'And if I ever had a class I didn’t like, I didn’t have to go back!' ...could also be the sentiment that has caused the sudden increased demand for substitutes in the first place.
I say the same thing!! I go to a different district for a couple of days when I subbed for a disrespectful class. Or even just a different grade level. I have been subbing for 7 years.
1 day does not tell the story. 1 week, maybe, 1 month, you will know the story of teaching that maybe people will understand. It is NOT "passing out papers" and "simple grading." It is grueling. It is exhausting. It changes every day. It is a tightrope dance every minute of every day. I know - 46 yrs.teaching.
I would say though that a day would give you some insight that you might not have otherwise had although it doesn't make you an expert by any stretch of the imagination.
Also he had a few fun activities, got help from other staff, didn’t deal with behaviors, meetings, lesson plans, grading…etc…etc. Not a true picture! Going home at 2:30????? Try 5:30 or 6:00. I put my heart into teaching but thank God I am almost retiring…
To get a full understanding, you really need a day in Middle School and a day in High School to round out your reporting. Do High School first. If you can survive Middle School, you’ve got the gift. Either way, it will make a GREAT editorial. -Sincerely, Grace Crowe, High School teacher (to the end of my career, because I already did my 10 years of “community service” teaching Middle School)
I agree 100%! I have said “I would rather sub for a rambunctious 1st grade than any high school class”. Why? When a 1st grader hits other students with a ruler they are learning that hitting is wrong, when a high schooler does the same they should know better.
I was a 3rd grade teacher for 25 years and I loved it. I feel substitute teachers are not paid nearly enough in most districts for the work they do. Our kids deserve it too.
@@tuggboat4 My district they are all 6 figure. Hardly underpaid and they all retire very comfortably and vacation while the rest of us paying their bill can't . So no sympathy here.
@@Youngberg1000 I retired from teaching after 20 years. When I retired I had a Masters degree plus thirty. I was making $45,000 after taxes. Not all teachers are fortunate enough to make that kind of money. I don’t feel sorry for myself, I taught because I loved it, but would have been nice to make a little more money.
@@tuggboat4 My dad retired making 75k about 25 years ago. Ex girl friend of mine took over his position, starting at close to the same. Within less than 2 years she bumped herself to over 100k. I knew a drivers ed teacher who was making nearly half a million a year. Granted he'd been their since time began but seriously. WAY over paid. I don't begrudge teachers making a decent living but it must not be taking advantage of those who pay the bill. Frankly it must all be decoupled from the property taxes. School choice is the only way. When parents have control, quality teachers will be paid as much or more and the bad apples will quit and get likely into politics or another corrupt institution.
I was a substitute for over 3 years. Upside: No dealing with parents or administrators. Downside: Low pay, low respect from students, low expectations from teachers, and I got much more training from Burger King when I worked there in my teens than the school district.
Yes..you are pretty much on Your own . If the staff was friendly, it helps alot. Some schools make you feel like you're invisible. A friendly welcome when you walk in the door is a very good idea to retain subs
I’m still trying to understand why schools have such hatred for subs?? I’m literally here for a day and you are grilling me like I’m a regular teacher who’s been here for years…😩🥴 It makes no sense…🤨
Good for you, Nate! As a long-retired volunteer teacher for grades 3 and 6, I can safely say that no one truly appreciates teachers until they walk a mile in their shoes.
Nate you'd be a great sub. Imagine those kids going home and telling their parents their substitute teacher was a TV star, and Secret Santa's helper. Great job Nate.
Everyone with a college degree should give subbing a try to understand from an adult perspective what school looks like. The experience will inform you about the energy and planning it takes to educate our children.
I give teachers a lot of credit. I homeschool two of my own children and it’s exhausting. I really can’t imagine having an entire classroom of children to teach.
