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Deb/AL - I've just started subbing, so I'm happy to get any extra advice, stories, etc. that I can.
twin/AR - Hello Deb. I am not a sub, but it hasn't been that long ago so I thought I would join in. I know Janet through emails.
Deb/AL - You used to be a sub?
twin/AR - Yes I did. I subbed for about a year.
twin/AR - What areas are you subbing in?
Deb/AL - I'm hoping to break into the market here through subbing. I've only just moved into the area & figured I was better off getting to know the districts, schools, & people personally before applying for jobs for next Fall.
twin/AR - That is good. You not only learn a lot about which school you would like to be in, but they get to see you in action.
Deb/AL - I'm subbing in only one district right now -- at the middle and high schools. I'm getting certified in Science for those grades too.
twin/AR - Are you certified in any area right now?
Deb/AL - I just finished my student teaching in December, so all the paperwork's in, I'm just waiting on the state now.
twin/AR - That sounds great Deb. I graduated in December also. 1997. I know how you are feeling about wanting jobs.
Denise - I am subbing about 2 days a week. This is my first year. So far I have enjoyed it.
lee - Yes, I sub in two districts. This is my second year.
twin/AR - What areas?
twin/AR - Are you certified?
Deb/AL - Denise, have you limited yourself at all (by age or subject)?
Denise - I do elementary K-5 grades only. I am not a certified teacher, so I just wanted to get my feet wet.
lee - Right now, my certificate is Substitute Only, but when I get my stuff sent in, I will have an elementary cert., and a special ed certificate.
al-IA - I know I would not have the patience for sp ed. I have subbed there, but not every day
Denise - Lee - I have subbed twice in a special ed class. (EMI) I have been fortunate that both times have been pleasant. I have actually found the kids to be better than the regular kids.
Deb/AL - We're starting to get the flu-bug here, so I might start getting a few more days. I've already gotten one for that reason.
twin/AR - I subbed for a week in a self contained classroom and I don't know that I could do it full time. I truly admire spec. ed teachers.
lee - I sub several times per year in sp ed rooms. I like the small classes. Sometimes, though the behaviors make up for the class size!
al-IA - My subbing there has also been pleasant, but even tho sp ed teachers have asked if I would be interested in getting into that area, I don;t think it is for me
Denise - I am looking for some help with class control. It seems by mid afternoon, I have totally lost control of the group. It doesn't matter what grade I'm in. At first I thought it was me, but my friends tell me they have the same problem. Any suggestions?
Deb/AL - All ages? Or does it seem to concentrate with certain grades?
twin/AR - Two of my very best friends are spec ed teachers and I tell you, I have never seen teachers like them.
lee - When I went to college, that's what I wanted to do. That was 10 years ago. Now the big thing is inclusion, and I don't really like it.
al-IA - I subbed for 8th greade self contained and likened it to the old country school. Several levels of different subjects
Denise - It seems all ages, but the 4th and 5th graders are worse.
twin/AR - Denise, what is the highest grade in the building.
lee - Definitely!
Sirhc - One school I subbed at has this "Mess with a substitie, you automatically get a detention"
Deb/AL - lee, inclusion seems to be both bad & good when I've seen it in action. It seems to work best in the primary grades, but fall apart at the secondary level.
Denise - 5th grade
al-IA - Denise, that is why I don't do elementary
Deb/AL - Denise, do they have morning or afternoon recess?
twin/AR - That is part of the problem. They are big man on campus and they think they don't have to listen to anyone. I taught 6th grade last year so I know what you are talking about.
al-IA - Sirhe, that is how it is in the district I sub in
Denise - I know that if I leave a note for the regular teacher, she or he will deal with the problem. I just hate telling on the kids. I think there must be some way for me to handle the problem. They have recess after lunch and again at mid afternoon. After lunch and after recess are a real problem.
Maddie - Hi. I'm new here. Afternoons - I do stretches and movement with them. I also read them a story.
twin/AR - It is usually harder toward the end of the day for subs or regular teachers.
lee - Deb, I agree. By then the students know what level they are working at, and I think they don't try as hard because they know they're not as "good" as the rest.
al-IA - HAve any of you had this situation. Applied for a job, was asked if I would sub until decision was made.
twin/AR - Cant say that I have al. That sounds odd.
al-IA - Denise, perhaps you could have a reading book with you and calm them down with that
Deb/AL - Threaten their recess. I know this sounds drastic, but it will let them know who's boss. Explain to the class one or two kids can ruin it for eveyone -- that they'll have to sit down with their heads down instead of going out for recess. If you make this type of threat you have to follow through, tho.
Denise - I have found that to work. Usually the teacher has a book they are already reading in class. An ongoing story type. The big thing here is they want us to follow the lesson plan as close as possible. Some teachers mind, some don't.
