New to substitute teaching...input appreciated!

[Chicken Pot Pie]

As if I haven't bothered everyone enough already with our personal dealings in other threads, now I'm going to add one more plea. This Friday I will take a one day training for all new substitute teachers. All I've really heard about it is they teach you to deal with cleaning bodily fluids in the correct biohazardous ways. Yes, I have 101 hours, and Associate of General Studies (emphasis in Music and Language), but I didn't get in any of my actual education classes. I'm so excited to get the chance to do this, but I'm scared to death at the same time. I'm 5"2, 125 lbs, and have been in children's entertainment since 1999. I have never been in a classroom setting as the person in charge, and I'm not much of a disciplinarian. I'm hoping they'll let me shadow with a teacher or two on days I'm not subbing to get the feel of it, but I have no idea what to expect. I graduated from college in 1996, and I know things have changed since I was in public school in the 70's! I read posts here and I understand most things, but math and science are not my strong points (though I eat all the science news online every day!) I feel like an imposter! I know it's not like I'll be taking over classes for anyone long term, but I want to be sure I don't do any "dane bramage" to the kids who will be lucky enough to get me as a sub.

So far, in my other posts and threads, you all have had such good advice, and I see those suggestions working daily in my family. I'm hoping you'll forgive my humble begging for your thoughts on this subject (pretty please? I'll be your best friend!?) Anything, good or bad - don't sugar coat it.

[kittynh]

Hmmm, well I sub a LOT. I have a regular job and I supplement it with subbing at the school where I teach part time. Little kids will want to like you. After a certain age you will have to just fake it. By that I mean at least ACT confident! Oh and the kids will lie and lie well! "We're allowed to bring a drink to class". right...

If possible see what expectations the teacher has. If a teacher is out sick for a day, then just holding down the fort is what is needed. If you get a long term job, like a teacher has jury duty, then you will get in writing what should and should not be done.

You are not their friend. I once decided to do card tricks. Big mistake. I learned to save any cute things (like making origami bunnies) for lunch break or a quiet time.

You'll also be able to ask the kids what is the routine. Just keep your fingers crossed you can pick the right kid. There is always one that WANTS to work. Also check and see if there is another teacher nearby you can check in with if there is a problem, or how to contact the office if you need some help. Kids puke. Or they have a fight. Usually though, it's puke.

Bring some hand sanitizer. Use it. Only one child out of the classroom at a time (like to the bathroom) and keep an eye on how long they are gone. Also always ask what kid you should "keep an eye on". If you have a problem kid, always find an excuse to pay them a compliment. Some kids just distrust adults.

Try to really like the children. And know you are going to get some really funny stories. Relax, they are just people. And don't say, "hey, this is my first day ever sub teaching." Good luck. And have fun.

[Larry Barrieau]

Teachers should be leaving work for you to do. Usually it's handouts and busy kind of work. You're not expected to teach anything. If you can help out on some questions, great, but you are really there as a babysitter. This is not a putdown. It's reality. It would be very rare (and has never happened to me in 21 years) that the sub in my class would know much about what is being taught. The only requirements for subbing in my school is that you have to have gone to college. No degree required, in fact you could have dropped out the first month. The other is that you have to have a CORI check. This is to do a backround check to see if you're a criminal.

Your biggest job will be discipline. Subs are stereotypical in the movies and for a good reason. The kids will eat you up if you show signs of weakness. Don't try to be their friend. Be friendly, but firm in following the rules. Boot out the first kid who refuses to follow your reasonable requests. It will set a good tone.

Good Luck. PS Don't mistake this difficult job for teaching. Teaching can be wonderful. (Also, this advice is for Middle or High School, elementary can be different.)

[Jyera]

I don't know if this will help. But just info for you to keep behind your mind.

Here is how a chinese general shakeup his army.
(1) Execute one ( who deserves to die.)
(2) Pardon one (from death penalty, who deserves a second chance.)
(3) Promote and Incite the passion in one. (Who has shown outstanding behaviour)
(4) Demote and punish one .

Done artfully, firmly and fairly without nervousness nor showing over-eagerness to please. After that everyone know you are serious.

Of course you cannot "execute" a child. But I trust there are certain thing children will avoid very much.

Teachers feel free to comment if this is not a good idea.

