Why I'm giving up substitute teaching and any teaching.

by Lauren

Dec 20, 2011

So, it's five days before Christmas and I log into AESOP. My main school district is missing from the list of possible jobs. I call the school district and they say, "Oh, we've removed you from our sub list. I said, "Why?" Well apparently when I was subbing one afternoon, I let the gym class take a 5 minute break. Their classes were 90 minutes, and they had been playing nonstop for an hour. Another gym teacher saw them sitting on the gym floor. They complained that I had not made them work the entire 90 minutes.

Get this, though, if one of them had passed out, I would have been in deep doo-doo.

The school district also said that another permanent teacher complained that I allowed her class to read a chapter ahead in their reading books. Apparently it spoiled the teacher's lesson plans for the next day. I said, "You've got to be kidding! If anything, I made a mistake on the page number, but that's no reason to bar me from the entire district!"

I got a pompous ...See MoreSo, it's five days before Christmas and I log into AESOP. My main school district is missing from the list of possible jobs. I call the school district and they say, "Oh, we've removed you from our sub list. I said, "Why?" Well apparently when I was subbing one afternoon, I let the gym class take a 5 minute break. Their classes were 90 minutes, and they had been playing nonstop for an hour. Another gym teacher saw them sitting on the gym floor. They complained that I had not made them work the entire 90 minutes.

Get this, though, if one of them had passed out, I would have been in deep doo-doo.

The school district also said that another permanent teacher complained that I allowed her class to read a chapter ahead in their reading books. Apparently it spoiled the teacher's lesson plans for the next day. I said, "You've got to be kidding! If anything, I made a mistake on the page number, but that's no reason to bar me from the entire district!"

I got a pompous answer from the Human Resource lady. I said, "There are no checks and balances for substitute teachers. The only side that is presented is the teachers and screw the substitutes side. I was guilty until proven innocent. But of course there is no allowance for my side of the story. Wily-nily, a district can just let you go because they CAN!

And what's with the "favorite teacher's sub list". That is hardly fair! I've accepted several jobs this past year only to be removed by a permanent teacher the day before because she ran into some other substitute she knew. I'm out a job that day because I wasn't available for other jobs because I had already accepted one.

Then there is Christmas, Thanksgiving and summer vacations. Do you know how hard it is to live on substitute teaching wages in the first place? I get food stamps. I'm BELOW poverty level (9000.00 per year). I am a single parent and also have my grandson living with me. I've been substitute teaching in hopes that one day I'll get called to be a permanent teacher. Well, it's been 2 years since I graduated, and not one bite.

Permanent teachers have NO sympathy. With one flippant remark (such as "Why did the substitute give gym class a break?) and I'm out the door. Sure, there are other districts. Sure, I can work over the holidays and summer vacations...But who the hell wants to hire you for only 2 weeks or 3 months in the summer. THIS is NOT why I went to college.

Hang in there some people say. Well, a friend of mine has been substituting for 7 years and can't get a position either. I don't have 7 years. My grandson needs diapers NOW!! So, my message to you permanent teachers is, before you poop on a substitute's reputation, just realize that "hanging someone without a proper trial" went out with the Dark Ages. Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas.... Don't forget to spend all of your ridiculously overpaid wages on fun toys. I'm going to try and scrounge money for diapers...

