Dear Barbara,

Sometimes when I sub, the children confide in me that they like me better than their own teacher. I feel flattered, but I’m also uneasy about it. In some classrooms, they tell me that their teacher yells all the time.

I have two questions. How should I react to the comment about liking me better that the regular teacher? Do you think I should tell the principal about the report of the teacher who yells all the time?

Ken in New Milford, N.J.

Dear Ken,

Students often like a sub better than their regular teacher. After all, if you do a good job and you are kind to the children, you’re a novelty. Unlike the regular teacher, you don’t have to deal with the day to day stresses of grading, record keeping, parent conferences, and the daily challenges that students bring.

When you are told that you are liked more that Ms. X, thank the students, but explain that they have an excellent teacher, and you admire Ms. X very much. Ms. X is responsible for their daily education, so she needs to be more serious sometimes. But you know that Ms. X is very proud of her class. Now you look like an honorable, respectful person.

As far as reporting to the principal about student comments, absolutely not. You must never indulge in gossip like this. It is very unprofessional. Frankly, it’s none of your business. The principal is well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the faculty. The principal doesn’t need your input in this instance, and it will reflect poorly on you if you provide it.

Barbara

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