Substitute bait-and-switch

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a sub who is really sick of accepting a job, only to arrive at the school and be told I'll be doing something else. This has happened to me four times in the last month. Most recently, I signed up to sub for a 3rd grade teacher. Upon arrival, I was told they didn't need me anymore, but would I please monitor the cafeteria for two hours and then report back to the office for further instructions? I was furious, but tried to remain outwardly flexible and friendly, so I did as I was asked. After two miserable hours in the cafeteria, getting to clean up messes and scrub tables while surrounded by ear-splitting decibels, I returned to the office. I was then asked to cover for a couple of different teachers, which had me running back and forth to their classes until dismissal when I was told to help with bus duty.

Schools: when subs accept a job, make sure that you call them to cancel if they're no longer needed. This is not acceptable.

I'm sorry you feel this way, but this is my life as a non-classroom teacher. I go into work each day holding my breath to see if I will have a normal day, where I can do my actual job, or if I will be pulled for other duties. I am often doing cafeteria/recess duty/bus duty, covering a classroom, covering as a one-to-one para for a special needs child, or even sitting with a child who cannot be in their classroom after a significant behavior issue. This is the reality of public education today, with teacher and sub shortages. You are allowed to say no and ask how else you could help, or just leave. We have had subs do this in the past, and then we have subs who understand our struggles and pitch in however they are asked.

But it's not ok and we all need to start saying that.

Public education-gaslighting at it's best-"do it for the kids" "be a team player" "do whatever is needed" ENOUGH is ENOUGH! The reason we have no subs and teachers leaving is because all around education disrespects the people in these positions.

DP. You are so right. This is NOT acceptable. Teachers, IAs, subs - they all deserve so much more respect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OK, first of all, you were supposed to sub for a teacher or aid, and neither one ever has actual cleaning duty in the cafeteria. Crowd control yes, cleaning no. So you did not need to agree to that part, and they were way over the line even asking you to do it. Second, other than the cleaning, substitutes take the place of teachers, and teachers often do get asked to run around to different places and do extra duties like cafeteria duty (with NO cleaning, though). So you shouldn't complain about that, as plenty of teachers have to do the same (specialists get pulled all the time to do this and that around the school).

In an elementary school? I taught for 30 years (now subbing) and I never had to cover another class (I had my own) and I never had lunch duty.

Things have changed drastically since Covid. When I first started teaching we rarely had a teacher out without a sub. Now it is a daily occurrence with usually more than one teacher out, paras out (who cannot even get subs anymore).

Because para assistant subs are paid less than teacher subs. Teacher subs are also paid a minimum amount (half day, full day), and para/assistant subs are paid to the exact time. At a lower hourly rate. Of course no one accepts those sub jobs, when there are plenty of other to choose from. I think it's a crap policy that most districts have.

No. If I sub 3, 3.5, 4 hours etc for either a teacher or IA, I get paid for the exact amount of time other way. If I sub 4 hours for a teacher I don’t get paid for 7.

What district?

I believe for Fairfax, subs for teachers get paid a minimum of a half day (3.5 hours) even if the assignment is only 2.5 hours. If they sub for 5 hours, they get paid for 5 hours.

But if an sub assistant subs for say, 2.5 hours, they get paid for 2.5 hours.

Fairfax
I guess I misunderstood the PP. I thought it was saying if you sub for a teacher for more than half a day (4 hours was one example I gave) you get paid for the full day, whereas if you sub for an IA you only get the 4 hours.

Yes. Your example is correct, but I think the minimum job is 3 hours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a sub who is really sick of accepting a job, only to arrive at the school and be told I'll be doing something else. This has happened to me four times in the last month. Most recently, I signed up to sub for a 3rd grade teacher. Upon arrival, I was told they didn't need me anymore, but would I please monitor the cafeteria for two hours and then report back to the office for further instructions? I was furious, but tried to remain outwardly flexible and friendly, so I did as I was asked. After two miserable hours in the cafeteria, getting to clean up messes and scrub tables while surrounded by ear-splitting decibels, I returned to the office. I was then asked to cover for a couple of different teachers, which had me running back and forth to their classes until dismissal when I was told to help with bus duty.

Schools: when subs accept a job, make sure that you call them to cancel if they're no longer needed. This is not acceptable.

I'm sorry you feel this way, but this is my life as a non-classroom teacher. I go into work each day holding my breath to see if I will have a normal day, where I can do my actual job, or if I will be pulled for other duties. I am often doing cafeteria/recess duty/bus duty, covering a classroom, covering as a one-to-one para for a special needs child, or even sitting with a child who cannot be in their classroom after a significant behavior issue. This is the reality of public education today, with teacher and sub shortages. You are allowed to say no and ask how else you could help, or just leave. We have had subs do this in the past, and then we have subs who understand our struggles and pitch in however they are asked.

You said you're a "non-classroom teacher." So, are you an Instructional Assistant? Because I didn't sign up for an IA position - I signed up for a substitute teaching position. As such, I expected to be in one classroom the entire day. I've done IA subbing before and it's much as you describe. Which is why I don't do IA subbing anymore.