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netty On 4/25/12, Beth wrote: > On 12/20/11, Lauren wrote: >> So, it's five days before Christmas and I log into AESOP. >> My main school district is missing from the list of possible >> jobs. I call the school district and they say, "Oh, we've >> removed you from our sub list. I said, "Why?" Well >> appare...See MoreOn 4/25/12, Beth wrote: > On 12/20/11, Lauren wrote: >> So, it's five days before Christmas and I log into AESOP. >> My main school district is missing from the list of possible >> jobs. I call the school district and they say, "Oh, we've >> removed you from our sub list. I said, "Why?" Well >> apparently when I was subbing one afternoon, I let the gym >> class take a 5 minute break. Their classes were 90 minutes, >> and they had been playing nonstop for an hour. Another gym >> teacher saw them sitting on the gym floor. They complained >> that I had not made them work the entire 90 minutes. >> >> Get this, though, if one of them had passed out, I would >> have been in deep doo-doo. >> >> The school district also said that another permanent teacher >> complained that I allowed her class to read a chapter ahead >> in their reading books. Apparently it spoiled the teacher's >> lesson plans for the next day. I said, "You've got to be >> kidding! If anything, I made a mistake on the page number, >> but that's no reason to bar me from the entire district!" >> >> I got a pompous answer from the Human Resource lady. I >> said, "There are no checks and balances for substitute >> teachers. The only side that is presented is the teachers >> and screw the substitutes side. I was guilty until proven >> innocent. But of course there is no allowance for my side >> of the story. Wily-nily, a district can just let you go >> because they CAN! >> >> And what's with the "favorite teacher's sub list". That is >> hardly fair! I've accepted several jobs this past year only >> to be removed by a permanent teacher the day before because >> she ran into some other substitute she knew. I'm out a job >> that day because I wasn't available for other jobs because I >> had already accepted one. >> >> Then there is Christmas, Thanksgiving and summer vacations. >> Do you know how hard it is to live on substitute teaching >> wages in the first place? I get food stamps. I'm BELOW >> poverty level (9000.00 per year). I am a single parent and >> also have my grandson living with me. I've been substitute >> teaching in hopes that one day I'll get called to be a >> permanent teacher. Well, it's been 2 years since I >> graduated, and not one bite. >> >> Permanent teachers have NO sympathy. With one flippant >> remark (such as "Why did the substitute give gym class a >> break?) and I'm out the door. Sure, there are other >> districts. Sure, I can work over the holidays and summer >> vacations...But who the hell wants to hire you for only 2 >> weeks or 3 months in the summer. THIS is NOT why I went to >> college. >> >> Hang in there some people say. Well, a friend of mine has >> been substituting for 7 years and can't get a position >> either. I don't have 7 years. My grandson needs diapers >> NOW!! So, my message to you permanent teachers is, before >> you poop on a substitute's reputation, just realize that >> "hanging someone without a proper trial" went out with the >> Dark Ages. Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas.... Don't forget to >> spend all of your ridiculously overpaid wages on fun toys. >> I'm going to try and scrounge money for diapers... > > > First, I DO sympathize with you and your frustration in not > obtaining a teaching job and also for the way you feel you are > being treated as a substitute. I am a retired teacher who > recently started substituting after the death of my husband. > I needed to keep busy. As a former teacher I must say that I > do not receive more calls than anyone else....perhaps that > problem (favoritism) is not evident in all school districts. > ALo, in all fairness to the profession I must say that > teachers are NOT overpaid. There has always been a huge > amount of work and responsibilities but nowdays, with all the > changes in state requirements, etc. the work load, and the > resulting responsibilities, is unbelievable. also, I was a > teacher for 35 years. My first year's salary was a whole > $5400. When I retired 35 years later at 62 years old my > annual salary was $114,000. During that time I got my > Masters, plus 30 extra credits, and certification in Special > Ed, Orton-Gillingam, and Reading Recovery. I earned every > cent I made. Teachers do not get paid during the summer. If > desired, they can have money withheld from their checks during > the school year and then receive the money in a lump sum to > have for the summer. I can attest to that....I worked every > summer (sometimes for minimum wage) just up until a few years > ago when my salary started to increase. Finally, as far as > substituting, teachers will not request a substitute who has > not followed his/her lesson plans. When I was teaching, I > would spend a long time working on detailed lesson plans for > my class only to return to achool and fins that the substitute > took liberties to modify or change or ignore my plans. I > would notify the main office to not have that particular > substitute come in for me again. I think yo need to reflect > on yoour work. Are you taking liberties and changing the > teachers' plans? Are you leaving them a progress report? Are > you keeping the room in order when you leave? If there are > papers to be graded do you do it? Do you go a little above > and beyond the call of duty? Do the students like you...if > not, figure out why not and work on it. Does the staff like > you...if not figure out why not. There has got to be a reason > you are not getting called and there has got to be a reason > you are not a getting teaching job. No offense, but your > attitude seems to be very negative...that may have something > to do with it.

