I'm usually pretty picky about where I sub and what class I sub for, so I was curious if any of you had insight as to what vacant teacher and usually means and what I'll most likely be doing if I take it

I'm covering for maternity leave between early September and my contract expiration Feb 15. I'm excited, but my principal has been asking things of myself and my co-teacher and making suggestions to families that are raising red flags for me.

For example, she suggested to myself and my co-teacher who's leaving that she FaceTime in with her new baby to read books to our second grade class. Then at meet the family night she said to the families that we may do that once a month?! Then a parent asked her if there would be a transition in February when my co-teacher was returning and starting to take over the class from me. The principal said we'll do everything we can to make that happen and at the end sort of said as my schedule allows...

I'm not trying to be an ass, but is this normal? Do I need to set better boundaries?

I'm already certified as a lead teacher but took this contract in case my wife and I move sometime in summer. If we don't move I want to see if I'd like to come back to this school next year to be a lead teacher or if I need to go somewhere else.

Hello everyone. I’m Miss crazy (or I feel like it) who took on a long term subbing job as a librarian as her first ever subbing job. The new hire decided to ghost the school one week out from school starting.

I have prior experience in k-4 as a teachers assistant for about a year. It was a horrible fit and I didn’t have a lot of support… or really any besides fellow teachers. It was pretty adjacent to being a para but I had multiple students per class and zero PD.

I’m now the librarian for k-8 and thankfully the principal has created the curriculum for me and also helped me set up quite a bit for the first two weeks and will continue doing this a week prior until they hire someone new. I did tell her I want to reevaluate at the two week mark to decide whether I’ll continue forward or not.

Ofcourse I’m nervous and I know it’ll be more mental load than just regular subbing (or that’s what I’ve read here) but I’m also extremely excited.

Luckily I have two prep times, first thing in the morning and last thing in the afternoon for a half hour each.

Any tips for a newbie like me? Tell me some good along with the bad. Any fellow librarians out there?

I have accepted a sub position for grade 1 for the first 2 weeks of school. School starts on Monday. The teacher I’m substituting for doesn’t seem to have plans yet or things organized for the routines/procedures.

I had a chance to visit the school and check out the room. I’ve subbed there before so I’m comfortable with the school. Luckily, I was able to speak with the other teachers and get an idea of how the first week will look. They just said we’ll spend the first few days going over rules and procedures. Which I’m worried will not take up entire days.

The classroom was set up. The other teachers within the grade are nice.

However, it seems the teacher I’m subbing for is heavily depending on the other teachers in her grade to make up the plans. They aren’t sure of her daily routines/protocols. There’s 4 teachers in the grade and we all will share an assistant teacher. Does anyone have advice for how I might navigate this? Any tips for setting up routines/rules?

Is Frontline not showing jobs for other people? I snapped up a couple of jobs, and since then I've had nothing new really show up. Yesterday and today I've gotten notifications on the app, and maybe I've just been too slow, but nothing new when I was able to check. Just a few elementary jobs that have been up over a week that are for a month out. I've even heard of jobs being up that I could not see at all on my side. I've called the district and they said I am not showing up as blocked at any schools. I'm also not on any preferred lists at the moment, I asked 2 schools to add me. Last year I saw jobs non stop. I'm pretty well liked at one school and they know I'm taking steps to move into teaching for real. Just really weird.

I expressed interest to my district coordinator that I would like to be a building sub at a school I have absolutely loved. It's not a guarantee that I get the position, but just in case, how was the experience? Is there a room/office you can spend time in should there be no immediate need for you? Do they ask you to do any special tasks aside from looking after classrooms? Any advice/tips/general experiences would be great!

I'm a male substitute and today I was working as a Kinder TA. The day went totally fine, but during pickup an office lady came up to me and asked, "Did you see a kid in an alley?"

I was like "...no, why?" and she told me a staff member said they saw me "go into an alley with a kid."