Deb/AL - I know at the high school where I student taught we also had a major problem with the last period of the day (the regular teacher had that class, not me, so I know it's a real problem, not an experience one).
Denise - The recess thing doesn't work much for me. It seems that with the older kids someone has to stay in to complete work that was supposed to have been turned in earlier.
Deb/AL - Denise, have you ever tried 2-minute mysteries or anything like that? It's a very short mystery that leaves the ending unsolved with the answer at the back of the book. I use these for fillers & typically give out a small piece of candy to those students who can solve it.
al-IA - Give them free time at the end of the day. Bring a game, Bingo or such, and a couple a prizes.
twin/AR - Denise, try a mystery envelope. Put a reward in the envelope such as chew gum for the rest of they day (provided by you), extra recess, free time in class,etc. But students must work for it. Write the words MYSTERY PRIZE (etc.) on the board. If they word is still there at the end of the day they get what's inside. Don't tell them what is inside just tell them what it might be. Every time they act up erase a letter. If so many letters are there at the end of the day they get the prize. Don't say anything to them when you erase it, just do it and they should hush or settle down.
Denise - I have been looking for books, classes, etc. that might be geared specially toward the sub teacher. If any one has any information about these things, I would appreciate it.
Denise - Thanks twin/AR that sounds like a great and easy idea.
Deb/AL - I like that idea, twin! I rarely work with elementary aged kids, so I'm usually at a loss on dealing with bad behavior.
lee - I found some over the summer at a teacher-supply store, Denise.
al-IA - There are lots of them out there, Denise. Best stuff comes from the sub board right here - http://www.teachers.net/mentors/substitute_teaching/
Deb/AL - Denise, I JUST ordered books from barnes and noble directly relating to this!
twin/AR - From my experience, how well my day went depended on the person I was subbing for. The worst sub job I had, I walked into the classroom and couldn't even find the teacher's desk!!!!!!
al-IA - twin, I have been there
Denise - I haven't been to the teacher store yet. I have been watching the sub board too. Ihave found some good things. I know one of the elementary principals and thought perhaps I would talk to him about it. I just don't want him thinking I can't handle the classroom.
twin/AR - I also went to sub in a room where the asst. princ had let a student bring her kitten into the classroom for they day.
twin/AR - Denise, how well do you know the principal?
Denise - I have not had the problem of finding the desk, but the lesson plans have been a mess. Not only from the teacher, but the previous sub.
lee - Denise, you might have to really look for some of the stuff, but it's worth the search! I've used alot of what I bought already.
kim - Sometimes, I think that no plans are better than sketchy plans
Denise - I know him as my sons principal. and the principal at one of the elementary schools I sub. He is very hard to read.
al-IA - Denise, those are the hardest...previous sub. I always try to leave the best info I can,
twin/AR - I printed a lot of things I found on the internet and kept them in a file and carried it with me every time I subbed.
lee - Kim, I agree.
kim - I sub at jr high and several times the teachers leave minimal plans and don't even tell me when lunch is
twin/AR - Frpom my experience, principals dont care what you do to make it through the day (within reason-nothing illegal--HA HA) just as long as you get through and not need to have your hand held.
al-IA - I collect things in separate folders for each subject. As Mid school and hs I can just grab the folder and go
kim - twin, I've found that vice principals care, but principals don't have much contact with subs
lee - I tend to collect things for each month. For example, my January folder has stuff for MLK Day, and a winter word search in it.
al-IA - I did not have a kitten to deal with, but one student brought a snake they had found in their yard. They were carrying it with them until science class. I had HER take there immediately
twin/AR - I personally feel like subbing is a harder job than teaching. The kids know you don't know ALL the rules and they will test them. Be strong. Make decisions and stand firm don't let them trick you and leave you wondering what you should have done.
twin/AR - That is true Kim. That is because asst. usually are the ones who call the subs in.
Denise - I have collected simple art projects, coloring pages, books, etc. for special times when there wasn't enough to fill the day. I don't usually have that prooblem. Most of the teachers are really good about leaving lesson plans. In this area, the schools require them to be done 6 weeks in advance. I don't know about the older grades. I haven't done any of those yet.
Gerry - I started subbing last May
Stanley - twin, I'm not the best planner, so I personally feel contracted teaching is considerably more stressful than subbing.
twin/AR - Stanley, I could see how you feel that way. Subbing definitely has some advantages over teaching.
Stanley - al, I've had a very, VERY screwy Y2K so far. How about the rest of you?
al-IA - If people are familiar with Merlyn from the teachers chatboard, he suggested "free 4 Schools" There is are kinds of printouts available
twin/AR - The biggest DISADVANTAGE is the pay though.