Substitute teaching is more like a part time job, but I don't think you can file for unemployment. so...if you continue to work as a sub, try to work a part time job on the weekends - for example twenty four to thirty two hours as a part time tutor, test scorer, security guard, part time bus driver at a different school district, pharmacy technician, ymca employee, part time nurse, certified nurse assistant, retail worker, emt, salesperson, librarian assistant, real estate agent, part time truck driver or deliverer, electrician, welder, carpenter, plumber, hair stylist, etc on the weekends (friday night through Sunday...so that in the summer you will still have employment). in the summer you could have your weekdays off, or serve Americorps as a volunteer, work as a nanny, or work a summer temp job mon.- friday full time. alternatively, you could work any full time job that pays well,,,,and just volunteer to assist teachers to get your foot in the door so that you can network. you don't have to be a substitute teacher to network, and as a sub...you don't have to be just a sub. extreme poverty is never good. so get out of it immediately through hard work. working two jobs means you will have less time to spend with the one(s) you take care of...but most parents (single or not) like you don't have a choice..so spend top dollar on paying for the best child care services you can. almost all parents cannot be with their kids at all hours anyway. don't play the victim..do your research, find solutions, and act quickly to get rid of your problems.

Feb 10, 2015

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netty On 2/10/15, tati wrote: > On 4/25/12, Beth wrote: >> On 12/20/11, Lauren wrote: >>> So, it's five days before Christmas and I log into AESOP. >>> My main school district is missing from the list of possible >>> jobs. I call the school district and they say, "Oh, we've >>> removed you from our sub li...See MoreOn 2/10/15, tati wrote: > On 4/25/12, Beth wrote: >> On 12/20/11, Lauren wrote: >>> So, it's five days before Christmas and I log into AESOP. >>> My main school district is missing from the list of possible >>> jobs. I call the school district and they say, "Oh, we've >>> removed you from our sub list. I said, "Why?" Well >>> apparently when I was subbing one afternoon, I let the gym >>> class take a 5 minute break. Their classes were 90 minutes, >>> and they had been playing nonstop for an hour. Another gym >>> teacher saw them sitting on the gym floor. They complained >>> that I had not made them work the entire 90 minutes. >>> >>> Get this, though, if one of them had passed out, I would >>> have been in deep doo-doo. >>> >>> The school district also said that another permanent teacher >>> complained that I allowed her class to read a chapter ahead >>> in their reading books. Apparently it spoiled the teacher's >>> lesson plans for the next day. I said, "You've got to be >>> kidding! If anything, I made a mistake on the page number, >>> but that's no reason to bar me from the entire district!" >>> >>> I got a pompous answer from the Human Resource lady. I >>> said, "There are no checks and balances for substitute >>> teachers. The only side that is presented is the teachers >>> and screw the substitutes side. I was guilty until proven >>> innocent. But of course there is no allowance for my side >>> of the story. Wily-nily, a district can just let you go >>> because they CAN! >>> >>> And what's with the "favorite teacher's sub list". That is >>> hardly fair! I've accepted several jobs this past year only >>> to be removed by a permanent teacher the day before because >>> she ran into some other substitute she knew. I'm out a job >>> that day because I wasn't available for other jobs because I >>> had already accepted one. >>> >>> Then there is Christmas, Thanksgiving and summer vacations. >>> Do you know how hard it is to live on substitute teaching >>> wages in the first place? I get food stamps. I'm BELOW >>> poverty level (9000.00 per year). I am a single parent and >>> also have my grandson living with me. I've been substitute >>> teaching in hopes that one day I'll get called to be a >>> permanent teacher. Well, it's been 2 years since I >>> graduated, and not one bite. >>> >>> Permanent teachers have NO sympathy. With one flippant >>> remark (such as "Why did the substitute give gym class a >>> break?) and I'm out the door. Sure, there are other >>> districts. Sure, I can work over the holidays and summer >>> vacations...But who the hell wants to hire you for only 2 >>> weeks or 3 months in the summer. THIS is NOT why I went to >>> college. >>> >>> Hang in there some people say. Well, a friend of mine has >>> been substituting for 7 years and can't get a position >>> either. I don't have 7 years. My grandson needs diapers >>> NOW!! So, my message to you permanent teachers is, before >>> you poop on a substitute's reputation, just realize that >>> "hanging someone without a proper trial" went out with the >>> Dark Ages. Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas.... Don't forget to >>> spend all of your ridiculously overpaid wages on fun toys. >>> I'm going to try and scrounge money for diapers... >> >> >> First, I DO sympathize with you and your frustration in not >> obtaining a teaching job and also for the way you feel you > are >> being treated as a substitute. I am a retired teacher who >> recently started substituting after the death of my husband. >> I needed to keep busy. As a former teacher I must say that I >> do not receive more calls than anyone else....perhaps that >> problem (favoritism) is not evident in all school districts. >> ALo, in all fairness to the profession I must say that >> teachers are NOT overpaid. There has always been a huge >> amount of work and responsibilities but nowdays, with all the >> changes in state requirements, etc. the work load, and the >> resulting responsibilities, is unbelievable. also, I was a >> teacher for 35 years. My first year's salary was a whole >> $5400. When I retired 35 years later at 62 years old my >> annual salary was $114,000. During that time I got my >> Masters, plus 30 extra credits, and certification in Special >> Ed, Orton-Gillingam, and Reading Recovery. I earned every >> cent I made. Teachers do not get paid during the summer. If >> desired, they can have money withheld from their checks > during >> the school year and then receive the money in a lump sum to >> have for the summer. I can attest to that....I worked every >> summer (sometimes for minimum wage) just up until a few years >> ago when my salary started to increase. Finally, as far as >> substituting, teachers will not request a substitute who has >> not followed his/her lesson plans. When I was teaching, I >> would spend a long time working on detailed lesson plans for >> my class only to return to achool and fins that the > substitute >> took liberties to modify or change or ignore my plans. I >> would notify the main office to not have that particular >> substitute come in for me again. I think yo need to reflect >> on yoour work. Are you taking liberties and changing the >> teachers' plans? Are you leaving them a progress report? Are >> you keeping the room in order when you leave? If there are >> papers to be graded do you do it? Do you go a little above >> and beyond the call of duty? Do the students like you...if >> not, figure out why not and work on it. Does the staff like >> you...if not figure out why not. There has got to be a reason >> you are not getting called and there has got to be a reason >> you are not a getting teaching job. No offense, but your >> attitude seems to be very negative...that may have something >> to do with it. > > Substitute teaching is more like a part time job, but I don't > think you can file for unemployment. so...if you continue to > work as a sub, try to work a part time job on the weekends - > for example twenty four to thirty two hours as a part time > tutor, test scorer, > security guard, part time bus driver at a different school > district, pharmacy technician, ymca employee, part time nurse, > certified nurse assistant, retail worker, emt, salesperson, > librarian assistant, real estate agent, part time truck driver > or deliverer, electrician, welder, carpenter, plumber, hair > stylist, etc on the weekends (friday night through Sunday...so > that in the summer you will still have employment). in the > summer you could have your weekdays off, or serve Americorps as > a volunteer, work as a nanny, or work a summer temp job mon.- > friday full time. alternatively, you could work any full time > job that pays well,,,,and just volunteer to assist teachers to > get your foot in the door so that you can network. you don't > have to be a substitute teacher to network, and as a sub...you > don't have to be just a sub. extreme poverty is never good. so > get out of it immediately through hard work. working two jobs > means you will have less time to spend with the one(s) you take > care of...but most parents (single or not) like you don't have > a choice..so spend top dollar on paying for the best child care > services you can. almost all parents cannot be with their kids > at all hours anyway. > don't play the victim..do your research, find solutions, and > act quickly to get rid of your problems.

also...to get a permanent teaching job...sometimes you have to apply for jobs in every district...even in neighboring cities and or states to get a job. go where the job takes you and take your child with you. your quality of life improves with money..you don't have to limit yourself to working where you sub..you can earn a full time teacher salary in any city or state (reciprocity) where you are wanted and hired. a victim mentality narrows one's focus on the negative...which is being or getting hurt. our attitude determines our altitude. change your focus to change your direction. your priority should be on making enough to pay bills...not just to get hired where you sub. a victim mentality can cause your defeat. a victor mentality can get you out of your predicament. righteousness plus hard work = success. keep your eyes on what is good/keep it full of light and your path will no longer be dark.

Feb 10, 2015

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Fair? Fair is the person who does the best work gets the job. Not that everyone gets called in the same amount of times.

If you are not getting requested - look at why.

A GOOD sub is worth their weight in gold!

On 4/25/12, Beth wrote: > On 12/20/11, Lauren wrote: >> So, it's five days before Christmas and I log into AE...See MoreFair is the person who does the best work gets the job. Not that everyone gets called in the same amount of times.

If you are not getting requested - look at why.

A GOOD sub is worth their weight in gold!

On 4/25/12, Beth wrote: > On 12/20/11, Lauren wrote: >> So, it's five days before Christmas and I log into AESOP. >> My main school district is missing from the list of possible >> jobs. I call the school district and they say, "Oh, we've >> removed you from our sub list. I said, "Why?" Well >> apparently when I was subbing one afternoon, I let the gym >> class take a 5 minute break. Their classes were 90 minutes, >> and they had been playing nonstop for an hour. Another gym >> teacher saw them sitting on the gym floor. They complained >> that I had not made them work the entire 90 minutes. >> >> Get this, though, if one of them had passed out, I would >> have been in deep doo-doo. >> >> The school district also said that another permanent teacher >> complained that I allowed her class to read a chapter ahead >> in their reading books. Apparently it spoiled the teacher's >> lesson plans for the next day. I said, "You've got to be >> kidding! If anything, I made a mistake on the page number, >> but that's no reason to bar me from the entire district!" >> >> I got a pompous answer from the Human Resource lady. I >> said, "There are no checks and balances for substitute >> teachers. The only side that is presented is the teachers >> and screw the substitutes side. I was guilty until proven >> innocent. But of course there is no allowance for my side >> of the story. Wily-nily, a district can just let you go >> because they CAN! >> >> And what's with the "favorite teacher's sub list". That is >> hardly fair! I've accepted several jobs this past year only >> to be removed by a permanent teacher the day before because >> she ran into some other substitute she knew. I'm out a job >> that day because I wasn't available for other jobs because I >> had already accepted one. >> >> Then there is Christmas, Thanksgiving and summer vacations. >> Do you know how hard it is to live on substitute teaching >> wages in the first place? I get food stamps. I'm BELOW >> poverty level (9000.00 per year). I am a single parent and >> also have my grandson living with me. I've been substitute >> teaching in hopes that one day I'll get called to be a >> permanent teacher. Well, it's been 2 years since I >> graduated, and not one bite. >> >> Permanent teachers have NO sympathy. With one flippant >> remark (such as "Why did the substitute give gym class a >> break?) and I'm out the door. Sure, there are other >> districts. Sure, I can work over the holidays and summer >> vacations...But who the hell wants to hire you for only 2 >> weeks or 3 months in the summer. THIS is NOT why I went to >> college. >> >> Hang in there some people say. Well, a friend of mine has >> been substituting for 7 years and can't get a position >> either. I don't have 7 years. My grandson needs diapers >> NOW!! So, my message to you permanent teachers is, before >> you poop on a substitute's reputation, just realize that >> "hanging someone without a proper trial" went out with the >> Dark Ages. Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas.... Don't forget to >> spend all of your ridiculously overpaid wages on fun toys. >> I'm going to try and scrounge money for diapers... > > > First, I DO sympathize with you and your frustration in not > obtaining a teaching job and also for the way you feel you are > being treated as a substitute. I am a retired teacher who > recently started substituting after the death of my husband. > I needed to keep busy. As a former teacher I must say that I > do not receive more calls than anyone else....perhaps that > problem (favoritism) is not evident in all school districts. > ALo, in all fairness to the profession I must say that > teachers are NOT overpaid. There has always been a huge > amount of work and responsibilities but nowdays, with all the > changes in state requirements, etc. the work load, and the > resulting responsibilities, is unbelievable. also, I was a > teacher for 35 years. My first year's salary was a whole > $5400. When I retired 35 years later at 62 years old my > annual salary was $114,000. During that time I got my > Masters, plus 30 extra credits, and certification in Special > Ed, Orton-Gillingam, and Reading Recovery. I earned every > cent I made. Teachers do not get paid during the summer. If > desired, they can have money withheld from their checks during > the school year and then receive the money in a lump sum to > have for the summer. I can attest to that....I worked every > summer (sometimes for minimum wage) just up until a few years > ago when my salary started to increase. Finally, as far as > substituting, teachers will not request a substitute who has > not followed his/her lesson plans. When I was teaching, I > would spend a long time working on detailed lesson plans for > my class only to return to achool and fins that the substitute > took liberties to modify or change or ignore my plans. I > would notify the main office to not have that particular > substitute come in for me again. I think yo need to reflect > on yoour work. Are you taking liberties and changing the > teachers' plans? Are you leaving them a progress report? Are > you keeping the room in order when you leave? If there are > papers to be graded do you do it? Do you go a little above > and beyond the call of duty? Do the students like you...if > not, figure out why not and work on it. Does the staff like > you...if not figure out why not. There has got to be a reason > you are not getting called and there has got to be a reason > you are not a getting teaching job. No offense, but your > attitude seems to be very negative...that may have something > to do with it.

