Join a Mailring at the
Teacher Mailring Center
http://www.teachers.net/mailrings/
Janet/4/AR/host - Welcome to the sub teacher's meeting.
lee - Good, Janet, how is the new job going?
Janet/4/AR/host - My new job is going well so far. I have a great group of kids!
Janet/4/AR/host - What would you like to discuss tonight?
lee - Great! I'm glad to hear that...
Stanley - lee, Have you started already? We get out of synch here in CA!
lee - Stanley, I have inservices Thurs. and Friday, then kids on Monday....
Magoo - We don't start till the 30th...massive construction in 'my' district...teachers are chomping at the bit to get into their rooms..........
ShirleyKirsten - Stanley, where in CA
millie - Shirley is our new president of our new organization, National Substitute Teachers Alliance Hello Stanley
Stanley - Shirley, San Diego! lee, I'm still subbing in '99/'00, if you can believe THAT!
lee - LOL Stanley, no wonder you're so confused!
lee - Shirley, did you have a big turnout in Washington?
ShirleyKirsten - Yes, Does everyone know about NSTA?
ShirleyKirsten - Yes
MaryB - shirley, i don't
Magoo - Cute, Stanley---I have tried the cookies on the computer, and they have absolutely NO flavor whatsoever!! Also, they are way too crunchy, and they don't dunk good.
ShirleyKirsten - NY Times covered among others
Stanley - Shirley, I'm the Secretary of our Visiting Ts' Assn in San Diego County. One district, San Diego City Schools, DOES have us included in their collective bargaining.
ShirleyKirsten - San Diego, Yes
Magoo - Oh, Shirley B., wait till you hear about NSTA!!! It is so cool!!!
ShirleyKirsten - Great, Stanley
millie - Can't see on large screen, only blue, which covers up my transmission, help!!
lee - Have many subs joined the NSTA?
ShirleyKirsten - Our Deputy Supt went to San Diego Unified
Magoo - Yes, I'm curious also--how many memb. slips have actually been rec'd so far??
Janet/4/AR/host - How is everyone's year going!
ShirleyKirsten - We're growing--Just started campaign
jane - Hope this is not an inappropriate use of the live chat. I'm having problems getting in; I'll post my message and leave. I'm a reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. I've received a two-month fellowship to study issues related to substitute teaching. I'm interested in talking to subs around the country. If you're interested, or would like verification of my employment or the fellowship, please contact me at jelizabeth56@hotmail.com. Thanks for the forum.
lee - Janet, mine has been busy...I have gotten my sub folder together except for class lists, which I will get Thurs.
Magoo - WOW, JANE!!! You'll be hearing from me!! :)
Stanley - Shirley, you're in Fresno, right? If so, I read an article about you -- was it in "Teacher?" BTW, WHAT educrat did you evict down here? <G>
jen - I guess not. Tell 'em Shirl!
ShirleyKirsten - Yes, in Fresno
ShirleyKirsten - Yes I was covered in Teacher Magazine
ShirleyKirsten - Substitutes Unite!
Magoo - Shirley, you rabble-rouser, what didja do??
Janet/4/AR/host - lee, I am still trying to get things together. My students are helping me get my learning center room together!
lee - Cool! I bet they love that!
ShirleyKirsten - I spearheaded drive to organize about 700 plus subs
kenzieq - I am subbing in a second grade class tomorrow. this is my first sub job. I am a certified teacher just graduated in may, any advice
Janet/4/AR/host - I found out about 2 weeks before I started the grade level I would be teaching. So Ihave been very busy!
Magoo - Janet, what do you teach and where?
millie - Is everyone getting only the small screen?
Stanley - Shirley, that was QUITE a battle you had up there! I don't think I would have had you perseverence...
lee - Oh, kenzieq, 2nd grade is so much fun to sub in!
jen - Nice Photo, Shirley (in Teacher Mag.)
ShirleyKirsten - That's great--long-term assignment
Janet/4/AR/host - kenzieq, let the students know up front first thing what you expect of them behavior wise. Mean business!