Deb/AL - One of the books I picked up at the teacher supply store was "minute minders." It's a cross-curricular book of short things to use as time fillers.
Deb/AL - twin, don't forget the lack of benefits, too!
al-IA - twin, I don't find the pay as bad as no benefits
twin/AR - Oh yeah, who could forget that!
lee - Al, what is "free 4 schools"?
Stanley - twin, since 1/4/00 I've had an after school program that ups my pay about 40%, so I'm doing better than ever before.
twin/AR - By the way, if you don't mind my asking, how much do subs get paid in your area?
Gerry - I subbed in an inner city school district in PA. They needed subs so they filed for a Emergency Certificate for me after I finished my second semester in a certification program.
al-IA - That is the name of the site. Don't have the url. But I am sure you can get it by searching that title
Denise - Thanks twin/AR. What I like about subbing is the part time. I can pick and chose what I want.
Deb/AL - I was recently directed to the Substitute Teacher's Homepage, too.
lee - Thanks al. I'll check it out.
al-IA - Stanley, well had a couple of hot prospects for jobs, but no news yet
Stanley - twin, Most here in San Diego pay roughly $100/day. My after school program gives me an additional $44, so that is approaching beginning contracted pay.
twin/AR - That's true Denise. You work when you want. Full time teaching you don't have a choice.
twin/AR - ONE HUNDRED A DAY????!!!!!! Try $45 a day.
Deb/AL - Stanley, $100 a day!?! I'm only getting between $50 and $65 here!
twin/AR - However, i am sure the cost of living is much greater in San Diego.
Stanley - al, I had a site that wanted me for a leave replacement contract, but the District wouldn't permit my name to be included on the interview list.
Gerry - So many of the districts complain about not being able to find subs but they insist that one have a certificate even if your waiting for NTE scores. they shouldn't complain. They really don't want to hire subs as bad as they report in the newspaper artic
lee - I make either $52 or $70, depending on the district & school I teach in that day.
al-IA - Some of the schools around here come close to 100, but we are at 67
twin/AR - $45 is if you are certified. $30 if you aren't. Teaching jobs are hard to get around here.
Deb/AL - There was nearly a strike near where I used to live. The board was going to pay subs $100/day to come in during it. The normal subs raise a bit of concern over that. The arguement was if the board could afford that in an emergency, they should be able to afford more than $45/day the rest of the time.
kim - twin, $45 a day? How many hours? Is that even minimum wage?
Stanley - Deb, Cost of living in San Diego is quite high. However, all of OR & Los Anglels Unified pay about $130/day.
Deb/AL - in OH many districts only require a bachelor's degree.
twin/AR - Yes, barely. That is why they pay that much.
Gerry - I saw an ad from last week for $100 a day in a suburban Pittsburgh district.
twin/AR - Kim, that's for about 7 hours.
kim - twin, I make more than that at my part time job in retail
Gerry - But most are about$60
al-IA - Stanley, I know that game. They played it last year on one of the senior subs. She has been subbing for about 5 years, but they passed her right over.Deb, they are trying to get that passed here in Iowa. Still require certificate
twin/AR - Are teaching jobs hard to get in your areas?
Stanley - I'm constantly blown away by close to minimum wage subs are pd someplaces!!
twin/AR - Kim, I am a full time teacher now. But that is what I made 2 years ago.
lee - Where I sub, there are many teachers retiring this year, and in the coming few years. I have a good chance of getting hired. If nt this year, then next.
patches - I sub for a district south of Seattle. Senior subs get $99 a day, the others $94. A lot of the districts around Seattle are $100 to 123
Stanley - patches, Welcome, & jump right in! al, Had the senior sub been requested by the site?
kim - teaching jobs aren't scare where I live, but there are no openings in my field. I'm afraid that I've limited myself by wanting junior high home ec
al-IA - Stanley, one of the districts I applied at asked if I could sub in until diecision was made. I had the interview and all that and was in almost daily e-mail contact with the supt. When I said no....I have not heard anything since
Deb/AL - patches, what's the difference between a "senior sub" and a regular one?
al-IA - Stanley, no, it was for a permanent position.
Stanley - lee, Just make sure you find out as much as you can about whether to court individual sites or the district office!
al-IA - I was wondering about Janet, too. I know someone asked earlier, but my screen keeps jumping and I am missing lots of the messages
lee - OK, stanley. Thank you.
