Just Another Day in the Life of a Substitute... | Teen Ink

Just Another Day in the Life of a Substitute...

January 14, 2010
By the_Horsegirl SILVER, Minneapolis, Minnesota
the_Horsegirl SILVER, Minneapolis, Minnesota
8 articles 0 photos 118 comments

Favorite Quote:
People need dreams, there's as much nourishment in 'em as food.
--Dorothy Gilman

If there is such a thing as truth, it is as intricate and hidden as a crown of feathers.
--Isaac Bashevis Singer


Here’s the thing; I like kids. I like teaching. But there are always the horror classes… the ones hat make a substitute’s hair stand on end.
It was just a normal day when I walked into the math classroom at White Hills Middle School. The teacher had left careful notes for me. I was feeling cheerful. At least… until the students came in.
“Hi!” I said. “I’m Ms.-”
“Where’s our teacher?” someone called out.
“STRANGER DANGER! STRANGER DANGER!” another one sang.
“Your teacher is-” I tried again.
“Is our teacher locked in the supply closet?”
“I thought the closet led to Narnia.”
“The teacher was here this morning.”
“STRANGER DANGER!”
“Didn’t you sub for us last year?”
“Oh yes, in science. I remember.”
“Oh. Then you’re not stranger danger anymore.”
“We’re the chatty class.”
Gosh. Really? I wouldn’t have guessed.
“All right, boys and girls, I’m going to take attendance now…”
“I’m Elliot!”
“No you’re not – you’re Adam. I’m Elliot, remember?”
“I thought we’d decided you were Bryan.”
“Bryan? Where’d you get that idea? He’s Bryan, you’re Adam and I’m Elliot.”
“NO YOU’RE NOT! Stop confusing the teacher!”
“QUIET!”
“You be quiet!”
“OW! THAT WAS MY ARM! QUIT IT!”


The author's comments:
This was inspired by actual events... unfortunately.

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This article has 7 comments.


KatsK DIAMOND said...
on May. 20 2012 at 3:22 pm
KatsK DIAMOND, Saint Paul, Minnesota
57 articles 0 photos 301 comments

Favorite Quote:
Being inexhaustible, life and nature are a constant stimulus for a creative mind.
~Hans Hofmann
You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.
~Ray Bradbury

This is funny, and true. I must say, though, some substitutes deserve it. Like Mrs. Drill Sergeant who checks her Facebook during school, and the sub who has no clue what our test is on, or how to help us. I feel bad for them, sometimes.

on Feb. 10 2010 at 4:40 pm
CaptainFabulous. GOLD, Union, Missouri
11 articles 0 photos 70 comments

Favorite Quote:
PERSONAL FAVORITE QUOTE::::

"When life hands you lemons,make BEEF STEW!"
-Andy Milanokis?(sp)

lol too funny

so true

i remember a day when a boy in my class made the sub cry

i felt pretty bad for her

good job on this

Sterling said...
on Jan. 24 2010 at 9:23 pm
I see things haven't changed since I was a girl. Nice to get the teacher's perspective.

on Jan. 24 2010 at 6:57 pm
the_Horsegirl SILVER, Minneapolis, Minnesota
8 articles 0 photos 118 comments

Favorite Quote:
People need dreams, there's as much nourishment in 'em as food.
--Dorothy Gilman

If there is such a thing as truth, it is as intricate and hidden as a crown of feathers.
--Isaac Bashevis Singer

Thank you for commenting!

marile said...
on Jan. 24 2010 at 10:51 am
As a former teacher and one who has done time in the trenches as a substitute, I find this reminiscent of the behavior middle school students. The author's comments should be printed in some educational journals

Meepa said...
on Jan. 23 2010 at 6:25 pm
Soo funny! My favorite part was,

"OW! THAT WAS MY ARM! QUIT IT!"

Wow.

foxstar said...
on Jan. 23 2010 at 10:36 am
HI! I remember this!