ShirleyKirsten - You people are nice, because you're substitutes
Janet/4/AR/host - Magoo, I am teaching 4th grade at Second Baptist Christian School!
ShirleyKirsten - I think some of NSTA members have been screened out
Janet/4/AR/host - Shirley, I was a sub before this year for 3 years.
Magoo - kenzieq--piece of cake--2nd is one of the best. They already know where the bathrooms are, etc., and are so willing to help and they REALLY want to learn. You will have a good time.
ShirleyKirsten - Nice to hear from all of you around the country
millie - We preparing now for our first ever Florida Substitute Teachers Conference, Oct. 13. Have 67 counties in state, all different sub programs.
kenzieq - I think class management is crucial to sub success also janet. I love the lower grades they are so fun
Stanley - Shirley, attitudes towards subs are generally poor in Fresno?
Janet/4/AR/host - Magoo, my 4th graders are like that as well! A GREAT GROUP!
ShirleyKirsten - Suzanne do you know Jen--both from PA?
lee - Kenzieq, they will tell you if anything you do is different than what their teacher does. Just tell them that yes, you will be doing some things differently, but that things will be back to normal when their teacher comes back. Oh, and be prepared to get lots of pictures!
ShirleyKirsten - Not since FASTA has arrived--The FASTA the Better!
millie - Any Fl subs logged on??
Magoo - suvgal, I am confined to the skinny strip on the bottom of the screen also---drives me nuts---I am going to call the district computer guru tomorrow and find out how to get on the big screen.
ShirleyKirsten - Where are the Floridians--Millie is our NSTA VP plus
Suzanne/PA - No I don't know Jen. Just began to sub in the spring after a career change.
lee - LOL Magoo---I thought you were always nuts! <g>
kenzieq - I am certified in 1-8 and the highest grade i have taught is 5th. Do you all think 6-8 is harder to sub at, and what do you do with trouble children?
Stanley - millie, What do you mean by "all different sub programs?"
MaryB - magoo, my big screen went blank so i logged off and now it's back on
ShirleyKirsten - Millie is directing the first Florida Conference of Substitutes
Magoo - lee, as I tell kids, I am not wierd, I am UNIQUE. :) :)
millie - Shirley, whatz up?
Janet/4/AR/host - Sounds like a lot of states are starting to develope conferences for subs. Of course AR hasn't. LOL
jen - My favorite grades are 3&4. Not babies, not preteens.
Janet/4/AR/host - WB suvgal!
suvgal - Magoo, I suddenly got a larger screen unfortunately I don't know how I did it.
Magoo - Shirley is still just twins..................and how come the smiley face isn't working??
lee - kenzieq, it is different with 6-8 in that they are far more independent. Any trouble makers I either send to the office, or give lunch detention, or a writing assignment, like copying a dictioary page.
Janet/4/AR/host - Same here jen!
Stanley - Shirley, I've heard 2 different places that long terms in L.A. & Long Beach pull down $200/day!!
ShirleyKirsten - I'm still alive and kickin'
millie - Stanley, each county decides money amounts, amt. of training, etc.
ShirleyKirsten - Sounds right
MaryB - kenzieq, i've subbed middle school for three years. I prefer elementary any day. I'm certified K-8 and also K-12 music. I stay away from high school.
ShirleyKirsten - They do get $200 oer day for LT
lee - MaryB, I stayed away from High school as a rule, and now I'm teaching at one! LOL
Stanley - Well, I'm a union member via San Diego City Schools. Are you talking a SEPARATE union?
jen - What are you planning for the conference, Millie?
suvgal - Does anyone have the subfinder system for getting called to work? My system is instituting it this year. Any comments?
ShirleyKirsten - FASTA is an indep union
kenzieq - 200 a day!!! WOW In Tennessee where I live we are lucky to get 50 bucks a day
Janet/4/AR/host - suvgal, have not heard of it!
millie - The substitutes need a voice in their counties here, so will instruct on starting associations.