Feb 10, 2015

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MJ I identify with Lauren. I am also a substitute and have been substituting for approximately 4 years. Full time teachers in my most recent position were rude and quick to comment negatively about my performance. Most of their comments were extremely petty, and the negative comments came trickling in to the administration only a week into the school ...See MoreI identify with Lauren. I am also a substitute and have been substituting for approximately 4 years. Full time teachers in my most recent position were rude and quick to comment negatively about my performance. Most of their comments were extremely petty, and the negative comments came trickling in to the administration only a week into the school year. The administration responded that my classroom doesn't look any different then theirs, and that I would be staying, and that they should accept me as part of the team until a permanent teacher was found by district. I ended up in the position for the entire year, and dealt with a severe absence of common courtesy and respect from the grade level teachers. They did not speak with me except when absolutely necessary during team meetings. They walked pass me on campus without a smile, a good morning. They sent emails to me in ALL CAPS. It is not always that something is wrong with the person experiencing the problem. It is often, and unfortunate, that a mentality of bullying (in our culture and our workplaces) that creates situations that Lauren and I have experienced. I have looked at myself, made changes as necessary, but, no, I will not lay down my values (respect to others, common courtesy, leadership) to "go along to get along". I don't bow to bullies. Lauren, it is a shame what the district did to you, an absolute shame, and unfortunately it is not an anomaly. It would take a renaissance HR department to really look and analyze a situation (hear BOTH sides for instance) before making a decision in favor of the bullies, so as to avoid upsetting the bullies any further. Getting rid of you made the HR reps job easier, and that's the way of our world. Here' to hoping you find a workplace that values you, that will listen to you as well as others, and will congratulate you on the hard work that substitutes do.

