TL;DR Build your PLN as you listen, read, and connect. Find support as you connect with others. Being alone as a leader is a choice. The Value of a PLN: Building a PLN For some, building a PLN (a personal or professional learning network) starts with social media, such as Twitter. While it is true that I have been a … Read More
Teach Better Ambassadors: Like Radio Shack, But Still Relevant
TL;DR: Alex Valencic shares his journey from substitute teacher to Professional Learning Coordinator. The Teach Better Ambassador program is here to help everyone be better. The Ambassadors bring a vast array of experiences to support the Teach Better community. New Role After three years as a substitute teacher and seven years as a fourth-grade teacher in East Central Illinois, I … Read More
Sub Better: Know the Content
TL;DR Knowing the content of what you are teaching will help you be more confident as a substitute. Know where to look for help; it’s ok that you don’t know everything. Use the resources available to support student learning. Stretching Outside of Your Comfort Zone I received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in May 2008 and began working that … Read More
Expect Better
TL;DR: Students won’t know what you expect of them if you don’t tell them. Including students in the work of establishing expectations will lead to better outcomes. Teachers, administrators, and substitutes need to work together to establish clear expectations. So. Many. Teachers. Imagine a student who attends the same EC-12 district for their entire public education career. This student will … Read More
Edu Speak 101
TL;DR: Substitute teachers selected that job for all different reasons. Sometimes educational language is hard to understand when you first enter a classroom and read the sub plans. Try to complete sub plans that make sense even for those who aren’t familiar with educational jargon. If you are an administrator, please check in with subs at the start of each … Read More