Don't take Theodore seriously

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Don't take Theodore seriously
By Cathy-Dee

If you check out the substitute teacher board, you'll notice that Ted, Teddy, Theodore has a lot of negative things to say about all processes of teaching. Sometimes I think he just likes to stir things up a bit.

While
I'm sure some discrimination takes place, many of his comments were beyond what typical discrimination would be. I totally agree with Lisa on areas like profanity, long hair and piercings. Some are simply not acceptable and others it would depend on the job and where you would be teaching.
Getting hired on (in any profession) can be a difficult process. It is hard to show off all your

best qualities in a one hour or less span of your lifetime. A lot depends on what the school is looking for. Do they require someone with a specific background, do they need someone with strong interpersonal skills? All you can do is your best. Substitute teaching is an excellent way to get your foot in the door but not always a guarantee. I am a wreck in interviews, nerves and all, yet my employees overlooked my nervousness and saw qualities they thought would work in their schools and thankfully I was hired. If you are right for the school, it will show through in the interview process.

I also find it interesting on a personal note that at least where I live the longer you teach the less "wanted" you are. In other words I'm in one of the few careers where experience is actually a hindrence. I would like to move closer to my family but because I'm not in a high salary bracket, the first,second and even third year teachers stand a much greater chance at any job I've applied for. Thankfully I do like my area and job and perhaps something eventually will come my way closer to my family.

And interestingly enough in my school division we have teachers (including those just hired in the past year or two) who are "large" people, we have several with disibilities including physical ones, we have teachers who stutter, etc., And all are excellent teachers. Obviously their differences made them unique and wanted by those who hired them.

Perhaps it is easier to cry discrimination than to take a look at other areas which may hold someone back from being hired.