Whenever people ask me what I do, I, with a distinctly apologetic voice say, I am just a sub, a substitute teacher. People who have never done this kind of work frequently react to that statement with sympathy - perhaps even caused by my own apologetic voice. Being "just a sub", makes me feel lesser. I know how hard it is - to go to different classes, with different students, different rules, different co-workers, different lesson plans, different equipment, etc. I should be proud of the work I do and I am.
But sometimes I feel like I am invisible. Sitting with a group of teachers eating lunch, and no one talks to you. Asking a question and getting the shortest possible answer that isn't rude. Contributing to a discussion and getting no response. Other teachers aren't rude, but it is one of the hazards of being a sub, especially a new sub in a new district. Teachers are too busy with their own thoughts and concerns and the subs are rather like place-holders.
Interestingly, the administration and the custodians have been, IME, consistently nice. They talk to me, they smile at me, they act like they are glad I am there. And, once I get to know a school or a specific department, the teachers start to treat me like I am a real person. I just wish that they would do so a bit sooner.
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