OK

I'm going to be honest with you. I've started another blog. Follow the link to your right.

Sweet Relief

I'm happy to report that Mr. Awesome has survived another arduous school year. Between all the novel reading and Internet browsing, not to mention the nearly constant blog updating, this substitute teacher is more than ready for two and a half months of vacation.

Remember to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going in the water, and I'll see you back here in August, or October.

Still In Demand

The Economy. People lose their jobs. Unemployment runs out. People apply to be substitute teachers.

I was a concerned that as more and more previously careered people turned to substitute teaching during their search for another good job, I might have a harder time consistently finding the quality sub jobs I have grown accustomed to. It hasn't happened.

I guess I forgot to take into account that not just any future executive can stand in front of a room of 35 St. Louis Public High School students without urgently needing to find a restroom. It takes a certain type of personality to make a great substitute teacher. You have to be able to settle for mediocrity. You have to accept that some things are just out of your hands. You also have to be able to hold your bladder until the bell rings.

Honestly, I think the infusion of recession subs into the St. Louis Public Schools has made me seem even better at my job in comparison. Teachers knows, that when Mr. Awesome watches their class, all the worksheets will be distributed, and they will come back to a clean classroom. What can a teacher expect when they leave substitue selection up to fate? Maybe they'll come back to find two inches of urine at the bottom of their trash can. Just ask Ms. Taylor, it happened.

Do your worst economy, Mr. Awesome is recession proof.

You Learn Something New Everyday

I've learned alot in my years of substitute teaching. I've learned patience and techniques for diffusing difficult situations. I've learned what's popular with high school students and I've seen what really goes on in the teacher's lounge. Sometimes I wonder who learns more from the time we spend together, me or the students.

Today I learned about Giant Cheetos. Each on is the size of a golf ball, or a golf ball-sized meatball. Total mind blower.

Overheard in the Teachers Lounge

"Somebody give me a gun. I want to shoot her so bad my butt aches."

What Have I Learned?

That a blog called Teaching with Mr. Awesome would never work. Luckily for you, dear reader, Mr. Awesome is back to subbing. Goodbye ball and chain. Hello beautiful uncertainty.

A Sure Sign that it is Time to Move On

Today during my planning period I had to make copies. Honest to goodness coalated and stapled copies. I even made them two sided because I was afraid that I might need the extra paper for my next copy job.

What the hell am I doing?