PontifiKate

You know, they’re always looking for subs…

Two months ago I returned from France. Tired (a word my French sister always mispronounced), I laid low for a while before really beginning the job hunt in earnest. Well, the hunt’s been on for a while now, and while I’m the first to admit that I don’t exactly have tunnel vision about it, I’m kind of surprised that I’m still looking. I guess I’m just a weird mix of completely open and kind of picky when it comes to job options. Of course, it’s all complicated by the fact that I’d like a decent job now that I can keep while I examine other, more long-term possibilities, etc. and it’s hard to get a good job when you can’t promise to stay very long (not that I’m advertising that fact).

For a long time, subbing in the public schools was my ace in the hole. “If all else fails, I’ll just sub when school starts.” There are four things that people always say about subbing. 1) It’s hard work. 2) It’s good pay. 3) It’s really flexible. 4) They’re always looking for more people to sub. I already know that I can teach and that I like it fine, though I don’t have plans to make a career out of it at this time. I’m a musician and speak French, making me a desirable replacement for any who teach in those areas. But mostly, I considered subbing because I thought it’d make a nice place holder while looking for something more stable. SO when school got close and I still didn’t have anything, I turned in a subbing application. Guess what I found out!

The first problem with subbing is that “local substitute teachers” (those who aren’t certified to teach) can only sub for 37 days each school year. Puh-lease. The only people who can sub year-round are certified teachers who probably want a class of their own. The second problem is that it takes three stinkin’ weeks to get your “local substitute teacher certificate.” The third is that the application process will probably take a month in all because LPSDO has to do checking before you can apply for said certificate. And once you’ve jumped through all those hoops, you’re only allowed to sub for just shy of two months! Basically, why go to all that trouble if you’re not in school planning to get your REAL teaching certificate, in which case you’ll probably hope to do more that just sub, leaving the schools AGAIN with a lack of substitute teachers. No sympathy here.

And that’s the main reason that I probably won’t pursue an occupation in teaching. I just can’t stand all the hoops which, in the end, don’t necessarily keep poor teachers out and good teachers in, but merely ensure that all your teachers are hoop-jumpers. More power to ’em! In the words of Derek Zoolander, “Sorry, Maury. I’m not a gymnast.”

So all that makes me… still looking! But I’ve got other stuff in the works, and something should happen pretty soon, so save your pity -- but thanks. :o)

posted by Kate @ 11:29 AM