Previous collections of reader letters about substitute teachers mostly described low pay, lack of student respect and other negative aspects of working as a "sub." The following letters present the other side of the picture, describing the "perks" of substitute teaching.

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Dear Beth,

As I am now out of secondary school and enrolled in college, I have found out what a blessing substitute teachers are.

At my high school, we had many different people subbing. Some were teachers who had been retired, but loved teaching so much that they came back. Others were interns who were finishing up college.

I found my two best friends in the spring of my last year in high school. I was a nervous wreck about leaving my beloved high school, but my two friends helped me through that and told me that college would be fine. These substitute teachers, I found out, really did care about me because they came to my graduation party. When school was in session I saw many students taking advantage of the substitute teachers.

Now the substitute teachers who went beyond their call of duty are there for me when I need a friend! On my last free Saturday before college started I was so scared that I called up my two friends to tell them about my fears. Well, they calmed me down and told me everything would be all right. So now I am just waiting to see them again, for they said that we would get together and hang out.

For readers who have children that are rude to substitutes, please straighten them out! They may be missing out on finding a great friend.

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I understand the gripes that I have read from substitute teachers. I have a couple comments. When you took the job you understood what the pay was going to be, you understood the lack of benefits, and you understood the challenges in front of you, yet you still took the job. So, why now are you complaining? Nothing is different from what you were told. There are many jobs out there with less pay and no benefits, and people are still working them.

There was one substitute who pointed out that he/she only made $10,000.00(+/-) for 180 days. Well, if you worked a "normal" year that would be almost $20,000.00(+/-) per year. No, that's not a lot of money, but that is more than a McDonald's worker makes. That's also working ideal hours (8-2). Try doing that someplace else and still make $20,000.00 per year. Wait, NO HOLIDAYS—yet another bonus. My whole point is, think about what you do have. It's not that bad and could be much worse.

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I am a substitute teacher—I find it very challenging. It is also an honor. I always learn from the experience. Working with children is one of the main reasons I do this. The schedule is perfect; I get home within 20 minutes after my three children which is ideal. I have also gone back to school, going for my masters and certification in teaching. Subbing gives me experience. I do agree that subs should get about $100 a day. I think that is reasonable. Good substitutes certainly deserve more respect.

My goal as a sub is to respect the children I am responsible for. That is extremely important. It is an honor to have a chance to meet children and help to teach them for the day, although things do not always run smoothly! Safety of the children is my other main concern.

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Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.