Being a Sub Kinda Sucks

So, I'm currently a substitute teacher in Los Angeles. i don't recommend it. The kids mostly suck. Of the three periods I have had today one was alright, one was really horrible, and the third was somewhere in the middle. Though the principal came in and chided me in a passive aggressive kind of way for letting them watch soccer videos on the computers. I figure, as long as they aren't killing each other and got their work done they should be able to goof of a bit if it isn't too loud or causing any harm. apparently it is better for them to sit at a table and do nothing. Who knows.

So yeah, the second class wouldn't listen to me and finally did when I started threatening detention. either I'm just a horrible sub, or they are horrible kids. i definitely blame myself partially, I don't really know how to carry a true aura of authority around high schoolers. I'm fine with younger kids or college-age people. I can even be authoritative towards a group much older then me if need be. but for some reason high schoolers fall into a small range where i have problems. Maybe its the teaching situation. I don't really feel qualified to be doing this. I mean all I've done is get a degree and passed a stupid test. no real training on how to teach or interact with the kids. and I'm only 23, not exactly an age the kids tend to respect. Maybe i should grow some stubble and wear a wedding ring when I sub. Make the kids think I'm old and married who knows. But i officially hate most high schoolers.

Must go, kids came in.

Ok, now that I'm back i, as of this moment, hate kids a little less. four relatively good kids came in here for lunch to work on homework and we got to chatting. they seem cool and like they behave. so i don't hate them at the moment.

But we'll see what happens with my last period of the day. 110 minutes with a group of 10th graders who failed this class the first time they took it. Fun stuff.

Also, from now on I'm going to be Mr. B instead of Mr. Bown. Kids can't remember Bown, especially since its kind of a weird last name in that its so like a lot of others but just weird enough to be easily forgettable, I guess. So Mr. B it is. And it was given to me by a group of students on Tuesday so i feel like its legit.