Make it easier to become a substitute teacher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found the website and all the technology intimidating to navigate to even try to apply. There was nobody to speak to who could help me. I gave up.

If the online application was too difficult, then subbing isn’t for you.

There were literally no directions on what to do after you upload your documents.

NP here but I have to agree.
Subs are not handed anything; you have to work for this role. If you are not curious and eager enough to get through the application process, then you will not succeed at the difficult task of leading and guiding a class of students whose regular classroom teacher is out for the day.

What are you talking about? They are given sub plans. Leading and guiding a class has nothing to do with the crazy hoops you have to jump through to sub.

NP, sub plans are often anything from a post-it note to 4-page plans. Often times, not enough work is left for the time duration or the physical assignment is not on the desk or in Schoology. There are often gaps.

Bull. Not in elementary school. Teachers are required to have emergency plans written that anyone can follow. But usually, when they are out, even when sick, they take the time to write detailed sub plans. Plans can be emailed to teammates who print them out for the sub. Teachers notoriously overplan.

What usually happens is the sub has no clue about time management and actually can’t finish the lesson in the designated time.

Ask me know I know.

Huh. Sounds exactly like several teachers my kids have had. But nice bashing of subs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found the website and all the technology intimidating to navigate to even try to apply. There was nobody to speak to who could help me. I gave up.

If the online application was too difficult, then subbing isn’t for you.

There were literally no directions on what to do after you upload your documents.

NP here but I have to agree.
Subs are not handed anything; you have to work for this role. If you are not curious and eager enough to get through the application process, then you will not succeed at the difficult task of leading and guiding a class of students whose regular classroom teacher is out for the day.

What are you talking about? They are given sub plans. Leading and guiding a class has nothing to do with the crazy hoops you have to jump through to sub.

NP, sub plans are often anything from a post-it note to 4-page plans. Often times, not enough work is left for the time duration or the physical assignment is not on the desk or in Schoology. There are often gaps.

Bull. Not in elementary school. Teachers are required to have emergency plans written that anyone can follow. But usually, when they are out, even when sick, they take the time to write detailed sub plans. Plans can be emailed to teammates who print them out for the sub. Teachers notoriously overplan.

What usually happens is the sub has no clue about time management and actually can’t finish the lesson in the designated time.

Ask me know I know.

Huh. Sounds exactly like several teachers my kids have had. But nice bashing of subs.

No bashing of subs intended. But saying someone who may have trouble doing the online application for subbing could not actually be a good sub isn’t bashing? Huh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol. Yeah, lower the bar for who is around kids. Great idea Marge.

Np here. It’s not lowering the bar, it’s mKing the requirements more realistic. I’m sure op is not the only person with a part-time job who’d be open to subbing on occasion but would not be comfortable getting a reference from their current employer. Non-employer references should be enough, especially with approval from a school principal. Why do they need a transcript from college? I’ve never had to provide that for a job. They should run a background check which would confirm that the person graduated from the college they say they graduated from. Op is right, if they really want subs they should have a more reasonable application process.

I would not give transcripts from college 30000 years ago. That's stupid. Proof of a degree, sure.

I thought subs didn't need college degrees though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Yep, this. I have a small early primary class of 18 kids. But, 5 have major behaviors. 3 are on specific behavior plans. The social worker is in my room every day. I have tons of support because without it, physical safety would be a concern. I'm worried any day I have to be out because who knows what will happen. If I'm out, I leave a set of general plans and specific plans. The general plans have things like "how to work the smart board" "where certain things are" along with the names and issues of the 5 kids, what the sub has to do to implement the behavior plan and who/how to call in case of an emergency. I also explain where the evacuation bag is so the sub has something to work with should she find herself in the hall or a different classroom for 60-180 minutes until one of my 5 calms down enough that we can all return to the classroom. No one is going to take that job if they know all this ahead of time. And yes, I deserve a bonus for not quitting this year.

I find the bold part to be the saddest and speaks volumes of what's wrong with our current approaches to overall behavior issues regardless of if SN/IEPs are involved or not. A go-bag for a classroom teacher for that reason is beyond the pale, in my opinion.

You shouldn't have to do/take that job either.

Most schools with classes like that have plans in place for someone within the school - or a regular, known sub - to cover in the event of absence. I'm sorry to hear your principal doesn't have something in place for you. But not surprised.

The kids may not have IEPs yet or behavior plans. The schools drag their feet so long on working thru the process and the kids pay for that by being placed in the wrong classroom setting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found the website and all the technology intimidating to navigate to even try to apply. There was nobody to speak to who could help me. I gave up.

If the online application was too difficult, then subbing isn’t for you.