[ahoneycutt]

I think execution is definitely within the legal right of a substitute teacher, and should be issued with impunity. I think it's a great idea :)

[jimtron]

I think execution is definitely within the legal right of a substitute teacher, and should be issued with impunity. I think it's a great idea :)
God said so, in the Bible, if I'm not mistaken. Wasn't there something about stoning to death disobedient children?

[ingoa]

Of course you cannot "execute" a child.

Ooooops.... :o

Note to myself: finish reading post before starting to implement advice...

I hope you all can state to the police that I was in the forum the whole time.

:wink8:

[brodski]

I think execution is definitely within the legal right of a substitute teacher, and should be issued with impunity. I think it's a great idea :)
"The Lesson" - Roger McGough Chaos ruled OK in the classroomas bravely the teacher walked inthe hooligans ignored himhis voice was lost in the din"The theme for today is violenceand homework will be setI'm going to teach you a lessonone that you'll never forget"He picked on a boy who was shoutingand throttled him then and therethen garrotted the girl behind him(the one with grotty hair)Then sword in hand he hacked his waybetween the chattering rows"First come, first severed" he declared"fingers, feet or toes"He threw the sword at a late-comerit struck with deadly aimthen pulling out a shotgunhe continued with his gameThe first blast cleared the backrow(where those who skive hang out)they collapsed like rubber dinghieswhen the plug's pulled out"Please may I leave the room sir?"a trembling vandal enquired"Of course you may" said teacherput the gun to his temple and firedThe Head popped a head round the doorwayto see why a din was being madenodded understandinglythen tossed in a grenadeAnd when the ammo was well spentwith blood on every chairSilence shuffled forwardwith its hands up in the airThe teacher surveyed the carnagethe dying and the deadHe waggled a finger severely"Now let that be a lesson" he said

[Hutch]

Well, it's been 24 years since I did my subsitute teaching, but if you plan to work in more than one school or school district, the one rule I always had was to look for where the principal was.

If the principal was out in the halls in the mornings, overseeing the kids and teachers and using a 'hands-on' approach to any signs of trouble, then the discipline in that school was going to be pretty good.

If the principal went in his office and closed the door in the morning and stayed there the rest of the day, I often found the school itself to be rowdy and the teachers apathetic.

Don't know if that still applies today, but it seemed to work for me in Northern Ohio in the late 1970's...

[Chicken Pot Pie]

Hmmm, well I sub a LOT. I have a regular job and I supplement it with subbing at the school where I teach part time. Little kids will want to like you. After a certain age you will have to just fake it. By that I mean at least ACT confident! Oh and the kids will lie and lie well! "We're allowed to bring a drink to class". right...

If possible see what expectations the teacher has. If a teacher is out sick for a day, then just holding down the fort is what is needed. If you get a long term job, like a teacher has jury duty, then you will get in writing what should and should not be done.

You are not their friend. I once decided to do card tricks. Big mistake. I learned to save any cute things (like making origami bunnies) for lunch break or a quiet time.

You'll also be able to ask the kids what is the routine. Just keep your fingers crossed you can pick the right kid. There is always one that WANTS to work. Also check and see if there is another teacher nearby you can check in with if there is a problem, or how to contact the office if you need some help. Kids puke. Or they have a fight. Usually though, it's puke.

Bring some hand sanitizer. Use it. Only one child out of the classroom at a time (like to the bathroom) and keep an eye on how long they are gone. Also always ask what kid you should "keep an eye on". If you have a problem kid, always find an excuse to pay them a compliment. Some kids just distrust adults.

Try to really like the children. And know you are going to get some really funny stories. Relax, they are just people. And don't say, "hey, this is my first day ever sub teaching." Good luck. And have fun.


I like kids, but I can't eat a whole one by myself...
I am fairly sure I can follow a lesson plan. I guess the classroom management will be my big hurdle. As a clown, I do have a few things I could pull out at the end of the day, like juggling or balloons, but only if it's a one day thing - I don't want to have to do it every day, or be begged to do it when we are supposed to be "working". As with most things in my world, I tend to worry way before it's necessary. Thanks, Kittynh.

[Chicken Pot Pie]

Teachers should be leaving work for you to do. Usually it's handouts and busy kind of work. You're not expected to teach anything. If you can help out on some questions, great, but you are really there as a babysitter. This is not a putdown. It's reality. It would be very rare (and has never happened to me in 21 years) that the sub in my class would know much about what is being taught. The only requirements for subbing in my school is that you have to have gone to college. No degree required, in fact you could have dropped out the first month. The other is that you have to have a CORI check. This is to do a backround check to see if you're a criminal.