@@brianwalsh1401 It started after the COVID school closures. I was able to see what my children were learning and how they were learning. Everyone was trying to do the best they could under the circumstances but it wasn’t working for my children… they just were not learning. My son was struggling the most due to his high energy levels and trouble focusing so I knew that I needed to do something different before both of them fell behind. This prompted me to research different ideas of how to help them and homeschooling seemed like a viable option. Much to my pleasant surprise… they both began to flourish. I saw both of my children begin to love learning. We studied the general school subjects but we also studied things that interested them. As soon as things started reopening We began going on field trips like museums, the zoo and the aquarium and they loved it. We started painting, we planted a garden and we made more time for family activities each day. Long story short… schools have reopened but now I am reluctant to return them to traditional school because they are doing better at home. There are various other reasons but my main reasons are described above.
My district refers to me as a "guest teacher"..at least that's what my badge says LOL! But they also use the designation "sub" much more often. And if I ever heard a student refer to me as a "guest teacher" ( and in 10 years of "guest teachering" its never happened) yes I'd probably pass out 🤣🤣!
Was a high school substitute in CA for 5 years, along with being a Dr Ed teacher. Challenging! Moved on to a position at a Community College, providing technology support for student, staff and faculty. Loved it. The difference? They are there because they want to learn and appreciate your help.
I started my career as a substitute teacher. I am now in my 23rd year of teaching. Teaching is very challenging and very rewarding! I have tried other things and I have always gone back to teaching!
This is an exceptional "report", coming from direct experience. I've been privileged to watch several holiday seasons of "Secret Santa" videos you and your team have done, and it was easy for me to picture you in my mind's eye, working successfully with those children. I want to affirm your statement early on that you were there to be a teacher and not a reporter. This is integrity. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.
Nate As a teacher for almost 40 years in Calif, thank you for shedding light on the occupation and challenges that lie ahead in the field of education. Well done!
Let me just say this--- as a substitute teacher you are the least appreciated person on the food chain. They say they need substitutes, well then maybe they should treat you better. This is the third year I have substituted and it will be the last. When you ask for an assistant principal at some schools with unruly students, they will say that's your problem to fix. I had another teacher chew me out the following day that I did not help her students enough. Of course, both the teacher and the in-class support person were both absent that day. Some of the substitute coordinators just hand you a folder. You have to ask where the restroom is and where the classroom is. They do not volunteer this information. At one school the substitute coordinator did not have the attendance rosters ready until five minutes before the school day begins. They are supposed to be ready twenty minutes before the school day begins. And then there are some students who think this is a free day when they have a substitute. These are only some of the reasons I will not substitute next year, I would give you a half dozen others if you want.
As a former teacher I have to say you are correct! Many subs are treated this way, sad! Oh and no benefits! And teachers don't get help with behaviors either! It's all your fault as a teacher/sub.
Maybe if they paid more than min wage for a job which you risk being sued by people who weren't even there... People don't sub as a job, its literally a service like all-day volunteering at a hospital or nursing home. If you wouldn't do those two things, don't consider sub teaching.
I’m sorry that you had a bad experience subbing can’t say I blame you for not wanting to sub being treated like that. I am an elementary secretary in Ohio and always make sure a sub has the office number, and which teachers by them are their grade level and thank them at the end of the day when the pick up their time sheet for helping us out. We are so short staffed on subs so we try really hard to let them know they are appreciated in hopes they will come back. Our principal is very hands on and goes to any of our rooms when he gets a phone call, but I’m sure upper grades are probably way different than elementary with discipline problems.
@@Nonna_Tina Actually, I found many high school classes much easier to sub because (overall) the students were more mature. From about 5th-8th grade, the students are going through that "phase" and some can get really mean.
Teachers and subs are underpaid. Most of our problems stem from parents. School boards are scared of lawsuits and therefore disruptive kids get away without being held accountable, and the rest of the class suffers. With the class sizes (24-29) we have to do more crowd control than learning. Before accusing teachers of things your child tells you...hear the other side first. Hope those senate school bills trying to go thru in Indiana and Ohio bite the dust or you will not have any teachers working in those states. Its not a favorite career choice right now, this is just the start of massive teacher exodus.
