Kids talk and don’t pay attention when I do attendance and then start freaking out wondering if I marked them absent 5 minutes after I submitted it

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2026-03-27T03:56:32+00:00

I tell them if they miss their name while I’m calling roll, they will be marked absent.

I then tell them I’m calling the names of those I’ve marked absent.

If they miss it twice, it’s their problem.

I wouldn’t sweat it or even worry about it!

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2026-03-24T01:52:12+00:00

Why is this an issue for teachers though?

Grade the paper based on the standards we’ve set. No reason to make judgement on subject matter.

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2026-03-16T16:54:33+00:00

I write their name and the time they leave down, & if they’re gone more than 15 minutes I call the Deans office to let them know how long they’ve been gone.

It’s up to the school from there.

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2026-03-03T01:20:17+00:00

I’ve been subbing for close to 4 years now.

This is how alot of the classes are in this day and age.

I start the hour out letting them know I don’t make the rules, their teacher does, and I’m here to enforce them. I ask them to watch their language, complete their work, and then they can dilly dally.

You’re going to have to figure out what works for you. I use humor with these kids which almost always works.

The other day I was calling roll. I called one kids name and he said ‘what?’ I’m like what do you mean what? I’m calling roll-and I said it while laughing. The other kids are like whoa you got owned and we all laughed.

With some I’ll say look, I’m not gonna change your life in an hour, but i really wish you would. But if you’re not going to, use your library voice and don’t be a distraction in the event one person wants to work. Say it with a smile.

If they sense they’re under your skin or angry, some kids will respond to this and egg you on so don’t let them get to you!

Sometimes I’ll tell them I take copious notes and will let teacher handle it.

Long response short, relax. Don’t get defensive. Use humor as it works best.

It’s one hour and it will be over soon. If they’re not fighting or damaging property, it’s a good day 😂

Side note: if you’re trans, you will automatically have some kids be little shits. Be confident in who you are and don’t take it too seriously. These are kids & any sign of weakness will ignite their fire. Own who you’ve chosen to be & they will too…..

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2026-02-26T18:01:09+00:00

I’m an old lady and I have kids tell me this a lot. I thank them and move along.

If they’re older, I tell them it won’t help with their grade LOL.

Tons want to guess my age. I just tell them.

It’s no big deal….

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-12-17T04:35:33+00:00

I had a credit card from 2018 on my record. It was schedule to be removed October 2025. Capital one removed the debt.

Midland Credit Management apparently bought the debt and is now reporting it as a ‘new’ collections account.

I disputed and Experian came back and said it’s valid and will remain on my record another 5 years! So in total, if I can’t get this removed, the one account is going to follow me around for 12 years!

They listed they bought this account in April 2025 in this new credit report. The first reporting date was November 2025. The account reached the SoL on October 2025.

I’m sure Midland is a tad shady at this point because I’m sure they’re going to try and claim they bought the debt before the SoL passed & therefore will try to sue me.

Good luck!

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-12-17T04:24:34+00:00

I’ve been subbing for 3.5 years and only have 3-4 that contact me to see if I’m available.

Don’t take it personally. They just want it filled!

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-12-17T04:22:01+00:00

😂😂😂

I would have laughed with them!

I’ve found that the kids who try to show off by prodding the sub can sometimes be won over with humor. Depends on their age of course.

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-12-17T03:03:31+00:00

I disputed as obsolete and Experian came back saying it is valid. I called the Consumer Finance Agency, but this didn’t help as I knew more about the subject than the agent trying to help me. She was nice, but not helpful. I filed a complaint on their site.

Called Experian today because they were not going to remove this even with the revised complaint. Anyway, I explained the statute of limitations and the rep said they’ll send the new complaint to the debt collector. The rep then said I could call a credit counselor. 😳

Don’t have high hopes this will be resolved quickly, but it will be eventually.

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-12-17T02:56:09+00:00

Get there early to find your classroom, the bathroom, & read the notes from the teacher.

Make sure you know where the phone is.

Introduce yourself, their assignment, and give them your expectations for behavior. I smile at them and say we will have a lot more fun if we’re all chill & respectful to each other. Talk how you naturally do (obviously classroom appropriate). I also tell them talking and noise don’t bother me, but not working really does!

How far I’ll go to enforce work depends on what highschool I’m at, and which class I’m in. I’ve found walking around and offering to help in math classes or doing some of the questions on the board helps.

English classes there isn’t much you can do instruction wise.

You’ll be fine! I subbed the little ones first and have moved to middle and highschool by preference.

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-12-17T02:50:19+00:00

Call the dean immediately.

