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Survey...
By Steve

1) The only training I ever received for any district I've worked for (3 as a sub) was viewing the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens video.

2) I think the helpfulness of this would vary with the class(es) observed. It would
give the sub familiarity with some of the students they might end up dealing with and some of the school schedule and policies. But I think a week would be too long - maybe two or three days.
3) Make sure all subs get copies of student and staff handbooks, with floorplans of all district schools and lists of staff names and subjects.
4) Usually middle school. I make it well known

that I do leave detailed notes for the regular teacher. I also make it known that although I can leave after the last class I do not have a problem with giving detentions and spending some extra time after school to supervise them. If all else fails, refer them to the office.

5) I agree with Shawn with lack of respect. Also I hate days where you're left with little or nothing in the way of plans (having a 90 minute high school block schedule class and about 15 minutes of classwork makes for a reeaaal long day.)

6) Yes to all of what you say. I think one big thing is that in my state you must have a valid teaching license, which means you've got at least a bachelor's degree under your belt, but then you're expected to work with no benefits, no set schedule, no set job description, in some cases little respect from regular teaching staff and administrators, low pay, and so on. Where's the incentive to keep working as a sub with no benefits, a random schedule and putting up with student abuse when you can get a company job for better pay with good benefits and a guaranteed schedule? Most subs have student loans to deal with, too. A sub salary and schedule doesn't match well with debts.

7) Best days were when I was subbing for students I knew well and was subbing for a teacher I knew and had subbed for before. I think being familiar with the students and staff of a building make a big difference. I've found if the students see you fairly regularly they see you as less of a "target" and more like a regular member of the teaching staff. Same with the teaching staff - they see you as more of a fellow teacher rather than "the guy who was here for Mr. Smith that day last month". For this reason I personally advocate districts trying to keep subs in a specific building or small set of buildings as much as possible, rather than jumping them all over the place constantly.