Substitutes endure a lot for a little
The following is a Counterpoint column:
By Joanne Gunter
I agree with Terry Westry (Counterpoint, Nov. 10): All state employees deserve a raise.
I would like to thank Gov. Mike Easley or Terry Grier, whoever is responsible for the big raise substitute teachers received this year. This one dollar per day really helped. Or should I say it's a real insult? I think we now make about $7.25 per hour. This was an increase of about 13 cents per hour. Of course, this is the pay for a noncertified teacher. If you are certified, there are a few more dollars. Just a few.
Most of us substitutes are at the schools because we need to subsidize our small retirement income, or in some cases we just receive Social Security. Then there are others who work in the schools until they can obtain a permanent job. In any case, we are in the schools because we need to work, not because it is such a challenging and rewarding job.
There is so much debate over whether Grier should get a raise. I think the board made a good decision. Here are some of the things that Grier should do before a raise is even considered:
Go into the schools (without telling principals ahead of time).
Go into the classrooms as a substitute for one day, not as the superintendent but as a normal substitute.
Watch students throw paper and pencils across the room, throw out profanity, refuse to do any work, or maybe just sleep during the entire class. These are just a few things we deal with during a long day.
Substitutes do the same thing a teacher does: try to present a lesson, keep order in the class and make it through the day.
The writer lives in Reidsville.
Comments (12)
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"The writer lives in Reidsville."
LOL, big interest in Guilford County Schools?
Posted on December 2, 2005 7:28 AM
I'm not going to argue whether substitutes should be paid more. Personally, I think $7.25 is a joke. But if you are going to keep substituting at that price, then it's you who are reinforcing the price being paid.
Posted on December 2, 2005 9:30 AM
The tone of this letter caused me to conclude that his/her main motive for substitute teaching was money. Just money. Show me the money.
This attitude may be why pencils are thrown in the class he/she is in, why kids sleep, cuss and act stupid.
"In any case, we are in the schools because we need to work, not because it is such a challenging and rewarding job."
Here's to those of you who are in it for the money. *hands you my 1.00 per day*
It doesnt cost anything to be NICE to a kid, and the REWARDS, well, you cannot put a pricetag on SOME things. Keep that in mind.
As for going into schools without the principal knowing, forget it. You will be arrested. Nope, can't just go in on a random whim, and decide you wanna be a substitute teacher either, unless you magically get yourself ok'd or something. (where has this writer been?) Counting her money? LOL
Posted on December 2, 2005 9:51 AM
Lilly, I think the precepts (context) of the LTE writer's comments are skewed. Terry Grier could go to a school without prior notice to principle. Terry Grier could substitute without all of the "hoop jumping" that is required. Therefore, I feel the comments made suggesting otherwise are invalid.
Secondly, I do substitute in the GCS System. I can relate to situations that the writer refers. And being NICE to "kid" does not always bring "REWARDS." I know firsthand! Some young adults cannot be treated nicely and respond very well to it. Those like this, often, come from environments that are suspicious of niceness. There are those who do respond positively though. I do acknowledge that. However, to disregard the context of the writer is invalid.
And just for the record, the substitute salary in GCS has not risen in over 10 years. Why ask a substitute to do for low wages what teachers will not? The writer is only seeking to bring to light the inadequacy of that point, at least from my reading. However, then again, I too substitute and know that of which the writer writes.
Shalom
Posted on December 2, 2005 10:20 AM
Daryl a/k/a Shalom man:
Terry G is the top dawg, of COURSE he can do what he wants to.
Invalid? LOL. ok. If I interperted the letter incorrectly, perhaps it is because my realm will not go that far into stupid town.
Your assessment that being nice to a kid will get you pretty much nowhere is INVALID in my book.
I am not a teacher in public schools, but I am personally aquinted with, and involved in the lives of alot of young people from various cultures, backgrounds and ages. I KNOW FIRST HAND what a little kindness can do. It may not always be INSTANT, but it comes if you are patient. The best part, its FREE!
Posted on December 2, 2005 10:41 AM
I make more money working part-time at Old Navy. Now, as challenging as I feel retail work is, I'm pretty sure substitute teachers have more to deal with. (Although they don't have to listen to Christmas music for two months! That should constitute hazard pay in any job!)
Posted on December 2, 2005 12:28 PM
Lilly, once again, I do not feel the words written by me were comprehended.
And insinuating that the original letter writer is "stupid" is simply not appropriate. Disagreeing is one thing, however, stooping to that level equates the behavior that is referenced. Where is the niceness now?
And regarding my use of the word shalom, maybe finding the COMPLETE meaning of that word would be wise. When that is done, contact me personally and I will discuss my use of it. Until then I ask that slanderous comments regarding such be ceased.
Shalom
Posted on December 2, 2005 5:10 PM
blah blah blah.
Posted on December 2, 2005 8:29 PM
Now that is NICE and proves to stimulate dialogue. And yet others are accused of judging and all other sorts of things. Why not address those issues sometime?
Shalom
Posted on December 2, 2005 9:59 PM
*said in my NICEST voice*
Blah Blah Blah, Darryl.
Posted on December 3, 2005 1:22 AM
Only those who have been there can intelligently comment about the things encountered by substitute teacher, known by the students as temporary who have little to say about their future. Since lilly admits to never having been there, her comments, in the context of the letter, are idiotic...including all the blahs she wants to add.
Posted on December 3, 2005 2:41 PM
cutawad, I thank you for voicing what I seemed unable to do in a somewhat more diplomatic way. Then again, we oftentimes forget to consider the source of some postings. I wonder if Lilly's "niceness" with people face-to-face is as "nice" as it is on these blogs?
Shalom
Posted on December 3, 2005 9:44 PM