I reluctantly declined a teaching job today.

[no_hypocrisy]

I'm a substitute teacher and have been employed until Covid for all five days of the week.

One of the schools that I really like called me today and asked if I could work as a temporary substitute starting next week until November. I don't know what subject or grade level. It pays $100 (maybe more) a day. And at the same school with the same class. Plans would be done for me and all I'd have to do is execute the plans, practice modest discipline, and protect the kids during Covid.

I've already had Covid. I work as a cashier in a supermarket and found out I have antibodies when I donated blood in July. I don't know when I had it as I had absolutely no symptoms. Could have been in June, or even in January. We can't tell.

There's always the risk of catching it again. But that's not too much of a concern as I'm staying at my job as a cashier and it's likely a Petri Dish of Covid there despite our masks and gloves.

I declined the job as my chances are doubled between the school and the supermarket. And while I don't grandstand, and I'm not a member of the state's teachers' union, I support the teachers. I feel that taking the school job would be like crossing a picket line and working as a scab. And I also don't believe the schools should be in session with in-person/classroom education while there's a pandemic going on.

Trust me, this was putting my ethics on the line. If I had the two jobs, I'd be working 10+ hours a day (been there/done that) and making an extra $50 with the cashiers job. I'm working part time as a cashier right now and money would be welcome.

I feel I made the right decision for me. I won't judge someone else making another decision.

[jimfields33]

1. You are so nice. I love your post

I wish you all the luck in the world. You made the best decision as you thought it out. Hopefully next year, the school will offer you another teaching job as a permanent sub or even full time teacher. Your customers at the store are so lucky to have you.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Thank you for your kind words.

I love my job(s). I'm grateful to be working during this period of time.

[FBaggins]

3. I can see paying a true substitute that little for a day here or there

You can't do that much damage in a day or two and in some cases, you're basically babysitting. Both of my parents did that for years just because they cared about the kids and the county. They were retired and it was basically volunteerism.

But that seems awfully low for someone who is filling in essentially full time for more than half the semester. You can't just go through the motions. Someone else providing lesson plans doesn't make the job all that much easier (many teachers can reuse their lesson plans from year to year).

I don't think I would let COVID scare me off if I had already been infected with little to no effect. There's a tiny bit of evidence implying that it's possible to catch it again... but even if so it would be very rare. But you deserve to be compensated better than that.

And if the job exists because the existing teacher won't work in the current environment. I can definitely see supporting that.

[PJMcK]

4. That's a very honest and expressive post

Thanks, no_hypocrisy.

Stay safe and healthy.

[hydrolastic]

5. When i read this lots of things come to mind.

But in my mind i hear myself say "Shame on us" (society) that a teacher only makes 100 dollars a day. To this day i remember teachers that were the major influencers of my life.

[no_hypocrisy]

6. $100 per diem for a SUBSTITUTE teacher.

More if you're a contracted, tenured teacher IN A UNION.

Reminder to all that without unions, ALL teachers would be making $100 a day. And FWIW, sometimes I work harder as a substitute teacher b/c until the students get to know you, they don't necessarily trust you and respect you as an authority. Especially the upper grades. Subs are truly dedicated as a lot of us return after the class has told us "Good riddance" at the end of the day.

[LuckyLib]

7. And they won't tell you what subject or grade level. This society is so disrespectful to

teachers that it expects them to come running when offered a position. Can you imagine in medicine asking someone to sign on without knowing what hospital or what area? So many teachers, in this time of pandemic, are standing up for themselves and saying "No."

Best to you in your work and may you some day return to the classroom under safe and sane conditions.

[no_hypocrisy]

8. To be fair, they tell you on regular requests for a substitute.

I just didn't do a follow-up question when they asked me today as I thought it would show interest, which I lacked.

I was polite, deferential, and didn't burn any bridges for the future.

My friend is also a substitute teacher. She was offered a similar job in another county and she too deferred.

Thank you for your kind words. We'll all be fine.

[warmfeet]

9. K & R

[Sucha NastyWoman]

10. I don't think the job will last long anyway.

We are slowly coming to the realization that in person learning isn’t going to work. It’s also a dangerous way to spread covid, but not many want to acknowledge that.

[BigmanPigman]

11. I know what you mean.

I had to sub for two long years before class size reduction in the late 90s provided the first new teacher openings in over 5 years. Long term sub jobs were what kept me sane and fed. I knew the class, could actually teach and not just mange the classroom for a day at a time, and it paid $10 more a day. I knew the other teachers, students were comfortable with me and it actually helped me get a permanent position when they finally were available. There had been a strike and I didn't cross the picket line like some other subs did. The teachers remembered that I actually marched with them, in the rain. They recommended me for the first new opening and I got two offers due to not crossing the picket line.

Once I was teaching I was sick constantly (even more than when I was working at various dept stores selling products). The K-3 germs are year round and the school was too cheap to get subs. I almost died once. The schools have no windows and the air systems never got cleaned or filters replaced. Mold was everywhere and my bldg had to be torn down due to it. I have permanent health damage as a result. You are smart...your health is more important than anything.

[DaniellePasley]

12. Everything will be okay!

I also think that the decision is correct. The main thing now is to take care of yourself. The situation is really difficult.

[no_hypocrisy]

13. Welcome to DU DaniellePasley!

It's weeks later and I haven't changed my position.