Too much stress now.
You are a brave woman. I don't ever think I could do that. But thank goodness there are people like you willing to do it.
You are a brave, brave woman. I could never do it.
I shutter just thinking about how we treated our sub teachers!
More power to you. They couldn't possibly pay me enough to be a sub. I was a teacher for five years. We had some subs who were AWESOME though. I think I need certainty too much to do something that flexible.
bless your heart! i have subbed on an off. you are spot on-- some days ARE better than others.
There are times I think when both of mine are in school, I'd like to sub...But, then I think some sort of administrative position at a school might be more my speed! LOL.
I bow down to you, Debbie!
I can barely survive volunteering.
I wonder if I can substitute parent during the summer when all the kids are home?
I can only imagine the stories you have... :)
I think being a substitute teacher would be SUCH a difficult job!
There are days when my kids have come home and told me of things that may have happened in class that day when the kids were all misbehaving. When I asked what did the teacher do or tell him how awful that is, he responds, "Oh, it's ok. We had a sub today."
KUDOS to you!!
Sounds like the substitute situation there is similar to the one here. I applaud you for your selfless dedication (and your machicism).
Wow, I think you should just hit yourself with chains. Although I see your point in keeping your mind sharp. However, by the time you are in the nursing home one of those little trouble makers will be the one that gives you a sponge bath.
A good sub is hard to find so stay at it because I am sure you are doing an awsome job!
Come sub at our school, there's only 185 kids, you could do that with your eyes closed. And, they all have easy names like Colton, Hunter, Tanner and Wyatt. That's all the boys and then I think all the girls are named Hannah, so getting the names down will be a cinch :)
You are a rock star!
My MIL was a sub for years for all the reasons you mentioned. It worked out well for her.
All I can say is BLESS YOU !! I taught school for 14 years and always wondered why anyone would want to be a sub.. So thankful there are people who do however.. In my case I'd rather pull my toenails out. haha
Staci
If you're actually getting to teach, that's great. That means you're getting a reputation for doing a good job.
Yay you.
What a great way of looking at it, Debbie! My mother was a sub for a few years before she was able to get in full-time. I have a special place in my hearts for teachers after seeing the other side of it (through my mother's eyes).
You always make me smile! I used to sub once in a while...it was fun! Kids always think that their trick is new...they don't know people have been pulling the same trick for years and years!
My school is so bad, that we cannot find subs. They will come one day and do not return! LOL
I would be kinda scared of the various classes you couldl be placed in. But I do admire what you do...I remember how we used to treat our subs in school and most of them went running out of the school, pulling out their hair!!
I was a sub for a little while, I loved it, too.
Substitute day is always fun day....right?
My sister subs and absolutely loves it, esp. the high school kids. Yes, I well rmember the days of trying to get one over on the sub. You're a good woman!My hat's off to you!
Ya, I've spent many day subbin'. I always like to scare them to death to start with and then let back a bit but ya never ever let 'em see ya cry!!!
God bless and have a fabulous day!!!
Ha ha ha
You are so funny you should be a syndicated column in the newspaper! If I were you I would take this blog entry, print it out and sent a query to the newspaper about being published. I would subscibe to a newspaper again if your column was in there!
Good luck at your new job, I would NEVER be a sub, I couldnt handle the kids. I can barely handle my OWN TWO kids, ha ha
Wow, Debbie! All I can say is that you are a very brave woman!
Hugs,
Debbie
Does the saying "A glutton for punhishment" have any meaning to you? God bless you Girl, it's a tough job that someone's gotta do. Better you than me! LOL
Hey Debbie, just wanted to stop by and say thank you for your words of comfort; it means a lot.
And being a substitute teacher can be 'fun'; no two days will ever be the same.
That is exactly why I go to work as well. To keep my mind sharp and stay out of the nursing home! :)
But I could never work with kids, I admire you for that!
Substitute teachers are extremely important to the education of young people. We had to call upon ALL of our creative skills to figure out how to mess with the substitute, sometimes with no preparation time at all.
you're like the hero who just can't be beat. in spirit. every other way, however, you're like the hero who just sits on whoopie cushions.
go you!
Sounds like a great job for a Mom like you :)
You just earned my undying respect for life.
One year my mom was a teacher at the same school I attended. She never taught a class I attended though.
Kids will come to me every day saying:"Wow, your mom is really tough. You are one brave kid living with her."
At home she was the most loving, caring and supportive person you could wish for, but there was no question about who's in charge when she is in the classroom.
Here in LA, the majority of the substitutes are out of work actors. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. Years of struggling with the misery/rejection/trickery/underappreciation of showbiz might just prepare you for the pain inflicted by a roomful of 6th graders.
You are a brave brave woman!
They will either keep you young or bury you alive...
