In a place like New York State there is an abundance of teachers being turned out from three or four major colleges each year. There are literally no teaching jobs. I sub in two districts and found two strange choices for their long term subs. One was a retired teacher, who had taught at that district all her life and now subs a few days a week. Obvously the school knew her capability but it sounded to me that she didn't really enjoy the experience. The other was a woman who had no teaching experience or educational schooling. It frustrates me that these districts are hiring retired or 'unqualified' people while I'm still subbing day by day. What is going on? Does this happen in your districts?
Oh yes! Can I tell you how angry I was in April? A teacher who I had subbed for quite a lot this year, went on maternity leave. Before she left I asked about having her spot for the rest of the year. They told me it had already been filled. I finally found out who filled it. Someone UNcertified. I am certified WITH teaching experience. I think the reason is because it's cheaper to hire HER to teach for the rest of the year than to hire ME who is certified. So instead I get to get by subbing day to day and sometimes NO days at all, the way things are going right now.
I haven't heard who gets the LTS around here. Most of the time, it is retired teachers. Depending on how long the LTS is, uncertified or certified you get the same amount of pay.
It might have a lot to do with office politics. I don't live in the North, but I have seen my fair share of really prestigious jobs go to people who are otherwise unqualified or ungrateful. What's really sad is that many of these people slowly wreck the education system because they lose control of their students or don't put any effort into their lesson plans. But somehow these people get those jobs, and I think it's because a lot of them have no shame. They shamelessly promote themselves and puff up their qualities. A good portion of them will shove their responsibilities on other people so that they can be seen taking MORE responsibilities and make themselves look good. They will also never admit to any of their faults because being humble and honest only reveals weaknesses that can lose you jobs. They have an incredible charm factor and learn to network to get what they want. Now I'm not saying be a dirty snake oil salesman like a lot of these people are, because in the end they wind up being lousy teachers with little or no classroom control, but certainly being a little more shameless *might* help. I don't know you at all, but it sounds like you might be more of a humble, practical person who rightly examines their capabilities and doesn't falsely puff them up. Personally I wish more people could be like that, but sadly it's the other group of people who snag the jobs.
LOL I seem to be horrible at expressing myself lately. In my long rant I meant to say that shameless promotion helps those kinds of people network and get to know people who will get them jobs. Again, self-promotion isn't bad, but I just can't stand it when the person is obviously bragging above and beyond his or her capabilities. *Shrug* I think I am still slightly bitter that I was duped by a person that I met while going to college who used me to get a really rare electives position (because I knew the principal). I thought this person believed in discipline and was more knowledgeable and passionate about the subject area. But later I found out that she lets her students do whatever they want which makes it hell on subs, doesn't put any effort into helping them get into contests (she says it's too much effort to fill out a couple pages of paperwork...but in not doing her job she is costing these kids the opportunity of achievement and recognition), and doesn't even bother learning more about her content (I know far more than she does, and friends of mine at her school who teach different subjects know more about her content than she does). Now I am thoroughly embarrassed for recommending her at all. So I am probably a bit more cynical than I should be. Hopefully as time passes that will lessen.
YaoShao I hear what your saying. I'm not one to 'puff' myself up but it seems like I'm going to have to in order to even get an interview around here. I'm fully qualified, I just don't have an 'in' so to speak.
It's good that the other districts hire qualified individuals for the most part. And AF, I am lucky to get days from two different districts but many days go to retired teachers who are still subs.
It is unfortunate that there are literally no jobs in NY state. I am grateful to be in a somewhat better scenario here in TX where the positions are merely rare and geographically dispersed. I would gently point out that * a "these people" label might be misinterpreted as a slight by the more sensitive among us. (I did not perceive it that way) * it is not necessarily true that 'not certified' != 'unqualified'. It is possible to be highly qualified vis a vis NCLB and lack certification. * It might be productive to strike up a pleasant conversation with the two LTS teachers mentioned above and ask if they have any advice for other subs looking for LTS positions.
Fratermus, thanks for responding. I do understand that they are not all 'unqualified' because they are not certified. Heck, the retired teachers have more experience than I do! But my point is that I went to college for this, paid money and passed my cert exams, and then paid and waited for my actual certifications. I feel I deserve a chance to put these things to use! I have spoken with the LTS as well as day by day subs and they are very nice people. I make it a point to share my story and get theirs. It still puzzles me though since there are so few jobs and sooo many new teachers.
Unfortunately, shoortingstar, getting your degree doesn't guarentee you a job. It just means that you passed the tests. Now you have to work your tail off to get a job. Most of the teachers I know had to sub until they got a break. It stinks. It is hard. And it doesn't pay well. But it is life. It is like that in most every profession. You start at the bottom and work your way up. Hang in there. It will get better.
I do not understand how that school district could make someone who is not certified in NYS a long term sub. I am not certified and was told the max # of days I could work in school district is 40 days. I am subbing for some districts on Long Island. This is also noted on the NYS Dept of Ed website. This person must have political connections but at the same time the district is violating the law.
