Substitute Teaching

[Robert Banks]

I really am at a loss. I'm retiring from my current job, and will be starting substitute teaching, almost immediately. Just an aside, I'm also pursuing a Secondary Education degree. My question is, how to maintain order in a class of middle school/high schoolers, when they know that you probably won't be there the next day? I've still got about 8 weeks until I start, and am anxiously awaiting your replies!!

[Neil A. Rochelle]

As a substitute, in all likelihood you will be continuing the teacher's management system. First, when a long term sub comes in, we have that person shadow for one day so that students see there is a continuation of the same program and that the regular teacher and substitute has talked.

Second, I'd quickly at the beginning of class be ready with the lesson and outline the objective for the day. Students see within seconds that this will not be a day to screw off. I'd give a quick comment about mutual respect and appreciation for their cooperation for your time together.

[Steve Hargadon]

Hi, Robert!

I'm not sure this is the best network to ask general questions--although you might get some answers! This is actually a form for educators who are using Ning or social networking in education.

Hopefully some of the folks here will tell you other non-technical teacher networks that they belong to where you might get more immediate feedback!

Steve

[Robert Banks]

Hi Steve,
Sorry for the faux pas. When I saw the forum entitled "Help," I jumped to conclusions. First time on "Ning". I'll try to pay closer attention.

Robert

[Steve Hargadon]

Oh, not to worry! Ning is a platform for creating social networks, and this one just so happens to be around the use of Ning in education. If you go to www.classroom20.com, you'll find folks gathered around the use of Web 2.0 in education.

I think you're just not too likely to get a lot of answers here to *that* particular question, and hope you find another network that does help out!

[Theresa Grimsley]

I've substituted many times and have had only minor problems.

I think it's important to be kind, because most of the students I've had mentioned that many of their substitute teachers walk in with a scowl on their faces and the students play on that. They make it more difficult for those teachers.

When I have a student who is disrupting the class, I generally give them a task. For example, one very talkative student was asked to read instructions to the class. Another was asked to pass out papers. In general though, there were minor problems. For the most part, the teachers have a plan for you to follow and in most cases, the students have an idea of what's going on.

I've enjoyed substituting, contrary to the many terrible tales I'd heard from others who did it, so don't worry too much. I think it is what you make it to a large extent.

Best of luck!

[Robert Banks]

Thank you for your encouragement and "1st person" account! I was an instructor in the Air Force, right after the Wright Bros made their inaugural leap in N. Carolina, but that was with either kids right out of Basic Training, or seasoned veterans coming back for advanced training. However, this is entirely different, and I'm a little nervous, wanting to do a good job, etc.
I like your suggestions. I guess that keeping the students occupied is paramount, no matter what the age group.
Despite the apprehensions, I really am looking forward to the experience(s).

Thanks again,
Robert

[Theresa Grimsley]

I know it's been a long while since this thread, but I hope your substituting experience has been a great one!