So I was called in to sub late this morning at our local rural elementary school

[murielm99]

33. Bullshit, dearie.

I am a sub. I had to pass all the same background checks as the regular teachers. I had to be fingerprinted at my own expense. I had to sign the mandated reporter forms, too.

I work in three or four district around my home town. I know many of the students and their families. I see the kids on the streets and we talk. I have done this for twelve years.

I have a teaching degree and a master's degree. I chose to work at something else for many years before subbing, but I kept up my credentials.

I know many substitute teachers who have retired from the classroom, or from other professions.

As far as subs being people who can't find other work, you would be surprised how many professional people are subbing because they cannot get jobs in their field for other reasons. No one wants to pay them what they are worth! I know a pharmacist who is now working on a teaching credential because he likes teaching more. I know a research biologist who got sick of the politics in her chosen field, and decided to teach. There are other examples.

We subs are having a hard time right now, too. I turned down a first grade job the other day. I took middle school instead. I am not ready to interact with a group of innocent six and seven year olds right now. I would have a hard time not crying.

As far as safety, there are sub manuals. Teachers leave the safety procedures out in plain sight for their subs. The principals come around and check on subs. And the students are eager to correct the subs and show them the "right" way to do everything in the classroom.

I like subbing. If I don't get my kid fix once in awhile, I am not happy. And I am not the only sub who feels this way.