To Take the Job, or to Not Take the Job. That is the Question

When I was first substitute teaching, fresh out of college, there were A LOT of substitutes! I was on the list in three school districts, said yes when they called, and still only subbed a handful of times each year! Now there aren't nearly as many people willing to substitute. I still say yes most of the time; I want the caller to keep dialing my number! If I say No too often, she may feel that she's wasting her time with me. I had three other part-time jobs before I was on the sub list, so I told the caller what days she could always count on me (the same days each week). She knows that on the other days of the week, I would need advanced notice before saying Yes, so I can rearrange my schedule.

I recently had company coming for just a couple of days. One of those days was when the caller can count on me. When I spoke to her the week before, I let her know that I would not be available that upcoming day. She appreciated the advanced warning so that she didn't call early in the morning when I knew I would say No. Common courtesy is needed in all areas of our society (and it is lacking so much!). Letting the caller know about my plans makes her job easier, I will still get called for future jobs, and I don't get awakened early.

A substitute teacher can also be called for any teaching position. I asked to be only in the elementary buildings for this first year. I just wanted to see how often I would get called, and how this addition to my schedule would work for me and my family. Even in this limited number of grades/classes, there are many kinds of teachers. I was called once for the emotional support teacher. After that day, I went to the district office to talk to the person who calls the subs and asked her to not call me for that position again. She was fine with this and very understanding. As long as she knows who to call and who not to call, then she can do her job more efficiently.

I have been in all the elementary buildings. In one building I have been in all the classrooms also! This has been a busy year of substituting for me. I think I will still stick with just the elementary buildings for the next school year. Substituting has been an interesting experience for me so far, and yes, I will continue subbing next school year too.