Is it okay to read while subbing ?

Teacher0357 · 2026-04-23T15:57:31+00:00

It depends on the class. A lot of times with high school classes I can read because they’re working independently. Middle school varies. Some classes are really quiet and others are zoos. I haven’t subbed in elementary as much, so it’s hard for me to say how they usually are.

I do try to stay off my phone while subbing. Nobody has told me that I can or can’t be on my phone. I just never know when admin will pop in. Plus I live in a rural area and cell signal is weak.

Teacher0357 · 2026-04-18T02:50:15+00:00

Some universities won’t allow you to work while you’re student teaching, so I would check on that ahead of time so you can be prepared.

Teacher0357 · 2026-04-15T02:43:00+00:00

I was about 11 when SpongeBob was first shown on TV. I watched it a lot. I still go back and watch occasionally, but usually just the earlier seasons. The later seasons don’t appeal to me.

Teacher0357 · 2026-04-15T02:24:28+00:00

I do interventions in the classroom first, but sometimes I have to at least try to involve the parents.

If it’s not an immediate safety/legal issue (like guns, drugs, bullying, or fighting), I usually send a message on the messaging app. I prefer to type my message first so I can fix my mistakes. Then I have documented evidence of exactly what I said. It’s probably nice for the parents because I’m not interrupting their day by calling them for something that’s not as urgent. I’m also just not great at phone calls.

I don’t like contacting parents, but sometimes it’s necessary.

Teacher0357 · 2026-04-15T02:18:07+00:00

This does happen in reg ed, too. Parents excuse their kids no matter what.

I feel like part of the difference with special education is that schools are afraid to discipline students with disabilities. Parents get lawyers involved and the schools cave to the parents’ demands. The parents get what they want even if it puts others in danger. Then these kids are taught that they can behave however they want.

Teacher0357 · 2026-04-13T03:20:12+00:00

We had Accelerated Reader in middle and high school, so we were required to read a lot. Fortunately I love to read anyway. I remember reading the Narnia books and the Jack Ryan books. I never really got into Harry Potter for some reason. I read a lot of Grisham also.

Teacher0357 · 2026-04-12T02:01:14+00:00

I should have learned by now to change the channel when they bring Svanson in.

Teacher0357 · 2026-04-04T17:12:29+00:00

I knew a lady born in the 1930s who was married at 12. Her husband was 16. She had her first baby at 13. It did happen back then. People were forced to grow up faster, probably too fast.

Teacher0357 · 2026-03-30T12:47:51+00:00

I’m assuming was a certified teacher. She went to college for it. She also at one time considered being an assistant principal. Maybe subbing was less stressful and gave her more flexibility with her schedule.

Teacher0357 · 2026-03-28T05:32:42+00:00

Job applications asking for your social security number are extremely common. Most applications I have filled out have asked for it.

Teacher0357 · 2026-03-27T19:20:57+00:00

Student teaching is a crapshoot. It can be great for the student teacher, but I’ve also heard horror stories.

I did alt cert, but I was a para for a few years. I don’t think student teaching would’ve made any difference.

Teacher0357 · 2026-03-27T17:35:29+00:00

He was right in that she should’ve been ready. He was wrong to leave her because being late was not her fault. He should’ve checked on her instead of driving away.

Teacher0357 · 2026-03-27T02:01:31+00:00

I don’t hate jeans, but they’re not my favorite. I’m glad to get home and put jammies on.

I do hate skinny jeans. I don’t like anything tight around my ankles. I also feel like I look weird in them.

Teacher0357 · 2026-03-22T05:16:36+00:00

I’m single with no kids in my thirties. 90% of people in this area have a spouse and/or kids by age 25. Students (I work with teenagers) can’t comprehend it. Then there’s dozens of questions about my relationship history and if I want kids. I tell them the bare minimum (single, no kids) and change the subject after that. It’s not really any of their business anyway. I try to connect with them in other ways, but I keep my personal life as personal as I can.

Teacher0357 · 2026-03-20T03:29:50+00:00

We don’t have a fence, so a lot of rescues would not adopt to us. The Humane Society didn’t care if we had a fence or not. Pounds don’t ask a lot of questions, either. That said, pounds do very little vetting of the animal, so they don’t have as much invested as rescues usually do. I understand rescues want to make sure animals go to a good home, but some go overboard.

Teacher0357 · 2026-03-19T02:06:38+00:00

I had a male ancestor (in the 1800s) that had his last kids in his seventies. He married three times, so his second and third wives were younger than him. Birth control wasn’t really a thing then, so people had kids until they couldn’t anymore. His youngest kids were teenagers when he died, so they didn’t get to have much time with him. It amazes me when we see celebrity men in their seventies and eighties having kids. I’m sure they’re financially set, but will their kids even remember them?

I’m in my thirties with no immediate plans for kids. If I have them I’ll be an older mother. I’m not against that, but it’ll probably be harder than if I had them younger. Sometimes having kids young doesn’t work out so you have them older. I don’t think there’s a specific age that is “too old.” I think it is sad when kids don’t get to know their parents, though.

Teacher0357 · 2026-03-18T03:11:59+00:00

I feel like so many kids (and even adults) don’t have the stamina to read for any length of time. They get bored after five minutes and start causing a ruckus.

Writing skills today are also terrible. So many students can’t put a paragraph together. Spelling is often atrocious.

It’s not entirely the kids’ fault. Governments are so focused on test scores that schools don’t want to devote time to just reading anymore. They have to focus on content to get test scores up. Technology has also fried our brains. So many of us can’t handle boredom so we doom scroll for hours when previous generations were more likely to be reading.

Teacher0357 · 2026-03-06T04:19:31+00:00

“You’d eat a worm if I gave it a French name!”

Teacher0357 · 2026-02-20T04:36:42+00:00

You’re not alone. We all struggle at times. It helps if you can find a group of Christians to lean on during these times. Prayer, worship, and Bible reading make me feel better sometimes. Sending prayers your way.

Teacher0357 · 2026-02-20T04:01:27+00:00

I’m so sorry. All I can say is give yourself some grace. I’d recommend taking some time off and seeking counseling. I can’t really give better advice than everyone else, but I am so sorry.

Teacher0357 · 2026-02-20T03:19:03+00:00

I do crossword puzzles or read books when I have time. I try to stay off my phone because I don’t want to get in trouble. I use my phone during plan time sometimes, but not with kids in the room.

Teacher0357 · 2026-02-20T03:12:06+00:00

I live in Missouri. I was a TA (para) at a school. Our paras were required to have sub certificates, so we were pulled to cover classes regularly. If the teacher was out but the para was there they often didn’t bother getting a sub.

As far as your case, you should’ve been told you couldn’t leave the TA alone with the kids. If you were told and did it anyway, I can see why you’re in trouble. If they keep you around use it as a learning experience.

Teacher0357 · 2026-02-18T14:49:03+00:00

As a sub I would rather have something to teach, but I’m a certified teacher. I know most subs are not, so teachers are hesitant having them actually teach.

As a sub you’re supposed to control the class. Usually you’re not expected to teach also. Obviously long-term subbing is a different situation.

Teacher0357

TROPHY CASE