ShirleyKirsten - We have Sub finder at County Office of Education
Janet/4/AR/host - $44.00 a day in AR. LOL
MaryB - suvgal.... you mean the computerized system? or what?
Stanley - Shirley, what are your long term rates in Fresno?
ShirleyKirsten - Millie is incredible!!
millie - Tenn., my birth state! You need to join NSTA!
jen - Stan, the NSTA is...will be a collective bargaining unit for substitute teachers.
lee - Shirley and millie, do you find that many subs are hesitant to "rock the boat" and start a union, or are they pretty enthusiastic?
suvgal - It's a computerized system for calling you
ShirleyKirsten - LT is now $94 pr day after 20 days retro to day 11
MaryB - janet, we get $85 a day for the first 20 days. Day 21-50 is $100 aday and over that it's $120! Just passed it this week.
Janet/4/AR/host - MaryB, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
millie - email shirley later for all info on NSTA. We now have 18 states represented.
Magoo - Oh, I have the big screen, it just won't scroll
MaryB - suvgal, this is the fourth year for our computerized calling
Janet/4/AR/host - Lee, Are you gonna be subbing a lot this year?
Stanley - I think I prefer the idea of an independent union, because I think the interests of per diems & contracted folk are at times conflicting. Agree?
millie - Most, who really care, are enthusastic.
MaryB - janet, the best part was that it's not concerned with longterm assignments.... you can actually be in a different school every day and still get the pay raise
Magoo - I just got 8 days' work for a 4th grade teacher, spread out over a few weeks, but nice to know in advance!!
Janet/4/AR/host - Stanley, YUP sure do agree!
millie - If you were chastized by school board in any way, a labor attorney will set them straight.
lee - Great, Magoo!
Stanley - Re Long Term Rates:: I think they should be CONSIDERABLY higher than day to day -- say 50% or so. Opinions anyone?
Magoo - Hi Millie!! Dija get my $$ yet?? The pack mules run pretty slow out of here....
Janet/4/AR/host - MaryB, that is COOL!
lee - Stanley, I also agree.
millie - Our NSTA beleives whatever way works in your area!!
MaryB - now if they'd just add a touch of benefits......
kenzieq - Is there any websites you all like that offer tips, activites for different grades as a sub?
millie - Magoo, would have to pull file, sure it will be here soon, if not now.
lee - kenzeq, I have an entire folder of stuff I got from the web....
jen - How so Stan?
Magoo - I can't really complain about my district too much. We just got a raise, will be $80/day this year. 6 years ago it was $65. I have been treated like one of the faculty most of the time. I would love to have medical tho. We do have a retirement system, but it is so confusing I gave up and just put money in a jar in the backyard instead.
Stanley - kenzieq, I have trouble walking & chewing gum concurrently. So, I also recommend getting just a FEW good things that are VERSATILE! :-)
millie - In Orange Co. FL we have about l600 subs, but many do not work full weeks.
kenzieq - should I just go to a search engine and type in substitute teaching?
Janet/4/AR/host - http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/5146/sub.html
jen - Long-term rates should be starting salary?
millie - Check with me later for health plan Boston has for subs. I am presenting it to our school board.
millie - email for Millie: mmcbee3626@aol.com
Stanley - jen, YES as to = starting salary, at least if you've been there, say, 30 days or so!
Magoo - My district had the annual 'sub meeting' last week.....17 subs were there!!! We have 1 HS, 1 middle, and 4 elem. schools. Could be a busy year, and I worked 130/180 days last year.
Stanley - Magoo, you're a piker! <G> I think I'll be working something like 220 days in '99/'00!
MaryB - magoo, i last subbed three years ago and worked 140 out of 180 days. We had 200 subs, though
Magoo - Where I am, if you sub for more than 20 days straight in the same classroom, then on the 21st day you start getting 'teacher pay', the amount of which depends on how long you've worked for the district, etc.
Janet/4/AR/host - There is a form for subs to fill out for the reg. classroom teacher there.
