Until I became a teacher I never really though much about substitute teachers.
Now I have to question myself concerning the qualifications for this job. I have been out of my classroom since last Thursday doing the Habitat Build and every day it seems when I come in at the end of sixth period the room is trashed ,the T.V is on and there must be 40 kids in there 25 of which aren't even mine and she's just sitting there talking to numerous girls who I don't even know. Today I informed them that tomorrow they are to clean my room as I have Mrs. M. Then I left before I completely lost it. Don't think that I did nothing cause I did first I called the main office and informed them as to what was going on and then had security and the SRO sent down there unfortunately I'm sure it was to late and the bell probably rang before they got there. They had work some do it some don't but when there is no control nothing gets done and it takes days back in the groove that i had them in.So this poses the question what does it take just a warm body and a willingness to draw a check without any standards to adhere to? I'd really like to know.
I know what you mean about the substitutes. I blogged awhile back about a similar situation where one of the other teachers had to keep going to my room to wake up the substitute teacher who was snoring with his head on the desk while my students were watching TV. They didn't even attempt to do the assignment I left for them. Needless to say, I did have a "come to Jesus" meeting with several people when I returned.
ReplyDeleteI too have had my trouble with subs in the past so I don't know what the answer is. But then the last substitute I had followed my plans to the letter and left me a nice note thanking me for my detailed plans. I think all we can do is leave detailed lesson plans to have documentation and the rest is out of our hands.
ReplyDeleteLast week when I was out I left strict instructions that the students were not to log on and the computers were to be left off. However, I know that often times the instructions are ignored by students, so on this particular occasion I left the software running that monitors computer and Internet activity.
ReplyDeleteWhen I got back the following day, I ran the report and found that most of the students had obeyed the instructions, but several had not. Of course, not a word of feedback from the substitute.
I think Jan is right; all we can do is prepare for the sub the best we can.
As a stellar sub in Gwinnett County, I can tell you that we are trained first and foremost to FOLLOW the Lesson plans of the teacher. If there are none, then you must use commom sense and assign the students relevant work for that period. There are strict guidelines that we must follow and if not, we are booted out.
ReplyDeleteSuggestions for preparing for a sub are:
1. Always leave a detailed lesson plan with extra work in case some students finish early.
2. Let your buddy teacher or dept. head know that you would like the sub monitored closely.
3. Let the students know that they will be in BIG trouble for disrespecting or not following the instrustions of a sub.
4. Have the sub write down a class progress report on each period so that you know what went on in the classroom. If they don't request the school to delete them from the sub list.
Respect is the HARDEST problem I have encountered as a sub. But, know how to overcome it.
Good luck,
V
Big Dog
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the wonderful world of having a sub. How long is your block? (I have a 2.75 hour block.) There is no easy solution. As you said - a warm breathing body.
joec