Substitute Teaching
 

If you are/were a substitute teacher...what do you like/dislike about being one?

dislike- No real control over the students!

like- no responsiblity after your time is over for the day...like grading papers, planning cirrucullms, parent teacher conf, admin BS

Although I mostly love it, there are some cons, too.

Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade: They pretty much respect you off the top and don't do too much to try to test you. You know everything they are learning and you could practivally make some things up without using the teachers guide. You can justify watching educational movies for two hours -- that's darn near half the day. Add in nap times....forget about it.

Second through fourth grade: Really depends on the academic and discipline plans of the teacher. If you are more organized than the teacher you are subbing for, there will be problems. Classes like this need LOTS of work, especially at that age. I really want to smack kids at this age.

Fifth and sixth grade: I really try to avoid this grade level if I can. Kids this age want "fun" subs and that just ain't me.

For me, since I am frequently used as a long-term sub, I have had to do ALL the same things as a regular teacher: report cards, staff development, etc. But it's worth it.

I guess I should add...what I like MOST about it is that kids are funny as hell. I write about them in my blog all the time. http://rashid.oldgoldsoul.com/diary/..._teaching.html

I am currently a substitue teacher through a temp agency that specializes in sending subs to various pre-schools.

What I like about this job is it allows me to see if I really want to teach. I am currently working with toddlers and pre-schoolers. I love them to death. I like working with the pre-schoolers (3-4) because they can talk and are for the most part potty-trained. I also like this job because I get to go to different locations. I get to see different employers up close. It helps me see what type of job environment I want to be end as I am applying for full-time employment.

Dislikes- Some of the employers tend to treat the subs bad. It's like they have an attitude towards the subs. It also takes a while to get assignments. I haven't had an assignment since right before Thanksgiving. I know it's the holidays and such,but girlie needs a job

But overall, I like substituing. It fun and I love the babies.

That's exactly what i was going to say!!!

Sorry folks, I've should've been more specific. I have no patience for little poopy pants and snotty nosed brats. I want to sub at the secondary level, preferably high school. Does anyone have any experience of subbing at the secondary level? And....can you get insurance?

I'm pretty sure only full time employees of the district qualify for insurance. I liked subbing at the high school ok ( I now teach hs) although kids try to take advantage of you which I HATE. Junior high was the worst. I don't think I"ll ever teach at the junior high level.