From secret Santa, feel good Fridays, to restaurants, thorough reporter & now substitute teacher ... you have a dream job in so many ways!! Thank you for the love & support you show!!!
Comments by a substitute teacher: Subbing in the lower grades is great. For the most part, the students are excited to be there, and are easily engaged in the lessons. With that being said, there can be those situations. He's looking at me. My mom says that he's not allowed to look at me." Yet the student's desk directly in front, pointed at the other student's desk. Middle school can be challenging. You are meeting students at the beginning of their awkward stage of adolescents. I find the key to subbing at middle school is try not to go to that school everyday. Rather, give them a couple of great days, and then go sub somewhere else for a while. When you return, they will be excited to see you, and your lessons will go over greatly. While I do sub occasionally in high school, I find their instruction rather boring. You take attendance, and then tell the students to log onto Google Classroom. Many times, the teacher has not even provided you any information regarding the lesson. Makes for long days.
Same. 9 years in and the Chromebooks changed everything. They don't give us subs one, so we can't even see the assignment. Most teachers don't know this and ask us to log in anyway.
@@amyleigh7624 A few years ago, I met a retired man who was subbing while his wife was teaching a few more months before she retired. On that particular day, it was a teacher's training day. The teacher came into the teacher's lounge and asked the sub how things were going. The sub replied, "I truly wish you left something for me to teach, after all the students are learning basic accounting, and I am a CPA." The teacher said, "Yeah, but accounting may have changed since you last time that you practiced." The sub said, "It has been 6 weeks, and the basis of accounting is General Accepted Accounting Practices."
I would totally agree with you in that….subbing for PK-6th grade is a blast!! Middle school is iffy, they are dealing with hormones and everything in between. High school is very boring. I love subbing for K-5th only.
Before college credits or degrees was a requirement, I was a sub for elementary, Jr high, and high school. I really enjoyed it! My favorite at the time was elementary
I love this! I started out as a substitute instructional assistant before transitioning into teaching. We’re so grateful for good people who come in and support our kids, especially now. You should totally keep taking assignments when you can. Thank you for stepping up and helping out.
Principals and superintendents that are willing to go into the classroom and help, wow! That would be super helpful, too bad our school with 3 principals and a superintendent at a school with less than 200 students, aren’t willing to do that.
Great job Nate. You seemed to have a good perspective of what was expected of you. I would have loved having a substitute teacher like you when I was in school. Take care and may God Bless you and yours.
We need more people to do this! Teachers and school staff need the extra man power and the understanding that only comes from walking a mile in their shoes. Thank you for sharing this in your part of the world!
I loved this. Our school is exactly the same as this one. Our day goes by super fast, and it is a job filled with rewards and you go home feeling that you made a difference
I subbed fresh out of college 20 years ago and I'm subbing again now after nearly 2 decades away. Let me tell you, teachers (and subs) now, have to be made of tougher stuff.
I was a high school teacher for 14.5 years. NEVER missed a day. Haven't been able to work for a single day the past 7 years due to failed health I am subbing starting this fall!.
Applauding you for taking on this challenge and doing a great job. You have more guts to do this than I would. I only had to worry about my own 2 kids not 19 that belong to someone else. Maybe this video will give other people the courage to try their hand at this. I think they should tap into some high school seniors or college kids that might want to be a teacher in the future.
Would love to see you experience and report on subbing in MS and HS. A 1st grade class is great. Try your hand at multiple classes over the course of a day. (I previously worked as a newspaper before the last paper I worked for closed. Went back to school when COVID struck and have earned teaching certification and currently teach HS ELA. MUCH different than elementary, by a wide margin.)
Congrats Nate…love that you took on this challenge. Sure it gave you a real insight into what the most underpaid, most important job in the world. Teaching! Totally recommend you do again with high school kids. Heaven help you survive. Lol. Much respect sent your way.
So cool you did this. I’ve taught for 9 years, so far. Subbed for 1 of them. I am glad you had a good experience. Not always the case but the majority of the time it is.
