Becoming a Substitute Teacher
After years of working as a full time teacher, I decide after completing my Master's Degree, to work as a Substitute Teacher. First, I register with an Educational Service Agency. Then, I submit an application to my local school district. Next, I do my homework. What does a professional substitute teacher look like? I read books, go online, research, research and research some more. Finally, I decide to create my own toolkit. What do I need to bring to class with me as a substitute teacher? How do I want to start the day? After much studied reflection, I compile my materials and have my kit ready.
A Typical Day
Actually, there is no such thing. I never know what to expect from one assignment to the next. Even when I return to the same school and the work with the same students. When I check Aesoponline, I usually like to take assignments where the teacher leaves a note. I like to know what grade I will be teaching, the subject and if the teacher left work for the students to do. At the very least, I would like to know the grade and subject. It does not always happen that way, however. And, I learned that regardless to what is posted, the school can send you to any class they which once you arrive. Usually, I end up in the classroom assignment as posted.
One assignment was with a 4th Grade Class in a school walking distance from my house. I took the assignment because I noticed in the note that there would be a student teacher. Great! It is the last week in April, and that means that the student teacher has been there for a while now. The student teacher should have a relationship with the students by now and be in the flow. This should be an easy day. So, I show up early, appropriately dressed in business casual garb. and meet the principal who gives me a firm handshake.
"Lets go!"
The principal gives me an information sheet and shows me the emergency packet. He explains that there are lesson plans available, but gives me the option of using the packet for filler activities. So, I am off to a great start! The information sheet has all the basic information I need with copies of activity sheets. I go the cafeteria where the students line up. Here they come, they see me and realize their teacher is absent. I do not see the student teacher (Uh oh...). So I stand if front of the students with a flinty face and say -- nothing. Yes, you read right! Nothing! I thought to myself, "They know what to do by now, so I will just quietly wait until they do it." After staring at me a moment, they look at each other and line up. I correct two boys in the back by saying, "gentlemen!" and they get in line. Then I say, "let's go!"
As I was walking into the hallway with the class, the student teacher, (who was standing on the side watching the whole time), introduces herself. Later on, she explains that she stood back because she wanted to have an idea of what kind of teacher I was. Clever. We had a great day. When the students entered the room, they saw my name tag and procedure signs posted around the room (one of the many advantages of arriving early). One of the students commented about the clarity of my directions. It was a great day and the student teacher said that she learned a lot about classroom management from watching me. We exchanged email addresses. I straightened up the classroom, left my daily report, and walked home from school.
More to come...
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