Mrs. Ditto Returns

Recollect going to sleep the night before your first day of school. How were you feeling? Anxious? Excited? Were you dreading your alarm clock or looking forward to it? The night before my first job as a substitute brought back all those memories and emotions. I woke up wide-eyed and ready to go at 5:00AM. I wasn't sure if I felt more nervous or eager. Would the kids be mean to me? Would I remember everything-- a lunch, a cell-phone charger, my book, etc.? My mom was even there to see me off, just like old times.

Why am I subbing? 

I want to keep my teaching license active. In order to do so, I have to have 100 hours of approved teaching credits/classes/experience. I learned that subbing can count for some of my hours. Almost immediately, I applied to be a substitute teacher. Having a current teaching license moved me through the process quickly. Before I knew it, I passed my background check and was ready to roll. 

Where am I subbing? 

Jordan School District. I have been a substitute for them previously and grew up going to school in the Jordan School District. The pay for a substitute teacher is DOUBLE what substitute teachers make in Alpine School District (the district I live in) which is crazy to me. My parent's AKA, the babysitters, also live in Jordan School District, so it was a no-brainer for me. Yes, it's a bit of a drive, but I'll happily make it.

My only hesitation in working as a substitute teacher was the pandemic. I was worried about exposing myself to germs being around so many kids. As a Jordan School District employee, I was eligible to get the Covid-19 vaccine. I feel blessed and have so much hope for the future. I'm grateful for a vaccine to help end this pandemic and to stop more people from dying. 

My first day back in the classroom as a substitute brought me so much joy. I guess I had forgotten how much I enjoy teaching. I was giddy explaining advanced math (I mean, how advanced can it really be in 5th grade?) and proud of myself for knowing how to do it. During the read-aloud, I used enthusiasm and a whole new set of voices that I didn't know existed. During my 3 breaks (music time, lunch, and recess) I was too antsy to even read my book! I spent my time getting the next materials ready for the students. To top it all off, after loading my kids in the car afterwards, I noticed that they were extra cute. Some time away from them will do me good. I'm proud Mrs. Ditto is no longer a name of the past.