By Foster Guns, Staff Writer
Imagine coming home from an amazing trip and getting called into work right away. After going in to cover one class, you get word that you’re needed down the hall for the next period, then upstairs for the next. Oh, and by the way, they need you again in another classroom the next day.
This is the story of a substitute teacher’s life in the past year.
With school back in full swing, teachers have continued to be exposed to COVID-19, forcing them into long-term absences, or they’ve had to miss days for “regular” reasons: sick kids, other illnesses, important doctor’s appointments. With teachers being spread thinner than ever, this is where the many amazing substitutes at FFHS come in — coming forward to cover teachers during this time when it’s needed most.
Substitute teacher Susan Blackwell had just gotten home from a trip to Colorado when the school called. Despite a quick turn-around, she took that job — and many others. She maintains a positive attitude and tries to be around to help as much as possible.
“When I taught (full-time) there was a wasted day when we had a sub,” Blackwell said. “I try to make sure I execute the lesson plans and keep the kids on task.”
Claire Strickler, who has been substituting for 14 years, echoes similar thoughts: “Make sure the kids behave and they’re on task, and make sure they don’t abuse the sub.”
Since the pandemic began, substitute teachers have had to step up to the plate because of more teachers being out and some subs choosing not to work any longer. Many substitute teachers did not come back after COVID-19 due to the potential of quarantining or catching the virus. However, Kevin Cox didn’t think twice about it.
“It’s interesting,” Cox said. “People asked me if I was still wanting to sub with COVID going on, (with me) being older and concerned about health issues. I immediately got my vaccination and so I felt much better about it.”
While most teachers only specialize in one or two subjects, substitute teachers have to know it all.
“I’ve done Math, I’ve done Special Ed and I’ve done English,” said Blackwell, a former FFHS Teacher of the Year for her work in the math department.
In some cases, though, a sub’s day is about more than just the subject. The most difficult part for some substitute teachers is keeping kids on task, which is why Strickler prefers harder classes.
“I like the upperclassmen honors kids, because they kind of know where they’re going and what they’re doing,” Strickler said.
Some teachers have more detailed lesson plans, while others are more relaxed, which can change how a substitute teacher manages a classroom. Substitute Justin Keeley, who just started covering classes at FFHS this fall, works hard to create the best learning environment he can.
“I’m just trying to make sure all the students accomplish what their regular teacher wants them to accomplish and also have as much fun as they can,” Keeley said.
While substitutes have come to the rescue for many different teachers during such difficult times, it’s really the students who are the driving force for why they keep coming back day after day.
“These students are here because they want to be here,” Cox said. “They want to be successful and move on. I just love teaching, so I’m here to make sure they get caught up with their work and assignments so they can be successful.”
Sophomore Foster Guns can be reached at 24gunsfo54@daretolearn.org.
