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Adventures in Subbing: The Life and Times of a Classroom Mercenary
"This book offers legitimate insight into the daily life of an educator while also producing commentary on the social issues that plague students and teachers in the second decade of the 21st century. It is a book that everyone, who wants to really know what happens in the classroom, should pick up and read."
- Scott A., High School English Teacher
"Thanks to this book, my days are now filled with assisting screaming small children and adolescent chaos...and I've never been happier."
- Jesse S., Elementary School Substitute
"Imagine a book written that was so amazing it changed your life and the lives of everyone around you! This isn’t that book, but just imagine if it was!”
- Levi P., Struggling Tom C. Celebrity Impersonator
"You know those feel good movies where some white woman goes to teach in an inner city school full of stereotypes where her firm, but fair love earns the respect of her students and they excel? This book isn't that. Ride along with Shaw as he's thrown into the deep end of Iowa's secondary education substitute teaching. Told with his signature rapier wit and no small amount of self-deprecating humor, this is Shaw's account of his decision to and the trials and tribulations of becoming a substitute teacher for some of the most difficult kids to work with. Shaw’s journey is full of stumbles, frustration, heartache, and almost always hilarity; it reads like a book written by the illegitimate lovechild of Robin Will*ams and Deadp*ol. Do yourself a favor and get it!"
- Matt T, RN
"You wrote a book? Don't you still owe me money?"
- My Dad, Curmudgeon
A substitute’s job is thankless, truly.
As I hear it, back in the day, all you needed to be a sub was a relatively clean record and the ability to spell and add passably. Because of this, there are a shitload of retiree-aged substitutes in the system who eke out a living in the most passive way possible. There are subs I knew personally, who would regularly fall asleep in class; others that would spend the day reading the newspaper and not even remotely engaging the kids. That’s their hustle, I guess.
This is a true account of chaos, coupled with the directions I wish I had before starting. There’s learning to be had–and a LOT I wish I could tell myself, with Marty McFly-like introspection. But then again, had I not suffered through those blunders, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today. As you read this chronicle, there are going to be some chuckles, some wry smiles...maybe even some tears. But there’s also going to be a whole >lot of cringe. My hope is that this account will serve as a kind of “don’t do this” with a dash of “this worked well” and a palate cleanser of “and here’s what I SHOULD have done.” So come along with me as I grimace at my past deeds (and many misdeeds) throughout my first few years of substitute teaching.
These are all daily entries I jotted down each day, as well as some as teacher notes, and some just because I didn’t want to forget them. As a result, these accounts tend to be a “warts and all” approach to the day’s events. They’ll also serve as somewhat of an evolution of mind, from a brand new sub who was thrown into a wild situation and transformed into a battle-tested teacher who loves his job and his students.
I hope that, by taking this trip again, we can learn from the past together, in order to strengthen our future.
Welcome to the Thunderdome.
- Scott A., High School English Teacher
"Thanks to this book, my days are now filled with assisting screaming small children and adolescent chaos...and I've never been happier."
- Jesse S., Elementary School Substitute
"Imagine a book written that was so amazing it changed your life and the lives of everyone around you! This isn’t that book, but just imagine if it was!”
- Levi P., Struggling Tom C. Celebrity Impersonator
"You know those feel good movies where some white woman goes to teach in an inner city school full of stereotypes where her firm, but fair love earns the respect of her students and they excel? This book isn't that. Ride along with Shaw as he's thrown into the deep end of Iowa's secondary education substitute teaching. Told with his signature rapier wit and no small amount of self-deprecating humor, this is Shaw's account of his decision to and the trials and tribulations of becoming a substitute teacher for some of the most difficult kids to work with. Shaw’s journey is full of stumbles, frustration, heartache, and almost always hilarity; it reads like a book written by the illegitimate lovechild of Robin Will*ams and Deadp*ol. Do yourself a favor and get it!"
- Matt T, RN
"You wrote a book? Don't you still owe me money?"
- My Dad, Curmudgeon
A substitute’s job is thankless, truly.
As I hear it, back in the day, all you needed to be a sub was a relatively clean record and the ability to spell and add passably. Because of this, there are a shitload of retiree-aged substitutes in the system who eke out a living in the most passive way possible. There are subs I knew personally, who would regularly fall asleep in class; others that would spend the day reading the newspaper and not even remotely engaging the kids. That’s their hustle, I guess.
This is a true account of chaos, coupled with the directions I wish I had before starting. There’s learning to be had–and a LOT I wish I could tell myself, with Marty McFly-like introspection. But then again, had I not suffered through those blunders, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today. As you read this chronicle, there are going to be some chuckles, some wry smiles...maybe even some tears. But there’s also going to be a whole >lot of cringe. My hope is that this account will serve as a kind of “don’t do this” with a dash of “this worked well” and a palate cleanser of “and here’s what I SHOULD have done.” So come along with me as I grimace at my past deeds (and many misdeeds) throughout my first few years of substitute teaching.