Your biggest job will be discipline. Subs are stereotypical in the movies and for a good reason. The kids will eat you up if you show signs of weakness. Don't try to be their friend. Be friendly, but firm in following the rules. Boot out the first kid who refuses to follow your reasonable requests. It will set a good tone.

Good Luck. PS Don't mistake this difficult job for teaching. Teaching can be wonderful. (Also, this advice is for Middle or High School, elementary can be different.)


I've had my fingerprints for both a state and fed check. (I'm hoping my years with the Sandinistas(sp?) won't come back to bit me on the butt...) (wink)
If I get the high school kids, which is a possible as I'll be subbing for the band directors, there will be kids who knew my son Chris, so I MAY get a bit of sympathy there, and his friends were all really cool, having stayed over lots of times. And yes, I realize this isn't the same as teaching (thank goodness) as I'm not qualified and have the utmost respect for them. Your comments have given me some relief - that it's okay if I can't answer all their questions, though I can probably find out where to look for the answers or find a teacher who can. Really, I'm not a total ditz - I made the President's List two semesters and Dean's List 4 semesters, but I fall short in science and maths. My science was "Acoustics" for my music degree, and my math was a "taste" of several different parts, a little logic, statistics, probability, but nothing longer than a week or so on each. w00t!

[Chicken Pot Pie]

Jyera, just what I wanted to hear! Ahoneycutt and Jimtron seem to agree, so it must be a good suggestion! Oh, and Ingoa, don't worry, I've got your back...

[alfaniner]

Practice this line: "It's naht a tumah!!!"

Or, to get their attention at the outset -- take out one of your balloons (the long skinny kind is good) and see who can guess how many pumps (or breaths) it will take before it pops. Caution them to cover their ears (and possibly wear earplugs yourself), as it is louder than any gunshot. You will have their undivided attention.

How old will they be? It makes a lot of difference.

[Chicken Pot Pie]

Brodski - gulp - hehehe, okay... (wink)

[Chicken Pot Pie]

Hutch, from what I will learn tomorrow, and the tiny bit I've heard around, sending offenders to the principal is often needed. I'll have some busywork I can bring - I'll introduce them to cryptograms - and plain old word searches for the ones who can't do the cryptograms, and IF they behave, I'll save some of my balloons (if allowed, as some kids are allergic to latex, so not always allowed) for a big finish. I know they aren't supposed to have balloons on the school busses.

[Chicken Pot Pie]

Practice this line: "It's naht a tumah!!!"

Or, to get their attention at the outset -- take out one of your balloons (the long skinny kind is good) and see who can guess how many pumps (or breaths) it will take before it pops. Caution them to cover their ears (and possibly wear earplugs yourself), as it is louder than any gunshot. You will have their undivided attention.

How old will they be? It makes a lot of difference.

I'm much desired for the music teachers, but I'm willing to do any grades - I need the money! I only use a pump with my balloons as mouth inflation can cause tiny bubbles to form deep in your lungs (or something esle like that which is bad...) But I make awesome hats!

[athon]

Ooh, subbing. I did that in central London a few years ago. You learn a lot... about self defence. :)

Seriously, it's difficult in that you need to build a fast raport. Communicating with the kids is easiest when they feel they can trust you. Most sub' positions are dealt in with classes that have high teacher turnovers. So they'll mistrust you from the start.

It sounds dire, and it is hard. But you pick up some pretty good skills.

My advice? Learn as much about the school rules as you can before you enter the room. Look like you know the score, and they can't pull a fast one on you. You are the law, and they will follow it. Most of the class will quickly respect that, and it will make life easier.

Athon

[kittynh]

Kids will want to know WHY the teacher is absent. Little kids worry. Big kids want to know why the heck the teacher gets a day off if they don't!

I usually stick to "Nancie isn't feeling well today" (and the kids ask, "will she be back soon?"))

Or "Nancie had a very important meeting, no I don't know what it is" (usually this means Nancie wanted to get in another day of skiing before the season ends)

Note, at a MOntessori school teachers are called by their first names.

[kittynh]

If you do younger grades, the rule of thumb is up to second grade kids learn to read. third grade on the read to learn. So don't write much up on the board for under third grade.

And be sure to always ask which kids you should "keep an eye on". Oh, they'll know, the administration always knows.

