Substitute while I finishied my Masters: Each campus is unique.
Pros
Substituting for the high school students is the best. All high schoolers were way ahead of me at that time in my life. You can tell that the culture and academic difficulty has truly paid off by their last few years of high school. Students are quite easy and mature enough to understand that you're a sub, and they will take it easy on you if you present yourself well and are easy going. The kids will impress you with there knowledge and drive if you ask them about their future. They are damn humorous too. The AESOP system that calls you, or which you can look up on internet for jobs is wonderful. If I didn't feel like substituting bc of something big due at the university, then no problem, there's no assistant principle on the other line being disappointed. Since there are tones of campuses all over the RGV, then there is usually work for you on most days. Because I'm big on education, and I know IDEA is truly getting these kids to college and getting them excited about it, I'm into most of the culture! (Except "sweating the small stuff," I'm too easy going). The teachers look like they are really trying as well, and seem highly educated from a variety of university's, or from different parts of the U'S which I feel is a good thing for kids born in the RGV.
Cons
Middle schoolers are 28-34 students to a class. From what I believe, this is due to the trouble makers not being weeded out yet, still, This is ridiculous, especially at their hyperactive age. Pay! $85 a day while other subs who have a degree are getting $115 at other ISDs. AESOP made up for it for me though. Even when I graduated with my Masters and was working until job offers came in, there was no pay bump. Just an email from the sub supervisor telling me her regrets, nothing can be done. Starting at 7:30 on the dot, and ended at 4 to 4:30- which is too early of a start, and too long of a day for $85. I woke up at 5:45am everytime I decided to sub. Big change from my last 9-5 job as a sales rep. They expect you to help in the front office or other places during your off period... Again, for $85. This could equate to carrying heavy things and other menial tasks...something I believe a student helper could definitely accomplish.