Magoo - Stanley, how can you work 220 days in a year??? We only have 180. Oh--wait--are you in one of those all-year deals??
Magoo - Cat, 'Taz' (aptly named) is on the computer, so if my spelling gets funny it's her fault for wlkig on the kys
Linda - My district desperately needs subs--have about 5 for 100 teachers
MaryB - oh, janet, forgot to add that when you accumulate your 180 days subbing then if you get hired, you're raised up one more step on the pay scale.
lee - Oh, I have a question for you all....I know that subs can't really afford trips, but I was wondering if anyone is planning on going to Cleveland for the tnet gathering next year? I'm going and I'd love to meet some of you!
Stanley - Magoo, I *LIKE* that LT format! Yes, 2 of my 4 districts have multi-tracked yr around schools.
Janet/4/AR/host - MaryB, subs do not have a thing here!
Magoo - I did a summer school stint for a total of 18 days, and got paid 'teacher pay', and it was WONDERFUL!! All I had to do was prove (with mountains of paperwork) that I've been a sub for the last 6 yrs.
Linda - all the smaller districts around here have trouble getting subs because the big one (4th largest in the state) has unionized subs
MaryB - janet, i guess they were left high and dry last year so they had to come up with some pretty enticing ideas to attract subs back. unfortuately, they have a ton this year. (unfortunate for me, that is)
Stanley - Linda, where are you located?
Shirley Kirsten - Do they drive to Fresno
Linda - Shirley--you bet they do--some of them as much as 40 miles or more
Magoo - mary b, I've asked you this before, but am losing brain cells almost hourly, therefore can't remember--where in MISSOURI are you?? I grew up in St. Louis.
BOW - Our county is taking notice of NSTA and we are glad they asre. we are VSTO,inc and they know we are fore real.
Shirley Kirsten - Yes, what a great national forum
Shirley Kirsten - NSTA is taking off
Bob - All I can do is watch (listen)
Magoo - St. Charles nearly got gone with the floods in '93---that was one BAD summer!! The Missississississipppppi River was nearly to the bottom of the Arch.
Janet/4/AR/host - tac, OH ok........LOL My brain is fried! LOL....... first 4 days of ever teaching!
Stanley - Magoo, This was a G-4 boy, though it took me awhile to figure out who brought the kitten. My aide took it back to the boy's house because he lived a LONG ways away.
tac - understand....
Magoo - OF COURSE THAT SONG IS CORNY-----IT'S ABOUT IOWA!!! hahahahahaha!! :)
BOW - Its called communication - giving the substitutes what they need.
lee - Stanley, one of the kids I wrote to or a different class?
MaryB - magoo, may go to st. louis first weekend of sept.... got 6 free tickets to 6 Flags
Linda - Not to start an argument--but how about the subs giving the teachers and the kids what they need?
Stanley - Janet, So has it been so far? I'm SO impressed that you're still hangin' out here, what with everything else! :-)
Magoo - Janet--where in Missouri??? Stanley--what is a G-4 kid?? 'Grade 4'??
Janet/4/AR/host - Stanley, I love it! My class of students are great! VERY SWEET!
BOW - That is the main purpose of being better substitutes giving the kids the education they deserve
Stanley - lee, No, "Peter the Cat" [as some of us came to call him privately] was in another home room.
Janet/4/AR/host - Magoo, I am originally from Eldon, Mo. and was born in Jefferson City, Mo.
Linda - Sorry Bow--don't see that a lot
lee - Ah, ok, Stanley
Stanley - Magoo, Correct on the 4th Grade.
BOW - That is why we need to have better training.
Magoo - Mary B--send the kids to 6 Flags--you go see the Arch, the Art Museum, the Jewel Box, then take the kids and go to the Zoo, the Botanical Gardens (largest Japanese garden in the country), then go down to the McDonald's on a riverboat on the Misssssisisisisiippppi River. Lord, I am homesick!!