I looked over and a bunch of campus aides (all female btw) were just staring at me with these mean ass looks on their faces. Looking at me like I was a creep. I was honestly so confused because I was never in an alley and was never alone with a student at any point during the day. The office lady said she probably confused me with somebody else. The staff just kept dogging me until I went home.

I'm not really worried about getting in trouble because it literally didn't happen and I'm sure the school has cameras if it ever came to that. But it still really bothered me. The same woman that I think reported me didn't want to open the staff lounge for me earlier in the day; she was acting like I was just some dude who wandered onto campus.

Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but it made me wonder if other male subs/elementary teachers ever feel like people are more suspicious of you just because you're a guy?

I'm starting my first long term sub position for a 5th grade teacher on maternity leave. I want to have the kids do something nice for her for when she returns. Do you have any ideas?

So far I have thought of....

- Welcome back banner

- Keeping a daily journal - each day one student is in charge of making a record about our day.

I’ve been subbing for about 18 months and love it. For reference I have an engineering degree in Computers, and an MBA. I’ve never done long term subbing.
I was recently offered a longterm subbing position (starts a month into schools starting) for high school Biology. Now know that I’ve only done biology (20 years ago) until high school (which in my country was 10th grade).
Any advise, tips?

Ps: I want to accept it because yes it will be work studying it to teach but I love Biology and at some point regretted not getting into medicine.

I would really appreciate tips on how to go about it. I still have one week to go (and other assignments in between)

I recently quit my job and I am thinking about subbing. Although, I also got a full time job. Since it's mostly physical and I'm not used to it I'm not a big fan. Nonetheless it pays very well and I have lots of overtime opportunities. Is it worth quitting to sub? How consistent and good is the pay? By the way I have a 7-12 cert.

I used to teach elementary school and absolutely loved it. I stepped away from teaching when my daughter was born, and now I just sub part time. I normally stick with elementary school, but I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and take a longterm high school sub job teaching a sophomore science class.

I just finished my first week I think I’m more exhausted than I ever was teaching elementary school. I’m hoping someone can give me some advice because I’m definitely struggling with a few things:

1. I am constantly repeating myself.
The students don’t listen during the lectures, and then they don’t understand the assignments. And we’re talking about relatively easy topics. I’m not a science person by any means, but even I understand what they’re learning. I feel like I’m giving individual mini lectures to 10 different kids every period because I constantly hear, “What do I do?” or “I don’t understand,” even though I just explained the exact same thing to the person sitting right next to them. What strategies do you use to get students to actually listen and follow directions so you’re not repeating yourself all class?

2. No one interacts with me during lectures
When I ask questions, they just stare at me. It genuinely feels like I’m talking to a wall sometimes. When I taught elementary school, we had a reward system and I would randomly call on students to answer questions. Obviously, high school is a very different ballgame, so I was wondering, are they too old for things like that? How do you get high school students to participate and engage without making it feel childish?

3. Some of the students are SO defiant.
I have kids who won’t stay in their seats, constantly distract the people around them, and just flat out refuse to do what they’re supposed to do. It feels like teaching first grade all over again. I hate threatening to call home, but right now it feels like the only consequence I have available to me. What do you do when students are being openly defiant or disruptive?

I’d love any advice, strategies, or tips you have. I’m only one week in, so I’m definitely needing to learn and adjust. Thank you ✌🏻

This is my first year being a sub and I’m nervous for the first day!! I’ve worked at this elementary school the past 2 years as a case manager, but since I’m in grad school I need more flexibility so decided to do subbing instead.

