When are you going to be a real teacher Ms. Fetrow?

          I spent Thursday and Friday of this week substitute teaching at what has become my favorite place to work, Rowe Middle School. Did I just say middle school??!! You read it right, no sarcastic joke here. I have been converted to a middle school teacher, or at least I'm working on it.
         So the health teacher had the flu all week long and thus the kiddos had about four different subs throughout the week, which may not seem like such a big deal, but really makes for a stressful change of pace for all involved. Lucky for me I have spent most of my time subbing over the past year at Rowe so I am no longer just some random sub that the students despise and try to torture. I know most of the students and have have developed some awesome teacher-student relationships almost as if I actually taught full time.
         I never in a million, billion years thought I would EVER want to teach middle school, but I'll tell you one thing, once you put in the time to get to know the students and build mutual respect these kids-no, adolescents are quite enjoyable to be around. Don't get me wrong, I've had many stressful days at Rowe. I've broken up fights, actually been karate kicked in the shoulder in one instance, had students call me awful names and of course been disrespected, but those days are few and far between now and all the kindness and good comments out weigh the bad days. What a great feeling to walk down the hall and hear, "Ms. Fetrow's here! Who are you subbing for, do I have you today? You're my favorite teacher! Hi Ms. Fetrow, how's it going? High five Ms. Fetrow!" Those are the comments that truly make your day and realize you ARE actually reaching some of these kids and making a difference. It may seem like a small thing, but it is the reason I teach. I couldn't imagine not teaching kids and these middle school students are at a point in their lives when so much is starting to change-physically, emotionally, mentally...they just need someone who is willing to listen, to respect their opinions and not simply answer, "it's this way because I said so."
         Almost daily I am asked why I do not teach full time at Rowe...do I like being a substitute? It is difficult for the kids to grasp all the different factors that play a role in why I am a substitute. I tell them that I am working on being able to teach middle school through my masters program. They think it is so easy to get a teaching job and start naming teachers I should replace :) I simply smile and thank them for the compliment of wanting me around full time. They just don't understand why I am not a "real" teacher. It is next to impossible to explain that just because I am a substitute teacher it doesn't mean I am not a real teacher. I look forward to finishing my endorsement to teach middle school language arts and social studies and am happy to have found a place to belong, as much as a substitute teacher can belong.