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I’ve opened a can of worms.

I’ve submitted an application to substitute teach at a local high school. Am I NUTS or what?!?

First of all, substituting: it’s not a regular job. It’s only if they call you, and only on school days which knocks out two weeks in December, a week in March, and 3 months of the summer. Real stable there, not!

Second, I have experience with wee folk. Those under 6 especially. Over 10? Not so much. Much less lots of hormonal 16 year olds. Got lots of nephews over the age of 18, but have I ever been responsible for a room of teenagers by myself? No. There was that time in 2002, when I helped hubby out for a bit while he was the Youth Director stand in. That involved one or two hours, one day a week. Nothing like a 8 to 3 shift with 24 kids, a new set each hour.

So why am I torturing myself? I don’t think I’d have as much patience with the wee folks in school actually. As a substitute for high schoolers, I don’t have to be nice. I don’t have to tie shoes, I don’t have to be frustrated over some kid not understanding the curriculum. Hey! In high school, I might not understand the curriculum! Sympathy pity party!

Plus, I’m *cough* 37. I’m finally old enough to be the mother to those kids in high school. I no longer look 25 which means, maybe I can intimidate them into behaving.

The only concern I have is being called to substitute for a class which I really have no business being in. One of those with a subject WAY out of my league. Oh My God. What if they ask me to sub in a Geography Class??! Or worse..P.E.?!?

As it turns out, there is squat on the internet on how to prepare to substitute for high school aged kids. So if I get a chance, and I enjoy it enough to do it more than once, that’s going to be on my ‘to do’ list.

If you were to substitute for high school aged kids, would you have any hints on handling them? Any words of wisdom??  Anyone??