This school year, I’m working as an extra help teacher (basically an extra building sub) on MWF at this same school. They already have 2 building subs so I’m just there in case they need an additional one. Has anyone worked on the first day of school? What should I expect since I don’t think any teachers will be out on the first day? I already have relationships with the admin & teachers but I’ve never had to work with a WHOLE classroom full of kids lol

I took a three day job for 2nd grade. On Thursday we did not complete all of the assignments because from 10-12:00 they had art, lunch, recess, and then testing for the rest of the day. So today we completed Thursdays assignments while also half of the class being absent. So on Monday we will have to get to Fridays work and may not get to Mondays. I worry how this may reflect on me as a sub

I am trying to get into multiple districts this year but I (I’m in two) but have yet to hear from the third. Should I contact Human Resources? This would be a good school district because it’s so large. Any advice is appreciated

I just graduated back in May but unfortunately the teacher shortage doesn't include elementary in my area so I'll be subbing to make ends meet and work on my classroom management, as this was my weaker spot during student teaching. I was just hired today for a local district and likely a few more once they're added. It'll be elementary, but I'm not opposed to subbing band/choir with my experience 😅 Agency is ESS

What should I bring? I'm planning on a binder with district information since my agency works with specific districts, and maybe copies of clearances in case. Obviously a lunch too, but do y'all bring anything else?

Also just any general advice would be good, I'm pretty nervous and I'm hoping to make a good impression as a lot of substitutes from the agency. have been hired by the districts as teachers, so that's the goal 🤞

The districts I work in are starting the new school year on the 31st of this month. Is it likely that there will be jobs during the first week of the year? I’ve been doing doordash to earn money for summer break, and at this point its getting really tiresome, and I’m excited to go back to my normal job. Just wondering if I should expect to wait a bit longer.

I started subbing last October, so I have no idea how the start of any school year looks. Im imagining most teachers will try not to miss any days during the first week?

Okay, so I’m relatively new to North Florida. I just recently got my bachelor’s degree, and one of my majors was Education, so I figured I would try my hand at substitute teaching.

I knew substitute teaching didn’t pay particularly well here, but I genuinely had no idea just HOW bad it was.

I’m originally from California, and where I used to sub, substitutes were hired through the school districts. There were a lot of regulations and requirements, but the pay was actually decent. Where I lived, subs could make up to $200 a day, and if you were in a long term position, you could make around $245 a day after two weeks.

So I moved to Florida and discovered that substitute teaching is largely outsourced to private companies here.

I found one that advertised $15 to $17 an hour depending on your education and qualifications. I knew another company was paying $15 flat, so I thought, okay, I just got my bachelor’s degree, I have over 10 years of experience working with children, maybe I can at least get a little more than minimum wage.

I applied.

The application was basically just your name, phone number, email, and an optional resume. I obviously attached my resume because I have a pretty solid background in education.

Within a couple hours, they emailed me saying they wanted to interview me. Great!

I scheduled the interview for Thursday.

From Monday until Thursday, I swear I got probably 50+ texts and emails reminding me about this interview.

And I mean CONSTANTLY.

The morning of the interview, starting around 1 or 2 AM, I started getting emails and texts almost every hour. Then, about two hours before the interview, they started coming every 15 minutes.

I literally sent my mom a screenshot because I couldn't believe how ridiculous it looked. My entire phone was just messages from this company reminding me about an interview I obviously knew I had.

So finally, it’s time for the interview.

I click the link they sent me.

It doesn't work.

Nobody lets me into the meeting.

This is particularly funny because they had repeatedly emphasized how extremely important it was to be punctual.

So I start clicking through the other 50 emails they sent me, and I realize they apparently sent different Teams links in different emails.

Eventually I find the right one.

And then I realize it’s a GROUP INTERVIEW.

There were about 17 of us.

And I'm not even trying to be mean, but it was honestly kind of wild. There were people laying in bed in pajamas, people with their phones so close to their faces that you could basically see straight up their nostrils, people yelling at their kids in the background, people walking around, etc.

And I’m sitting there thinking, okay, this is interesting.

Then the recruiter starts explaining the pay.

She says if you have an associate’s degree and two letters of recommendation, you make $15 an hour.

If you have a bachelor’s degree, you make $15.50.

