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Substitute Teaching

· By Darth · Published 2024-12-09T06:00:19.637Z

Meta Prompt
The answer to the meta is a subject in school.
I’m a fulltime teacher, but there was a time when I relied on substitute work, teaching everything from ESL to English composition, environmental ethics, even Arabic. I love teaching and don’t mind filling in when needed. Early this year I subbed for a colleague on bereavement leave, and I’m now on standby for a teacher who is “expecting” to go on maternity leave any time now… (Perhaps baby will wait until we go on winter break?)
None of what I’m saying pertains to this crossword except that the answer to the meta is a school subject that I taught at one point in my career.
Special thanks to Peter Abide for test solving and offering a few workaround suggestions. I'm also grateful for the XWord Muggles Forum and Crosshare community... Thanks for your support!
Checking for previous play data...

Leaderboard (updated hourly)

  • Archie solved 2024-11-15T03:40:14.174Z
  • Skywalker solved 2024-11-17T23:06:42.303Z
  • Abide solved 2024-12-02T16:50:44.346Z
  • benchen71 solved 2024-12-09T07:06:55.510Z
  • Kulea solved 2024-12-09T07:20:54.938Z
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  • Tom Wilson solved 2024-12-09T09:05:26.157Z
  • Mr Tex solved 2024-12-09T10:46:23.452Z
  • Pair O Ducks solved 2024-12-09T11:52:01.688Z
  • Berto solved 2024-12-09T12:14:08.804Z
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  • phenomist solved 2024-12-10T02:35:47.730Z
  • lbray53 solved 2024-12-10T03:07:04.696Z
  • HeadinHome solved 2024-12-10T03:20:45.468Z
  • Tyrpmom solved 2024-12-10T04:09:20.147Z
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  • Alex Sisti solved 2024-12-10T06:08:11.554Z
  • Wendy Walker solved 2024-12-10T12:18:34.871Z
  • DCBilly solved 2024-12-10T15:08:27.792Z
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  • plesiosaur solved 2024-12-11T01:43:54.747Z
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  • Viro solved 2024-12-11T13:38:47.708Z
  • Serafin solved 2024-12-11T14:28:19.233Z
  • Susan solved 2024-12-11T14:37:34.436Z
  • FedexPope solved 2024-12-11T15:22:15.511Z
  • minimuggle solved 2024-12-11T17:27:44.955Z
  • Johnny Luau solved 2024-12-11T17:56:21.075Z
  • greenturtle3141 solved 2024-12-11T19:41:28.156Z
  • atsiricajr111191 solved 2024-12-12T02:28:03.850Z
  • Avlan solved 2024-12-12T13:23:36.784Z
  • JeffTurnham solved 2024-12-12T17:06:22.265Z
  • Max Chemtov solved 2024-12-12T17:24:57.350Z
  • Lex solved 2024-12-12T17:38:04.664Z
  • ELSavage solved 2024-12-12T18:25:22.405Z
  • Naptown Kid solved 2024-12-13T05:52:48.431Z
  • Alvibu67 solved 2024-12-13T17:04:13.530Z
  • Sharkicicles solved 2024-12-16T23:10:10.057Z
  • omnilynx solved 2024-12-17T04:26:21.363Z
  • Byron solved 2024-12-17T18:03:40.134Z
  • Sobekneferu solved 2024-12-17T23:26:47.975Z
  • cheval mondegreen solved 2024-12-18T03:41:36.256Z
  • RebrccaQ solved 2024-12-18T22:04:09.324Z
  • Mikey G solved 2024-12-20T02:17:16.374Z

Comments

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  • benchen71 2s · 2024-12-09T07:07:37.679Z
    Solved after only a third of the grid completed! That was fun!!
    • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T13:30:27.623Z
      Good on ya, mate! :D
    • woozy 9:11 · 2024-12-09T07:27:47.536Z
      Well.... Had to chew but got it. Was fun.
      • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T13:34:57.870Z
        Glad you could savor it some... ;) Thanks, woozy!
      • Berto 1s · 2024-12-09T12:17:15.955Z
        I thought there was going to be a second step: waGes > AGI, fiBer > I-beam, etc. but was proving difficult to justify some of the alternatives lol. Thanks Darth!
        • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T13:34:02.339Z
          Not sure folks would be pleased if ALGEBRA ended up spelling ENGLISH! haha (Of course, after graduating with Math/Computer Science, English is what I'm teaching now!)
        • rjy 3s · 2024-12-09T12:36:05.863Z
          Enjoyed it, Darth. Loved your double-cluing!
          • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T13:35:13.950Z
            Cool. Thanks for solving, Ray!
          • rjy 3s · 2024-12-09T12:51:08.935Z
            Must’ve been tricky to construct once you had the idea… did you just noodle it out with pencil and paper? Or throw software at a wordlist to find candidates? Or are you merely an AI bot?
            • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T17:04:04.092Z
              I pondered over word lists (3-5 letter words that contained X) and tried to find those that wouldn't have alternate letters (although after gridding a few with multiple alternates did show up!). Then I relied on the Force for the rest! ;)
            • boharr 2s · 2024-12-09T13:55:24.813Z
              I knew it would involve math. LOL. Good thing I don't have to show my work because at the moment it's incomplete. Thanks,Darth
              • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T17:19:21.073Z
                Lol. Solver's intuition. ;)
              • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T06:34:31.417Z
                The solution: Although it is usually a low-frequency letter, the letter X appears 7 times in the grid. Could it be substituting for something? With noticeably "unusual" clueing for those ACROSS answers, you will find 17A TEXTS/TEATS; 18A EXUDES/ELUDES; 30A WAXES/WAGES; 36A FOX/FOE; 44A FIXER/FIBER; 57A LATEX/LATER (a bit of a stretch!); and 68A SEX/SEA. The answer is ALGEBRA. Also, in Algebra, X is called the UNKNOWN (28D) and the set of output values for f(X) is called the RANGE. .... As a side note, in college, I got certified to teach middle school mathematics. I ended up teaching Algebra at the University of Kansas, while getting an M.A. in Education, Curriculum & Instruction.
                • Capn Rick 🤓6:50 · 2024-12-09T14:18:52.521Z
                  Great job, Darth! Loved "solving" for X.
                  • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T17:04:57.914Z
                    Cool. You get an "A" for the day!
                  • imontoo 2s · 2024-12-09T14:57:36.575Z
                    Thanks, Darth!
                    • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T17:20:15.064Z
                      Well, thank you, too!
                    • michaelm 9:39 · 2024-12-09T15:13:44.291Z
                      M cubed today. Exponentially clever, and that's no hyperbola. Thanks, Darth!
                      • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T17:09:18.097Z
                        Lol. Well, I expected "variable" results, so I'm glad you worked it out! :D
                      • Alex Sisti 2s · 2024-12-09T15:29:53.791Z
                        Outstanding! Clever use of "solve for X."
                        • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T17:17:59.366Z
                          Thanx, Al!
                        • Meg 2s · 2024-12-09T15:20:01.271Z
                          Nice one!
                          • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T17:19:44.454Z
                            Thanx, Meg!
                          • KayW 🤓6:38 · 2024-12-09T15:35:02.270Z
                            X-celent!! And fun!! I had the right idea but was coming up with a few "wrong values" in spots. Then I noticed UNKNOWN/RANGE in the grid and back-solved from there. And in hind-sight, I should have guessed it IMMEDIATELY on seeing all the Xes. Doh!
                            • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T17:11:20.052Z
                              Awesome. Thanx, Kay!
                            • whimsy 🤓10:30 · 2024-12-09T16:06:27.193Z
                              Didn't see the double-meaning clue connection at first -- I solved just by making sure that the down answer also spelled a real word. Really fun one! Thanks, Darth!
                              • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T17:17:24.874Z
                                That was the original idea. Then I attempted "clever clueing" for some and needed to be consistent with either all the ACROSS or all the DOWN, which got me into trouble. I mean how do you double clue for LATEX/LATER? Lol And EXUDE/ELUDE was a tough one since the only thing they have in common is "escape" or "run off"... The credit for that clue goes to Peter for suggesting "confidence man" ;)
                              • Dave C 3s · 2024-12-09T16:10:44.854Z
                                Got it without even noting that the substitutions fit the across clues.
                                • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T21:00:00.211Z
                                  Yep, the double cluing across answers were just fun X-tras! Thanx for solving!
                                • Qmark 3s · 2024-12-09T17:29:50.614Z
                                  super fun...thanks Darth!
                                  • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T20:59:04.103Z
                                    Glad you liked it. Thanx.
                                  • MatthewL 🤓6:03 · 2024-12-09T18:01:39.007Z
                                    Fun one, Darth. Saw all the Xs and figured that was something, and then realized what you had to do. My algebra teacher always said the subject would come in handy someday. Thanks for the puzzle!
                                    • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T21:03:18.441Z
                                      See there! Your algebra teacher knew you needed it! Glad you had fun!
                                    • Carolyn 2s · 2024-12-09T17:47:40.322Z
                                      Nicely done! Enjoyed it.
                                      • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T21:02:21.619Z
                                        Thanx, Carolyn!
                                      • DrTom 3s · 2024-12-09T17:59:46.978Z
                                        Oh, and I just went back to look at the clues for the Across words - GENIUS!! Very apropos to both answers, that is no easy task. You are approaching Cap'n RIck status with your "tricksteriness" (guess who watched the Lord of the Rings Trilogy this week).
