I have had it with the district! (whiny)

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

Over this past week, I have become increasingly irate with the school district I work for. I used to think substitute teaching would be a fun way to learn some challenging aspects of teaching, such as managing the behavior of a classroom, being dynamic and a quick thinker, and talking to teachers/gaining feed back and advice about different facets of being a teacher. But after doing it for a year, I am starting to get cynical about the whole thing.

I can actually put up with abusive students; I temper my patience in the classroom (sometimes even laughing at their unoriginal insults). It warms my heart when some students start out acting hostile, then, when they realize I’m willing to treat them as an actual human being, return the favor and act respectful to me later.

What I can’t deal with though, is my role in the whole system. I am a cork, sent to plug holes. A crude analogy perhaps, but what I am getting at is that I am expected to be extremely reliable and flexible, yet the district has no obligation to return the favor. Countless times this year, I have been offered an extended job (1/2 week, or even more long-term) then after doing it for a day or so, I get replaced. I guess my first thought was that I was doing a crappy job, but the real reason I get pulled is because they find a permanent teacher to take my place. Fair enough, the students deserve an actual teacher vs a temporary sub, but it is just grating when I have no guarantee of steady work.

I’ll admit I’m being very selfish, since the system works in the district’s favor (guarantees they have someone in the classroom). I just wish I had a more realistic idea of what an assignment was going to be like, i.e. they need me for a class for that day and potentially more. The best course of action is probably to find some other permanent work in the mornings to supplement my existing part-time tutoring work in the evenings.

Teachers have said they were impressed how enthusiastic I was to sub, but I wonder now if it is really worth my effort. As more time goes by I feel less altruistic and more of a naive schmuck for working as a substitute.

2

I’ve taught, and I’ve subbed. By far, subbing is more difficult. Itty bitty respect, teeny weeny paycheck, HUGE COSMIC STRESS.

Most school districts burn through subs so fast, it’d make your head spin. I’ve known people who went into subbing so they could get their foot in the door for a position. That worked for them maybe a quarter of the time, and I can’t honestly say that those people would make good teachers. The qualities that make a good sub don’t necessarily translate into being a good teacher, and the reverse is just as true.

Honestly, you might get further looking for a regular staff position - office secretary or computer geek. It’ll get you known, the pay is better, the work is more regular, and the stress is much lower.

3

I’ve taught for 10 years and I NEVER wanted to sub. Ick. There’s no familiarity with the kids, you don’t have a discipline system of your own, some teachers suck and leave no plans and a room that’s a mess. I always make sure everything is spelled out for my subs–I think they have a very difficult job and I want to do everything I can to help them have a successful experience.

That, and I eat students who misbehave with subs.

So, Og bless you for taking the job in the first place. Oh, and sub or no sub, most school districts suck. The people in the district offices are far too often so removed from the classroom that they make absurd decisions that we have to be tortured with for years. It’s like that in any job, really. At least I don’t have to worry about TPS reports.

The nice thing is, I close that classroom door and the room is mine.

4

Subbing is so hard. I feel for you.