What am I Doing Here?

They have it easy! Right!

Have you every said that another person's job was easy? Did you ever think that someone had a job that was nothing or just answering the phone all day?
Well I had a chance to walk in another person's shoes on Monday. And now my feet hurt and I have to eat my words. Please pass the katchup because I want to make this easier to swallow.
I am a substitute teacher. I was called by the school that I go to during an important testing week. I thought that I might be a hall monitor. That is not bad. They are an important person who sees that there is no noise, and that the teachers who must go to the bathroom, can go and return quickly.
I was asked to sit at the desk in the front office to answer the phone. Sounds easy. There was really more to this. I had to write up phone message notes, put the mail in the correct boxes and deliver important messages when there were no runners. I could not go to the bathroom at any time. I had lunch very late. I also had to verify correct people who came to pick up children for high school entrance testing. Safety for children is so important!
There was another person in the office, but she was not feeling well and needed to be at home. To add to my problems, I know a little Spanish, but could not communicate with parents as well as the ladies who were at this desk all of the time.
When the person who went up stairs to monitor returned, we still were very busy. I guess this was an unusual day. Later someone said that I did nicely.
So what I am trying to say is that teaching children, is hard. This really depends on the class. However running a school is indeed teamwork. Everyone is needed to make the school run smoothly including the secretaries. Some days they are not so busy but look out when you are asked to help. It may seem like one of the busiest days of your life!