Deb/AL - I was recently told of a potential opening. The department chair told me to get my application in to the district office, the HS principal, and to her directly. Apparently things don't get passed on very much.
patches - Senior subs have subbed for the district more than 3 years and agree only to sub for the district. They're also given preference on jobs
Stanley - al, Well the District office even sent names out who already had jobs. When the site again asked for my name, they were told, "If you need more names we'll send you another list!"
al-IA - Deb, always helps to have some one in the know
Deb/AL - The one district I've already worked for has a computerized sub-finder that calls in the subs. No preferential treatment unless teachers directly request you.
patches - We're computerized call in too, but its set to give first call to senior subs.
Stanley - Moreover, in my situation I was familiar with the site, kids, & other Ts. There were 2 openings, & only 3 were interviewed.
Deb/AL - Stanley, OUCH! Sounds like micromanagement.
al-IA - The way I have to look at it at this end, is there is going to be a better position coming my way
patches - Subs in our district are unionized but we belong to the teacher's union and I'm not sure if thats good. Are any of you unionized?
Gerry - One district north of Pittsburgh had an ad in the major newspaper today for subs who are not certified, just have a bachelors degree in any subject. They file for the emer. cert. for you. It's the first ad of its kind I've seen. At least they're willin
Stanley - But I guess the worst is that 1 of the openings came because a T had unexpectedly died while on break. The kids will learn THAT tomorrow!
lee - Subs here aren't unionized.
Deb/AL - patches, I haven't heard anything in this area about the subs being unionized. I know in OH that's not the case generally either.
kim - Stanley, what grade level had the death? Those poor kids!
Gerry - At least they're willing to back it up when they say they need subs.
Liz/AK - Wow! Sorry to hear 'bout that Stanley. The subs here aren't unionized, and this district only requires one to have graduated from h.s. to sub.
Stanley - District Offices can really be a piece of work, can't they?
al-IA - We had a similiar case just before the break. Woman who subbed for us for 3 years got a job in neighboring district. Killed in accident last day before break. Tough on our kids as well as her new ones.
Liz/AK - Yes, the one here still doesn't have my last name spelled correctly on my check.
Gerry - Liz, do you teach in Alaska
Liz/AK - Yes, in Ketchikan.
al-IA - Subs here are barely human let alone union
Stanley - kim, These are G-5s. I've had 3 long terms in the 4/5 Wing, so I'm well known by all.
Deb/AL - Al, aren't you one of those "barely human" subs too?
lee - In "my" districts, we are usually treated well. There are rotten apples, though.
Liz/AK - al-I'm not sure I understand your comment.
al-IA - I guess I meant to say we are treated as barely human by administration. The teachers praise us, but get little if no respect from admin
Deb/AL - How often have you found no lesson plan awaiting you? & then what do you do?
Liz/AK - I'm pretty fortunate, for all of the messed up politics that has been going on with the schools, I'm still getting jobs. I've got a three day Kindergarten job right now.
Stanley - Liz, We ARE unionized, but you can't grieve what's not in the contract, & hiring policies are pretty much wide open -- i.e., not specified contractally.
kim - I disagree about being barely human. I guess it depends on how many schools you sub for and how often you are there. I'm almost exculsively at one jr. high and they treat me well.
prentiss - hi...Prentiss from L.A.here
Liz/AK - I see, that's sort of messed up. I suppose though, that is the way the district planned it when writing the contract.
Eve - Stanley,where are you that they let you in the T union?
lee - Deb, I have not had lesson plans a few times since Christmas. I usually try to figure out where they are and throw something together. I really scramble around those mornings!
prentiss - Stanley!!!! Hello
lee - They being the kids.
Stanley - prentiss, How ya' doin'? Did you get all those tomes I sent the ring earlier today?
prentiss - I enjoyed your post on Super Sub today
patches - When we go to apply for permanent jobs, we're told that substituting isn't really experience in teaching. Not hiring subs is one of our complaints, too. Some subs have done several semester long term subs, and still can't get hired.
prentiss - yes I did....and I agree
kim - I've only had one day with no written lesson plan. Luckily, the teacher called during morning planning and we came up with something
prentiss - Kim's stuff today was wonderful
Deb/AL - I guess that's my biggest fear. I don't want to be left out in the cold. I heard about some subs that were eaten alive while I was student teaching last semester. I don't want to become one of the walking wounded. I also figure it will reflect poorly on me if I apply in that district then.
al-IA - I sub in the mid school and hs of one district. I get the call for one teacher, go in and find they need 2 or 3 subs and expect me to cover as many of the uncovered hours as I can. I guess that is what I get paid for, but seems a bit unfair
prentiss - is that THE Kim? from MI
Liz/AK - I've never had a no lesson plan day, but in my attempt to find a perm. job, I've noticed that some districts don't count subbing as teaching experience. I cannot even understand what they consider it to be if that is the case.
