Vintage

Dear Barbara,

 I’m 56 year old laid off man with a background in business. Being a victim of the economic downturn, I can see that finding a job in my field may be impossible.

I have decided to try Substitute Teaching.  My only experience is helping my own kids with their homework. I have a Bachelor’s Degree, which qualifies me to sub in our  school system.

I bought your book, Substitute Teaching from A-Z. I found it to be very helpful, especially for the elementary grades. But what about High School? I feel that I will be better suited for that age group. Any special tips for the challenge of older students?

Regards,
Brian from MA

Dear Editor,
     I retired June 1, 2009 after 35 years of teaching elementary regular education and special education students.  Today was the first day of my my life as a "Substitute Teacher"...yes, in the trenches!! I was a substitute in my home school district that I taught in for 24 years.  I didn't realize until today what a "LOWER CLASS" of people substitute teachers are made to feel like!!!  I met former teachers and co-workers in the hallway that never even made eye contact or took the opportunity to welcome me back ...to the trenches.
     Am I a lower being than I was 3 months ago when I was under a formal teacher contract with this school? I pray that the love , care, kindness and helping hand I have shared with substitute teachers in my schools over 35 years could be returned to me in some small ways........maybe that's too much to ask of the employees of a school.
    THANKS to my TRUE friends that shared hugs and smiles with me today!  I hope I can remember some bit of positive from my day......yes, maybe it was the little third graders that loved me for who I was.....a being with a caring and concerned heart.....a "real person"....their "Guest Teacher"!!
~anonymous

I AM A CRAFTSMAN
by Jessica Edwards-Englestead

I am a craftsman.
I work with many tools in my trade,
In a variety of mediums—
Some large, some small
They come in many colors—
Each has its own beauty.
Some are hard and rigid as steel,
Others are as soft and malleable as tin.
Some are entrusted to me for a long time,
Others are in my care for a few days.
Each will leave a lasting impression.
With each I have to work with the flaws
Others have caused or despaired of.
Some flaws were accidental, others purposeful.
I search to find a way to lighten the scars
Or correct the errors others have made
And that other artisans may finish the process
Of developing the beauty within.
Each project is unique in its own way
Most will be of use to others
While a few sad ones will be discarded
But, hopefully, not until after
Many like myself, have done everything
To try to save them.
Every day I delve deep inside
To get the inspiration of how to
Know when to apply pressure,
And when to use a gentle hand.
I won’t become famous or rich for my work,
But my reward comes from the satisfaction
In seeing the finished project I had a hand in
And knowing that I will live forever
Through all that it touches and inspires.
This is a reward beyond measure.
I am a craftsman…for I am a teacher.

Substitute Teacher Day - November 20, 2009
http://www.nea.org/grants/34722.htm

"Teacher - Substitute Teacher's Day

Substitute Teacher Day is a product of the NEA (National Educator Association) and strives to increase the information and appreciation of the substitute teacher. It trues to increase respect, encouragement to provide continual professional development, advocate for better wage and health benefits, and provide a reminder for the respect that substitute teachers deserve.

Substitute Teacher Day is observed on the Friday during the American Education Week. In 2005, the date was November 18, 2005. You can see more at the NEA website.