If I won the lottery, I would go on my trips during the summer!
Of course it is hard to pick advice with a limited amount of time. If I gave my replacement just one piece of advice it would be to "cover yourself". Although this advice is best for a permanent replacement, it doesn't hurt a temporary replacement to practice the same. When I had my first industry job, I was given this advice. At the time, I did not know how valuable it was. At any given moment, you may be called upon to prove anything. Having documentation can save you (or your student), your reputation and your job. I am a firm believer in keeping good records. On a softer note, it proves helpful with things such as homework status reports when a student refuses to do an assignment. Having their signature justifies any 0 you may have to give, thus, providing a record to the student, parents and your administrator. Besides, with all we have to do, having these 'reminders' helps.
That's true Chef Tiffany. Having great documentation will save you in the long run, even as a temorary replacement. When I use to sub in the middle schools, documentation was especially imperative in that arena! There was this situation with a student that had a very bad discipline problem. Needless to say, when he was in my class, it was worst because I was the sub and he knew I was only there temporarily. To make a long story short, the school was very strict and by the book when it came to their students and their misbehaving. The student thought he was going to get away with constantly being disruptive in the classroom. I was asked to provide clear documentation(date, time, class period, description of incident)of what happened in during his presence. Had I not had properly documented paperwork, it would not have worked in my favor. I totally can relate to what you're saying and how it protects you to have clear and concise evidence. Well written Chef Tiffany!!
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