I always thought it'd be fun to be a teacher. But mostly because you get to make the lessons, schedules, rules, and you grow a bond with the kids.
Guess that doesn't happen in one day of subbing huh?
If you can smell the compost being spread there you can smell it everywhere. Good nose. And good post.
My Aunt was a substitute teacher for her whole career. She just recently retired and told me that she is "done with all kids". She's actually fantastic with my kids though. You've probably learned some mad child-controlling skills.
LOL ~ This was great! I have several friends who are substitutes and their stories sound just like yours!
Teaching in general is such a thankless job...but a substitute teacher...even more so!
i loved the time when I was a sub. YOu learn so much and see so much. The only day I hated was the one where she had me teach about reproduction to a 9th grade health class. awesome
Teaching in general is such a Awesome job. A substitute teacher is even more of a blessing to our kids. I tip my hat off to all teachers.....dealing with this generation is so much different then the times of when i was growing up. I have seen where students have and still do try to make it very hard for our subs.
I'm in awe of you! Teaching's hard at the best of times, but stepping into someone else's shoes, teaching someone else's class: that takes real brilliance .
oh girl! don't know how you do it. I'm a school nurse and feel so bad for some of the subs, then to listen to my kids talk about what the "other kids" do to the subs... you earn every dollar they aren't paying you!
Good luck at your new job! It is a hard job but also might be fun, right?
I am very impressed! You are a very brave woman!
I could not do it. Much as I love kids, I just don't have the patience. Substitute or not, you teachers all rock. I bow to you for your patience, creativity, ingenuity, and dedication to helping kids (especially when they were my kids and now my nanababies).
Oh you are brave!
I was contemplating doing this but I don't think I have the BS detector (or the math skills) to pull it off.
And I love the shout out to the Princess Bride!
A good sub is hard to find!! I love when I have a good one in my class!! I would not like it not knowing what I would be doing eveyday. It's wonderful that you do!!
I was a substitute teacher for a year and I kind of enjoyed it. I needed some quick money when my son started college, so I did that and always came home with interesting stories to entertain the family. I'm sure you have your share as well.
Like you say though, it really does not pay that well, so I'm moving on to other things.
You must be good at it or they would not call you back in this economy. I hope to hear some fun stories later on your blog :)
Been there, did that, loved it, hated it, quit it.
I'm in awe of those with the gift of teaching, ESPECIALLY in this day and age! Teachers should get a big award show like the Grammys or People's Choice or something.
Or at least a little raise in pay.
Hmm, you know I was thinking that maybe being a sub would be a good choice for me; now, I'm not so sure...I love the name tag :)
Definitely a great job for people who love surprises. Well, except on movie day, apparently. Yeah right the person you replaced was "sick" on Annie day!
I have to say there is a special place in Heaven for you. After graduating from college and before landing a "real job" (which did NOT involve working at Liquor Barn), several of my friends and a few family members (all elementary school teachers) all suggested I sub. Um. Thanks but no thanks. The only experience I have with subs is the kind that we used to shower down on our own subs in high school. And while I was always the "follower", I'm pretty sure we sent some screaming down the road. You are cut from the same cloth as nurses and EMT's and Special Ed teachers, and nursing home staff. I don't even own any of that fabric. So, yeah...I totally owe you a bottle of wine for that.
My sister is a teacher....and has now opted to just sub. She likes the option of saying Yes or no, depending if she likes the school they want to send her to or if she even wants to work that day.
I'd like that kind of freedom I think.
Now she has moved to the country and really enjoys teaching there. The kids seem to be much more behaved and polite.
I think handling kids/teenagers in the school system these days takes a super hero.
I think I might withdraw my application to be a sub.
I could never do what you do. You are pretty much a saint like most subs are.
lol love your free manure sign. what an interesting job you have...and a very interesting view of life as a sub.
I so admire you - no one has a harder role that the 'substitute teacher' - good luck!
Kristin
Wooo, what a coincidence, Lainey, the baby sister I dropped on her head (it's okay, she's forty now, and fully recovered) is a sub music teacher, too! It works slightly differently from you - being such a small island, her contracts are spit between several schools (often two in the same day), and she gets a petrol allowance AND a higher rate than the regular teachers do. Most of her jobs are for longer terms, to cover maternity leave or post-op recovery. She loves it. Personally, voluteering with my kids weekly swim class was enough to make me want to drown the lot of them - but hey, everyone to their own, eh? (Grin)
I loved it when we had a sub at school, it was always a sure sign we could be naughty... I was one of those kids that would have tried spinning you the lies :))
Thanks for coming to visit me at Lemon Drop Pie yesterday! And as a teacher, thank you for taking care of the classroom when we have to take a day off from work! We <3 subs!
I think anyone who is a teacher has a special gift. Really it takes passion and a true love for that work to do it. My hubby teaches high school and my sister teaches elementary school. I don't know how they do it.