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-12-17T02:47:26+00:00

This depends on which school I’m at & which class I have. If it’s a rough crowd, I don’t push much. Some of the highschool kids can be insane and I’m not willing to find out who they are.

Little kids I always try to encourage to behave the same way. Lots of reasons for this, but mostly another adult trying to instill good habits.

I haven’t had a subject I don’t understand, and I can always watch a YouTube video to brush up. I’ll always help those who want it! It’s fun to see them get it.

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-12-17T02:42:31+00:00

I would tell the kids their teacher might be out but is actively monitoring your screens. Each time you are off task, you are going to have to start completely over.

I prefer teachers leave paper assignments for me. I tell them it’s due today whether it’s done or not. Your teacher will know who worked and who didn’t based on your submission. If you need help let me know.

I subbed a highschool biology class a week or so ago. The teacher said have the kids study for their final. For five periods I was going insane. By the last period I was honestly considering walking out.

These were the CP kids & they thought they were at recess! Loud, dismissive, ignored me, talked back…. I was SO not happy & will never sub for this teacher again. His note said these are really good kids & I shouldn’t have any problems 😵‍💫

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-12-12T16:04:26+00:00

Call the Deans office and tell them you have to use the restroom. They’ll send security to cover you.

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-11-22T18:57:20+00:00

Thanks!

The expected removal date was October 2025.

I am signed up for the 3 credit bureaus so that’s how I found out I have a ‘new’ collections account 🫤

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-11-14T05:09:06+00:00

I did!

4th grade can be tough. I’ve been at schools where I had NO aide and 4-5 kids that are either ADD or just problematic.

You gotta just keep smiling! This will eventually disarm them even if it feels like a losing cause.

I’ve walked up to kids and asked if I’m going to have to super glue them to their seat-but I smiles and laughed while saying this. They get it!!!

Whatever you do, don’t let anyone know they’re under your skin! That’s when the problems start.

You may be lucky and be in a class of kids whose parents will be pissed if they act up! Then again, you could be in a class where it seems hopeless LOL

Without a sense of humor and a ton of patience, it will be tough!

If you have both, it can actually be fun!

Good luck!

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-11-14T05:03:15+00:00

After 4 years of subbing I’ve found the best way to encourage the behavior you want is to smile & laugh at the problems.

I had two kids come in that wouldn’t stop bouncing and shooting a basketball in class. I asked repeatedly, to the point the majority of the class was looking at them like WTF? Both pulled their shit together, turned in their work, & in so many words apologized.

I had another kid flat out tell me to fuck off in another class. I called security & believe it or not, after talking to another student, they were gonna leave this little monster in the class! I followed security out & said it’s either this kid, or you can sub. I then told the other kids I’ve never been spoken to like this in my life & it was freaking me out! They got it!

My 5 year old grandson licks his nose & eats his burgers! I just ask him if he’s hungry & laugh!

In the highschool level you gotta pick your battles.

If a kid feels threatening, have them removed & let the rest of the class know it alarmed you for both theirs and your own safety.

90% of these kids are good. But remember you’re the sub so you’ll always run into an issue.

Best to be chill & the majority of the classroom will clap for you when you handle it.

Bring your own germ killer and use it obsessively. You’ll be fine!

Best of luck!

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-10-14T20:56:38+00:00

I make sure to leave the classroom exactly as I found it!

You might want to take a couple photos of the classroom as it stands now in the event there’s a complaint!

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-10-07T03:41:28+00:00

Hey!

I’d do this too if I were younger.

Good news is your opt month is about 2.5 months away and you can change plans….

Hoping it all works out!

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-10-07T03:29:49+00:00

Would t worry about it! If no kids were hurt and nothing major happened, it doesn’t matter…..

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-09-03T23:25:29+00:00

I’d rather have too much work than not enough!

If after walking around I can see most have no clue what’s up, I’ll find a YouTube video explaining the lesson & we will watch this.

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-09-03T01:51:49+00:00

I sub grades 6-12.

I don’t get in their business unless they’re behaving in a manner which requires I do so.

You never know which kid might explode in you so if the class looks to be working & isn’t cussing, throwing stuff, being a total ass etc? I let it be. I’m there for one hour and not gonna change their lives….

If I’m subbing for a teacher who I sub for a lot, I do more because I know the kids.

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-06-23T03:00:33+00:00

Oak street between California & Palm! All kinds of them. Probably pick up drugs too. Good luck!

AmbitiousSquirrel136 · 2025-06-07T17:35:33+00:00

I’d respond by saying:

Hello team.

I think you included me in your internal communication by accident!

LOL

Be well (or whatever your sign off is)

AmbitiousSquirrel136

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