Pros
I enjoy being around kids, so mostly the day is enjoyable Really flexible because I get to choose each sub job individually. I can accept or decline assignment through their computer system, so there is no stress. So I can work five days a week or just two or three . . . whatever I feel like for that week. Downtown Substitute Support people are GREAT. If i encounter any problem, they say to not try to handle it ourselves, call them and they will handle it for us.
Cons
When the teacher leaves alot of horrid busy work or you just administer tests all day. . . it can be a boring day. Some of the classes have disruptive kids that are annoying. And as a sub, I cannot discipline . . .I can only write a report to the teacher for him/her to discipline.. Usually, if I have to write a report, though, I hear through the "student grapevine' that the regular teacher absolutely raked that disruptive kid over the coals. So, ya, don't be afraid to write a report to the regular teacher. Then you get the reputation as being the sub who is really nice . . . but don't mess with her because you will regret it. lol But mostly, as soon as the kids see that I respect them and amd like them . . . . they usually treat me nicely, too. Students hate mean subs, so appreciate subs like me. Some individual schools treat their subs like ROYALTY and some treat you a second rate employee. Recommend that you Sub at different schools and find the ones you enjoy being at. and who treat you well. Then pass out your business card to everyone there and accept most of your jobs at those schools. That's a tip - make up your own business cards with your name, email, and phone number. When you take a sub job off the computer list and find that you like that teacher's classes . . . leave a nice note on the teacher's desk with your business card. Often that teacher will call you the next time she is out instead of just posting the opening on the conputer system. for any sub to take.