There were literally no directions on what to do after you upload your documents.

NP here but I have to agree.
Subs are not handed anything; you have to work for this role. If you are not curious and eager enough to get through the application process, then you will not succeed at the difficult task of leading and guiding a class of students whose regular classroom teacher is out for the day.

This is a ridiculous, old school bad management reply particularly given the shortage of subs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found the website and all the technology intimidating to navigate to even try to apply. There was nobody to speak to who could help me. I gave up.

If the online application was too difficult, then subbing isn’t for you.

There were literally no directions on what to do after you upload your documents.

NP here but I have to agree.
Subs are not handed anything; you have to work for this role. If you are not curious and eager enough to get through the application process, then you will not succeed at the difficult task of leading and guiding a class of students whose regular classroom teacher is out for the day.

What are you talking about? They are given sub plans. Leading and guiding a class has nothing to do with the crazy hoops you have to jump through to sub.

NP, sub plans are often anything from a post-it note to 4-page plans. Often times, not enough work is left for the time duration or the physical assignment is not on the desk or in Schoology. There are often gaps.

Bull. Not in elementary school. Teachers are required to have emergency plans written that anyone can follow. But usually, when they are out, even when sick, they take the time to write detailed sub plans. Plans can be emailed to teammates who print them out for the sub. Teachers notoriously overplan.

What usually happens is the sub has no clue about time management and actually can’t finish the lesson in the designated time.

Ask me know I know.

I think you seriously overestimate the ability of a random person to go into a new classroom and, somehow seamlessly understand your lesson plans like they haven't been jumping from Middle School Spanish, to High School Orchestra, to Elementary PE, to HS Honors English to your precious perfect class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Yep, this. I have a small early primary class of 18 kids. But, 5 have major behaviors. 3 are on specific behavior plans. The social worker is in my room every day. I have tons of support because without it, physical safety would be a concern. I'm worried any day I have to be out because who knows what will happen. If I'm out, I leave a set of general plans and specific plans. The general plans have things like "how to work the smart board" "where certain things are" along with the names and issues of the 5 kids, what the sub has to do to implement the behavior plan and who/how to call in case of an emergency. I also explain where the evacuation bag is so the sub has something to work with should she find herself in the hall or a different classroom for 60-180 minutes until one of my 5 calms down enough that we can all return to the classroom. No one is going to take that job if they know all this ahead of time. And yes, I deserve a bonus for not quitting this year.

I find the bold part to be the saddest and speaks volumes of what's wrong with our current approaches to overall behavior issues regardless of if SN/IEPs are involved or not. A go-bag for a classroom teacher for that reason is beyond the pale, in my opinion.

You shouldn't have to do/take that job either.

Most schools with classes like that have plans in place for someone within the school - or a regular, known sub - to cover in the event of absence. I'm sorry to hear your principal doesn't have something in place for you. But not surprised.

The kids may not have IEPs yet or behavior plans. The schools drag their feet so long on working thru the process and the kids pay for that by being placed in the wrong classroom setting.

Students who belong in small group, Inclusion classrooms would be identified at a young age. So if your child or another child requires special education services, they will probably still be in the general Ed classroom. So I’m not sure what you mean by “wrong classroom.“

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found the website and all the technology intimidating to navigate to even try to apply. There was nobody to speak to who could help me. I gave up.

If the online application was too difficult, then subbing isn’t for you.

There were literally no directions on what to do after you upload your documents.

NP here but I have to agree.
Subs are not handed anything; you have to work for this role. If you are not curious and eager enough to get through the application process, then you will not succeed at the difficult task of leading and guiding a class of students whose regular classroom teacher is out for the day.

What are you talking about? They are given sub plans. Leading and guiding a class has nothing to do with the crazy hoops you have to jump through to sub.

NP, sub plans are often anything from a post-it note to 4-page plans. Often times, not enough work is left for the time duration or the physical assignment is not on the desk or in Schoology. There are often gaps.

Bull. Not in elementary school. Teachers are required to have emergency plans written that anyone can follow. But usually, when they are out, even when sick, they take the time to write detailed sub plans. Plans can be emailed to teammates who print them out for the sub. Teachers notoriously overplan.

What usually happens is the sub has no clue about time management and actually can’t finish the lesson in the designated time.

Ask me know I know.

Huh. Sounds exactly like several teachers my kids have had. But nice bashing of subs.

No bashing of subs intended. But saying someone who may have trouble doing the online application for subbing could not actually be a good sub isn’t bashing? Huh.

Would you hire a candidate at your job that had to call HR one or more times for help on completing the online application? No. It shows a general competency of computer skills which is also a skill for substitute teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found the website and all the technology intimidating to navigate to even try to apply. There was nobody to speak to who could help me. I gave up.