These are all daily entries I jotted down each day, as well as some as teacher notes, and some just because I didn’t want to forget them. As a result, these accounts tend to be a “warts and all” approach to the day’s events. They’ll also serve as somewhat of an evolution of mind, from a brand new sub who was thrown into a wild situation and transformed into a battle-tested teacher who loves his job and his students.
I hope that, by taking this trip again, we can learn from the past together, in order to strengthen our future.
Welcome to the Thunderdome.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2023
3 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 9, 2025
Seriously, if you intend to try your hand at substitute teaching - maybe dip a toe in the teaching pool - you should read this beforehand. Shaw did years of subbing in a variety of schools from the elitist to special ed to the emotional disturbed. Or just "troubled". How he learned by watching the other teachers - their good and bad techniques - as well as the students which helped him be able to interact gaining a modicum of respect while not allowing them to proverbially take control. He listened and he watched and he learned. And he - in turn - told his readers what he learned. Also to take the step to have supplies available from granola bars and snack packs for those who miss meals to deodorant, toothbrushes, a clean tee-shirt or basic school supplies.
Being a substitute teacher, you're the legal representative while watching over the class - or maybe just reading the newspaper/magazine while the students are quiet. But he does describe the entire experience as not knowing how to swim and being tossed into the deep end with the alligators.
Some of the language some readers may find offensive but this is how people talk. Perhaps to be seen as 'cool'. Perhaps to intimidate others. To gain some positive reinforcement from their peers. Shaw interacted with his students with respect and could give back as easily as they gave - with a bit of restraint due to the authority figures that could - and would - remove him from the temp list if they found his actions too unorthodox. A stand-up comedian doing their show needs to be able to continue despite the hecklers and maybe make them part of the show but certainly not let them control the show.
Overall interesting and mildly amusing basically due to Shaw's sense of humor but there are some astute insights amidst his tales.
Young Michael, ya did a good job.
2025-036
Being a substitute teacher, you're the legal representative while watching over the class - or maybe just reading the newspaper/magazine while the students are quiet. But he does describe the entire experience as not knowing how to swim and being tossed into the deep end with the alligators.
Some of the language some readers may find offensive but this is how people talk. Perhaps to be seen as 'cool'. Perhaps to intimidate others. To gain some positive reinforcement from their peers. Shaw interacted with his students with respect and could give back as easily as they gave - with a bit of restraint due to the authority figures that could - and would - remove him from the temp list if they found his actions too unorthodox. A stand-up comedian doing their show needs to be able to continue despite the hecklers and maybe make them part of the show but certainly not let them control the show.
Overall interesting and mildly amusing basically due to Shaw's sense of humor but there are some astute insights amidst his tales.
Young Michael, ya did a good job.
2025-036
March 29, 2023
A teacher to remember
What’s better than a teacher who gets you and pushes you to give your best. He definitely is not a blah blah blah teacher. Giving the kiddos what they need, sparking interest in unconventional ways. The thoughtfulness of providing snacks to keep them fueled is brilliant.
Thank you for your investment in all of our futures molding our children into responsible adults.
What’s better than a teacher who gets you and pushes you to give your best. He definitely is not a blah blah blah teacher. Giving the kiddos what they need, sparking interest in unconventional ways. The thoughtfulness of providing snacks to keep them fueled is brilliant.
Thank you for your investment in all of our futures molding our children into responsible adults.
April 24, 2023
A hilarious and eye opening look into the world of teaching
So I have to say that this book had me grinning from ear to ear the entire way thru. M.C. doesn't hold back with his look into today's classrooms, and the lessons to be taken from them. I recommend reading, laughing, and waiting patiently for his next book, whenever that may be.
So I have to say that this book had me grinning from ear to ear the entire way thru. M.C. doesn't hold back with his look into today's classrooms, and the lessons to be taken from them. I recommend reading, laughing, and waiting patiently for his next book, whenever that may be.
July 9, 2023
This book is fantastic - eye opening, thoughtful and funny. I thank the author for giving me a whole new appreciation for teachers and the challenges of many students. Very enlightening. I’ll be on the lookout for the next book.
December 12, 2024
This was a quick, fun, informative read. A well written and hilarious while heartwarming look at what it’s actually like to be in the school system from the perspective of both the substitute and a current teacher. It’s definitely worth reading!
July 8, 2023
An entertaining look into the real experiences of a substitute teacher and the valuable lessons he shared with his students.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews