Teachers' Circle

Hello all!

I am a recent college graduate who needed to pick up subbing as a means of income. I have no experience in the classroom, although I have done some outdoor education for a couple of years ( I am an environmental management major).

I have not had my first "job" yet and I am SO SCARED!!!!! I have no idea what this experience will be like. I honestly have no idea what to do! They throw you blindly into the job.

I was wondering if any of you have subbed before. If so what tips can you give me. Also, I want to know what the teachers usually leave behind for subs (lesson plans, worksheets,etc.). Are there things that a sub should be weary about? What if no plans were left for the sub, then what?! Would reading time and homework time be appropriate? Or should I have something for them to do!

I could really use the advice and help right now!

Thanks guys,

Kaitlyn

PS I am subbing for elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.

Congrats on the new job! I'm a high school teacher so I can say that in my building most teachers leave worksheet type activities. It would be very difficult to step in and teach high school because of the content. For example, no one would expect a sub to come in and give a Chemistry lecture, lol. Our principal requires us to have "emergency sub plans" in case an absence is unexpected - it is usually a stand-alone type plan that can be used anytime through the year and doesn't pertain to just one lesson. No one should expect you to come with your own lesson :)

Good luck!! 

Judy

I am only a student teacher, but I have LOTS of sub experience (certifications get lost when you move, and you often have to start over.)

ANYHOO,

DO make sure you have something for the kids to do.  They should never be left to their own devices.  Teachers are supposed to leave plans, but that varies from district to district.  I've been in districts where I always needed my own plans, and also where I was REQUIRED to do the teacher's (which got really annoying when they only left coloring sheets:/).

Especially at the secondary level, try to take on subjects you feel comfortable with.  I'm a music person that sometimes did drama and others, but I would've felt odd in a physics or calculus class!

ALWAYS leave a note for the teacher to say how it went.  Details are good here.

Be nice to the secretaries and the janitors.  In my opinion, those folks are the ones who really run the school!

Keep an eye on your key.  A lost key is beyond disastrous.  It is also a good idea to lock the classroom whenever you leave (different districts have different rules about that, but better safe than sorry.)

I think that's everything I can think of, but if I remember anything else, I'll come back.

Express!

Beth "Petrouchka"

Hi, Kaite. Beth gave you some good advice. Other suggestions I'd offer:

For elementary prepare a bag of general things for primary and intermediate levels that you always take. These can be games, a book or two for read-alouds, basic activities for the grade level such as worksheets for basic skills etc. You never know when you'll need time fillers.  You can do this for MS and HS also, but it's a little more challenging finding things to use. An assortment of magazines can be a start for the older ones.

You can also take small rewards, if the school policy allows, such as mini candy bars, fruit snacks etc. Don't bribe them. Reward the positive behavior with a treat and praise when you notice it..

You can also develop a form to leave for the teacher that covers what happens each day, who was good, who caused problems, what you covered and what you didn't, unusual events and schedule changes, attendance, etc.

Follow the teacher's plans and class management rules as closely as you can. Don't wing it unless you don't have plans or enough to fill the time completely. It's easier to start out tough and ease up than it is to get things back under control if you let them get away from you.

Check in with the teachers in the rooms next to you. Ask them for help and advice. They usually know the kids and the routines used by the teacher.

Use common sense and your instincts. You can tell who's conning you, who's being truthful and who's not. If you let one go to the the restroom they will all ask to go. Figure out who's responsible and rely on them for help. You won't look weak to the administration if you call for help. They'd prefer to handle a little problem instead of a big one.

Good luck!

Sherry

While all teachers SHOULD leave plans, that doesn't always happen for whatever reason. I highly recommend taking a book of word searches/crosswords to keep kids busy. Or ask another teacher for something to do. I do not recommend reading/HW time because that equals time to get in trouble. If a kid quietly comes to ask if he/she can do their homework, you could give consent individually.
And always tell the kids that you think the work will be graded. That way they'll do it.

I teach HS so perhaps ES teachers have different ideas. Just remember that you're mostly there as a babysitter. Don't worry about trying to teach a subject, just keep control of the class. If that means sending a kid to the office, do it. Don't take nonsense/attitude off of anyone.

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