Call me a traitor, a line-crosser, a "stupid sub," or only in it for the money; but today I served as a substitute for the Capistrano Unified School District elementary school in my neighborhood. I have my reasons why I decided to go forth and apply to be an emergency sub in the event of a strike. I feel students still need a safe place to go while both parents work and can't afford a baby sitter. It is not the students' fault and therefore they should not suffer. Please understand that I DO understand and support what the teachers are doing but this is not my fight to fight. I do not have a child attending the school district. I am not employed in CUSD. Think of it this way: I'm supporting the teachers strike by subbing in their class for those students still at school. Lastly, I have to make a living. I don't live at home off mommy and daddy. We have bills, rent, and a diminishing savings account. We're all trying to make a living.
Upon arriving at school early this morning, I was mocked and made fun of as I walked into the office. "Enjoy your money!" "Oh look! That's my sub!" "Good luck subbing today!" I'm sensitive and these comments almost brought me to tears but I sucked it up and thought of the children coming to school today. I had two 4th grade classes with a few familiar faces from the students I sat in their class last year during observation hours. The kids were wonderful!!! We had fun during discussions, played Sparkle and Around the World Math, and did geography. I was "not allowed" to teach actual lessons so I made do with worksheets and anything I could pull out of thin air (very thin air).
When I tried to leave the parking lot, I had the picketers walk across the front of my car with signs reading "Say NO to subs!" Comforting! The greatest was when the teacher I observed in somewhat recognized me and couldn't look me in the eye. I escaped relatively unharmed with hurt feelings but I survived.
I went straight home and wanted to take Kyla for a walk to the nearby park. Of course, I have to pass another elementary school on my way to the park. At first, I didn't think there were that many picketers. Then, when a sub tried to pull out of the parking lot, the teachers ran to get in front of her car. While they blocked her exit, they screamed "SCAB!!!" at her and "You're just a SCAB!!!" and "Don't you dare take that money!!!" They also took pictures of her as she just sat there taking the abuse. All the while, children are walking by, watching their teachers bully this poor woman until the security guard could break up the unruly mob. These teachers are supposed to be role models for their students. Is this the message they want to send their students that it's OK to scream and yell nasty comments at innocent people. This is a real low for them to hit.
So with that, I greatly hope they can resolve their issues with the district and get back in the classroom. Until then, use some class, continue to be a role model for your students, and leave your nasty attitudes at home. You're really embarrassing yourself!
PS - If you don't agree with me or if I offended you, get your own blog!
