The Free Agent Role of Substitute Teachers

As a former substitute I would like to respond to the letters (April 24) criticizing Fran Reed. I agree that teachers have a right to strike. I wonder why the strikers don’t regard substitutes as fellow teachers.

Certainly substitutes get the worst of a bad deal. I am fully credentialed, which means more than five years of college. Yet as a substitute I work on call without sick pay or any benefits for a substandard wage. I get no respect from fellow teachers, students or administrators.

Yet, I am an excellent teacher, and I always do an exceptional job, with no thanks from anyone.

Certainly, I know the administration is using me, but until the teachers offer me something besides disdain, I have no choice but to regard myself as a free agent.

PAULA ZIEGLER

Huntington Beach