Linda - Training won't do any good when the sub goes to sleep in class
Stanley - Janet, as lee can corroborate, my 4/5's last year were ALSO sweet, loving kids! :-)
Janet/4/AR/host - BOW, the subs here do not even have to be a certified teacher to sub.
lee - Linda, where do you see subs sleeping in class?
MaryB - oh, I've been all of those places ...... my sis was hoping we'd come down there during the craft weekend .... but if i don't end up getting a teaching job, we may have to pass on the trip. (and give the tickets away)
BOW - That is sad isn't it.
Linda - Have seen it several times--also sitting and reading personal books
Janet/4/AR/host - Linda, I am amazed at that even happening. One would have their nerve falling to sleep in a classroom! WOW
lee - Wow. I can honestly say that the places I subbed in didn't have that happening.
Linda - AND these were certificated teachers
Magoo - Been to Jeff City---when I was in 8th grade, they loaded us on buses and took us to see the capitol bldg. All I remember is sitting next to ***sigh*** Jeffrey***sigh*** and singing "16 Tons" at the top of our lungs.
MaryB - our orientation this week consisted of how to use your phone to accept jobs, etc. I hope most of us are seasoned teachers or subs....... nothing was offered for any help for newbies
Janet/4/AR/host - LOL @ Magoo!
Linda - We had to take one to court to get her OFF the sub list--she accused us of discrimination
BOW - VSTO,Inc helps to make the sub feel professional
Stanley - Linda, or when the subs disappears, or spends his/her time on the phone with back to the Ss! This past spring as our site's part time resource T I saw/heard BOTH of those!! [No wonder the contracted folk say some of the prejudicial things they do, huh?]
lee - LOL---ah, Magoo,.
Bob - Connecticut- land of yhe rich
Janet/4/AR/host - Linda, LOL what does she/he expect if they fall asleep in a classroom!
Magoo - I know a sub who sits and reads her religious material while the kids work..............
MaryB - magoo, mom and dad had a 78 record of 16 tons..... I used to sing it when I was little. I loved it.
Janet/4/AR/host - Bob, Teachers do not make that here!
Linda - you are right stanley--I could tell you some horror stories that would make your hair stand on end
eric - Linda...that is not the norm
MaryB - i've felt like taking a nap when, as a certified music teacher, the teacher lines up videos for me to show for two days...... that stinks.
eric - most subs are well educated...and do their jobs well
Stanley - Linda, I'm personally bothered by those who distinguish between credentialed & non- subs. I know NUMEROUS subs on emergency credials whom I would recommend on a heartbeat!
Magoo - Jeffrey was my heart-throb for years. He had red hair and a warped sense of humor. We got along great...as friends. He is now a doctor I think. I found an artist to marry 36 yrs. ago, and I am very glad I did that.
Linda - Stanley--mades no difference--have seen good and bad subs both witha nd without creds
BOW - The teachers in Volusia county know the importance of good subs and treat them with respect. We have had a few incidents where we have had to take a sub out to chat a while.
lee - MaryB, I too have felt like a nap during endless videos!
eric - we have all seen poor classroom teachers also...all certified
Stanley - Most "grievous" sub errors I've seen involved lack of character &/or common sense -- things which have little or nothing to do with a credential, IMHO!
Janet/4/AR/host - I would like to thank everyone for attending the meeting and look forward to chatting with everyone again next month!
Linda - Janet--one of the classes where the teacher fell asleep was a K class--kids were climbing all over the furniture and yelling at the top of their lungs--sub didn't hear them
lee - Yes, eric, I agree...
Magoo - If I get called to sub for music, I know they are desparate..............I take in our video of Darling Daughter in Up With People (93-94) and show that. Gives them something to think about.
lee - I guess there are bad apples in every barrel...
MaryB - well, the worst part was that they even had requested me to sub. I'd rather keep really busy than be bored
lee - Thanks, Janet! It was great!
Stanley - Janet, Thank YOU! Please don't work TOO hard, ya' hear? <G>
Janet/4/AR/host - Thanks Everyone! You all are the GREATEST!!!
Janet/4/AR/host - bye bye and have a wonderful night and day tomorrow!
