| Growing up I was told that if I went to college, I | | | | It is frustrating to a teacher to not know what |
| would be able to find a good job. So I went to | | | | happened while she or he was away. Keep the |
| college, studied hard, and graduated with a degree | | | | materials collected neat and organized. In your note |
| and a teaching certificate. Although I was very close | | | | to the teacher, inform her of how the day went. If |
| to getting several teaching positions when it came | | | | an incident occurred, make sure to leave it in the |
| down to it, the month was August and I didn't have | | | | note and how you handled it. Remember the note |
| a job. I decided to start as a substitute teacher, as | | | | isn't a "tattle-tale." If Luis said something snotty to |
| well as, start graduate school to earn endorsements | | | | you once or twice, don't put it down; however, if he |
| to add to my teaching certificate. | | | | had a bad attitude all day and then punched a wall, |
| As I started subbing, I quickly had flashbacks to the | | | | include it in your note. Also, make sure to tell them |
| "joke" subs I had as a student. The "joke" sub is the | | | | you enjoyed teaching in their class. If all your note |
| substitute teacher who is only there for the $80 that | | | | does is complain and insult the students, the teacher |
| day. I also realized that once I stepped into the | | | | is not going to want you back in the room. |
| classroom, the students were going to see what I | | | | Note: I also left business cards that included my |
| was going to allow them to do that there normal | | | | name, number, email, and the fact that I had a |
| teacher would not. Substitute teaching, undoubtedly, | | | | teaching certificate. Most subs do not leave cards, by |
| is trial by fire. Consistency was by best friend. I | | | | doing so it leaves a great impression. I was |
| knew what I had learned from college and did my | | | | requested because I left business cards and the |
| best to implement it. | | | | teachers could hold on to it and keep it for future |
| Rule 1: Their Sub Plans | | | | reference. |
| No matter how many times you read the sub plans, | | | | Rule 6: Introduce Yourself to the Principal, |
| it will never be enough. Keep them with you at all | | | | Secretaries, and Other Teachers |
| times! Also, those sub plans will be missing something. | | | | If you are a teacher, this is a great way to get your |
| It might be a rule, how attendance is taken (yes | | | | face out there. It also leaves a good impression. The |
| teachers have left me with no way to take | | | | principal will see you as a "go-getter." If a job |
| attendance, you just write it on a spare piece of | | | | becomes available if he/she knows your name, |
| paper and take it to the office when you have a | | | | remembers your face, and knows you have |
| chance), or too few lessons, but something will be | | | | experience in the school, then your chances of |
| missing. | | | | getting an interview increases. Always be nice to the |
| Rule 2: Your Sub Plans | | | | secretaries in the office. They handle all of your |
| You are substitute teaching in a 5th grade classroom | | | | paperwork and have a direct line to the principal and |
| and they have completed all the material the teacher | | | | all of the other teachers. Even if they are not so |
| has left you, what should you do? Well, first NEVER | | | | sweet themselves, smile and always be courteous. |
| let them have a "study hall" or in other words a free | | | | At lunch time, eat in the teachers' lounge and talk |
| time, it becomes total chaos. Instead, prepare lessons | | | | with the other teachers. By being friendly with them, |
| ahead of time. Search the internet and look for grade | | | | it could get you more subbing opportunities. |
| appropriate lessons and print them. Make sure you | | | | Rule 7: Dress Professionally |
| have the necessary supplies, or the classroom does, | | | | Although you are a substitute teacher, your attire is |
| ahead of time. That way if the kids get done early | | | | very important. Those kids are relying on you for |
| and there is 20 minutes left of the day, you have | | | | that day, give them a role model. Ladies, make sure |
| something for them to do. | | | | everything is covered. In the morning, stand in front |
| Rule 3: Know the School Rules | | | | of a mirror and bend over as if you were bending |
| Before you enter the school, look up their rules on | | | | down to help a child, make sure nothing is showing in |
| the internet. Many also have a handbook uploaded to | | | | the front and the back. If everything is covered, |
| their site. That will give you a good idea of what is | | | | then what you are wearing is appropriate. Guys, |
| expected of the students. Once you get to the | | | | remember to wear your pants at your waist. |
| school and check into the office, ask the secretary | | | | Although the kids might be showing off their |
| what you should do in the case you need help (This | | | | underwear, it is not appropriate for you to do be |
| is good information to know, I have had a first | | | | doing the same. The students, parents, and other |
| grader start throwing chairs and desks). You should | | | | school personnel will notice a nicely dressed sub. |
| also be aware of the discipline or PBIS policy of the | | | | Rule 8: Remain Calm |
| school. Some principals do not want students to be | | | | The kids will push your buttons. They will test you. |
| sent to the office by any means and some have a | | | | Just remember your rules and the school's and take |
| special bench or chair for misbehaving students. It all | | | | a deep breath. If you start yelling and screaming, the |
| depends. | | | | kids have won. Remember, you are the adult, you |
| Rule 4: Know Your Rules | | | | are smarter than them, and they are just kids. |
| Before you start subbing decide what you will put up | | | | Conclusion: |
| as a teacher and what you will not. You will never be | | | | Substitute teaching can be very challenging. You have |
| like the classroom teacher so decide for yourself | | | | approximately 2 minutes from when the students |
| what you allow and don't. Then stick to it. If you | | | | arrive to earn their trust in you as a teacher. |
| decide you do not allow shouting out, then ALL the | | | | Consistency has to be your best friend because the |
| kids need to raise their hands to speak (even the | | | | students will test you to see what they can get |
| adorable one with the puppy eyes). Kids, especially | | | | away with doing. By remembering to breathe and |
| older ones, need things to be fair and they will notice | | | | keeping your cool, you will survive the day. It gets |
| if Johnny can shout out and Suzie can't. | | | | easier with practice. |
| Rule 5: Notes to the Teacher | | | | |