Who's Calling?

     Each school handles the scheduling of subs in their own way. In this time of budget cuts, it can be difficult to allocate the amount of time required to schedule a sub for every teacher.



     The middle school that I sub for requires teacher to find their own subs (with the exception of some meetings, for which their subs will be found for them). There is a database which teachers are able to log in to and look up subs. Then, they must call substitutes until they find someone who is available. For this reason, I have left a business card with all of my info for each teacher I sub for. This will increase my chances of being called as it is a much easier process for the teacher. I also hope that they will share my information with other teachers who may be in need of a substitute!
     There is a sub coordinator at this school, however; for the most part she is not responsible for locating subs. Despite this, I have witnessed many hectic days in which she is calling around at the last minute to locate a sub for a sick teacher. By having the teachers locate their own subs, she is free to perform other duties, and sometimes works as a substitute herself.


     The high school which I sub for has a slightly different method. Their sub coordinator does all of the phone work. Teachers submit a request for a sub and she will call the individuals on the sub list to cover that day. If a teacher would like to request a specific sub, they are able to do so. This method is certainly more time consuming for the coordinator and easier for the teachers. This school also does not leave a voice mail when they call. If I miss a call from them, I miss a subbing opportunity (unless I have been specifically requested). I have not really been leaving business cards at this school due to their sub coverage methods.


     I can't imagine how frustrating either method must be, although I imagine that the sub coordinator may feel slightly less personal stress related to finding a sub.