                                        • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T21:02:09.348Z
                                          Awww... still have a way to go, but thanx.... again! :D
                                        • ajk 🤓6:24 · 2024-12-09T17:37:37.836Z
                                          Nifty. Title made it the first thing I tried, but wasn't sure if it was a coincidence or not at first, as I didn't realize the across clues were still supposed to work. But once I got ALG it was pretty clear where it was going. :) Fun one, thanks.
                                          • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T20:58:44.551Z
                                            Yep. Guessing is a great way to start. :D Thanx for solving, Alan!
                                          • DrTom 3s · 2024-12-09T17:54:46.295Z
                                            Nothing inelegant about that one Darth. Yes there are possible other letters for the first two but once you move further you realize what they have to be. I really liked it; now of course I had a leg up because as a constructor seeing all those X's...well that was far too many to have been by chance. Super tie-in to the title and loved the central nudge clue. Great start to the week!
                                            • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T21:01:17.859Z
                                              Thanx, DrT! Appreciate your support.
                                            • hoover 7s · 2024-12-09T18:58:19.575Z
                                              I solved for X and got ALGEBRA! Very clever!
                                              • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T21:04:17.002Z
                                                Xcellent! Thanx for solving!
                                              • DavyGravy 2s · 2024-12-09T18:46:47.519Z
                                                I’m a retired ALGEBRA teacher - and for my retirement job I’m a substitute teacher! So this was right in my wheelhouse. Thanks for the puzzle!
                                                • Darth constructor · 2024-12-09T21:03:42.537Z
                                                  Awesome! :D
                                                • Bird Lives 5s · 2024-12-09T21:36:44.106Z
                                                  Like Al, I saw all the Xs and immediately thought "solve for x." So I did. I also thought about the clue for LATEX, a toughie. "Sap become rubber. When?" was the best I could come up with.
                                                  • Darth constructor · 2024-12-10T00:12:28.151Z
                                                    Awesome. And nice idea for LATEX, too. Thanx, Jay.
                                                  • Gutman 2s · 2024-12-09T21:44:02.527Z
                                                    Nice one, Darth.
                                                    • Darth constructor · 2024-12-10T00:13:06.441Z
                                                      Thanx. :)
                                                    • Sendhil Revuluri 🤓3:29 · 2024-12-09T22:56:48.592Z
                                                      Fun solve, and a meta I could figure out too!
                                                      I noticed the plethora of Xs and so "algebra" was my first guess… but (as a decided newbie to metas) I still don't understand (even after @Darth's explanation) the alternate letters. Are there no other alternatives for the letter that could take the place of each X? Thanks!
                                                      • Darth constructor · 2024-12-10T00:15:47.960Z
                                                        Well, that was the idea.... until it was pointed out that ETUDES/NIT would fit there, and maybe TENTS/BON? So, the double cluing was indeed needed. :D
                                                      • Tyrpmom 2s · 2024-12-10T04:16:23.276Z
                                                        Well done. That was fun.
                                                        • Darth constructor · 2024-12-10T13:33:21.693Z
                                                          Thanx.
                                                        • Wendy Walker 19s · 2024-12-10T12:20:14.926Z
                                                          You get a gold star, Darth!
                                                          • Darth constructor · 2024-12-10T13:33:59.073Z
                                                            Lol. Thanks, Wendy!
                                                          • HeadinHome 🤓1:29 · 2024-12-10T03:27:09.019Z
                                                            I too have been a substitute teacher at times. Not my fave, I must say (neither is algebra). I did, however, recognize UNKNOWN and RANGE as mathy words, and I was already wondering if we were to solve for X. The letters of ALGEBRA made words in every case (both ways) so that was that (didn’t go back and read the clues or figure out how the new words were also clued). Thanks for a math challenge with no math!
                                                            • ELSavage 🤓6:13 · 2024-12-12T18:28:32.397Z
                                                              As a math teacher myself, I couldn't help but notice all of the X's. I did have a bit of pause though, because the range (37A) of a function refers to the y-values not the x-values, but maybe that's a case of too much knowledge being dangerous.
                                                              • Darth constructor · 2024-12-14T17:02:35.404Z
                                                                So for this puzzle, I guess values of X would give an f(X) of a complete new word. ha I just wanted a theme related word to fit in the center. Thanks for solving.
                                                              • Sharkicicles 2s · 2024-12-16T23:11:28.256Z
                                                                Late solve, catching up on metas, but thanks Darth! ILL!
                                                                1A
                                                                Was consistent with, as evidence
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                                                                Across
                                                                1. 1A
                                                                  Was consistent with, as evidence
                                                                2. 6A
                                                                  Ice cream bean trees of Brazil
                                                                3. 11A
                                                                  "Sorta" suffix
                                                                4. 14A
                                                                  Wear away
                                                                5. 15A
                                                                  Tree with papery bark used for canoes
                                                                6. 16A
                                                                  Corporate VIP
                                                                7. 17A
                                                                  Units of a "feed"
                                                                8. 18A
                                                                  Act like a confidence man?
