u/Fickle-Shape-68

For context: I used to be a para for a moderate/severe sped class. I was always very welcoming to the substitute teachers in the class, where my fellow paras were always really standoffish and rude to the substitute teacher. They would complain that the sub would do nothing the whole day while we did all the work. In some cases, that was true. However, it wasn’t the sub’s fault since we decided to run the class since we knew more about the daily routine.

Now as a substitute teacher myself, some paras are rude to me, while others can be really sweet and accommodating. I assume some view me as body for the classroom while they do most of the work.

Paras, I know your job is HARD, I’ve been in your shoes. So I always treat the paras with utmost respect, regardless if they decide to respect me or not.

I usually start mentally checking out a hour before lunch. So around 10 or 11 I feel my energy drain. After lunch I pretty much go with the motions and count down the minutes until the day is over 😂

I personally think it’s best in terms of more consistent work. I work for two different districts, the bigger one I rarely work at because jobs get picked up in a mili-second. The smaller district I work for is way easier, and in my opinion, more personable, to get jobs.

The best thing for me is that the smaller district is closer, I get remembered more often by kids and staff, and it’s only elementary to middle school.

I wish I worked more at the bigger district, but I think they hire way more subs, and not everyone can get consistent work that way unless connections are made overtime.

Anyways, just wanted to say how grateful I feel to work for two different districts, and the benefits the smaller one brings me.

I swear every-time I am not walking into or around a school I hear students asking each other that every day. 😂

I am very petite at 5’0 and have a youthful face, so it’s hard to be taken seriously sometimes. It’s a blessing and a curse.

Have any of you been treated like that? I haven’t gotten anything from teachers asking me that question yet, but it would be interesting to hear if any of you have.