It goes without saying that being a substitute teacher has been an adventure....
Though, as I am getting my sea-legs with my own day-to-day assignments, that there are so many other substitutes in the same boat. A couple of weeks ago, I happen to attend a substitute-specific meeting for Seattle Public Schools. Like many school districts across the nation, SPS has fully engaged recruiting emergency substitutes to combat Covid-related circumstances.
I learned that I'm not an island! There is a substitute teachers' union! And there is a SPS FB page... though I've noticed this follows much of the other public troll mentality.... But there is a SPS substitute teachers' union! SIGN ME UP!
I have joined the SPS FB page. More repeat of the annoying FB stuff... so I decided to reach out to specific people posting through private message. I really don't like public grand-standing.... Anyways, a few days ago, a new emergency substitute (she was at the same meeting I attended), posted about an experience she had at a particular school.... Trolls came forth full-steam-ahead.... anyways, she stopped posting... so I thought, reach out to her through private messenger.... seems like that was better received... we might be ready for a coffee date.... I think there is a need for substitute mentors. Can a new substitute really fit the bill? I don't know, seems crazy... but so far, the interactions I have had makes me at least less green than people I'm connecting with... if we can all feel supported and able to share in a safe space, maybe, just maybe, we all keep each other continuing to be the backups for when teachers need a substitute to keep students moving forward....
I don't know. But looks like I have somehow become the "expert" or at least less green, to help others new to substitute teaching. Maybe not in any official capacity, but at least willing to share what I have learned, to 4 other new to this career path people. The bottom line, educators (all levels, regular classroom teachers, substitutes, etc.) need support so they can be most effective for the students they are intended to work with.
3 comments:
I think your enthusiasm for subbing and desire to connect with others is wonderful and will certainly be appreciated.
How cool! Engaging to contribute is an excellent way to outcreate the trolls.
Sounds like a great approach. It can help people a lot just to have someone to share their experience with.
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