A Word on Substitute Teaching
I once read a Facebook comment on the wall of an acquaintance who teaches P.E. and was planning for an absence. Her coworker essentially told her to “Just give them a movie. They’re just a sub.” I was flabbergasted. And thoroughly offended. So, let me set the record straight.
Substitutes are an indispensable support beam in the education world. Schools and classrooms literally could not function without them. The system is too rigid. Teachers cannot just cancel class when they are sick. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that substitutes are not just teased and tricked by students, but also often misunderstood and disrespected by regular classroom teachers.
Did you know that in many states substitutes have the same license and the same education background as a full-time teacher? Thus, substitute teachers are fully capable of classroom management and interpreting lesson plans.
Why I Sub
In Round One, it was because that was the fate dictated to me by 2008. I got my license in 2009. Nobody could afford to hire anybody. Except P.E. teachers evidently. I found, however, that I was well-suited to the task. I am extremely adaptable and able to fly by the seat of my pants. As much as I longed for steady community, employment, and acceptance, I actually enjoyed hopping in and out of different classrooms. I am now in Round Two. I have a baby daughter and subbing provides me a fabulous balance of professional, grown-up time, and quality time being her mommy at home. This time I sub by choice, and I love it. And I bet I’m not the only one.