Having gone through the Northampton Public School system from K-12, I have been personally taught by dozens of different men and women serving in the position of substitute teacher and I believe that they all merit a great deal more support, appreciation, and respect from teachers, students, parents and the school administration alike.
Being a substitute teacher has its challenges. A substitute teacher is all that a teacher is but includes an additional level of unpredictability, lack of job protection and lower pay grade. The temporary day-by-day nature of the job also makes it extremely difficult to develop meaningful teacher-student relationships which are the hallmark of working in education.
In an age where disrespectful behavior toward those in authority — actions done in the name of free speech, freedom and equality — is unfortunately becoming the norm, teachers, but especially substitute teachers, are bearing many of the consequences. Student disrespect is not being consistently addressed and administrative support of teachers faced with complaints from parents and students is either inconsistent or nonexistent.
Unfortunately it has been too often that I have seen dedicated and rightfully strict and fair substitute teachers be mocked and complained about, not only by students and parents but also by teachers, and subsequently barred from working in the public school system again.
The school system must work to provide a safe, predictable, supportive and respectful environment in which to both teach and substitute teach. If the school properly structures an environment of universal respect, with clear expectations and a clear mission, then anyone should be able to effectively substitute in any classroom.
If the environment is based on respect for authority then substitute teachers will be respected. Substitute teaching is a tough job, so this school year, let’s make it easier.
François Venne
Florence