If the online application was too difficult, then subbing isn’t for you.

There were literally no directions on what to do after you upload your documents.

NP here but I have to agree.
Subs are not handed anything; you have to work for this role. If you are not curious and eager enough to get through the application process, then you will not succeed at the difficult task of leading and guiding a class of students whose regular classroom teacher is out for the day.

What are you talking about? They are given sub plans. Leading and guiding a class has nothing to do with the crazy hoops you have to jump through to sub.

NP, sub plans are often anything from a post-it note to 4-page plans. Often times, not enough work is left for the time duration or the physical assignment is not on the desk or in Schoology. There are often gaps.

Bull. Not in elementary school. Teachers are required to have emergency plans written that anyone can follow. But usually, when they are out, even when sick, they take the time to write detailed sub plans. Plans can be emailed to teammates who print them out for the sub. Teachers notoriously overplan.

What usually happens is the sub has no clue about time management and actually can’t finish the lesson in the designated time.

Ask me know I know.

I think you seriously overestimate the ability of a random person to go into a new classroom and, somehow seamlessly understand your lesson plans like they haven't been jumping from Middle School Spanish, to High School Orchestra, to Elementary PE, to HS Honors English to your precious perfect class.

+1, with students, whose names you don’t know, that decided to act out because they have a sub.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol. Yeah, lower the bar for who is around kids. Great idea Marge.

Np here. It’s not lowering the bar, it’s mKing the requirements more realistic. I’m sure op is not the only person with a part-time job who’d be open to subbing on occasion but would not be comfortable getting a reference from their current employer. Non-employer references should be enough, especially with approval from a school principal. Why do they need a transcript from college? I’ve never had to provide that for a job. They should run a background check which would confirm that the person graduated from the college they say they graduated from. Op is right, if they really want subs they should have a more reasonable application process.

I would not give transcripts from college 30000 years ago. That's stupid. Proof of a degree, sure.

I thought subs didn't need college degrees though.

They need a minimum number of college credits, thus the transcript.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lol. Yeah, lower the bar for who is around kids. Great idea Marge.

Np here. It’s not lowering the bar, it’s mKing the requirements more realistic. I’m sure op is not the only person with a part-time job who’d be open to subbing on occasion but would not be comfortable getting a reference from their current employer. Non-employer references should be enough, especially with approval from a school principal. Why do they need a transcript from college? I’ve never had to provide that for a job. They should run a background check which would confirm that the person graduated from the college they say they graduated from. Op is right, if they really want subs they should have a more reasonable application process.

I would not give transcripts from college 30000 years ago. That's stupid. Proof of a degree, sure.

I thought subs didn't need college degrees though.

You need 30 credit hours, or meet one of the exceptions.
https://www.fcps.edu/careers/career-opportunities/substitute-teaching-opportunities/new-applicants

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found the website and all the technology intimidating to navigate to even try to apply. There was nobody to speak to who could help me. I gave up.

If the online application was too difficult, then subbing isn’t for you.

There were literally no directions on what to do after you upload your documents.

NP here but I have to agree.
Subs are not handed anything; you have to work for this role. If you are not curious and eager enough to get through the application process, then you will not succeed at the difficult task of leading and guiding a class of students whose regular classroom teacher is out for the day.

What are you talking about? They are given sub plans. Leading and guiding a class has nothing to do with the crazy hoops you have to jump through to sub.

NP, sub plans are often anything from a post-it note to 4-page plans. Often times, not enough work is left for the time duration or the physical assignment is not on the desk or in Schoology. There are often gaps.

Bull. Not in elementary school. Teachers are required to have emergency plans written that anyone can follow. But usually, when they are out, even when sick, they take the time to write detailed sub plans. Plans can be emailed to teammates who print them out for the sub. Teachers notoriously overplan.

What usually happens is the sub has no clue about time management and actually can’t finish the lesson in the designated time.

Ask me know I know.

Huh. Sounds exactly like several teachers my kids have had. But nice bashing of subs.

No bashing of subs intended. But saying someone who may have trouble doing the online application for subbing could not actually be a good sub isn’t bashing? Huh.

Would you hire a candidate at your job that had to call HR one or more times for help on completing the online application? No. It shows a general competency of computer skills which is also a skill for substitute teachers.

I didn’t need help completing the online application and never called. But there was no “submit” or “I’m done button” to let anyone know I was all done and uploaded. I wasn’t sure what to do next.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found the website and all the technology intimidating to navigate to even try to apply. There was nobody to speak to who could help me. I gave up.

