@Cbear : Don't worry, nobody at the schools actually call them Guest Teachers. That started a few years ago but they're still called Subs or Substitutes.

I worked as a guest teacher in the district for 8 years. I loved my job and definitely never saw it as "babysitting". Some days were definitely more challenging than others, but I also had the privilege of working with some amazing teachers and students over the years. Even in my current position at school, I am still asked to cover classes every now and then due to the sub shortage. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Yes for measly pay go wrangle a bunch of out of control kids, try to figure out what you're supposed to teach from the teachers cryptic notes, oh and they'll throw catching covid in for free!!! True story!!!

@cementditch : Or not....

@Txcajungirl76 : 💜💙💚💛 You are a very beautiful and giving person. Thank you for caring for the children like you do! **************** (Well, guys, somebody needs to thank this lady)!!!

@LeverageShowFan : Thank you so much!

My mom is a retired teacher that has kept subbing in her district up until Covid. She can't risk catching it because she had chemo and it's affected her immune system. Her numbers are better in recent years but still not worth the risk of catching Covid.I wonder how many subs in similar situations the districts have lost. Seems like retirees would be a big portion of their sub pool.

I still know subs that work because they need the income and are willing to stay with HISD but many quit due to covid

@carol888 : Can't blame them. They must think of their own health. They cannot help anybody if they get sick. I feel bad for their lost of income, but glad that they are trying to stay out of harm's way. A lot of people already have compromised immune systems and must be very careful, that is for sure.

@carol888 :
And the health insurance. I have a buddy that does it mainly for the ins, or at least used to.

@cador : you don't get offered insurance as a sub. Hell the regular teachers pay nearly 100% premium.

@ParksideRes :
I don 't know about all that-he's always told me that he qualified for it as a sub.They pay alil over 50% (most districts pitch in even more where they can pay as little as 20%, I know Brenham did for my mom), on some great plans with numerous options. On their BCBS plans (we have the same at work, minus all the other options), I'd pay about $860 for myself (no employer contribution), where if I was a teacher, it would be $266. It's not a bad deal, in comparison to others.www.trs.texas.gov/Pa ges/healthcare_trsac tivecare_rates.aspx

@cador : the teachers I know said this year they were able to change their insurance & feel like they got a raise because their premiums went down. They are happy with it. HumbleISD.

@ParksideRes : Subs do qualify for insurance. Been in effect for at least five years.

@Franklin4 : I think only if you're a "full time" substitute. I'm a not familiar with a program in the districts I know, so Humble could have something.