Technology In Class

Substitute Teachers

A majority of teachers have a substitute teaching stint on their
resumes at one time or another. I did my student teaching during a
fall semester and subsequently subbed for a semester after that until
something permanent came along.

Today is probably a big day for substitute teachers since it’s the day
before Thanksgiving, so I thought we’d think a little about this
underappreciated group of teachers among us.

Substitute Teachers are teachers.

Increasingly I see that districts only hire certified teachers as their
substitute teachers. If your district is one of those districts, give
subs the respect that they’ve earned. They’re teachers. Furthermore,
one of them may be in your department the next time there’s an
opening.

Prepare clear and thorough lessons.

One thing I didn’t appreciate as a sub was a poor lesson or no lesson.
When this happened it was no problem for me to create something for
students to work on on the spot. However, I thought leaving a poor
lesson or no lesson put too much faith in the sub. If the sub can’t
come up with something for the students to work on then everyone’s
time will be wasted, especially the students’. The best strategy, and
the strategy I employ whenever I need a sub, is to over-prepare. I
make more copies of work than is necessary. I come up with
contingency plans just in case students finish their work very early,
and we all know some classes are quicker than others depending on the classroom dynamics. I also strive to make my lessons clear for the sub.

For example, if students are writing an essay while I am gone, I provide
instructions which clarify how long they have to write it, what color
ink they should use, what elements of essay writing I want them to
remember, and whether or not I want them to turn in the prompt or any
scratch paper with the essay.

Respect for subs and clear lesson plans will ensure that effective
teaching and maximum learning takes place in absentia.

Related posts:

1. If You’re a Substitute Teacher With a Smartphone…
2. Evaluations
3. Classroom Dynamics
4. Competent Writing
5. Free SMART Board Activities