I was subbing as a substitute paraprofessional for a school district when all the sudden without warning, I was not wanted back. I called the person I was supposed to contact to see what happened and I was told that just one teacher from one school, out of the eight I went to in that district, complained that I didn't help her enough and that I used my phone. Yes it is true, I did use my phone after the school day ended to get a ride home and on breaks just like everyone else does, but the teacher said I used it in a class which was not true.

The supervisor never met me in person, all communication is through email and phone. In this case, I was not able to tell my side, which was the real truth, with evidence. I actually had evidence that the teacher's story was made up and that I never used my phone in a class. Also I was always asking her, and other teachers, if they needed help. I still do this with the other school district I am with now. I just worry it will happen again.

The good thing is that the supervisor for the school district I am with now has met me in person and I can always go to her if there was ever any questions or if a problem arises. I just felt hurt that after all the helping I did, I was let go just because one teacher obviously didn't like me. Of course everyone will believe the teacher since I was new at that district so I didn't have much authority. Now when I use my phone outside the classroom, I let people know what my intent is.

I technically don't have to let people know since no one else does that at the end of a school day and during breaks. If they need to use their phone, they just do it. But I kind of don't trust them quite yet even though I have been there longer than the first district. I am much better at what I do as well since I actually know what I am doing. When I first started at the original district, I was awkward and very unsure.

The very first school I subbed at was the same one where the teacher who complained was at. So I don't know if they just had a bad first impression of me or if the teacher just had malicious intentions towards me. I only went to that school five times. It was a 7th-8th grade middle school. Just don't know if I gave off the wrong first impression and the teacher used that to her advantage or not.

I got a lot better at subbing but apparently I just wasn't liked. The reason I was awkward first was because they treat you as if you already know what you are supposed to do. You walk in, the secretary gives you a badge, tells you the room number and teacher's name, and sends you in your way. The person you are subbing for may have notes but they are vague a lot of times and it usually results in asking the teacher questions during down time a lot.

I was not informed what teacher it was, they didn't tell me. They just assumed I was extremely unprofessional and inappropriate, meanwhile other teachers and employees do the exact same thing. It is as if they are allowed to do it but not me. In a way, I felt as if they wrongfully got rid of me but maybe they used it as an excuse to get ride of me. Just worry it could happen again even though I am much better off now.

No matter what now, anytime someone sees me with my phone, which is rare, I let them know my intent even if it is at the end of the school day and everyone is walking out. I only did it a couple times at the original district, but now I make it a habit. Even a couple teachers told me I don't need to ask permission or tell them my intent but I just worry it will happen again. Should I continue to do what I do or is there any other ways of preventing this kind of situation and dealing with any possible miserable teachers?