justplainbil

Just Plain Bill

“Will you be are next substute?” (sic)

Throughout my life, I’ve been amazed where recognition, a reward, or a compliment might come from. Like many, I usually associate recognition with some type of remuneration or something tangible; a raise, a bonus, time off, a plaque, praise in a public event, and so on.

Now that I’ve committed my senior years to substitute teaching in public schools, I’ve been overwhelmed by the recognition I’ve received from many students. One would certainly not become a substitute teacher for the compensation, for in my district it is just below minimum wage.

For reasons as simple as “you don’t yell”, “you ask us about us”, “you are so fun”, and various others, many students have candidly shared their feelings about the time I spend with them as their substitute.

I’ve received an origami flower from a hulking 11^th grader and a coloring book page from a four year old that said, “I like you”, in addition to numerous little notes received from students ranging in age as young as four, up to high school seniors. I must admit, the side of my refrigerator at home has taken on the look of an honor roll of sorts, capturing the thoughtfulness and kindness of many children with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working.

After spending a two-day assignment in a 2^nd grade class last week, one student passed around a paper for classmates to sign that contained the question above:

“Will you be are next substute?” The assignment was the best one I’d experienced over my short substitute career, but had a special meaning as the student took the initiative and “secretively” passed his note around for all to sign.

In spite of all the criticism our public schools receive, I can speak confidently from experience from my small sampling: Many schools and their students are in good shape!