If the online application was too difficult, then subbing isn’t for you.

There were literally no directions on what to do after you upload your documents.

NP here but I have to agree.
Subs are not handed anything; you have to work for this role. If you are not curious and eager enough to get through the application process, then you will not succeed at the difficult task of leading and guiding a class of students whose regular classroom teacher is out for the day.

What are you talking about? They are given sub plans. Leading and guiding a class has nothing to do with the crazy hoops you have to jump through to sub.

NP, sub plans are often anything from a post-it note to 4-page plans. Often times, not enough work is left for the time duration or the physical assignment is not on the desk or in Schoology. There are often gaps.

Bull. Not in elementary school. Teachers are required to have emergency plans written that anyone can follow. But usually, when they are out, even when sick, they take the time to write detailed sub plans. Plans can be emailed to teammates who print them out for the sub. Teachers notoriously overplan.

What usually happens is the sub has no clue about time management and actually can’t finish the lesson in the designated time.

Ask me know I know.

Huh. Sounds exactly like several teachers my kids have had. But nice bashing of subs.

No bashing of subs intended. But saying someone who may have trouble doing the online application for subbing could not actually be a good sub isn’t bashing? Huh.

This is what was said:
"What usually happens is the sub has no clue about time management and actually can’t finish the lesson in the designated time." Please stop gaslighting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found the website and all the technology intimidating to navigate to even try to apply. There was nobody to speak to who could help me. I gave up.

If the online application was too difficult, then subbing isn’t for you.

There were literally no directions on what to do after you upload your documents.

NP here but I have to agree.
Subs are not handed anything; you have to work for this role. If you are not curious and eager enough to get through the application process, then you will not succeed at the difficult task of leading and guiding a class of students whose regular classroom teacher is out for the day.

What are you talking about? They are given sub plans. Leading and guiding a class has nothing to do with the crazy hoops you have to jump through to sub.

NP, sub plans are often anything from a post-it note to 4-page plans. Often times, not enough work is left for the time duration or the physical assignment is not on the desk or in Schoology. There are often gaps.

Bull. Not in elementary school. Teachers are required to have emergency plans written that anyone can follow. But usually, when they are out, even when sick, they take the time to write detailed sub plans. Plans can be emailed to teammates who print them out for the sub. Teachers notoriously overplan.

What usually happens is the sub has no clue about time management and actually can’t finish the lesson in the designated time.

Ask me know I know.

Huh. Sounds exactly like several teachers my kids have had. But nice bashing of subs.

No bashing of subs intended. But saying someone who may have trouble doing the online application for subbing could not actually be a good sub isn’t bashing? Huh.

This is what was said:
"What usually happens is the sub has no clue about time management and actually can’t finish the lesson in the designated time." Please stop gaslighting.

Saying someone who isn’t a teacher doesn’t have a clue about one particular facet of teaching isn’t really bashing them. I wouldn’t expect subs to know about time management since they don’t have the experience. That’s not gaslighting either. Lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found the website and all the technology intimidating to navigate to even try to apply. There was nobody to speak to who could help me. I gave up.

If the online application was too difficult, then subbing isn’t for you.

There were literally no directions on what to do after you upload your documents.

NP here but I have to agree.
Subs are not handed anything; you have to work for this role. If you are not curious and eager enough to get through the application process, then you will not succeed at the difficult task of leading and guiding a class of students whose regular classroom teacher is out for the day.

What are you talking about? They are given sub plans. Leading and guiding a class has nothing to do with the crazy hoops you have to jump through to sub.

NP, sub plans are often anything from a post-it note to 4-page plans. Often times, not enough work is left for the time duration or the physical assignment is not on the desk or in Schoology. There are often gaps.

Bull. Not in elementary school. Teachers are required to have emergency plans written that anyone can follow. But usually, when they are out, even when sick, they take the time to write detailed sub plans. Plans can be emailed to teammates who print them out for the sub. Teachers notoriously overplan.

What usually happens is the sub has no clue about time management and actually can’t finish the lesson in the designated time.

Ask me know I know.

Huh. Sounds exactly like several teachers my kids have had. But nice bashing of subs.

No bashing of subs intended. But saying someone who may have trouble doing the online application for subbing could not actually be a good sub isn’t bashing? Huh.

This is what was said:
"What usually happens is the sub has no clue about time management and actually can’t finish the lesson in the designated time." Please stop gaslighting.

Saying someone who isn’t a teacher doesn’t have a clue about one particular facet of teaching isn’t really bashing them. I wouldn’t expect subs to know about time management since they don’t have the experience. That’s not gaslighting either. Lol.

Time management exists in all aspects of life, not just teaching.