I feel like an invisible sub

[tired sub]

Twice (recently) I have had teachers, from classrooms next door/ across hall, come in the class that I am supplying teaching in, without saying a word to me. One proceeded to look for things in the cupboard while carrying on a conversation with some of the students. Another proceeded to ask the class where she might find a broom to clean-up her class. On another occasion, I supplied for the afternoon as the regular teacher had to go for a meeting. He was there when I arrived in his class. He proceeded to take attendance, introduce the movie to the class, started the movie and left. He did not bother to ask my name? introduce me to the class? That day, I really felt like a NOBODY?

 

[allimc22]

I feel for you...

I haven't even started subbing (waiting for background check to go through) but after reading some of these posts I am kind of dreading it. I can't believe you guys get treated so badly! It's really depressing...
I just went through 4 months of feeling invisible as a student teacher! Is this what I have to look forward to?!

 

[GatorMan]

Not as Bad as it Seems

Most of the time, substitute teaching is a fine experience. At many schools, students and teachers will respect you and help you out as needed.
Of course you are going to have a few days where either students or teachers (or both) treat you poorly. You have to have a thick skin in order to do this job by being able to withstand some problems and attitudes. If you are the type to be offended and annoyed easily, then this job isn't for you. But if you are willing to tolerate MINOR nuisances from time to time, than you can definitely be a successful substitute teacher and enjoy the experience.

 

[LynneLC]

Consider introducing yourself

Ideally, the teacher who was there in the class would have introduced himself to you, etc. But, if he doesn't, then wait for a break (for example, after he took attendance but before he started the movie) and introduce yourself. Sometimes when people are frazzled & rushed they forget the basics.

 

[celeste]

I understand

I have felt this sensation myself. And similar scenarios too. It helps to try to never take things personally. The teachers I know are stressed. Try to enjoy the kids, focus in on them and your day will go better.

 

[celeste]

feeling invisible

This sensation is quite common for sensitive people. Try to find things to laugh at in the class and with the class that you are subbing for. This subbing for a living is very isolating...that is why I was so excited to find this chat place today. Hang in there.

 

[*Annie*]

yep...i know it too

Yes...it is lonely sometimes being a sub. I have had many teachers stop by and introduce themselves to me and offer any help thru-out the day. They are only too glad to help. But I have also been ignored...like when I subbed for gym and they team teach the classes, and they don't bother to tell the kids who I am! Then there's the teaching a special area (like health when you go into the various classrooms) while the reg. teacher remains in the room (but "isn't there" to teach at that time), and you have to be confident and keep control even though you feel like you're being "watched" every second. You do have to have a thick skin. I think all regular teachers should have the experience of subbing. It's quite humbling. We're invisible until we interpret their plans wrong..when it's usually them leaving out a detail they take for granted. But if you sub in the same schools repeatedly, it definitely helps with your comfort level as you get to know how the school runs and can figure things out yourself. Forget the teachers and remember this: there's usually one kid (if not more) who makes you smile. One kid who is a sweetheart and reminder of why you are there. Try to brush those teachers (who have no idea what it feels like to be in our shoes) off and remember that one kid...it only takes one to bring you back again.

 

[Lil]

Think of substitute teaching as the easiest money you've ever made. It is a difficult job for sensitive souls, including myself. I sub in a very wealthy district where the kids are know it alls, disrespectful, and will tell you to your face that they will have daddy make a call and get you fired. So, go in with this attitude: if a lesson plan is left for you, do your best to teach it. If you are left with busy work - great! Make the regular teacher's expectations known, pass out the work, and sit back and relax. If they get loud or disruptive, issue a warning. If the bad behavior persists, leave a note for the regular teacher. You do the best you can without stressing too much. You don't get paid enough to feel stressed out - so get it in your head that you're the one coming out on top. Do as little work as possible. You are really just there to make sure the kids don;t kill each other. Leave the actual teaching for the teachers that make better $$. If the regular teacher ignores you, etc. then they have set the tone for how the students will treat you. So, in essence they are reinforcing the idea that you are a babysitter. Just relax and remember that you are getting paid to be a warm body in a room.

 

[Augustus]

Lil

After six years of subbing, I couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[thiswayup]

been there

I am so-o-o relieved to see these posts. I tend to second guess everything I do and think of how I could have done something better when subbing (to the point of worrying myself sick). I have a thick skin and am finding out just how thick it is. I feel guilty for thinking that I am just a warm body the school needs that day, but in a lot of cases that is what happens. I think full-time teachers should have to sub in each others rooms, just for even half a day (ex. in elem. 5th grade teachers in second grade and vice versa) just to remember what a sub goes through!

 

[mme NPB]

True, subs have a lot to put up with, but after subbing just a short time I am realizing too just how much work a classroom teacher has. When I look at all the piles of books and papers stacked up in each classroom I visit, not to mention some of the kids that a teacher has to deal with, not just one day, but THE WHOLE YEAR I wonder which is tougher. Depends on the class, the school etc. I guess. I have to say though that the school I sub at is one where the teachers are not like Tired sub's at all, which makes a big difference.

 

[Augustus]

thiswayup and mmePNB

I have been in circumstances where a teacher's room in the middle school had to be covered by the rest of us during our free periods, subs and regular teachers. the teacher in question actually runs a tight ship, but even with the other regular teachers the kids misbehaved. I know, because a friend of mine is a regular teacher there and covered that class. When I asked him how they were for him, he was not happy. He was not happy with the kids or his colleague as he thought that is the way he lets his classes behave. I said, "No, he doesn't put up with anything. They were acting for you the way they try to act with me". So yes, they should have to go into other rooms and become reacquainted with the lot of the sub.

And yes, I do think that the work of a regular teacher must be very difficult and mostly because they have to deal with these clueless parents. I am continually amazed at how dedicated the teachers have shown to be. It is sad that so many of them are not supported by their admin, because the admin is running scared from parents who are threatening legal action. Blame the lawyers, but don't blame the teachers.