Teachers' advice for a substitute?

Question

Teachers, any advice for subs in your class, particularly middle school? I had a hellish day (7th gr. history). The teacher left explicit lesson plans, but from the word go the classroom, all periods, was mayhem. The students were assigned to make a poster (cutting, glueing, markers). They screamed, swore, were out of their seat, threw supplies, and one student threw an open glue bottle, spraying glue everywhere. I have tried ejecting the students who were out of control, but the schools do not look kindly on this; it is my job to control the classroom. I have said I will leave a note for the teacher listing the students who were working well (trying pos. reinforcement), but w/ little success. I am short, and in the kids' eyes, very old (slouching toward 50) so I feel like I have no power. The usual tools like detention, a call to parents, aren't available to me as a sub. I was near tears when I left today, from the stress and feeling like a complete failure. Will appreciate advice.

PS: Maybe it's not a great idea to leave glue, scissors, markers, etc., as part the primary activity when there's a sub?

Answer 1

You probably need to work on asserting yourself. Arrive in the classroom before the students and put up an agenda for the day. Stand tall when the students enter and greet each of them on their way in the door. If you have time, ask their names as they enter and introduce yourself. Once everyone is in the room, say, "Hello 7-2. I'm Ms. Smith and I will be your teacher today. Mr. Jones has left a very detailed agenda for today as well as a class list. You can see what's on the board and it's your responsibility to finish the work before the bell. On your way out the door I will ask you to rate your individual work today on a scale of one to five. I will also be recording my observations of your individual behaviour on a scale of one to five. Both of our evaluations will be submitted to Mr. Jones so he will know whether or not we all worked productively and respectfully today." Let them do their work and keep track of what's happening. On their way out the door, get their name and how well they think they worked. Record your own score beside theirs. Any major discrepancies will need to be reported to their teacher, as well as any self-reported scores of 1 or 2. This system works well because the students are clear on what information will be relayed back to their real teacher.

Answer 2

The day for glue, scissors and paper is not the day the sub is there.
That opens the door for bad behavior a bit -
And... send students out - they (admin) know students do this and this classroom control too... our school does not look down on subs that toss kids out. And when a few go out they may sstraighten up.
Also - have a pat accountability system - tell them the teacher wants a report by name from minute one and that the project is work is worth double points, as well as the behavior report. Most teachers would be happy to do that in exchange for a successful sub day.
Don't give up - this is common to all and keep doing and learning all you can.

Answer 3

7th grade is miserable. My first subbing job was middle school home ec. I also had trouble with the throwing of things, etc. I am 5'0" and in my mid 20's. If I don't wear make-up, I look like a teenager (I am a long term sub in a K-4 school and I am told I look like a teenager all the time). The classroom I work in is a behavior room - these are the kids who have behavior/emotional disorders that are so severe that the risk being sent out of the district. Some advise I was given was to really pay attention to how you word things, instead of "will you please pick up the scissors", say "you need to pick up the scissors." Also, make sure you don't word things as questions if you are telling a student to do something because you are transferring your power to them and giving them a choice. It can be tricky, but it will help you stay in control to at least some extent.

Answer 4

I remember my 7th hour class (in high school) had a sub and there were some that were creating the same atmosphere that you had described. This sub was a very nice lady and she even tried to bring in things to make the lesson plans more fun (and had snacks for us!). Our class was so our of hand, a teacher from down the hall that was very well respected and simply known as "Coach" came into our class, excused our very frazzled sub and reamed us royally. The class was near perfect the rest of the week.

I don't envy any sub - I believe your job is harder than any other educational professional's job. I believe that the "problem" student can "smell weakness" so all you can really do is not backdown and hold your ground. Perhaps if you continually sub at one school, you will know which principle and teachers can "assist", walk the halls near your room, ect since they have more of a daily teacher/student connection with your class.

Good Luck =)

Answer 5

7th grade is the worst. I am sorry, I'm not a teacher, but they seem to be the worst of all the grades. Hormones on feet. I dont' know, can you talk to the principal and get some tools, like being able to call parents? They really should support you more, I know that there is a shortage and should consider themselves lucky to have you willing to do the job. I like what the person above me said about another teacher helping out. I think we should lock them up until they are ready for high school!!! Thank you for being willing to teach the little monsters....I can tell you right now it's not a job I could do well. You are more than they deserve.

Answer 6

the teacher left the wrong kind of lesson plan for a sub
remember "divide and conquer"...anything that they do alone would help the sub...like crossword puzzles using current material being studied or a 200 questions test

Answer 7

they are seeing how far they can push you! Get someone over you in there....explain to them what is going on....get a bad name for yourself, that is the only way that they will respect you.

Answer 8

Copy them. Use reverse phycology