A substituting adventure

I initially thought that on my days off (which happen to be during the week because my independently contracted life doesn't include a typical 9-5 job) I could help out by substituting in my kids' classrooms. I volunteer once a week already and the kids know me, so it would be a pretty easy transition for them and myself.

I casually looked into the process and forgot about it for awhile because there were like a thousand steps involved in applying. Then, sometime between Nov. and Dec., when I'm especially burned out and questioning my career choices, I looked into it again. And I emailed the district office with some questions. Which they answered and said "We have one of our mandatory meetings in two days. I know you're haven't finished applying, but if you came, we could at least cross that off our list."

And because I'm the type of person who must finish something with steadfast determination once it's started, completed the application process in a matter of hours.

A few days after the district meeting I received a call from the substitute coordinator who was looking for a long term music sub for an elementary teacher headed to maternity leave. My paperwork was 2 weeks into process at the state level and I hadn't officially been hired yet. Provided my fingerprints went through and the State of Kansas granted me an emergency sub license, I agreed to take the job.

My paperwork went through in record time and on Jan. 9 I found myself in the classroom, looking at a group of 4th graders with recorders in hand.

The past month has been surreal. All 3 of my degrees are in music performance and technically, I've had zero classroom training. However, I have been teaching privately for 17 years so while I was in new territory, it also felt like I've been teaching elementary music my whole life.

I had no idea if I would enjoy this job. It's so different from one on one work I do with high school and college kids. It all felt a little reckless.

As it turns out, it was a wonderful experience and I enjoyed it more than I anticipated. Here are some things I learned:

1. All the teacher memes on the internet are true. Especially the ones about not having time to go to the bathroom. Of course everyone is all "be careful of your voice" and "be sure you're practicing vocal health" and I'm all "Yes! I'll drink lots of water as part of my vocal health regime!" and then I'm almost peeing my pants during 1st grade rhythm work because I haven't had time to visit the restroom.

2. Elementary school is where kids learn how to navigate the world, but at low stakes. I can't tell you how many times I told classes that one of the most important things they can learn, right now, is to keep your hands to yourself, don't touch things that don't belong to you, and only worry about yourself; make sure you are doing the right thing even when no one is looking. There were also a few conversations about empathy with the 5th graders. Maybe they all heard "wah-wah-wah" (sad trombone sound), but maybe those ideas stuck with one or two kiddos.

3. Technology is a huge part of the classroom these days. There are smart boards and flip grids and endless online resources. Honestly, this was the part of subbing that made me the most nervous. Thankfully most of the technology is pretty intuitive and the kids know how to use it just as well as the adults. And they LOVE helping. There was one day that my promethean board wasn't working and so I had to scramble to make new lessons plans, but it all worked out.

4. There is something refreshing about the intense, honest display of emotions from younger kids. So a student doesn't get a turn when they wanted and they start crying; the next time they are all smiles and eager to participate. Their emotions are intense and come and go quickly. It's a refreshing change from the sometimes complicated and angsty dealings with adolescents.

5. Teachers are angels here on earth. I've always known this, but working in the school system, on the front lines with amazing men and women who have a passion for kids and education, just solidified this belief. Seriously, these people who are instructing our kids are teaching them so much more than reading and writing and arithmetic. It's a hard, tiring job and I'm so grateful for you who chose to make it your life's work.

I'm very grateful for my time in the classroom. It has taught me about myself and the community in which I live. So many good things.

Now, it's time to focus on my other teaching and the upcoming release of my album; SHE. Never a dull moment!