Two Out of Three...

Even after more than ten "school years", I'm always a bit apprehensive with the first few assignments of a new school year.

It's a bit like taking that first plunge into a pool on a hot summer day. No matter how many times you've done it before, you KNOW that it's going to be a few moments of shock the 1^st time and then it will be ok.

Some schools are still trying to figure out how to do common core stuff so I was able to pick up my first three classes this week while teachers are in training.

My first assignment Tuesday was in 6^th grade at the country club school. I knew most of these kids from last year in 5^th so we all knew what was expected and they delivered. A really easy/fun day for me to start the new year
 
Wednesday was for a 5/6 combo (mix of 5^th & 6^th graders) class. Again, this class was an eager fun group to work with.

Thursdays are minimum days in this district. School lets out grades 1-6 pretty much after lunch. Subbing assignments are rare, as the district pays us by the "day" and not the "hour". Getting an assignment on a minimum day is like getting a Christmas bonus.

So when I got an unexpected call for a Thursday 11:30am half day in a 4 ^th grade class, I snapped it up. I should be in and out of the classroom in less than two hours, take a leisurely lunch somewhere and be home 02:00pm.

I arrived at the school office on time, told them I was here for Mr. M and signed in. The secretary handed me a roll sheet and a key labeled "K1"

"You're in Kinder room K1"

I must have had a stunned look because the secretary asked me: "You are here for Mr. M's afternoon Kindergarten, right?"

Me: "Uh...no, the assignment is listed as a half day for Mr. M in 4th grade."

The secretary read the assignment page I handed her. 

Sec: Uh Oh! He was teaching 4^th last year but he was moved to Kinder this year. It appears that the district office hasn't updated his status yet.

Trying to control 25 attention challenged Kinders for 3.5 hrs pretty much did me in.

...taking Friday off

While waiting for that first substitute teaching call, I'm dreaming for something else.

They are BACK in class...Hooray!!

Still on Summer Break...

The sub line called Monday but I wasn't home so I missed the first assignment. Since classes resumed today, I assume that I missed an assignment for the first day of school.

Online Public School?

 I noticed an ad for a program called "Online Public School" show up on the blog tonight (if you're interested and it doesn't appear, you can click the link k12.com), but that wasn't what got my attention. 

If all public school education goes "online" in the future, what does the job of the "substitute teacher" become? 

....pretty bleak I'm guessing