[gnome]

There are a few things to keep in mind...
- Start with an immediate, unconditional surrender. It won't work, but they won't be expecting it and it will confuse them long enough for you to take cover (see below).
- A large, sturdy desk is an excellent place to hide under when facing a barrage of projectiles fashioned from school supplies.
- With sufficient bribery such as candy or cupcakes you may appease them into limiting their destruction to school property rather than your personal effects.

[kittynh]

Don't be afraid to do younger children. With younger grades a lot of mommy skills come into play.

Larry is very right. A sub is not a teacher. Don't worry about teaching. Worry about keeping the peace and getting the kids to do what work the teacher left for them.

Younger grades, well even up through 6th, enjoy a book being read to them. Think what your kids liked. Roald Dahl has several shorter books that are great. Many classes have books they are reading to their kids already. Today I read for half an hour to a 1-3 grade class. You are probably pretty good at reading outload. There is an art to it, but if you are a performer then you can handle it. Be loud and talk SLOW. A little emotion and you are fine. I usually bring a book along just in case there is some time to fill. You don't want dead time!

High school, who knows? I'm not brave enough!

[Kiless]

I tried to post earlier but it crashed ( :( I hate that when I spend time on a post and blip!) - my additional advice to the ones above is to get to know admin staff so you know who to report any serious issues that arise in the class (like a student who REALLY is problematic, like putting himself or other students or even you at risk with their efforts to play about when there's a sub) and thus be dealt with. Otherwise, the rep gets spread around and students think they can mistreat the class when you're subbing. General notes are good too - as someone who just had a week of relief work done for my classes, I appreciated the little notes left for me about what the kids had done.

[Chicken Pot Pie]

Ooh, subbing. I did that in central London a few years ago. You learn a lot... about self defence. :)

Seriously, it's difficult in that you need to build a fast raport. Communicating with the kids is easiest when they feel they can trust you. Most sub' positions are dealt in with classes that have high teacher turnovers. So they'll mistrust you from the start.

It sounds dire, and it is hard. But you pick up some pretty good skills.

My advice? Learn as much about the school rules as you can before you enter the room. Look like you know the score, and they can't pull a fast one on you. You are the law, and they will follow it. Most of the class will quickly respect that, and it will make life easier.

Athon


I'm pretty sure that tomorrow's session will be about the school rules. I have the ones they send home for parents, but I think they'll have more specific things from the teachers' point of view. I've heard that we are very short of subs, so that will be great for me, and I'm really trying to have a good attitude and overcome my heebie-jeebies. Thanks for your advice.
kabookie

[Chicken Pot Pie]

Don't be afraid to do younger children. With younger grades a lot of mommy skills come into play.

Larry is very right. A sub is not a teacher. Don't worry about teaching. Worry about keeping the peace and getting the kids to do what work the teacher left for them.

Younger grades, well even up through 6th, enjoy a book being read to them. Think what your kids liked. Roald Dahl has several shorter books that are great. Many classes have books they are reading to their kids already. Today I read for half an hour to a 1-3 grade class. You are probably pretty good at reading outload. There is an art to it, but if you are a performer then you can handle it. Be loud and talk SLOW. A little emotion and you are fine. I usually bring a book along just in case there is some time to fill. You don't want dead time!

High school, who knows? I'm not brave enough!


I love reading aloud, and read Harry Potter - Goblet of Fire to my son over the summer. He read some, but he loves when I read because I read with inflection. He tells me he can "see" the scenes as if he were watching it in a movie. That will be a big plus for the younger kids. (He made my day when he told me that, too, lol)

[Chicken Pot Pie]

I tried to post earlier but it crashed ( :( I hate that when I spend time on a post and blip!) - my additional advice to the ones above is to get to know admin staff so you know who to report any serious issues that arise in the class (like a student who REALLY is problematic, like putting himself or other students or even you at risk with their efforts to play about when there's a sub) and thus be dealt with. Otherwise, the rep gets spread around and students think they can mistreat the class when you're subbing. General notes are good too - as someone who just had a week of relief work done for my classes, I appreciated the little notes left for me about what the kids had done.

Thanks, Kiless. One of my friends who teaches 4th grade is the wife of the assistant principal at the Intermediate Center. I will be sure to keep a notebook just for notes for the absent teacher. In clowning, we were taught to find the troublemaker early and make him your "assistant", so I've thought I might try that trick, too. I'm learning more little by little that discipline will most likely be my biggest obstacle, so I'm going to look for some websites on the subject. I'm even hoping to be able to work in some critical thinking exercises whenever I can.