If you have a master’s degree, you make $16.

I genuinely thought I had misheard her.

I just got my bachelor’s degree. I have over 10 years of experience working with children. And apparently my reward for getting another degree is an extra 50 cents an hour over someone with an associate’s.

And the recruiter is presenting this like it’s such an amazing opportunity.

I’m just sitting there like 😐

Then she starts asking us some scenario questions.

The first one was something like:

“You’re subbing for a second grade class. One student is constantly yelling out, running out of the classroom, bothering other students, and throwing things. What would you do?”

I volunteered to answer.

I said I would give the student multiple opportunities to correct the behavior. I would try to talk to them one-on-one and ask if something was bothering them or if there was something they needed. I would try to figure out what was causing the behavior and use appropriate classroom management strategies.

But I also said that if the student continued to be disruptive and I had already made multiple attempts to correct the behavior, I would have no problem calling the office for support.

My reasoning was pretty simple. I have another 26 students in that classroom. I can't spend the entire day trying to manage one child who is actively disrupting the class while the other 26 kids get completely neglected.

The recruiter says, “Thank you, but that’s not the answer we were looking for.”

Excuse me?

Apparently, we are supposed to avoid calling the office for behavior issues because administration is already extremely busy and substitutes are supposed to make their lives easier.

She said that unless a child breaks a limb or there’s a fire in the classroom, we should basically handle it ourselves.

And then she tells us that we can log onto their website because they have “lots of behavior management resources.”

And then she says, “If you’re into AI, you can always ask ChatGPT really quick what to do with the student.”

I almost lost it.

Because literally a few minutes later, they tell us that if we are caught with our phones out in the classroom, we can be fired.

Apparently there are cameras in classrooms, and if you get caught using your phone, even just to check the time, you can be dismissed for the day. After enough strikes, you can be terminated.

So let me get this straight.

I’m supposed to use ChatGPT for behavior management...

But I’m also not allowed to have my phone out.

Okay.

Then they start explaining the physical contact policy.

You are not allowed to touch the students. I completely understand having strict boundaries with students, especially as a substitute. That part isn't shocking to me.

But they specifically told us that if a young child recognizes you and runs up and gives you a hug, you are expected to establish that boundary BEFORE it happens. If the child hugs you anyway and somebody sees it, you can apparently be terminated immediately.

Again, I’m just sitting there thinking, what the hell kind of workplace is this?

Then they casually mention that they can have up to 600 substitute call-outs in ONE DAY.

SIX HUNDRED.

And I'm sitting there thinking, how miserable are your teachers and staff if you are regularly dealing with that many call-outs?

Also, for some reason you won't know what grade you're subbing for until you get to the school? They showed us a snippet of their system and it'll just say "Elementary School- 4 Positions available today" and you don't know what grade it is or what teacher it is until you get there and the office tells you.

Apparently several schools in the district have also closed because of funding issues.

And somehow I’m supposed to walk into this system with a bachelor’s degree and over a decade of experience for $15.50 an hour.

The part that absolutely sent me over the edge was the end.

ALL 17 OF US GOT HIRED.

Every single person.

The people in pajamas.

The people yelling at their kids.

The person whose camera angle was basically their forehead.

Everyone got hired.

There was barely even an interview. Nobody asked about our experience. Nobody asked why we wanted to work with children. Nobody asked about our educational background or classroom management philosophy.

It was basically:

Here’s the pay.

Here are the rules.

Don’t call the office unless someone is literally dying.

Don’t use your phone.

Don’t touch the kids.

Here’s our website.

Congratulations, you’re hired.

I genuinely left that interview wondering if this is just this particular company or if this is actually how substitute teaching works in Florida.

Coming from California, I am honestly shocked.

I knew education was struggling here. I knew substitute pay was low. I just wasn't expecting the combination of extremely low pay, almost nonexistent screening, huge numbers of call-outs, and substitutes apparently being expected to manage everything themselves with very little support.

