It's hard to make money when people inquire you to death.
By writersedge
@writersedge (22563)
United States
March 29, 2012 8:02am CST
I get contacted to substitute teach. But instead of setting up a time and getting going, they take forever with asking more questions. Whether by phone or online, they ask questions after questions after questions and then the famous line,
"I'll get back to you." 9/10, they never do or they do to tell me they've decided not to hire me.
I really don't mind the questions. What are your credentials? B. S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Social Sciences. K-6 certification.
M. S. in Reading. K-12 certification. Both certifications are New York State.
Have you passed any background checks? Yes, New York State Teachers' and Federal. NYS to substitute teach and USA for Civil Air Patrol.
I consider those important questions. Those are ones that need to be asked and I expect them.
"How would you teach ____________?"
Now the person is asking for advice without my actually having met the person. That depends on the person's skills and abilities, interests and desires. Lots of variables there.
Bottom line, the person wants to know how to tutor without paying for it. I think I should change my number to a 900 number. Then I'll get paid somehow.
When my Father used to empty septic tanks for a living. People would inquire like crazy. They wanted a way to not empty their septic tanks, even when the waste was backed up into their sinks and bathtubs. IT's a little late then.
Often, parents will call me 4 to 10 weeks to the end of school. Their child has been failing for 30 to 36 weeks. They want me to "help little Jonnie/Susie to pass." I can call the school and I'm sure they will tell me they're not going to pass the child at this late date. I can help with homework, but their children still have to have the skills and abilities on their own to be able to pass tests. That takes time. Usually more than 4 to 10 weeks. Esp. since most parents want me to work with their child 1 time per week.
I had a frantic call one time, "Regents tests are in 4 days. My child is failing by 20 points in each subject, can you help her pass?" No.
If the young person was borderline for passing, maybe. 20 points per subject. Not likely.
So do you have a situation where people inquire, inquire, and inquire? Do the questions work out to anything? Are some of the questions unrealistic? Do you wish you could set up a 900 number?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@GreenMoo (11833)
•
29 Mar 12
I wrote a website which answers all the questions. The web address is well publicised and I actually state in our 'blurb' that people should refer to it before getting in touch.
So do they? Do they hell! I respond to the same questions in emails over and over again, all of which are answered if only they'd look.
1 person likes this

@writersedge (22563)
• United States
29 Mar 12



@rogue13xmen13 (14402)
• United States
30 Mar 12
I know that it's not easy being a substitute, then again, I remember doing some of my hours and just thinking to myself that I wasn't cut out for it.
Yes, you need to be able to do your job and get the pay that you need, otherwise how are you going to survive for the month. People need to be understanding of how difficult it is to be a teacher, especially a substitute teacher.

@rogue13xmen13 (14402)
• United States
30 Mar 12
That bad. I'm sorry. Some students just aren't empathetic towards their teachers. I would have never done that to a teacher no matter how much I hated them (and believe I had one teacher who was really asking for it, she used to call her students all kinds of hateful names besides yelling and screaming at them).
Students nowadays think that they can get away with murder, and probably do.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
30 Mar 12
I'm sorry you had such mean teachers. They shouldn't be calling kids names. I had a student who tried to stab another child in the eye with a pencil and I didn't call her names. I sent her to the Principal who sent her back and said, "What do you want me to do with her." Now when no one was around, I had a few choice names for him.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
30 Mar 12
Yes, subbing and tutoring can both be very hard. Esp. when they put tacks on the chair or whatever.
1 person likes this

@GardenGerty (169591)
• United States
29 Mar 12
It sounds as if you are being pumped. Not the septic systems. I get some other types of frustrations waiting for work to materialize. I go through hiring processes and background checks, and then something falls through. If they just would pay you for each question you answer it would be something.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
29 Mar 12
A buck a question. 20 questions later, you have something to show for your time. I agree. That would be good. Thanks and take care.
@celticeagle (190074)
• Boise, Idaho
30 Mar 12
This is where I would begin wondering if I shouldn't take up some consulting work. If they call and ask I would tell they I could test their child for a fee and then let them know what can be done and how long it will take. If they have called to late then I would tell them so but give them the option of help for the following term.

@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
29 Mar 12
Hi writers
Of the many interviews I was a candidate, they would grill me for hours. Many a times I fail to understand what sense does such a long inquiry make. Many a times they have a pre-selected candidate for the post and still waste time (not only theirs but also the candidates).
At times I also felt that these interviewers are incapable of taking right decisions and also arent much aware of the subjects. I had caught them on two occasions when they were wrong and trying to make me accept their theory.
Now that I am away from real work, still at times, there are questions - this time from my wife - who thinks I always drink whenever I attend a party
On other times, she feels I smoke
And I have no idea how do I convince her that I did give up smoking and drinking ages ago.
Of the many interviews I was a candidate, they would grill me for hours. Many a times I fail to understand what sense does such a long inquiry make. Many a times they have a pre-selected candidate for the post and still waste time (not only theirs but also the candidates).
At times I also felt that these interviewers are incapable of taking right decisions and also arent much aware of the subjects. I had caught them on two occasions when they were wrong and trying to make me accept their theory.
Now that I am away from real work, still at times, there are questions - this time from my wife - who thinks I always drink whenever I attend a party
On other times, she feels I smoke
And I have no idea how do I convince her that I did give up smoking and drinking ages ago.@writersedge (22563)
• United States
29 Mar 12
With your wife, I guess patience and persistance. But if you read the response I had to GreenMoo, you can see that I'm not a marriage counselor.
Yes, NY State requires all schools to interview 3 people. But each school knows who they are going to hire. So usually it's a waste of time. They have their mind made-up, but in order to continue funding, they have to interview 3 people.
@TheIzers (680)
•
29 Mar 12
Wow, I can not believe they inquire you that way... that's tough. I used to be substitute teacher too but usually when the principal call they just ask my experience, how do I feel about teaching certain grade and my availability. They didn't inquire me like they did to you because they have all information they need to know about my credential on their computer. I submitted on the board education online so principal can access them anytime they need subs teacher. I guess they do that today because money in education get tight and the competition as well. I guess 900 number is good idea lol 



@writersedge (22563)
• United States
29 Mar 12
When I sub, same as you.
But when I tutor, the parents really inquire. I don't mind if they don't expect me to tutor over the phone. But some do.
The unrealistic expectations really get me the most. Can you get them to pass after failing 3/4 of the year?
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
29 Mar 12
Oh I see what happened. The first line says I get contacted to substitute teach, I meant for tutoring. I had two things on my mind at the same time, sorry.
@magtibaygom (4856)
• Philippines
3 Apr 12
I wonder is their any way you can improve your system so it won't cause you so much stress like you're experiencing today?