Stanley - prentiss, I'm not on "SuperSub" -- that's the 2nd party, remember? <G>
kim - no, I'm from Florida
al-IA - What is super sub
Stanley - Eve, San Diego Unified has subs included in its collective bargaining agreement.
prentiss - i know...but while i agree with what you said, I think I might do both...thinking of it
patches - al-IA, We have to cover other classes, too. The teachers get paid if they cover during their planning, but we don't.
prentiss - LA too as to Coll Barg
kim - i haven't had to cover another class, but have had to cover tardy hall during a planning period
Stanley - prentiss, That's cool -- just so long as you don't leave Kimberlee's list! I'll turn myself into a string breaking troll if you do! <G>
al-IA - Next ime we have a meeting, let's all bring a favorite site.
Stanley - al, Prentiss was referring to a new mail ring for subs where one moderator attempted to raid a ring started by another. Bizarre, huh?
Liz/AK - Alrighty. I keep missing these meetings, so hopefully I'll make the next one.
miss - I sub as an asist
al-IA - Stanley, where is this sub ring
al-IA - Liz, I miss lots too. I just can never get the time right, but got it together tonight. Maybe it is the new year, eh?
Liz/AK - Or maybe that I change my workout schedule from 5:00 start time, to starting right after school.
lee - I really enjoyed this. I hope I can make it to the next one!
Eve - How do I get on your mailring?
miss - I sub as an assist.
kim - How many of you have jobs tomorrow? What subject? I have a half day of jr high science
twin/AR - Hey miss. What is an asist?
al-IA - t type of assistant
lee - I have second grade tomorrow.
miss - do ya'll get paid enough
twin/AR - I have a job every day. I teach Kindergarten at a local university in their early childhood lab school.
Liz/AK - Kim-I have a full day of Kindergarten for the next two days and possibly more if the teacher doesn't feel well enough to come back to school.
Eve - 6th grade tomorrow but just turned down hi sch com
twin/AR - Liz, do you enjoy kindergarten?
Liz/AK - twin-I think Kindergarten is pretty fun. I've had the most experience in 5/6 grades, but Kindergarten is pretty fun and it's a real eye opener at times.
Stanley - kim, I've forgotten what I have tomorrow. (I got it Fri.) G-4 or 5, I believe.
twin/AR - I wish I could choose what days I worked. That is the only part of subbing that appeals to me. However, I always felt bad if I said no so I ended up subbing every day.
al-IA - Twin, me, too. Sometimes, I say to myself, I am going to do such and such tomorrow, then I get a call and go in
Stanley - twin, Kinders are SO sweet, though the prep drives me nuuuuuuuts (as if I wasn't already)! <G>
twin/AR - I taught 6th last year and absolutely hated it. I wouldn't trade K for nothing.
Stanley - Al & Eve, The sub ring communicates via E-mail.
al-IA - I have 2 grandsons that are kinders. I just can not imagine a whole room full of those little guys
twin/AR - Luckily, I only have 15. I tell you I learn a lot from them myself.
al-IA - Well, , twin, you know the saying, we learn all we need to know in kindegarten
twin/AR - I've learned more there than in college. Thats for sure. LOL
Liz/AK - twin-I think the state may have Kindergarten capped at 21, but that still seems like too many.
twin/AR - I agree Liz. Smaller class sizes are a must. My state has them set at 20.
Gerry - Liz, why do so many of the teachers who relocate teach in the rural areas? And do they stay with it for very long?
Liz/AK - twin-Our district wants to bump 4-6 up to 27 students and 7-12 to 29 students. Ouch!! Obviously they havent' been in the class for awhile. One class here has 31 students.
Liz/AK - Gerry-The majority of the jobs available in Alaska are in the rural districts, so it makes sense that many of those are probably from outside of Alaska.
twin/AR - Liz, our counts are k-20 1-3:25 4-5: 28. It is hard to give them what they need especially when all you hear is address THEIR learning styles and needs. 28 students can mean 28 different needs.
Liz/AK - Gerry-Many people don't stay there for more than 2 or 3 yrs. because of the location and the fact that you are getting your housing from the district, and I think that sort of bugs people. That also allows the district to have more say in your life.
Liz/AK - twin-Yeah, I know what you mean. What I don't understand is why the powers that be think it is alright to have 30 students in a class in Jr. High, but not in first grade. They still need just as much attention.
twin/AR - Youre right Liz. You would think the administrators who are so worried about standardized scores improving might catch on to improved student achievement in smaller areas. Look at what they do in special ed. Their classes are VERY small. Because of the one on one they need to provide.
Stanley - Liz, CA has 20 or less in K-3, 34 elsewhere. I Sr T I know recently told me she thought it would have been better just to put K-6 @ 25.