No I am a special education teacher. Non classroom teachers are reading specialists, staff development, ESOL. Our counselor is also often pulled for the above.

Secondary teacher here.

I wish admin and counselors would be asked to occasionally cover classes, but I don't think they ever have. Instead, teachers are required to cover (for teachers without subs) during their planning periods and classes get split to be covered by other teachers.

There was one day that I had 40+ students in my room during Advisory because they split another teacher's class in half and gave me 12 students in addition to my own, plus the students I had come to my Advisory for extra help. I had to put several students on the floor because I didn't have enough desks. But that was seen as a better option than having an admin cover the class.

[Anonymous]

What is the full day rate for subbing in FCPS? It looks like $133 approximately?

[Anonymous]

Prospective teachers (if there any)- make sure to work in a district with a clear contract and a strong union so you aren’t used like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Prospective teachers (if there any)- make sure to work in a district with a clear contract and a strong union so you aren’t used like this.

If you haven’t yet done so, sign the union authorization card so that collective bargaining can be put up for a vote.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Prospective teachers (if there any)- make sure to work in a district with a clear contract and a strong union so you aren’t used like this.

If you haven’t yet done so, sign the union authorization card so that collective bargaining can be put up for a vote.

https://www.fairfaxeducationunions.org/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a sub who is really sick of accepting a job, only to arrive at the school and be told I'll be doing something else. This has happened to me four times in the last month. Most recently, I signed up to sub for a 3rd grade teacher. Upon arrival, I was told they didn't need me anymore, but would I please monitor the cafeteria for two hours and then report back to the office for further instructions? I was furious, but tried to remain outwardly flexible and friendly, so I did as I was asked. After two miserable hours in the cafeteria, getting to clean up messes and scrub tables while surrounded by ear-splitting decibels, I returned to the office. I was then asked to cover for a couple of different teachers, which had me running back and forth to their classes until dismissal when I was told to help with bus duty.

Schools: when subs accept a job, make sure that you call them to cancel if they're no longer needed. This is not acceptable.

I'm sorry you feel this way, but this is my life as a non-classroom teacher. I go into work each day holding my breath to see if I will have a normal day, where I can do my actual job, or if I will be pulled for other duties. I am often doing cafeteria/recess duty/bus duty, covering a classroom, covering as a one-to-one para for a special needs child, or even sitting with a child who cannot be in their classroom after a significant behavior issue. This is the reality of public education today, with teacher and sub shortages. You are allowed to say no and ask how else you could help, or just leave. We have had subs do this in the past, and then we have subs who understand our struggles and pitch in however they are asked.

But it's not ok and we all need to start saying that.

Public education-gaslighting at it's best-"do it for the kids" "be a team player" "do whatever is needed" ENOUGH is ENOUGH! The reason we have no subs and teachers leaving is because all around education disrespects the people in these positions.

DP. You are so right. This is NOT acceptable. Teachers, IAs, subs - they all deserve so much more respect.

So what’s the solution RIGHT NOW. I know everyone needs to get paid more. What happens if a sub refuses to cover and goes home is classes get shifted and split and those kids don’t get what they need even if they’re in the same grade. Or a kid with IEP doesn’t get what they need because the special ed teacher is covering. Or the playground is not as well staffed because a para\IA is covering. What’s the next step?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Prospective teachers (if there any)- make sure to work in a district with a clear contract and a strong union so you aren’t used like this.

If you haven’t yet done so, sign the union authorization card so that collective bargaining can be put up for a vote.

https://www.fairfaxeducationunions.org/

What’s going on with collective bargaining in FCPS? It was authorized so long ago but the teachers still don’t seem to have done what they need to do to get negotiating. Is there no interest?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Prospective teachers (if there any)- make sure to work in a district with a clear contract and a strong union so you aren’t used like this.

My county has a strong union and I am used like this. We can be asked to do additional duties in emergency situations. The reality is there are not enough substitutes and unfilled paraeducator positions. It’s just going to get worse, and I’m honestly scared that if things don’t change somehow there will be a full blown education crisis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Prospective teachers (if there any)- make sure to work in a district with a clear contract and a strong union so you aren’t used like this.

If you haven’t yet done so, sign the union authorization card so that collective bargaining can be put up for a vote.

https://www.fairfaxeducationunions.org/

Where are the posters who insist FCPS has no unions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a sub who is really sick of accepting a job, only to arrive at the school and be told I'll be doing something else. This has happened to me four times in the last month. Most recently, I signed up to sub for a 3rd grade teacher. Upon arrival, I was told they didn't need me anymore, but would I please monitor the cafeteria for two hours and then report back to the office for further instructions? I was furious, but tried to remain outwardly flexible and friendly, so I did as I was asked. After two miserable hours in the cafeteria, getting to clean up messes and scrub tables while surrounded by ear-splitting decibels, I returned to the office. I was then asked to cover for a couple of different teachers, which had me running back and forth to their classes until dismissal when I was told to help with bus duty.

Schools: when subs accept a job, make sure that you call them to cancel if they're no longer needed. This is not acceptable.

