New Sub, rough week

[NEOHIOSub]

Hi! My name is Sarah, and I'm a first year sub. I'm not state cert. as a teacher because I'm a class shy of getting through OH's alt-cert program. So, I'm a work in progress...

I was hoping for some thoughts on what is proving a really sticky question.

In our district, there is one school that gets a really bad rap. It's an inner city school with a lot of gang activity and a lot of violence issues. For the first time ever, I taught there last week. I went in feeling brave, and until 6th period, I had no problems that I couldn't handle. Then all heck broke loose.

I'm ready for and comfortable with a certain level of rowdiness in any class, but these kids were off the hook. Four in the back broke out the cards and began playing pitty-pat for money (and I mean A LOT of money). I stepped over and asked them to put the cards away. Of course, they ignored me (I even got the hand up in my face. Nice.) Well, being the wannabe harda$$, I stood my ground and DEMANDED they put the cards away or give them to me. That's when the student began threatening me and telling his classmates to attack me. Thankfully, no one did. I stood my ground, a foot from him, trying to get him to put the cards away. Finally, the bell rang.

So, my question is this: In a rough inner-city school, what is the best course of action for a sub? Should I have ignored his playing cards? Was I wise to stand up to him? How close was I to getting hurt? How do you full-time teachers manage classes like this?

My husband and father have begged me not to go back to this school. Am I a fool for disagreeing? Inside, I think standing up to this kid was the best thing I could have done. Backing down would have taught him that he could bully any sub or teacher, and I like to think I proved him wrong. If I refuse to ever go back, he'll think he scared me. And I don't want him to have that victory over me or any other hard-working sub.

I did report him to the office (since security never came when I called them up when they first started playing cards), and the principal said they planned on throwing the student out of school... In all, a heartbreaking day I want to make into a good learning experience instead of just a frightening memory.

Any thoughts from the pro's out there?

[Clix]

(since security never came when I called them up when they first started playing cards)

Don't go back.

EVER.

[seastarmath]

I agree with Clix. Security never came when you called. If they want subs at this school, things have got to change.

Its not worth your sanity or your life. Don't go back.

[SS Rocks!]

I truly respect you standing up to the student and insisting he put the cards away. I think you did the right thing.

Although I am unfamiliar with the school and can't make a truly informed decision, I'm going to have to jump on the "don't go back...EVER" bandwagon. There's no reason you should risk your personal safety. No teacher, sub or not, should have to work in an environment like that.

[NEOHIOSub]

I agree with Clix. Security never came when you called. If they want subs at this school, things have got to change.

Its not worth your sanity or your life. Don't go back.

Easier said than done, unfortunately. No amount of money is worth getting injured for... but if I refuse a subbing opportunity, the SubFinder system bumps me down as an "undependable" substitute and then I get fewer calls. As it is, I am down on the list because I needed a few days off when my sitter went out of town. Now I have to take whatever calls I get. I'm trying to get on board with some of the other nearby districts, but that has proven a slow process. In the meantime, thanks for your thoughts. I know that a time will come that I get called into that school again. I just hope it's a nice long time.

[seastarmath]

We have a sub finder system at my school too, but sometimes we sidetrack that. If our secretary knows we will be out, she lines up a sub herself. We have a few favorites we use all the time. We only go to sub finder when they are already assigned. Maybe get to know people at one large school. I know we keep our "old faithfuls" working practically full time. It's nice because the kids see them over and over again and view them as part of our faculty. Plus, they know the kids.

[NEOHIOSub]

Seastar - such a good point. I am doing my best to get into one particular high school. I have taught there twice, and I have spent a lot of time chatting with the staff and students. I hope to hear back from them.

Perhaps that's the biggest downside to subbing. For me to work, someone else has to have a bad day (by and large). It's awkward to end a conversation with another teacher by saying, "Well, if you need a day off..." But I make sure I'm positive all the same. I really do like this job.

Today, I teach DRAFTING! I have NO CLUE what the students will be doing - I assume some sort of CAD? I'm not going back to the trouble high school. I actually had an offer I turned down. Maybe I'm not as tough as I thought I was... :(

Thanks again for all the good advice and helpful words.

[Brit]

other teachers don't necessarily need a bad day to book you -- there's all sorts of workshops and training that they take time off to go to (at least where I am). My subbing year, I got bookings MONTHS in advance.

do you have business cards? It's a MUST for getting work without the sub system in my board. leave them with the teachers you talk to, the teachers you sub for, and the administration. I use my sub's cards constantly to bypass subfinder. I'm in Canada, and Staples did 250 for me for $20. I don't know where you can go where you are, but it's worth a look.

[Clix]

Oh yes! I always use up my personal days, and then there's professional leave. Great stuff!

[Helix]

Maybe I'm not as tough as I thought I was... :(


There are a lot of tough people with gravestones and in emergency rooms, too....it's not worth it...

[NEOHIOSub]

Hmm. Point well made. The thought of winding up actually hurt or worse is chilling.

[lynn bambusch]

I was a substitute teacher for years and enjoyed it. But once in a while I would turn down a job. It isn't a matter of being "tough" enough, if security did not come when you called, that should be the end of your time there. Your actions were correct all the way through. Eventually the school won't be able to get any substitutes, so they will have to deal with their problems. Don't worry about not knowing the subject area, the students usually don't expect you to know the materials. Just a hint, print up some business cards with the information needed to contact you, or to request you on whatever system you use. Hand them to the teachers, post them in the staff lounge. And hang in there!

[hweber]

I agree, you may feel that you are not 'tough', but you are safe and healthy!