Wednesday, December 07, 2005
The Many Hoops
Since my last post PetSmart has called and offered me a job which I declined so I can pursue subbing. I have almost finished filling out applications for 4 school districts in the area and have found out everything I need to do to get this sub thing going.
So far, the worst part of filling out these apps has been looking back through my college transcripts and reporting my grades. A 2.5 GPA... how embarrassing. Makes me wish I had studied harder during college. Oh well, nothing I can do about that now. If I ever go to get a masters degree I won't be making that mistake again.
I bet you're waiting with baited breath to hear what kind of hoops one has to jump through to become a substitute teacher in the freezing cold state of Illinois.
1. Fill out an application for each school district.
2. Send copies of my college transcript with the application.
3. Obtain a current substitute teaching certificate ($20 + $30/school district).
4. Get a TB test. Unfortunately, I have to get the chest X-ray because I tested positive to the skin test a long time ago (no, I didn't have TB).
5. Watch 2.5 hours of videos (this is called "training") on the subjects of Office Safety, Right to Know (right to know what?), Sexual Harassment Awareness (like anyone could be unaware of this), and Blood Borne Pathogens. Sounds like an exciting morning.
6. Once I finish watching the videos I'll be given even more (unspecified) paperwork.
7. Get fingerprinted.
It's not an unreasonable list, but it's a far cry from the "Just ask to be put on the sub list and they'll do it," that I've heard from some people.
So far, the worst part of filling out these apps has been looking back through my college transcripts and reporting my grades. A 2.5 GPA... how embarrassing. Makes me wish I had studied harder during college. Oh well, nothing I can do about that now. If I ever go to get a masters degree I won't be making that mistake again.
I bet you're waiting with baited breath to hear what kind of hoops one has to jump through to become a substitute teacher in the freezing cold state of Illinois.
1. Fill out an application for each school district.
2. Send copies of my college transcript with the application.
3. Obtain a current substitute teaching certificate ($20 + $30/school district).
4. Get a TB test. Unfortunately, I have to get the chest X-ray because I tested positive to the skin test a long time ago (no, I didn't have TB).
5. Watch 2.5 hours of videos (this is called "training") on the subjects of Office Safety, Right to Know (right to know what?), Sexual Harassment Awareness (like anyone could be unaware of this), and Blood Borne Pathogens. Sounds like an exciting morning.
6. Once I finish watching the videos I'll be given even more (unspecified) paperwork.
7. Get fingerprinted.
It's not an unreasonable list, but it's a far cry from the "Just ask to be put on the sub list and they'll do it," that I've heard from some people.
Comments:
<< Home
Okay, so my memory is not too good. I probably did have to have the TB test - vaguely remember that. Also I had a teaching certificate - albeit from Minnesota (colder than IL believe it or not). But in Texas it was pretty simple compared to what you have listed. That may explain some things about Texas education.
As far as the grades are concerned - I understand what you are saying. Mine were not stellar either (don't tell my kids that). You do work harder and do better in a Master's program - especially when you are paying for it and not your parents!
Post a Comment
As far as the grades are concerned - I understand what you are saying. Mine were not stellar either (don't tell my kids that). You do work harder and do better in a Master's program - especially when you are paying for it and not your parents!
# posted by 
: 9:40 AM, December 12, 2005
: 9:40 AM, December 12, 2005 << Home