In Missouri, I am required to pay over $100 before I can even get an interview. I have a $50 app fee, $42 background check, and another $50-$70 for official transcripts. Kind of ridiculous!
if states charge like that, that tell me that a ton of people apply and waste the schools time and resources and then never show up. Like you have to pay an application fee when applying to a college.
I've started substituting two weeks ago, and it's the most rewarding job I've ever had. It's been a wakeup call and can be a culture shock at times, but the students need us. Please become a substitute teacher and help the future generation. If you don't, that's just one less person they have
Omg Nate when you said geometry in the 1st grade how many of us would have been in trouble? Lol. I bet you were phenomenal & no wonder the kids wanted you to come back the next day!
You did a great job Nate, in another life you could have been a teacher! As an Australian though I was surprised and a bit concerned at how easy it was to become a relief teacher in the US, without even having a teaching qualification? Here you have to be a registered teacher, regardless of whether you’re doing full time or casual/relief work. There’s years of training required to be a good teacher, vs a 2 hour online tutorial. Even the volunteer week-long tutoring programs I used to do required more hours of training than what this news packet showed.
It's not just Idaho. Every state has their requirements. I've been in several different school districts & usually it's just a day, just follow the lesson plan & keep everybody where they need to be. It's not so bad.
There is also a pay descrepency. In more socialized countries teaching is all regulated, in the USA you are a contractor in most districts. You get paid minimum wage (about 75 a day if you are lucky) PRE-TAX, and if you 'long term' sub it can be as much as 120 a day. But no benefits, no support, no training, no credentials, and negative respect status from society. You really are better off just working in fast food. Unless you are attracted to the service aspect and it sounds better than all-day volunteering somewhere.
@@fortusvictus8297 WHAT. Are you serious. That is abhorrent. I've heard American full time teachers already get paid pitiful salaries, and then substitute teachers are working for less than retail/fast food wages? Unacceptable
haha that lady is smart - no grading, no lesson planning, don't have to deal with kids that misbehave. at first i wondered why she didnt get a teaching credential in all of those years of subbing but it makes sense.
I am a certified teacher but worked as an assistant for the same reasons. When I leave the building, I have no more responsibilities. My time is my time!
It's funny. My sister went to school and got a degree in education and her teaching certificate. After seven years of constantly applying at hundreds of school districts, everyone within a two hour commute in her New England home, she never got a full time teaching job. She subbed off and on for almost ten years. She was never used more than three or four days a month. It wasn't that she had an undesirable resume. It wasn't that that she didn't do well in an interview. It was that there were a dozen applicants for every opening and most towns gave priority to people who lived in that town and my sister lived in a tiny rural New England town where there was typically only one teaching job opening every three or four years and most went to relatives of employees of the schools in that town. She moved there after college. It was a little cliquish, the town as much as the school. So she eventually gave up altogether and went into occupational therapy. She's now 55 years old and has completely lost interest in teaching. She never renewed her teaching certificate. And in her area, all subs must have a degree in education, preferably a master's degree and a teaching certificate. My sister would have made a wonderful teacher. She home schooled her children who all graduated early with a 4.0 gpa. Her oldest got a full ride scholarship to an Ivy League university where he later was appointed a professor then dean, the youngest one in that school's history. Now he works for a think tank somewhere top secret. Her middle child finished high school at 16 and got her Bachelors at 19 and is so successful at what she does that she's almost a household name and quickly gaining celebrity status. Her youngest child is currently attending an Ivey League university, a different one from the oldest and is also enjoying a full ride scholarship. He is currently maintaining a 4.0 gpa and his goal is the supreme court. He already has a recommendation for a clerking position by his professor who is friends with a justice. That is all the result of my sister's teaching prowess. Yes her kids have above average IQ's but they are not geniuses. They had a truly gifted teacher prepare them for the world. One the world shunned and will otherwise not enjoy the benefit of her talents other than through her children. So now there is a teaching shortage.
Nate! I hope that others will be inspired to give subbing a try. I began substitute teaching 8 years ago when I retired from my professional job and I absolutely love it. Thanks for doing this story!
