TL;DR As we start a new school year, it’s time to give grace. Give your students grace. Give the teachers grace. And give yourself grace! Getting Back Into It It has been three months since you last accepted a guest teaching assignment. You have enjoyed the long break but you’re ready to get back into the swing of things and … 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
Know Your Environment
TL;DR: 3 lessons learned from the first day of subbing and tips for teachers and administrators. “Early” is on time. “On time” is late! Make sure the information you have is correct. Know where the important places are. Know Your Environment It was my first day subbing in a new building and in a new district. I had the address … Read More