Liz/AK - Twin-Unfortunately here, it's about saving $$$ rather than education. They want to cut positions, and this is their way of doing this.
Stanley - Eve, What's RCCP?
Eve - Resolving Conflict Creatively Program
twin/AR - Kindergarteners need so much from an adult how can they compete with 20 other children at the same time. It wears on you after a while. Sometimes I feel bad with 15 because I can't give the ALL everything they need. sometimes i go home and wonder if I even got a chance to speak personally with some of my students.
Liz/AK - Stanley-I can see K-6 at 25, but then invest in aides. They are so helpful, and they are very valuable assets in the classroom.
milymo - We are very lucky this year. We only have 16-19 students in our second grade this year.
twin/AR - Aides are wonderful.
Liz/AK - twin-Plus, you turn your back and they are doing exactly the opposite of what your directions were.
Stanley - Liz, I'll guarantee you AK has no monopoly on cutting $$$!
twin/AR - You can say that again Stanley.
milymo - I had 24 Kinders last year.
Eve - Our district is having a 3 million dollar deficit this fall. Just laid off 58 classified positions, and huge cutbacks next year planned plus school closures
twin/AR - OUCH!!!! Where are you from Eve?
Stanley - Eve, Sorry, I've not heard of the program, at least by that name. Do you know the district in which they teach? We've 40 some odd in our county!
Eve - Oregon coast
Stanley - twin, Can't tell you HOW much I enjoy seeing an aide when I sub!
twin/AR - I can imagine Stanley.
Eve - Jane Harrison and Ken Breeding = Vista Unified
Liz/AK - Eve-They are expecting between 500,000-1,000,000 short fall in $$$ next year if a few things happen. They want to restructure our schools, and turn them into K-2, 3-4 and 5-6 at separate schools.
Stanley - Eve, Vista is in our northern County. One of my classmates is, I believe, teaching there, however.
Stanley - milymo, How long are your Kinders in school?
milymo - Two and a half hours Stanley.
Gerry - Liz, What do you mean by housing from the district? Does that mean that the new teachers are not accustomed to living in the type of housing provided by the state? What kind of housing is it?
Stanley - 2.5, not 3.5?? Our largest district has gone to full day, if you can believe that!
hektor - brand new this January. I am still dealing with the oops and ouch of learning. I feel a little bewildered every day. I keep being asked back, but worry that it's not a good thing.
milymo - They came at 1:00 and left at 3:30. Many schools around here are having full day kinder. My cousin's twins are in full day kinder in Akron.
Stanley - milymo, I personally feel full day is laughable! However, that makes it quite fitting for the district that implemented it!
Liz/AK - Each of the districts out in the villages will rent you a place to live. These places I'm referring to can have anywhere from 50-500 people. Teachers are unaccostomed to having their bosses at work be also in control of their lifestyle. Because the district rents to you, they can have a say in who you live with, whether you live with a significant other. Some districts are very controlling.
Eve - hektor, if you want a career in teaching, nothing could beat subbing to learn the job
hektor - Liz, are you talking about private education? In Boston, housing is a premium.
milymo - I think full day kinder is not such a good idea, but considering the tv is probably the babysitter for the rest of the day, it might not be such a bad idea for some children.
Gerry - Liz, I see. So much for enlightenment and forthrightness without a conscience!
Stanley - Liz, How did the plantation mentality ever work its way up to AK? I mean, you'd think a hungry caribou would have gobble it up along the way! <G>
milymo - The only way I've gotten the jobs that I have is through subbing.
hektor - Thanks Eve. I have a hard time not being in "charge" as a sub. I taught last year in an internship and am looking for this fall. I am certified middle/secondary, but I want to try elem. What's the best? I think I would definitely run from K.
Liz/AK - Gerry-Unfortunatley in these districts, you cannot own property and they have no rentals outside of the ones that the district owns. It's just a irritating scenario. Yet, some people have stayed for years and loved it. It's best if your spouse teaches too.
Stanley - milymo, Fine, if K=childcare. However, I'm convinced OUR clowns feel scores will go up by sockin' it to the kiddos a bit earlier!
Liz/AK - hektor-I'm talking about public education in Alaska. You see, we have many school districts that cover tiny villages out in the boondocks. That's why the school districts have so much control over their employees.
milymo - I'm sure that's their intent Stanley, as with everything else they decide!
Eve - H -since you are certified mid/sec and seeking a contract for fall, stay in those and you will likely land a job, though as a sub i teach all levels, and all subjects
Gerry - Liz, I thought maybe employees were given as part of the deal a separate place like a barrack and for people who have no problem with living rough it would be OK
milymo - I always took the job that I was called for first. No matter what grade or subject.
hektor - Wow! That must be a real experience teaching in Alaska. It must be like teaching on a reservation. It's very isolated and "company store" ish. I know, I grew up on one. It's a long way from there to here.