I am a middle school librarian I got my sub license for this reason I was being pulled to sub often and the sub shortage is state wide in our district in Colorado subs are near impossible to obtain. Thanks for representing hard working people who enrich childrens lives.
I'm a HS teacher in San Francisco and we're experiencing a substitute shortage as well. I and my colleagues, the admin are all scrambling to cover each other's absences. One of the reasons I think we have a hard time getting subs is the post covid climate in the classroom. The ninth & tenth graders never got socialized to HS and have a VERY hard time giving up their cell phones, not talking over each other, focusing on the lesson and completing their work. I commend the reporter here for giving it a shot. Teaching can be very rewarding but when you're in the trenches it can be demoralizing.
Awwwww!!! Love this video! I’m retired now cuz of Covid. But I LOVED my job working with special needs kids. Working in elementary is so different from high school. They both have different advantages. I planned on working in high school but fell in love with all the young children in elementary. Never looked back. The boys especially love having male teachers. Such a great asset. Miss my beloved job.
Q Hints on SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS: #1 requirements to be a substitute teacher varies from state to state. #2 in California it takes longer than 20 minutes to become a substitute teacher because applicants vary in time district to district as does the daily pay rate and time you need to spend in school. You need a B.A. DEGREE Pass the CBEST Pass the CIA/FBI criminal background check. (You pay out of pocket) Interview and get hired #3 A 1 day experience is a toe in the water. FULL EXPERIENCE INCLUDES #1 drills: lockdown arm intruder, fire 🔥, earthquake. #2 Elementary, Middle and High School. #3 Special Education, special needs students. Hint: chairs thrown across the room. Disrespectful high school students. Students attacking each other with pens 🖊 or suicide. Illegal drugs brought on campus. Theft of your belongings or that of children stealing from other children. Elementary kids throwing sand at each other and jumping in puddle on rainy days. 🌧 Rainy day schedule. COLUMBINE?!.... Q
Correct! They gave him good assignment bc he was a reporter. Bottom line. Most first grade classes do not have aides or principal there to support the guest teacher. You are on your own.
I enjoy substitute teaching. I like the flexibility I’ve had to take care of my family’s needs and still make a little money. There’s nothing better than hearing kids cheer “Yay, Mrs. H. is here today!” They’re so cute. Edited to add: I’ve only substituted high school and middle school. I have volunteered in reading and math fluency and Junior Achievement (financial literacy) for elementary school. It really is rewarding.
For me, Its the complete lack of discipline now days. I subbed for years and enjoyed as much as I didn't. In the end I ended up homeschooling my child after seeing the mind frame of his generation.... lack of morals is putting it nicely. It has become a society that I don't want him to be a part of and the modern education system is a whole other issue.
And who raised the generation that's raising kids right now? It would be nice if for once someone didn't bash us gen z kids for something we don't have control over but instead they would look at the bigger picture. All of us are being raised by parents who were raised in an era where beating, emotionally abusing and treating your kid like a stranger because you are not their friend was normal and legal and because of that parents nowadays are going to the other extreme and they are being way too soft with their kids because they don't want their kids to grow up with emotional trauma like they did.
Michigan is in the same boat. They've even now said that custodians, parapros and secretaries can sub in a class if needed. As a secretary, I have no teaching skills like that and then you will answer the phones. Middle school and high school is different ballgame. The disrespect is so out of control, even before covid.
A video on what you had to do to become a substitute teacher might be really helpful for those who might be interested in doing so. I'd love to however I cannot due to my background :(. Nothing against kids, but a felony kind of ended pretty much every opportunity out there to do anything like being a substitute teacher...as well as being a foster parent or being able to adopt.
I want to say if the shoe fits wear it. You are already a teacher of sorts. Those children were fortunate to have you. Via RU-vid you make the world a better place. You and all your crew that takes what it is to make. God bless you and yours and all that surround you.
I used to be a substitute teacher and like she said you don't have to make a lesson plan. None of the hard stuff. Now it all computerized you get on the site and pick your assignment. I loveddd it.