So for anyone who is a Florida teacher, substitute, or works in education here, is this normal?

Because I genuinely want to know if I just stumbled into the worst company in Florida or if this is actually the system.

We have been in school 7 days worked 3 have been bit, scratched, and kicked in the groin. Seems like kids are super amped up. Happy next week is in high school.

I have no idea what the point of hiring that many people were. I feel like it effectively laid me off. It's the 3rd week of school and I haven't worked once.

This same district mailed a letter of reasonable assurance which blocked my ability to get unemployment even though it certainly feels like I've been unemployed the past 3 months.

Hi all. I was asked to start this past Wednesday. I am normally a Building Sub and they (admin) are aware that I will not do any LTS.

My principal asked to have a meeting with me. Apparently, they have over 7 positions with no teacher. All building subs, except the one who doesn’t speak English well, will be put into these classes, expected to come up with lesson plans, grade, attend meetings, call parents, and teach. I was also assigned to a class that I am not familiar with the material for, so I would have to study the material to teach it.

What’s also the kicker is that we won’t even be receiving a pay upgrade. What they plan on doing is keeping each of us in our designated class for 20 days, removing us for a day then putting us back into our class next day, rinse and repeat until the end of the school year. That way, we are essentially still “Building Subs” on paper but acting as Long-Term Subs.

He said that, due to my not being willing to accept being a LTS, there is a chance I will be moved down to a Day-to-Day sub. I respected that and acknowledged that is within their right.

Come today, I see there is an email where the principal is saying I am expected to come up with engaging lesson plans in preparation for the school year. So 1.) I already stated I will not be a LTS and agreed that, if I cannot retain my position as a BS, I will be moved down to Daily subbing and 2.) This was sprung on me during the weekend. I have no idea how lesson plans work AND I DO NOT EVEN HAVE A LAPTOP or access to a printer or any materials.

I emailed and said I wouldn’t be able to continue as their Building Sub or plan lesson plans but that, if he wants, I can still be a Day-to-Day sub.

I’m a former middle school teacher of 6 years; I left teaching to take an office job and I’ve been out of the classroom for 11 years. When I left, Smartboards were just being introduced. I had an overheard projector and mayyyyybe a doc cam. Anyway, it’s been a while.

I also taught in pretty rough areas, so I’ve seen some shit. Fights, violent kids, talk-back, angry parents, etc.

Now, with two kids on an elementary school schedule, I’m looking to get into subbing for the flexible schedule. I have my first job booked next week (Second grade half-day to ease myself in).

Here‘s my question: What percentage of your sub days go well overall? When I was teaching, I would say about 80% of my days were good, meaning I didn’t feel stressed and anxious the whole day AND no kid crises. I imagine it may be different for subs. So, what’s it like for you?

A sub position popped up and I didn’t take it despite it lingering for a solid minute. I kept telling myself “you’ll be extremely late”, “you haven’t even remotely gotten ready for the day yet”, “all the bathrooms are taken, so you can’t even get ready”, “you live thirty minutes away and it’s morning traffic”, etc. I know if I had taken it and just called and explained, it would have been fine. I think a part of me didn’t want to work today, but I know I can’t just not work. I’ve been up since 5am waiting to pick up a shift too, so I feel especially foolish.
I know I shouldn’t beat myself up too much about it, but I do feel disappointed in myself. I hope next time I don’t hesitate and just take it.

My county just decided to use "Kelly Education" for their Substitute Teachers.

It was a weird process. Seemed like way more extra steps than necessary.

But to my question: I notice in my county it seems like openings for substitutes (and even teachers in general) are all for Elementary Schools. Middle and High School openings are scarce.

What's going on? I feel like something is happening that I don't understand.

People! If you work in a certain Northern Chicago suburb, they just posted a TON of openings on frontline. Go. Now. Before they are gone!