Maybe I am old and backward.
I will be sixty-six in a couple of days. I have always kept up with existing technology. But today I got an email that pissed me off.
I work as a substitute teacher. I enjoy being around the students and I have a good relationship with many of the teachers and sub callers in this area. I perform needed service.
The email I received addressed the new automated system that a nearby district is using. It explained how to search the Internet for sub jobs, and how we had to put in a pin number when answering a sub call. It addressed the numerous calls the district was receiving. Apparently, many subs are not answering the 800 number when they are called, because they do not recognize the caller.
I am insulted that a live person will not be calling any more. They did not even have my correct phone number in the email! This is not a large district to begin with, and they have known me for many years.
Teachers and subs do not get paid well, but they can afford an automated system? My pay works out to about $10.00 an hour after expenses.
I called the administrative offices. I was not rude, but I told them to take my name off their list. If they can't treat me like a person, I don't want to work there.
= new reply since forum marked as read
System A:
Mr. jones is sick.
Call one of 12 people to substitute.
System B:
Hire an 800 service
Enter all the info for each substitute teacher.
Have teacher enter pin codes.
Make sure the number is an 800 number because everybody rushes to the phone to hear "Hi, I'm Maria from Ronco products. We're offering a special deal on rug cleaning fluid and ..."
Don't check the phone numbers (I'm sure they're correct)
Piss everybody off.
I think the subs had to pay to join it! The teachers liked it though because we didn't have to get into a conversation about why we would be absent.
The system we used is called AESOP-- is that the same one?
To get around the fee for subs, teachers began to request their favorites (usually long-timers like you) and it worked out well. This solved the problem of subs dropping out because of the fee. Since you are in a small district, maybe you can ask if that is an option.
The newer subs were very adept at using the system and pouncing on the openings that were posted online.
Our district had a system "administrator" (actually the IT secretary) and all we would do is email her that so-and-so would be subbing for me on a certain date. No personal information involved.
Good luck and bless you for still subbing! That is one thankless job. I did it for 12 years before I was hired part- then full-time. 