Yes, subs are needed but not the kind who are going to do it for a day or two. First, it's expensive for a district to put a sub in the system, and second, no reporter is ever going to be given a typical class. They are going to get the smallest class and best students the district can find.
First, I appreciate that you were brave enough to actually do this and walk a mile in their shoes. 1st grade, though... Try a middle school or high school classroom. Clear that is a district with ample resources. Try one with over 50% free and reduced lunch. You talked nothing about compensation for your time. How does it relate to your salary? How does it compare to other jobs in the area? Most subs get paid less than servers and bartenders at local restaurants, less than mangers at fast food restaurants, and a whole host of other jobs that take no training, whereas subbing usually requires at least and undergraduate degree (or it used to).
While I work more hours than the high school students that I sub, they often time make more per hour at their part time jobs. I had one girl in my class that worked as an Assistant Manager at a pizza place, she made more per week than I did subbing everyday.
I love substitute teaching it is the perfect job for me where I am at life right now. If you are a good substitute you can be rewarded through students calling your name and being respected by the teacher. Sometimes your relationship with your teachers is much more important with the office managers. Office managers either love you or don’t need you as much. If a school doesn’t value and Tou feel like your pay is low you can easily find another district. That’s the great part of this job… It’s an amazing experience.. Be flexible, be calm, and learn how to let things go. While also being stern!!! Kids can have an easy day only if you create the environment for them to have it. At the same time, you can’t be a miracle worker. Choose your battles but get results… You will be recognized for your efforts during this time. Substitute teaching for one day is NOTHING!!! Thank yku…
The last time I subbed was back in September (2021). I was subbing at a school where I've subbed several times before. It was a sixth grade class. The teacher's lesson plans were so-so. There was an hour long reading class that was not prepared well. He said something like another teacher would have a plan for it. When she saw that note, I could tell she was dismayed. We couldn't get the computer/smart screen to work very well and, once again, a neighboring teacher also couldn't get it working. I had a lot of improvisations to do that day. The principal stopped in at the top of the day and gave a rah-rah speech to the kids and then I never saw him the rest of the day. A teacher came into the room from across the hall and yelled at the kids who weren't keeping their face masks up (although I politely kept reminding them throughout the day). Some of the kids were well-behaved, too many were mouthy or needy or just plain mean - - to me and their classmates. As I was trying to show the kids how to simplify fractions, one kid piped up with, "we don't have to simplify them." Well, huh. I showed them anyway. I realize kids will act differently with a sub than with their regular teacher and I've been both for many years. They did give subs a raise this year - - $5 more per day. I don't think we need to be feted or anything, but I think the absent teacher needs to make sure there are proper lesson plans with all materials on hand, the principal or counselor or other teachers should be popping their head in a few times throughout the day, just to make sure the kids are aware that people are watching them. Don't get me wrong; I've had some great classes over the years, but as the years go by, I see more and more of the . . . not-so-great classes.
Subs in some Illinois districts are hired on full-time with health insurance and a decent annual salary. Unfortunately, not all districts have the funds.
I no longer teach elementary classes, after 18 months off school they need too much. I stick with high school classes (every single day here in Oregon)
I’m an elementary school librarian in Oregon. The 2nd grade is the hardest grade this year though usually they are one of the easiest grade levels. I think having only had 2/3 of a school year in Kindergarten then 1.33 years of online and/or hybrid learning before beginning 2nd grade really made establishing classroom culture and routines much more challenging. Been teaching since the 1990’s. Taught through the long illness and then death of my son in November 2016 (couldn’t afford time off) and from a physical standpoint, this has been an equally challenging year. I have no social life, too tired.
They pay $12.50 an hour with a required bachelors degree. $12.71 with a teaching certificate. Only $10.26 if you’re subbing as an aid. $200 bonus if you’ve worked 80 hours in a month.
That sounds like a good school day, but it was short! I just retired in another state; the doors opened to the kids at 7 am so no teacher was at home making lunch at 7:15! And the day went on until 2:45.
