Teacher Lounge Experience?

Question

As a sub, I do not like going into the teachers lounge. I can clearly see an invisible line of demarcation between teachers and subs. In most NYC public schools, teachers sit on one side of the lounge and talk only among themselves while subs are ignored. Of course, this has been my experience.

What's your story?

Are teachers and subs slightly apart in the school system?

Please, do not respond by saying that teachers and subs have nothing in common. There is always something to talk about.

Answer 1

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Answer 2

I was an often-ignored sub in the teacher's lounge before I became a teacher.  It was the worst at the high school.  After teaching, I can see why I was ignored.  Those who posted about the 30 minute break being dwindled away are right.  When it comes down to it, you end up with 15 - 20 minutes of "free time."  And usually, I use that to ask a question of my fellow grade-level teacher, etc.  Most of it boils down to lack of time & the fact that the teachers aren't just chit-chatting about the weather or something a new person could jump in on the conversation about.  Often, the conversation is a continuation of something from the past.

When I was a sub, there were a few teachers who went out of their way to make me feel welcome, but I think it was mostly their personality.  Our school is pretty good about it.  What one of the posters said about having to watch what we say it true, though.  A lot of our subs are parents and we have to be very careful about how we reflect on our school (private school).  So, the conversation is often different when there's a newcomer.

I'm sorry the situation is as it is, but I don't think there's a whole lot that will change.

Answer 3

I go into teacher lounges. Most of the teacher talk to me and the more I sub at that school the more they talk to me. The first time or two I may get ignored. You are a little disconneted if it is something that has been an on going discussion but usally they have topics you can join in on. I got yelled at in the teachers lunchroom at one school. I apprently look a little like I belong in high school and they are not allowed to use the vending machine. They then saw that I was a sub and said they were sorry.

Answer 4

My experience was the opposite when I was subbing, especially at schools where they knew me.  There were definitely cliques, but they had to do with personalities, I think.  And I belonged to one when I was at a middle school for a long-term assignment.  

You have to remember, those people work together every day and have relationships formed for who-knows-how-long.  It's really nice when a group or an individual makes an effort to befriend you; that's for sure.  I really don't think teachers TRY to exclude subs.  But not all  extend themselves toward someone they may never see again.  Some do, though, and that is a good thing.

Answer 5

I have been on both sides. However, as a teacher and as a sub in VA....WHO HAS TIME TO CHILL IN A TEACHER'S LOUNGE? Duty free lunch is non existant in most schools. They take planning time away from subs and make them cover classes or have hall duty. Teachers always have to work on grading papers, parent conferences, evaluations, and lesson plans. Yes, many teachers call subs "THE SUB" and not by their name. Yes, many teachers ignore subs. And  some subs are unfamiliar with the school and know NO ONE in the building and have no one to talk to during the day.

Answer 6

You have to understand the nuances of being a teacher. First of all, we are constantly monitored and policed. Our mouths are the first thing to get us in trouble and it is hard to find people that you can trust that won't throw you under the bus to advance their career. So, unless they know you, they won't trust you. So, don't take it personal. Teachers are very hesitant to talk to anyone the don't know VERY well.

Also, you have to understand that quality subs are very rare. Most are unlicensed, some don't have any intention of being a teacher, and many are just flat out lazy or goody-two shoes who think subbing is their chance to try out the fly-by night teaching methods they learn in college. In other words, our plans don't get followed and thus, we spend weeks trying to make up the lost time.

My experience is subs do not understand teaching is no longer about doing what is best for kids, or actually teaching. It is molding kids into test taking machines so we don't lose our jobs. And. subs have been notorious for trashing teachers to try and get a teacher moved so they can fill their spot.

Mostly, it is about familiarity. Do you sit down and talk to the stranger at the next table? Do you strike up a conversation with every new person you have worked with? It takes time to build a relationship, and you have to pay your dues (fair or not) because you aren't in the trenches with us.

Answer 7

My step mom was a sub for a year and she was at a midlde school one day. She noticed the smae thing, that the teachers aren't very fond of subs. But she's the type that dones't care so she just went about her business... I think she may have tried to talk to one of them(she'll talk to anyone) but the teacher wouldn't engae in the conversation.

Answer 8

I've see this. Personally, I think that we, teachers, are under a lot of stress and we just want to relax. A lot of times you just want to laugh with the ones you already know.

Answer 9

At the four schools where I taught, most subs are well known because here in WV our school system is small and we all know each other because the same subs come to the same schools, so we get to know each other fairly well.  I've never had that experience either when I WAS a sub or since I've been a teacher.

Answer 10

I just finished student teaching and became good friends with a sub I saw frequently.  We talked about how the teachers who were employed there whispered when they talked, like they thought we might hear. There were meetings and luncheons that I was supposed to be attending, but no one shared the information. They often talked about students and their families in a disrespectful way which made me uncomfortable.  Just as you said, there was a place for subs and a place for teachers. I am in Ohio..

Answer 11

Its not that you are a sub.

Its that you are a new face.

We have 20 minutes or so to eat and get back - often we have a group we see daily at this time. We have just  a few minutes to talk to who we have to talk to for whatever reason - We see different faces there daily - and usually dont start up a new relationship unless we've seen you a few times.

I dont go into starbucks and start conversations with people I dont know. I have however started conversations with regulars i see at starbucks in the morning.

Give it time - as you become more familiar - two things will happen - less cold shoulders in the lunch room - as well as some teachers asking if youll cover their classes.

Answer 12

I think it's normal for a group of people who know each other to sit together and not seek out strangers.  We have 30 minutes to relax and eat.  And in that time I have to use 3-5 minutes to microwave my food, 3-5 minutes to use the toilet and wash up, and 4 minutes round trip from my class to the teachers cafeteria and back.  So that leaves me with 20-16 minutes to relax and eat.

I don't have the time to make substitute teachers (who mostly just ***** about the kids the whole time) feel "welcome."

Sometimes, a substitute will sit at "our table" and take up the seat of a "regular."  It's very annoying.  Substitutes are temps and I'm very courteous to them, but most don't last long, so there is no need to make the emotional investment in them.

Answer 13

I disagree (at least here in Broward County). Here in the lounge, a teacher is a teacher whether you are here everyday or only once. Personally I would talk to a sub more than the other teachers! These are the people that I will call upon to take over my class whenever I am sick or am unavailable to be in the classroom. I feel that a common substitute teacher should know me and how I expect my classroom to be operated in my absence!

There is no separation between substitute and regular teacher in the school system (unless we are referring to pay!). But if you are judging someone based on pay in the teaching profession to begin with then believe me you should be choosing a different profession!

Answer 14

I have been on both sides, I personally stay clear of the lounge.  The just get so caught up in their own convo that they aren't thinking of chatting with a sub or other teachers at that. h**l I'm a teacher and I don't convo in the lounges, don't take it personal!! I appreciate Subs. You can talk 2 them first 2 you know.  Just introduce yourself.