I have just been recommended to substitute at an Elementary School....possibly a long term position..any tips from other subs or teachers out there? What do you teachers expect from the substitute? What should I expect?
2006-08-19 10:25:28 · 11 answers · asked by noneofyourbizwax 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Patience is a virtue! Substitute teaching is incredibly difficult! For a long-term position, see if there is a lead teacher or if the principal can meet with you to review expectations and curriculum. Take the time to map out the time you will be there and how long you will spend on different aspects of the curriculum. Also, be clear about the behaviors you expect in the classroom and stick to your guns. They can smell fear :) Lastly, I would take and afternoon or two and call the parents of all the students you have. Tell them that you are the LTS for the child's class and you look forward to working with them. Make sure that they understand that they can contact you if they need anything and how long you will be with their child. It is a proactive approach to heading off any concerns. It is very hard to be mad at someone they already have a good relationship with!
Good Luck!
2006-08-19 12:25:46 · answer #1 · answered by j 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a day to day sub, so basically I just babysit and give out work and let the students work. Since your a long term sub, you are probably most likely going to be their teacher for a couple months or longer, so they might get to respect you and like you like they should a teacher. If the teacher left plans, follow them, but be your own teacher, teach in your own way. This could be a great opportunity to see what teaching is really like and to get to know some of the teachers and administrators for potential jobs in the future. Do your best, work hard and show your capable to do the job.
2006-08-19 14:11:58 · answer #2 · answered by erin1225 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bless you - good subs are hard to come by. Long term subs need to be prepared to teach not class sit. The material won't be hard - it's elementary school.
You may want to invest in some basic teaching strategies books - I have given a link to an author we have used at our professional development conferences. The book & CD is a little pricey $45 - maybe you can find it on ebay!! If yoiu have an educational supply store nearby you might want to browse their books.
Look for simple tips - fun ways to learn new words - that kind of stuff.
2006-08-19 11:07:46 · answer #3 · answered by probslvr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know a sub who had a long term teaching job, the children loved her, she even won a teaching award from the town. The thing to remember if its long term is get comfortable. If you have a substitute attitude,(ex. "im just the sub, i won't push the kids, i'll go easy) the kids aren't going to learn much. Be the best you can be, and have fun!
2006-08-19 12:20:56 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many benefits to substitute teaching...it can sometimes lead to a year-long contract and/or permanent position. If you are considering teaching as a career, it is a chance to see if you like it, find it challenging and rewarding, etc. Teachers expect their students to be motivated in the learning process. Learning is FUN!!! You can expect it to be a life-changing experience, full of surprises. Good luck!
2006-08-19 13:18:53 · answer #5 · answered by Rhonda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Subs are usually trained by the school district prior to the new academic year beginning, otherwise, they cannot be hired. If your district has no such requirement, then you need to consult with the teacher that you will be replacing to find out what she "expects" from you. I imagine that you will be in charge of following the state/district mandated curriculum and lesson plans, manage behavior, carry out and perform duties that have been assigned to the instructor and grade papers. Perhaps you will have to prepare the report cards, if you are still working during the end of the grading period.
2006-08-19 12:23:20 · answer #6 · answered by Sherry K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I expect my substitute to have the courtesy to follow my lesson plans (some don't) and that he/she will leave everything as organized as I do.
Unfortunately for the substitute, many students will not show you the respect you deserve. You need to be patient and consistent. Also, remember to have a folder with lesson plans for as many subjects as possible. A few teachers don't bother leaving them for you. Having nothing for the kids to do all day can be a very chaotic situation. BE PREPARED AND BEST WISHES TO YOU!
2006-08-19 12:52:13 · answer #7 · answered by Mz. Massachusetts 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fair dues to you! You already got some good advice. Here's an observation:
I spent a few years subbing while my kids were young. I found elementary school children to be very squirmy, needy and incredibly clingy. After a couple of weeks of this, I called and begged the school districts I worked for NEVER to call me for elementary level again! Of course, that's just me...it might be your cuppa tea!
2006-08-19 13:27:33 · answer #8 · answered by keepsondancing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Establish yourself as the authority--don't rely on anyone else's if you don't have to. Be fair, though.
Confidence is huge. Students will read it. If you don't know something, be honest, and they'll respect--so long as you are competent otherwise.
Be real. Kids have preconceptions of what subs are like, so you want to surprise them just enough to make them consider you worth following.
2006-08-19 16:26:39 · answer #9 · answered by SpisterMooner 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look out for the paper airplanes and the glue in your seat, etc.
2006-08-19 10:54:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