I do both ES and MS. I find MS boring because I just give out assignments on schoology and then I’m just a hall pass monitor. And the blocks are so long.

ES is not boring and the day goes by a lot faster, but more exhausting.

I do upper grades in ES (3-5) and lower grades in MS (avoid 8th.)

Even in ES, it's so variable. K is nice b/c there are 2 adults, but they need more help with everything. Fifth can be great if you have a good class b/c they are almost self-sufficient like MS, but less sassy. However, if you get a class where there is poor classroom management when the teacher is there, it's even worse when they have a sub. *beware*

The specials are actually the most fun b/c you are getting new students all day long. Some schools switch your job on you, though, so be prepared to have to change assignments OR jump all over the school all day long.

Daughter subs and 6th-7th grade is her favorite. You have to have a great sense of humor and like the drama. She found elementary too chaotic.

Anonymous wrote:You have to be "on" all day in EVERY school, no matter what the student's age.

Yes, but it's a different kind of "on". With ES, it's more behavior management, gross things, low attention span. Classroom management experience is definitely a plus.

Anonymous wrote:When I was a 21 year old substitute for a 3 month stint I VASTLY preferred middle school. This was before block scheduling though, so I'd only have them for 40-50 minutes, and then the next group came in.

I normally passed out some work sheets and had them work quietly. That was the only real rule. Be quiet and do your damn work sheets.

Elementary you had to actually have some classroom management skills (which I did not posses) and I was terrified. Those little ones will turn on you!

Slay

When I was a 21 year old substitute for a 3 month stint I VASTLY preferred middle school. This was before block scheduling though, so I'd only have them for 40-50 minutes, and then the next group came in.

I normally passed out some work sheets and had them work quietly. That was the only real rule. Be quiet and do your damn work sheets.

Elementary you had to actually have some classroom management skills (which I did not posses) and I was terrified. Those little ones will turn on you!

ES. It is more physically demanding. But a lot less sass.

Middle school children are clearly terrifying. I have one.

ES all day.

It’s been a long time since I was a sub, but I preferred younger elementary or older high school. The little kids are less likely to try to convince you they’re allowed to do stuff they’re not, and the oldest HS kids are easier, in my opinion. The middle ages are hardest.

You have to be "on" all day in EVERY school, no matter what the student's age.

For anyone who has started subbing (and their background is not teaching), have you preferred MS or ES? Interested in hearing some perspectives. I like the littles better but you have to be "on" all day. The older kids are difficult in other ways but seems like they have more independent work in the class.