I'm sorry you feel this way, but this is my life as a non-classroom teacher. I go into work each day holding my breath to see if I will have a normal day, where I can do my actual job, or if I will be pulled for other duties. I am often doing cafeteria/recess duty/bus duty, covering a classroom, covering as a one-to-one para for a special needs child, or even sitting with a child who cannot be in their classroom after a significant behavior issue. This is the reality of public education today, with teacher and sub shortages. You are allowed to say no and ask how else you could help, or just leave. We have had subs do this in the past, and then we have subs who understand our struggles and pitch in however they are asked.

But it's not ok and we all need to start saying that.

Public education-gaslighting at it's best-"do it for the kids" "be a team player" "do whatever is needed" ENOUGH is ENOUGH! The reason we have no subs and teachers leaving is because all around education disrespects the people in these positions.

DP. You are so right. This is NOT acceptable. Teachers, IAs, subs - they all deserve so much more respect.

So what’s the solution RIGHT NOW. I know everyone needs to get paid more. What happens if a sub refuses to cover and goes home is classes get shifted and split and those kids don’t get what they need even if they’re in the same grade. Or a kid with IEP doesn’t get what they need because the special ed teacher is covering. Or the playground is not as well staffed because a para\IA is covering. What’s the next step?

I guess FCPS will have to figure this out. Two things they should strongly consider:
1. Paying teachers and subs a lot more;
2. Make sure admin supports teachers when there are disciplinary issues and helps them REMOVE disruptive kids from the classroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Prospective teachers (if there any)- make sure to work in a district with a clear contract and a strong union so you aren’t used like this.

If you haven’t yet done so, sign the union authorization card so that collective bargaining can be put up for a vote.

https://www.fairfaxeducationunions.org/

Where are the posters who insist FCPS has no unions?

I’m one of them…up until recently when the law changed and collective bargaining was allowed. It’s in the process of being set up. And then I will say that FCPS has unions. But at this exact moment, there are associations with no real bargaining powers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a sub who is really sick of accepting a job, only to arrive at the school and be told I'll be doing something else. This has happened to me four times in the last month. Most recently, I signed up to sub for a 3rd grade teacher. Upon arrival, I was told they didn't need me anymore, but would I please monitor the cafeteria for two hours and then report back to the office for further instructions? I was furious, but tried to remain outwardly flexible and friendly, so I did as I was asked. After two miserable hours in the cafeteria, getting to clean up messes and scrub tables while surrounded by ear-splitting decibels, I returned to the office. I was then asked to cover for a couple of different teachers, which had me running back and forth to their classes until dismissal when I was told to help with bus duty.

Schools: when subs accept a job, make sure that you call them to cancel if they're no longer needed. This is not acceptable.

I'm sorry you feel this way, but this is my life as a non-classroom teacher. I go into work each day holding my breath to see if I will have a normal day, where I can do my actual job, or if I will be pulled for other duties. I am often doing cafeteria/recess duty/bus duty, covering a classroom, covering as a one-to-one para for a special needs child, or even sitting with a child who cannot be in their classroom after a significant behavior issue. This is the reality of public education today, with teacher and sub shortages. You are allowed to say no and ask how else you could help, or just leave. We have had subs do this in the past, and then we have subs who understand our struggles and pitch in however they are asked.

But it's not ok and we all need to start saying that.

Public education-gaslighting at it's best-"do it for the kids" "be a team player" "do whatever is needed" ENOUGH is ENOUGH! The reason we have no subs and teachers leaving is because all around education disrespects the people in these positions.

DP. You are so right. This is NOT acceptable. Teachers, IAs, subs - they all deserve so much more respect.

So what’s the solution RIGHT NOW. I know everyone needs to get paid more. What happens if a sub refuses to cover and goes home is classes get shifted and split and those kids don’t get what they need even if they’re in the same grade. Or a kid with IEP doesn’t get what they need because the special ed teacher is covering. Or the playground is not as well staffed because a para\IA is covering. What’s the next step?

I guess FCPS will have to figure this out. Two things they should strongly consider:
1. Paying teachers and subs a lot more;
2. Make sure admin supports teachers when there are disciplinary issues and helps them REMOVE disruptive kids from the classroom.

What rock have you been living under? Get out there and tell the Fairfax County board of supervisors to fully fund Reid’s FY25 budget where everyone gets a 6% raise. Get off DCUM and speak to your elected supervisors. The ball is in their court.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OK, first of all, you were supposed to sub for a teacher or aid, and neither one ever has actual cleaning duty in the cafeteria. Crowd control yes, cleaning no. So you did not need to agree to that part, and they were way over the line even asking you to do it. Second, other than the cleaning, substitutes take the place of teachers, and teachers often do get asked to run around to different places and do extra duties like cafeteria duty (with NO cleaning, though). So you shouldn't complain about that, as plenty of teachers have to do the same (specialists get pulled all the time to do this and that around the school).

Teacher here - I have had to do lunch duty, and I have helped clean up spills and messes during lunch. The custodians do a thorough cleaning after lunches are over, but when on lunch duty we don't call the custodians every time a child spills something, we help clean it up the best we can so the child can finish their lunch in the short 30 minutes they have.

Never and I've taught in this county for 15 years.