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In my previous posts, I have mentioned how I became a substitute teacher and the requirements for doing so. In this post I thought it would be necessary to highlight some of the reasons people might hesitate in wanting to become a substitute teacher.  No doubt, anyone that has been in school has a preconceived notion of what it is to be a substitute teacher.  I certainly had my doubts prior to accepting a position and applying as a substitute.  Perhaps if I hadn’t been asked personally by a teacher I trusted, in a school I loved, I may have avoided substituting altogether.  

Why? Well, there are a number of reasons that come to mind, but perhaps it is better if I describe to you what it felt like when I first started substituting.  When I went to orientation, I was given an explicit list of what not to do as a substitute teacher. They all seemed like reasonable guidelines at face value, but when I actually reached the classroom, it became obvious I would need to think on my feet to get anything accomplished in the day. 

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One obvious guideline: don’t touch the students, in any way, under no uncertain terms, for ANY reason  AT ALL.  Seems logical, yes?  Absolutely.  In theory, that is.  In practicality I have found it is necessary for me to do everything from administering band-aids, giving students a pat on the back in recognition for a job well done, to diapering, brushing a student’s hair before pictures, and moving a student that is wheelchair-bound from their seat to a swing at recess. It’s a fine line with many caveats and you have to use your best judgment for what is best for the students and the teachers for whom you are working.  

Another no-no?  Never tell a student that they are not allowed to go to the bathroom or the nurses office for any reason. This again is a liability issue.  As a substitute, I do not know the medical conditions of students and must trust that students are being honest when they make such requests. In actuality, this makes classroom management a nightmare. I remember one of my first positions in a class for a teacher-friend of mine where it seemed the entire class of 27 sixth graders used the bathroom within a 50 minute period.  Some teachers are aware of this instruction given by our substitute agency and kindly leave explicit directions and expectations for when/how students are to request to use the bathroom during class.  These teachers are a godsend, in my eyes. 

These are both just a few of the struggles substitute teachers have to problem solve for on a moment’s notice every day. Other challenges that I have faced include trying to conduct an emergency storm drill in the middle of a lesson, in a school I had never been to, during the last week of school, on a field day. (Murphy's Law is real, y'all).  Ever try to troubleshoot the sound system for a classroom at 7:30a.m. while trying to play the video a teacher has left you for the day as your class of 8th graders are also eating their breakfast?  Bottom line, to be a substitute teacher you have be a pro at multi-tasking, improv, and a jack-of-all-trades while remaining calm and establishing authority and instilling confidence in your students for the day.  

I will end this post on what I consider daily challenges as well, such as mapping the best way to drive to the school you are assigned to during rush hour so you're not late,  or figuring out where in the world you are supposed to park and how to even get into the school so you can sign in for the day and find your classroom.  Sometimes you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of subbing for a teacher who did not leave lesson plans at all for whatever reason.  And if I had a nickel for every time I couldn't find a microwave to heat up my lunch or a bathroom to relieve myself during that sacred planning time; well, my retirement may be only few years away instead of 40. Flexibility is a cornerstone in this field, people.
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It’s certainly not easy, but it has taught me endlessly on how to manage stress under pressure, and how to persevere in the face the most daunting of tasks.  This is not to mention the amazing humans-adults and children-I have met and connected with throughout the process, but that is best left for my next post.  Next time you meet a substitute teacher, instead of asking “Why in the world would you become a substitute teacher?” try asking “When did you discover your super powers?” instead.  

#### You can see my previous blogs for Chronicles of A Substitute Teacher below
 
[June 11, 2017- Where Are My Fellow Educators?](https://steemit.com/teaching/@tltran/chronicles-of-a-substitute-teacher-where-are-my-fellow-educators)
[June 12, 2017- How Did I Even Get Here?](https://steemit.com/teaching/@tltran/chronicles-of-a-substitute-teacher-how-did-i-even-get-here) 
[June 13, 2017-How Many Times Do I Have To Give The FBI My Fingerprints?](https://steemit.com/teaching/@tltran/chronicles-of-a-substitute-teacher-how-many-times-do-i-have-to-give-the-fbi-my-fingerprints)

Stay awesome,

@tltran