Liz/AK - No, they rent apartments to you. They are actually pretty nice. It's just difficult if you aren't married, but are in a relationship because you can't always be together out in these areas. Of course, this is my point of view and why I don't go to the bush.
Liz/AK - hektor-It depends on where you are at. Many places are like that and many aren't. It all depends.
Stanley - hektor, much like milymo, I usually take what is offered 1st regardless. Therefore, subbing is great for introducing you to new levels.
Eve - Liz, sounds like the untold story of Northern Exposure school system
Gerry - Liz, Also, why can't real property be purchased? And I hear that the price for real estate is high. You'd think with all the millions of acres it would be the other way around.
Liz/AK - Eve-I really like teaching in Alaska. It's very unique, and you do have a way of living that you can't do in other places. How many places in the world would allow their students to go outside until -20?
hektor - Milymo, I have an automated system that calls me and I hem and haw, but eventually take one. There are many school districts in my area. Some pay as little as $45 to the highest in Boston at $91. Is it your experience that substitiute teachers have a better change of being hired than small one with one year's experience? I am thinking of relocating. This is an interesting conversation. HI Roz
milymo - Not my district Liz! We had indoor recess almost all last week. Nearly drove me crazy!
Liz/AK - Gerry-In the villages, property can only be purchase by natives of that village. REal estate is high because there are many acres of land that are not available for development. Millions of acres are owned by the federal governement.
Liz/AK - NOw let me make one thing clear-where I'm at now, we don't get -20 weather. Where I student taught, they get down to -50 sometimes.
Stanley - hektor, MANY subs have been bypassed when it comes to contract time. So don't enter it feeling you'll be paying your dues!
milymo - I really haven't figured out the hiring procedure in the districts that I've been in. I was hired into my district this year with one year's experience.
Gerry - Hector, I grew up in a coal mining town , so I know what it is like to shop at the company store. for real.
Eve - milymo, are you subbing or on contract?
Stanley - milymo, Did you sub for them last yr?
milymo - Last year when I was hired in, I had subbed for a year and a half when I got my job.
milymo - I'm on a contract. I have 2nd grade.
Stanley - milymo, Was your subbing in the same district in which you were hired?
milymo - I subbed for the school that I'm at now from Jan 97-Dec 97. I took a full time sub position in another district and got hired into that district half time for the 98-99 school year. When I didn't get full time in that distict for 99-00, I went back to the other district I subbed for and got hired in.
hektor - Sorry to innudate you milymo, but did you sub out of choice? For everyone else, are your subbing because you enjoy it?
milymo - Both disticts that I've been hired into, I subbed for somewhat extensively.
Eve - hektor, the way most subs get hired is by falling into it during midyear due to unforeseen accidents of fate midyear
milymo - I chose to sub in order to get a job, but surprisingly I really enjoyed subbing.
Stanley - Milymo, You've done well! Just this past wk a district wouldn't allow me to be interviewed @ a site which had requested me.
milymo - Why Stanley? Politics, do you think? I've seen my share of that too!
hektor - Ahh, I wondered. I had my own, my first classroom this fall, but left because the principal and I had conflicting philosophies on education. (did I spell that right? typing too fast.) So far the subbing has been a real eye opener. I was a tad naive. I interned at an amazing school.
Stanley - Eve, But even being a sub with site specific experience didn't help me with the District last wk. And 1 of the openings was because a T unexpectedly died during their current break!
milymo - My student teaching didn't go so well. I didn't start subbing right out of college.
Eve - you were mentioning that when i joined the chat, but i missed the drift of what transpired
milymo - Do you know who got the job Stanley?
milymo - My district last year passed me up for full time kinder, for someone who was out of the district - she had been teaching at a private school.
Stanley - milymo, Yes, I think the District has its own agenda. If that means treating a site insensitively, well, so be it!
hektor - It's weird how some districts pounce on the hiring in Feb/March/April; yet, other districts wait until August or September. I received calls in these months. Stanley, what's the teaching crisis like there?
milymo - In the schools I've been in, it sure seems that the principals have the majority of the say in who gets the jobs.
Gerry - Just finished my student teaching. Sec. in one of the most upper class suburban districts and elem. in an inner city school. Loved them both.
Stanley - milymo, They interviewed 3 for 2 positions. My source, 1 of the interviewere, told me they were young. Neither had probably subbed @ the site before.
hektor - would you rather be interviewed by a principal or a departmental director or a team (parents, students, faculty, and administrators)?