On 4/25/12, Beth wrote: > On 12/20/11, Lauren wrote: >> So, it's five days before Christmas and I log into AESOP. >> My main school district is missing from the list of possible >> jobs. I call the school district and they say, "Oh, we've >> removed you from our sub list. I said, "Why?" Well >> apparently when I was subbing one afternoon, I let the gym >> class take a 5 minute break. Their classes were 90 minutes, >> and they had been playing nonstop for an hour. Another gym >> teacher saw them sitting on the gym floor. They complained >> that I had not made them work the entire 90 minutes. >> >> Get this, though, if one of them had passed out, I would >> have been in deep doo-doo. >> >> The school district also said that another permanent teacher >> complained that I allowed her class to read a chapter ahead >> in their reading books. Apparently it spoiled the teacher's >> lesson plans for the next day. I said, "You've got to be >> kidding! If anything, I made a mistake on the page number, >> but that's no reason to bar me from the entire district!" >> >> I got a pompous answer from the Human Resource lady. I >> said, "There are no checks and balances for substitute >> teachers. The only side that is presented is the teachers >> and screw the substitutes side. I was guilty until proven >> innocent. But of course there is no allowance for my side >> of the story. Wily-nily, a district can just let you go >> because they CAN! >> >> And what's with the "favorite teacher's sub list". That is >> hardly fair! I've accepted several jobs this past year only >> to be removed by a permanent teacher the day before because >> she ran into some other substitute she knew. I'm out a job >> that day because I wasn't available for other jobs because I >> had already accepted one. >> >> Then there is Christmas, Thanksgiving and summer vacations. >> Do you know how hard it is to live on substitute teaching >> wages in the first place? I get food stamps. I'm BELOW >> poverty level (9000.00 per year). I am a single parent and >> also have my grandson living with me. I've been substitute >> teaching in hopes that one day I'll get called to be a >> permanent teacher. Well, it's been 2 years since I >> graduated, and not one bite. >> >> Permanent teachers have NO sympathy. With one flippant >> remark (such as "Why did the substitute give gym class a >> break?) and I'm out the door. Sure, there are other >> districts. Sure, I can work over the holidays and summer >> vacations...But who the hell wants to hire you for only 2 >> weeks or 3 months in the summer. THIS is NOT why I went to >> college. >> >> Hang in there some people say. Well, a friend of mine has >> been substituting for 7 years and can't get a position >> either. I don't have 7 years. My grandson needs diapers >> NOW!! So, my message to you permanent teachers is, before >> you poop on a substitute's reputation, just realize that >> "hanging someone without a proper trial" went out with the >> Dark Ages. Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas.... Don't forget to >> spend all of your ridiculously overpaid wages on fun toys. >> I'm going to try and scrounge money for diapers... > > > First, I DO sympathize with you and your frustration in not > obtaining a teaching job and also for the way you feel you are > being treated as a substitute. I am a retired teacher who > recently started substituting after the death of my husband. > I needed to keep busy. As a former teacher I must say that I > do not receive more calls than anyone else....perhaps that > problem (favoritism) is not evident in all school districts. > ALo, in all fairness to the profession I must say that > teachers are NOT overpaid. There has always been a huge > amount of work and responsibilities but nowdays, with all the > changes in state requirements, etc. the work load, and the > resulting responsibilities, is unbelievable. also, I was a > teacher for 35 years. My first year's salary was a whole > $5400. When I retired 35 years later at 62 years old my > annual salary was $114,000. During that time I got my > Masters, plus 30 extra credits, and certification in Special > Ed, Orton-Gillingam, and Reading Recovery. I earned every > cent I made. Teachers do not get paid during the summer. If > desired, they can have money withheld from their checks during > the school year and then receive the money in a lump sum to > have for the summer. I can attest to that....I worked every > summer (sometimes for minimum wage) just up until a few years > ago when my salary started to increase. Finally, as far as > substituting, teachers will not request a substitute who has > not followed his/her lesson plans. When I was teaching, I > would spend a long time working on detailed lesson plans for > my class only to return to achool and fins that the substitute > took liberties to modify or change or ignore my plans. I > would notify the main office to not have that particular > substitute come in for me again. I think yo need to reflect > on yoour work. Are you taking liberties and changing the > teachers' plans? Are you leaving them a progress report? Are > you keeping the room in order when you leave? If there are > papers to be graded do you do it? Do you go a little above > and beyond the call of duty? Do the students like you...if > not, figure out why not and work on it. Does the staff like > you...if not figure out why not. There has got to be a reason > you are not getting called and there has got to be a reason > you are not a getting teaching job. No offense, but your > attitude seems to be very negative...that may have something > to do with it.

Apr 5, 2015

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TechMad I agree. Education is a closed system. It needs to be opened and reformed. It is too easy for non-full time teachers to get into trouble, which is terribly discouraging. The current state of educational theory is completely at odds with what the marketplace, let alone adult life require. Our educational institutions should make students more indepe...See More

Apr 8, 2016

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