Acting as a Teacher

Everytime I take a substitute job, I see myself as playing a part...I am a third grade teacher, an Art teacher, or maybe I'm playing the part of a Music teacher.  Sometimes, I get to be Librarian (glasses and all).  Maybe I see it this way because I am a writer, a creative person and it puts me where I need to be mentally for that day.  I try to have fun with each of my teaching assignments, because some days it really isn't fun. 

Just like in acting, not everyone is right for the part.  If I play a part...let's say a Kindergarten teacher, for the day, I usually find out right away, it isn't the right part or assignment for me.  So next time, I may be better at choosing my assignments.  It takes a lot of patience to be a substitute teacher; and it's not the job for everyone.  I have been doing it for five years now, and I have been told time and again that I'm really good at this or that...and they want me back.  So, I guess, I get proverbial actor's call back...  One of my favorite things about being a Substitute teacher is my schedule.  I am able to choose when I work, where I work and how long I work, depending on which jobs I sign up for; I have control over my time. 

Every day is like a "first day of school," experience.  If that is what you are looking for, a job that is different and challenging, and you get out for the Summer, then you should give substitute teaching a try...but if you are looking for a part that is going to last for a long duration, then you should find something more stable.

The next post on teaching:  I will share some of my good, bad, and unbelievable moments of teaching.

Thanks.

Writer's Life

For over ten years my passion has been writing.  I try to write everyday and have recently completed two screenplays.  I love the Mystery/Drama and Action genres.  I'm working on another screenplay and a tv script for spec...to add to my writing portfolio.

Recently, I realized how much I love editing.  When I write a post for twitter, I find there is always a more concise way to say the same thing.  In fact, every time I rewrite a script...I always feel the project is better.

As I work on an article I hope to publish, my mind is always drifting to one of my scenes in my screenplay.  Creating characters and drama is so much fun.  I try to put myself in the character's mind and be the character momentarily while I am writing.  It is probably not wise to be the character that is in a car chase while driving, but that always adds a little excitement to my life.  Sometimes, it seems the character is taking over and the dialog just seems to write itself.

--Charis