What they don’t tell you about substitute teaching…😢🥺💔
The second image is #aigenerated but it is as close as it can be to how it looked and felt when we got the “all clear”…
I can still hear the screams. The banging on the walls of the bathroom. The crying in the hallways from the rooms…
As a #substitute going through this, I have more tools and skills to cope after something like this. But I think about those kids… their parents… the kind woman who gave me a hug and told me I was alright… She was a complete stranger but that hug felt so nice…
I didn’t have my own classroom full of kids, but my heart goes out to the full time #teachers who did and had to go back to their day like nothing happened…🥺😢
I’m in my mid-twenties and I still contacted my parents. Cried into their arms. Felt so terribly small and scared.
Always be sure to check on your #teacher friends. The student teacher’s. The paraprofessionals. The kids. Sometimes it’s okay to not be okay after something like that happens.
Substitute teaching can often feel like stepping into the unknown, especially during moments of crisis. From my own experience, even with some preparation, nothing can truly prepare you for the intense emotions and traumatic scenes that might unfold in a school environment. One thing that stood out deeply was just how vulnerable both students and staff can become. The echoes of screams, the anxious banging on bathroom walls, and the overwhelming sobbing in hallways leave a lasting impression. It's crucial to recognize that being a substitute teacher means you might be thrown into situations where you have to manage not just educational tasks, but also emotional support and crisis management. What helped me personally was acknowledging my own feelings—reaching out to loved ones and allowing myself to feel scared or overwhelmed rather than suppressing those emotions. This vulnerability is okay and necessary. Another key takeaway is the impact of human connection, even from strangers. A simple hug from a kind woman gave me a moment of comfort and reassurance during a scary time. This underlines the importance of compassion and community in schools. Beyond academic responsibilities, teachers and substitutes frequently become unexpectedly instrumental in providing emotional safety nets. For those stepping into substitute teaching roles, it’s beneficial to develop coping skills and emotional resilience. Equally important is for their network—whether colleagues, friends, or family—to check in on them regularly. The emotional toll can affect everyone involved: the permanent teachers who return to classrooms after traumatic events, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, student teachers, and above all, the children. If you know someone working in education, never underestimate the value of simply asking "Are you okay?" or offering an ear. These conversations can be healing and crucial for mental health. Substitute teaching isn't just about filling in lesson plans—it's about navigating complex human emotions and fostering safe spaces, sometimes in the most unexpected circumstances.