                                                                9. 19A
                                                                  Sixth sense
                                                                10. 20A
                                                                  Mrs. in Madrid
                                                                11. 22A
                                                                  Bring into being
                                                                12. 24A
                                                                  Joe's place?
                                                                13. 30A
                                                                  Beauty salon or car wash offering, maybe
                                                                14. 31A
                                                                  "Mercy me!"
                                                                15. 32A
                                                                  Originating from
                                                                16. 34A
                                                                  Nonreactive, as neon
                                                                17. 35A
                                                                  Police dog unit
                                                                18. 36A
                                                                  Sly adversary
                                                                19. 37A
                                                                  Set of output values
                                                                20. 39A
                                                                  Cry of discovery
                                                                21. 42A
                                                                  Winter month in Mexico
                                                                22. 44A
                                                                  Problem solver, of sorts
                                                                23. 46A
                                                                  Not many at all
                                                                24. 49A
                                                                  Lead-in to "library" or "opinion"
                                                                25. 50A
                                                                  Bellows, like a lion
                                                                26. 51A
                                                                  Whistle-blowers, for example
                                                                27. 53A
                                                                  Pep rally cheer
                                                                28. 55A
                                                                  Boxer Muhammad
                                                                29. 56A
                                                                  Tax-form fig. ("money earned minus deductions")
                                                                30. 57A
                                                                  Sap subsequently becoming glove material (with a bit of a stretch!)
                                                                31. 60A
                                                                  Atmospheric layer with a "hole"
                                                                32. 65A
                                                                  Diarist Anais (with a palindromic name)
                                                                33. 66A
                                                                  Fill with joy
                                                                34. 67A
                                                                  Feudal laborers
                                                                35. 68A
                                                                  ___ change (e.g., as from male to female)
                                                                36. 69A
                                                                  Fathered a foal
                                                                37. 70A
                                                                  Barrio minority
                                                                Down
                                                                1. 1D
                                                                  Jacuzzi nozzle
                                                                2. 2D
                                                                  Anger
                                                                3. 3D
                                                                  Moving container
                                                                4. 4D
                                                                  Summer hrs. in NYC
                                                                5. 5D
                                                                  Piece of cake, perhaps
                                                                6. 6D
                                                                  Structural steel support
                                                                7. 7D
                                                                  Put the kibosh on
                                                                8. 8D
                                                                  Minion master of "Despicable Me"
                                                                9. 9D
                                                                  "High Voltage" rock band
                                                                10. 10D
                                                                  Paint business partner with Williams
                                                                11. 11D
                                                                  Mountaineer's tool
                                                                12. 12D
                                                                  Six-line sonnet section
                                                                13. 13D
                                                                  "Fingers crossed!"
                                                                14. 21D
                                                                  Wine choice
                                                                15. 23D
                                                                  Roof overhang
                                                                16. 24D
                                                                  Do, at the hair salon
                                                                17. 25D
                                                                  "That's terrible!"
                                                                18. 26D
                                                                  Show off your biceps
                                                                19. 27D
                                                                  In favor of
                                                                20. 28D
                                                                  Tomb of the ___ Soldier (war memorial)
                                                                21. 29D
                                                                  Band of outlaws
                                                                22. 33D
                                                                  No-win situation
                                                                23. 37D
                                                                  Basketball official, for short
                                                                24. 38D
                                                                  "Whose woods these ___ think I know" (Robert Frost line)
                                                                25. 39D
                                                                  Wheel shaft
                                                                26. 40D
                                                                  Natural successor
                                                                27. 41D
                                                                  Circle segments
                                                                28. 42D
                                                                  Bronte heroine
                                                                29. 43D
                                                                  Speaks through the nose
                                                                30. 44D
                                                                  Title role for Taylor-Joy in "A Mad Max Saga" (2024)
                                                                31. 45D
                                                                  Tech giant with a "Think" trademark
                                                                32. 46D
                                                                  Lungs and livers, for example
                                                                33. 47D
                                                                  Playful knuckle rub
                                                                34. 48D
                                                                  "Hispanic" alternative, preferred by some
                                                                35. 49D
                                                                  Capitol Hill figure (abbr.)
                                                                36. 52D
                                                                  Sent a document, old-style
                                                                37. 54D
                                                                  Land of Timbuktu
                                                                38. 58D
                                                                  Road goo
                                                                39. 59D
                                                                  Summer, in Soissons
                                                                40. 61D
                                                                  Meditative practice
                                                                41. 62D
                                                                  Assn.
                                                                42. 63D
                                                                  Where to find Lions and Titans and Bears
                                                                43. 64D
                                                                  "___ Beso" ("That Kiss!")
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