[Jyera]

Jyera, just what I wanted to hear! Ahoneycutt and Jimtron seem to agree, so it must be a good suggestion! Oh, and Ingoa, don't worry, I've got your back...
You are welcome! :)
Glad you liked it.
And Good luck to the children.
They'll need them more than you. :)

[kittynh]

I found that if I put the trouble maker in charge when I had to leave a classroom, he would keep the others in line. (It's almost always a "he")

Also, once you get a reputation as being at all decent as a sub, you will have plenty of work. Jury duty is so good....

[TragicMonkey]

I love reading aloud, and read Harry Potter - Goblet of Fire to my son over the summer. He read some, but he loves when I read because I read with inflection. He tells me he can "see" the scenes as if he were watching it in a movie. That will be a big plus for the younger kids. (He made my day when he told me that, too, lol)

I used to read aloud to my friends' kids, but I was fired for adding my own commentary and interpretations, and adding bits that I felt revealed the characters psyches better.

I stand by what I told that four-year-old: Snow White is no better than she should be, living with seven men in one house at her age. A loving grandmother wouldn't expect her granddaughter to run errands in wolf-infested forests. If Cinderella's shoe fell off it was probably really impractical to start with and serves her right for not choosing something more sensible to dance in. The Little Mermaid needed more clothes. What exactly was Beauty doing shacking up with someone when she didn't even know his actual species? Maybe Penny should have assisted her foster parents with their task instead of whining and complaining about it to strange mice.

[Chicken Pot Pie]

Just a quick update...
I went to introduce myself to the principal at my son's school this morning, and they asked me to stay and work the rest of the day! I mainly did office work, but I will be subbing two 4th - 6th grade science classes tomorrow, and they have me down for Friday as needed. They had needed a sub for Chorus today, but said they couldn't find anyone - though I was never called. I need to get with the other 3 schools in the county to load my plate a bit :) .

[cbish]

You're going to have to be a disciplinarian. Even if it's against your personality, fake it. Be an actor if you have to, but you're the boss and never forget it.

Be early so you can review lesson plans. In fact, see if you can get them the day(s) before. There is nothing worse than a sub that shows up two minutes before class and then spends the next hour interupting other classes trying to figure out what they're suppose to do.

Remember, for the older kids, don't be afraid to be an A-hole.

[Chicken Pot Pie]

Well. kids, I lived to tell you of my day... :teacher:
I was subbing for the science teacher, but it was a reading skills class. The science teacher was observing the new band director for evaluation. We had time to fill me in on what my tasks were and where things were located. I did get to help her set up an experiment about acidity for her later class - little cups for all with a) dish detergent, b) RC Cola, c) lemon juice, and d) sugarwater, and though I didn't see any out, litmus paper.

Her students were well-behaved and did the worksheets. There were three or four who were great at logic puzzles, so I allowed those few to quietly help the rest. When class was over I thanked them and did a bit of juggling since they'd been good. The second class was smaller - only 5 kids. They had a math worksheet, and only one had it finished before the regular teacher came back. I'd already graded most of the worksheets, and took them to finish in the office. The rest of the day was spent filing and reshelving in the library. I did get to watch the librarian do a presentation to 2 classes with ACTIVote, an interactive voting system where the kids answered multiple choice questions via each students' own remote pad. With annonominity they could see what % of the class chose correctly, so no one would feel bad if they didn't get it right since no one else knew the others' pad number. (I was impressed, lol...) :rolleyes:
Our Intermediate Center (4th - 6th grades) just opened in March and has all the newest hi-tech toys - in fact, it's the highest tech center in our state. It is new and clean and beautiful, and I've enjoyed my first two days there.

BTW, cbish, there were 4 high school girls out in the hall, in sight because of the glass walls. One looked like my neighbor, and I gave them a little wave, but the one I thought I'd recognized didn't appear to notice. When I took a break to go outside for a smoke, one of the other girls was RUDE! She said, "Oh yeah, hi, I'm not gay," as I walked past. :jaw-dropp I said, "Excuse me?" and she mumbled. I asked if the other girl was my neighbor, told them I'd thought she was my neighbor, and as I walked away, the mouthy one snorted another comment. :mad: :crc: I guess that's where being an A-hole came in, alright. I gave her a stupid look and went on to my break. Sheesh! (lol, my hubby just told me she was jealous since I'm so cute... awwww, how sweet! :wallace: :gromit: )