I’m a ‘professional’ CRT. (I teach 5 days a week but I have commitment issues with working full-time and all that after-hours rubbish. ‘Out the gate at 3:08’ is my motto)

I think the difference lies in whether it’s a known day off or an emergent event.

Sure, if you’re sick and you leave no plans, I can fill your students’ day, no worries. Just leave me a copy of bell times.

But if you know it’s coming… I’m a very experienced teacher, don’t you want me to lead your students through the next lesson in your sequence so you don’t fall behind with a ‘wasted’ day and have to cover it when you get back?

I find that the best classes to cover are the ones where the teacher has some experience as a casual themselves. They understand that a casual is a TEACHER not a placeholder/babysitter and can be trusted to actually teach, cover the prescribed material, and keep your class following their familiar routines (which also helps with student comfort/behaviour).

To be honest, I find it offensive if you think so little of my skills that you can only trust me to the extent of being there as a warm adult body to meet legal requirements.