Eve - so, stanley, are you a baby boomer?
milymo - :( I was surprised at how many experienced teachers were hired into our district this year. One teacher had 11 years behind her.
Stanley - milymo, The principal would have had to have gone nose to nose with someone in order to MAYBE get it done. 13 administrators were fired in 6/99, so I can see what he'd not want to risk that.
milymo - I was interviewed by the principal, then the super, then the second grade teachers.
Eve - how about some concrete interview advice. any magic words?
milymo - You must be subbing in a very large district. We only have 2 elementaries in our district along with a middle and high school.
Stanley - Eve, I'm 52, a change of career T. That's just a bit beyond boomer, right?
hektor - Gerry, I was really burnt out from interning the whole year until June 30, so I waited to look for a job untilearly June and July. I interviewed with a team (parent, student, department head), two teachers from a snoody school, and where my philosophy hit the wall, only the principal and the cursory super final. Look now Gerry.
milymo - I don't know how I got my job this year - I cried at my first interview. I had a very high recommendation that I know helped out.
Stanley - Eve, Check the T.Net archives for some interview info. What I'm thinking of was compiled by Lauri/msMath.
hektor - I guess I'm saying and that's why I'm subbing, I was rather naive and fatigued toward the end. I bombed the two snoody teachers' interview, but at the school where I really wanted (team) they felt like I didn't have enough experience. The principal was impressed with my unit and portfolio.
Eve - thanks, Stanley. milymo,sounds like whoever the rec was from really counted
milymo - Plus, I had subbed there and the principal had seen me in action.
Stanley - milymo, The district of which I speak is 1 of the 10 biggest nationwide. I believe they've 8,000 contracted Ts!
milymo - Wow! We had a career change teacher hired in this year. He has been subbing since at least 1997.
hektor - Milymo & Stanley, so far, it doesn't seem like the principal knows I am a sub or alive for that matter. The administrators, such as the secretaries seem to be the only ones. M. Did the principal stop in?
milymo - He worked in DC when he was younger.
milymo - This is so unusual, but the principal stops in to EVERY classroom EVERY day. Sometimes he just says hi and sometimes he stays for a bit!
Stanley - hektor, I've seldom had administrators pop in when I subbed, & I've upwards of 550 days experience.
milymo - The other principal also stopped in. She asked me how things were one day I was subbing. I answered her honestly and told her things were a bit crazy, but they would get better. She told me at my interview that that impressed her.
Eve - You know, I have a really great thing being able to sub every day, but as the number one sub in a district of 115 subs, i realized that the only difference from the contract is the lesson plans, grades, benchmark, and politics, so for twice the money and benefits, i am somewhat letting it be known i am in the game for a contract
Gerry - Hektor, I still have to take at least one more NTE exam and districts around here won't even interview you without the cert. even if you will be certified in a couple months. ' give you the time of day withou
hektor - Stanley, one of the people from my master's program was also a career changer in his late fifties. He subbed near his home in a nice suburb, but didn't get hired for two positions they had open. He did, however, find a job in a nicer district with the principal's rec. Go figure...
Stanley - That's a GREAT comment & annectdote, milymo! Gotta put that on my clipboard!! :-)
Gerry - I think if they know your are a good reliable sub, they know they have something good there and will use you in that position for as long as you'll stay.
milymo - I've heard that being a good sub can be a detriment, because they NEED good subs. That's why I subbed in several districts. I was a good sub for whoever got me, but none of the schools could get me everyday. They would book me a month ahead sometimes.
hektor - Eve, do you think that a school district would hold it against me for turning down a long term sub position?
Eve - It is a fact that districts will keep us as subs
Stanley - hektor, I hear ya'! I was offered an after school program on the recommendation of a Principal I barely know. So, "Go figure..." should be etched in bronze!
Gerry - They must play all of their teachers like cards in a game, I hate to put it that way becvause I'm a union person and terrible typist
Eve - I think a district will hold your having quit against you
milymo - I mean a detriment to getting a full time position - in case you didn't figure out what I'm talking about.
Stanley - milymo, I've been a multi-district warrior from the get go. However, I do it 'cuz I get to see more different things.
Eve - Hektor, will you be able to keep that secret?
Eve - Stanley, how does the state handle your retirement fund as a multi district warrior
hektor - Yeah, I am thinking of leaving the full-time first time position off my resume. They wouldn't say anything bad about me. On the contrary, they would say I was terrific. It was a racial thing. I was one of two peope of color in the whole district (1 HS, 2 MS, 8 ES). Some of the staff and parents took out their aggressions on me. All in all a good and bad experience. In retrospect, I should have toughed it out.
Stanley - Eve, The districts match my contribution, all of this going into my account with the state.
Eve - Hindsight is a wondrous thing, Hek