I work with college students. That is all I can handle!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am now a follower of you!
You make it sound kind of fun. ;-)
I did substitute teaching for a time. It was SO not for me.
Good for you for being able to handle the "manure". :)
I seriously don't know how subs do it. Aside from having to be multi-talented, you also have to get a bunch of crap from kids that think they have it easy when their teacher was out.
I used to be one of those kids. Now I feel bad because I see what the couple of friends that I have that sub have to go through!
wow ! 100 comments - you rock girl ! Thanks for stopping by my blog. Maybe someday I"ll get 100 comments too. I used to be a substitute when I needed the money:)
Jeanine
www.icoulduseadeal.blogspot.com
That would probably be in my top ten list of jobs from hell. You must be an amazing teacher. It takes me weeks to adjust to a class and feel comfortable.
First of all, thanks for commenting on my blog and causing my ego to swell!!
You are a saint to be a sub, my mil has been a sub for many years and she loves it! If you like the challenge, then more power to ya! Great blog!!
There has to be a special place in heaven for substitute teachers.
A friend of mine recently subbed at the HS. It was her first and last time at that level. She said she would become a homeless person before she ever subbed for HS kids again. She is sticking with kids that are shorter than she is.
I'll bet you're the BEST sub ever. Really.
I remember when we used to get subs at school, it was like getting a snow day. Someone always lied about where we were, or what were supposed to do that day. Sounds like you're doing a great job. :)
I have always thought that being a substitute teacher was one of the all time hardest jobs... and then you mentioned "Annie" 7 times a day and I changed my mind-- It is THE hardest jobs.
I take my hat off to you Debbie!
xo
Oh, that was fun. And the Hello sticker at the end made my night.
I used to love subbing for the same reasons.
Some of the fun was just taking my place in my bunker and watching the meds wear off some kids. As they changed, I moved closer and closer to the exit! Teachers who keep their desks near the brightly lit Exit sign probably have tough kids!
So sadly true!
But you have shocked me. I had no idea you were a sub!
My hubby subs from time to time; says it can be really rough. Kids need strong role models. I'm sure you have their respect.
I contemplated being a sub once...your insights make me kinda glad I didn't--love the compost comparison! Your kids are lucky, if you ask me :)
It sounds like an unbelievably difficult job to me.
Oh the substitue teacher DVDs...some things just never change. *Sigh*
Oops lets try this again....
I think being a substitute teacher is right up there with my cousins job (now retired, but subbing) high school bus driver. My cousin "Priscella" looks just like her name. Petite enough that a good wind could lift her up and carry her away. This is one of those looks are deceiving though...she is one tough cookie and runs a strict ship or bus in this case. Nobody messes with her.
I admire your determination. You never know who's life you will inspire...for the good.
Sweet wishes,
Sara
I admire anyone who could do that!
AWww, lol, such a cute post!
More power to you! I tried substituting a few yrs ago. and don't think I will be subjecting myself to that again anytime soon.
Hope you have a great weekend♥
I just had a conversation yesterday with a friend about subbing. I've done it and can't stand it. It just totally stresses me out. The uncertainty of what to expect, finding the things I need in the classroom, not to mention their attitudes. The things kids try to push over on a sub....No thanks...You are one brave soul.
As a former middle school teacher, I can say that a good sub is priceless. It was hard for me as a teacher to go in and cover an hour of someone else's class ON THE SAME CAMPUS without the kids trying to pull stuff so I can only imagine how interesting your days get. Luckily for me, my reputation preceded me. There would be a couple of "Don't mess with her" comments and then one or two, "Nah, dude. She's cool," and it was usually okay after that. Okay, but still not easy. I don't think I could sub every day unless I got to do only English and history classes.
You are brave. Very very brave. But I hope my kids get subs like you.
I was a sub for awhile before I was hired full time. What a trip!
Wow .. takes me back to my days as a substitute!! Funny!!!!
Substitute teacher...the flexibility that you mentioned (aka cell phone on off) sounds pretty tempting :o)
I agree...with teh other comments...it can be a tough, tough world for those of you who are subbing! haha
I salute you! :o)
Blessings & Aloha!
I give you so much credit for being a sub... I did it for one year and while the money was OK, and yes it was nice to choose your days to work, you are right about how tough some days can be. Those little hellions can be awful at times - and I subbed for high school when I was just a few years out of there myself. Talk about a tough situation... YIKES!
I have thought about subbing but the crappy pay has detered me so far. I volunteer in my 1st grade daughter's class each week and love it though.
Oh I am enjoying reading your posts. So funny! I like the one about going out in full clown makeup. ahahahaha! Thanks for visiting my blog on Follow Friday! I'm going to be following you too. :)
I had no idea you were a sub. teacher!
Although, I happen to think you'd be a fabulous one. :)
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