Mrs.

Just call me Mrs. (that's what everyone else does when they can't remember my name).

A day off is so much more enjoyable when it feels earned. Now that I've had regular work but it's slowed down for school holidays, it's nice to have an extra day off that I didn't plan on. I've really enjoyed being a substitute more than I thought I would so far (as opposed to having the same regular group of kids to work with).

Four big benefits of being a casual: 1) Low expectations. It doesn't take that much to stand out as a good sub, in my opinion. Yesterday I had a janitor tell me I was the best teacher he's ever seen and, "I hope you come back!", specifically because I had a few kids help me stack some chairs that were in the lunch area when they were done eating. He said he's never seen anyone do that. Really, that's all it takes to be the best? Okay, I can do that. 2) Tomorrow doesn't exist (probably). I do what I can to teach the kids on the fly, but if one of the kids in the class doesn't learn to read or add properly in one day, it won't affect how much I get paid in the future. Obviously I want to be asked back and I do want the kids to learn, but there's not so much pressure. 3) Having to deal very little with parents. Many teachers will tell you one of the hardest parts of teaching has nothing to do with kids, it's dealing with the parents - their expectations and special requests, their complaints, their requests for you to bend the rules for only their kid, their uncooperativeness, etc. I might have to talk to the occasional parent about a question or issue, but I can generally refer them to the office or tell them they need to talk to the regular teacher when he/she returns. Some parents are very lovely, so the downside is I don't get the benefit of getting to know those ones. 4) Variety. I'm always with different kids, although I already have a favorite class that I've had three times. Because of this variety, there are no one or two same kids that test my nerves day in and day out. I get kids like that in each different class that have some similarities, but since it's not the same kid every time I have more patience somehow. Subbing can be many things, but monotonous is almost never one of those things.

Although there are some benefits to being a casual, it's definitely a challenge because you can be handed a class of any age last minute with absolutely no lesson plans or even understanding of the normal functions of the school, and have to wing it without the kids knowing. It's hard to try to learn new names all day every day. Not to mention, there are always little surprises throughout the day, like the specialist reading teacher that shows up to take a small group of them away, and you have to act like you were told they were coming all along. 

I have only been in three different schools so far, but they are all vastly different in their layouts and how they operate. One school is tiny and practically sitting on a highway. Another has pet chickens and bunnies for the kids to learn about. Another is for behaviorally challenged children, only has classes of six, has a swimming pool, and the kids arrive and go home in taxis. It's interesting to see how the differences create a unique atmosphere.

I finally feel like I am doing what I came here to do. It is also nice to be finally getting paid a more appropriate wage for my qualifications. 

Happy Easter holiday break, New South Wales!