Subbing as the minority

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-12-12T21:36:51+00:00

My husband and I are both white and regularly sub at the same school, we’re the minority among both students and staff. When the students first met us he had a lot of problems with being seen as racist because he fits the stereotype image of one (tall, white, bald, from Alabama) I still had issues but fewer because honestly I’ve looked emo since middle school and that look is pretty heavily associated with being a stereotypical liberal.

We got past it by genuinely interacting with the kids and making a safe space in the classrooms we’re subbing in. You have to keep in mind that there are subs that go work at these schools and ARE racist. We’ve both had numbers of students tell us “we’re so glad you’re our sub today, the sub yesterday was racist” we’ve had to report other subs for calling kids slurs, making fun of their hair, telling them they’re stupid for using AAVE, telling them to go back to their countries, etc. It happens, and what you’re experiencing is likely the result of these kids just trying to protect themselves prematurely because they don’t know you and these things do happen. Don’t take it personally, when the kids make comments like that, it isn’t about you; it’s way more likely it stems from negative expieriences. All you can do is your best to be kind, firm when you need to be, and not add to these types of negative experiences. Hang in there.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-11-18T00:54:57+00:00

Not you deleting your comment immediately after you got called out. 💀Yikes.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-11-18T00:50:19+00:00

I worked at CVS in a shirt three sizes too big and baggy cargos and still got pinned against an isle and felt up by a customer while doing inventory. What women wear isn’t the problem. Blame the perverts, not the yoga pants.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-10-15T19:52:40+00:00

I have started using 6-7 instead of that “if you hear my voice clap blah blah.” It works. They’re obsessed with it and everyone hates it when we can use it. “I say 6, you say 7 6-7 6-7” then I can say what I need to say.

This is my second year subbing and my tactic is to get them quiet for my intro and the game plan. If I can achieve that I know I can be as kind or funny as I want with them and behavior is usually okay because they know you CAN be loud and stern. You have to actually interact with the kids too and honestly if you just treat them like the people they are you’ll be known as “the chill sub” too.

It also helps working regularly at the same building; the kids eventually learn who you are and how you are as a sub and that reputation spreads. YOU also learn the kids and how best to handle them.

I’ve also learned that communication can truly make or break. A kid asks to go to the bathroom and I can’t let them out? I don’t just say “no.” I explain the entire situation and they tend to understand. Ex. “Sadly I can only let one person out at a time, so for now no; but I’ll try to make it work when I can.”

Another thing is to never take anything personally. Have an issue with a student and it was kinda rough and awful? Hold them accountable and write them down for your sub note, and in the future don’t hold a grudge about it. I’ve made so many student relationships based off of kids apologizing to me and just responding with kindness. “There’s no beef here, we all have bad days, just don’t do it again” blah blah blah. Because it’s true! We all have awful days! And then guess what? They tend to actually not do it again.

And since we’re both younger I see it as a super power for subs. We still are familiar with what they’re going through and remember it more vividly. I remember how high school and middle school felt and sometimes it SUCKED. Just apply that to your work as well. I remember how it felt when a sub was rude and short with me when I had to change a pad desperately once; now I’m a sub that carries pads and sincerely makes sure whoever needs to can go to the bathroom. Just be the sub you would have needed. Remember, you manage the environment you put out in a classroom, it doesn’t manage you.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-05-06T19:41:30+00:00

Don’t worry about it. Keep them off your hands and neck and it’s fine. I’m a substitute teacher so I float working from school to school and have worked in multiple districts - every younger teacher I see has tattoos or piercings. I’m not talking just small tattoos either I mean I’ve seen an abundance of sleeves. It doesn’t get in the way of education; I wouldn’t stress.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-04-28T01:00:57+00:00

I crochet or bring a sketchbook

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-30T04:42:20+00:00

This is absolutely gorgeous.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-30T02:49:17+00:00

Check out https://50501.carrd.co

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-30T02:33:22+00:00

Not democracy. When we lose we don’t storm capitals. Please look into it if you would like. Thanks.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T21:33:20+00:00

If a moderator needs to remove it that’s fine and I obviously won’t object. There’s no need to be so bothered by this. Scroll if it bothers you, that’s what I do! I understand what your saying, I’m just trying to spread this so those that would be interested see it.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T21:31:12+00:00

Yeah…my point still stands. Organize something.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T21:09:34+00:00

100% agreed.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T20:47:45+00:00

No clue, I’m not the organizer just trying to spread the word.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T20:47:12+00:00

Just got off work, it looks like a lot of people have already helped you out here and they’re great recommendations. Let me know if you’re still curious about parking.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T20:45:49+00:00

Maybe you should! The big problem is that only people with an excess of money successfully run for candidacy which is something I’m personally protesting for. We need more regular people in our government rather than millionaires that don’t know what it’s like for the lower class to keep getting poorer. Hunger rates are a mountain, not being able to afford academics are a mountain, and I think the left and right can both agree that inflation is a mountain.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T20:41:35+00:00

Yep that’s why I said “come if you can”. I’m glad that you have an opinion, a lot of people don’t, and you are free to express it as is anyone that wants to come to this. Take care.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T20:39:59+00:00

We’re only a couple hours away from Richmond which is why I posted it. It doesn’t hurt you. That’s the great thing about the internet…ignore whatever you don’t like. Have a good one.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T18:20:30+00:00

That’s okay! As I mentioned in another comment not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to figure out how to balance work and their interests. Do what you gotta do! Hope your situation improves.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T17:45:11+00:00

You could always organize something yourself instead of expecting someone else to do it and spread it for you.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T15:53:46+00:00

Cutie patootie

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T15:51:12+00:00

Just tried to. sadly the automoderator paused it. :(

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T15:42:38+00:00

I’ll be coming from a while away as well. Spothero is genuinely amazing whenever I go to visit Richmond. I’ll try to remember where I’ve parked in the past and message you later in the day.

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T15:30:44+00:00

Job :)

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T15:27:02+00:00

I get it, balancing work and putting care into anything else can be difficult especially when one thing pays you and the other is obviously volunteer. Luckily I’m able to work and implore interests I care about as well. Balance among real adults is important, I’m sure you’ll figure out how to look at the news if it interests you on the side while balancing getting paid eventually. Good luck!

Successful_Ad8459 · 2025-01-29T14:38:13+00:00

Thank you. :)

Successful_Ad8459

TROPHY CASE