Sub•sti•tute

One of Hollywood’s favorite movie themes is “The Substitute”. I’ve counted at least 8 feature films in the past 15 years! But what you may not know is that most of these movies are within the genre of “Horror” films. Wonder why? If I were honest and the truth were known, when I think back on some of the substitutes I had when I was a kid I can easily envision a new take on Zombieland.

Weather you’re a new Sub or a battle-scared veteran, at times you’ve probably wondered (as have I) if you might be in a real-life horror flick as you fulfill your job in the classroom. I've sometimes thought I was on an episode of "Punked" and actually looked around for hidden cameras.  Let’s be honest. Most substitute teachers are doing the job out of necessity rather than choice –especially in today’s tough economy. School districts are reporting record high number of substitute teachers (a stark contrast to the diminished pools of just a few years ago) and this reality makes us expendable! I’ve worked in a wide variety of jobs spanning over two decades and I can honestly say that there seems to be very few jobs that can leave feeling more like the “scourge” of humanity than that of Substitute Teaching. Think about it. Between disparaging slurs from students, to school administrators who obviously never spent a minute in an actual classroom -to the reduction in pay due to “budget cutbacks” –we can easily feel like we’re part of a living nightmare from which we cannot awaken.

This blog is designed by a Sub for Subs. A safe place to encourage those of us who may be venturing out into unchartered and sometimes, unpredictable waters that can often be fraught with tumultuous waves of uncertainty. At different intervals of my career (over a 20 year span) I have invested nearly 5 years substitute teaching (mostly High School) and I can honestly say that the good experiences of positively impacting students, far outnumber the sometimes “frightening” moments.

Teachers, school administrators, school board members, students –are all welcome and invited to share insights that might help those of us who truly care about the learning process and want to represent the teachers we support with excellence of service in all that we do (and say!). This will NOT be a site for bashing individuals or catty name calling. When commenting, be intelligent and respectful --in this business, good humor and levity are more than welcome -they're needed!  Inappropriate posts will be removed, period.  I truly hope this will be a safe place where we can all gain clarity (not necessarily agreement) on making a positive impact on the lives of students not matter how brief our precious moments with them may be.  In instances when we may disagree, I expect us to do so, agreeably -with discourse that is becoming of the high standards of mutual respect we so often seek to elicit from the students we serve.  This sidte will be a fluid-montage of inspiration, focused on building a caring community of educators who are not in it just for the money. I will do my best to update and amend as needed. Please spread the word, share your views, experiences, and pearls of wisdom. Let us know what you’d like to learn about and please send us links to check out for posting.