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Janet/AR/Host - Welcome al to the Substitute Teacher's Meeting
Janet/AR/Host - Mrs. Sub, are there any issues you would like to discuss?
Mrs.Sub - I am new to subbing and need suggestions for smart alec high school teens
al_IA - Mrs. Sub, go in with lots of confidence and a full voice. Tell the class the agenda for the day and start right in. Keep it moving. Don't give them a cnace to realize you are a sub.
Mrs.Sub - There always seems to be one kid that ruins my day. It seems useless to send that type of kid to the office.
Janet/AR/Host - Mrs. Sub, I think the only way to help you with that problem is to right off the bat let your students know that you mean business and tell them up front what you expect from them.
Janet/AR/Host - Mrs. Sub, you are right about that. They usually do not care they are in the office for their behavior.
Mrs.Sub - I must say that I consider myself to be very stern. I don't think the kids like me much because of that....but that's fine by me, I don't want to be consider a pushover.
Mrs.Sub - I've been subbing since the beginning of Feb. I have a biology degree and will be going back to school this summer for my teacher certification.
piglet - i have trouble with the high schoolers myself they will not be quiet
al_IA - I check with the principal about in school suspension. We have study carrols in certain rooms where these students are isolated. I send them there if they are too far out of line
Janet/AR/Host - piglet, a discipline plan needs to go into your portfolio. That will be one question that will be asked. Another one is what are your strengths and weaknesses.
al_IA - Janet, I thought mine was finished but in looking at it, it does not seem so complete now
Janet/AR/Host - Mrs. Sub, you are doing fine then. You definately do not want to be considered a pushover.
Janet/AR/Host - al, portfolios are a lot of work!
Mrs.Sub - The school does have ISS - students are sent there after being written up and sent to the office.
al_IA - If you sub in a school often, your rep will proceed you. Hang tough and soon they won't mess with you
Janet/AR/Host - Mrs. Sub, the only experience I had with high schoolers was while I was interning for my special ed. cert. They were great. I did have to get in their faces sometimes to get my point across. But they respected me for it.
Janet/AR/Host - piglet, it seems we are all looking for a full time teaching position eventually. I have been subbing for 2 years now.
Mrs.Sub - I'm subbing in hopes of getting my foot in the door for a teaching position. The school may add another science teacher next fall.
al_IA - Here is a situation I am finding myself in. Our 7th grade is straight from Hades. The regular teachers are at wit's end. Very few subs will take them. Any ideas?
Mrs.Sub - My state, Georgia, just began a teacher certification only program for those who already have a bachelor's degree in a subject, like myself (biology).
Janet/AR/Host - One thing I am doing is trying to get to know all the teachers and how the school system works. I am enjoying the variety of jobs they have given me.
Mrs.Sub - Gosh aI, if the regular teachers can't handle them, what do they expect a sub to do ? !!
Alexis - I read the previous msgs about having a discipline plan in your portfolio, is there anything else specifically that I should have in there?
Janet/AR/Host - al, maybe Spring Break has everyone out! Spring break here.
Janet/AR/Host - Good Question Mrs. Sub!
al_IA - I used to get lots of variety, too. But with so few taking these 7th graders, I feel like I am stuck with them
Janet/AR/Host - Alexis, Resume, coverletter, lesson plans, a unit, ed. philosophy.
Alexis - I have lessons and units included, but mostly for first grade...should I create more for other grade levels?
Alexis - Janet--I have all of that...anything else? I hadn't thought of including a discipline plan before...
Mrs.Sub - Do you guys get paid much for subbing ? Is it different pay if you are certified ?
al_IA - Mrs. Sub, the reg teachers have cancelled several activities simply because they can not handle this class. Makes it bad all around.
al_IA - Well, I just come in tell them they can not get out of their seats and hammer the work at them.
Janet/AR/Host - Alexis, maybe a game that you have made to help teach a concept. an example of positive discipline. yes maybe a variety of grade levels would be wonderful. Shows flexibility.
Alexis - Mrs. Sub--mostly it;s around $50-60 a day, depending on the county...usually it's about a $10 difference between those cert and those who aren't.
Janet/AR/Host - Mrs. Sub, cert. subs here in Arkansas get $44.00 a day.
al_IA - I get 66 in my district
Alexis - Janet--That's a neat idea. Is it okay that the lessons and units that are in the portfolio are not ones that I have actually taught? I have plans for first and fifth already.
Alexis - Oh, Mrs Sub--I'm in Virginia.
al_IA - My lesson plans are a combo of ones I have used and not
Janet/AR/Host - Alexis, maybe putting a lesson where you have a lesson for first grade, you could put the same lesson in modified for another grade level. That would show versitility and flexibility.
Mrs.Sub - Was just wondering, we get $40/day and $50/day for certified.
al_IA - Good idea, Janet
Janet/AR/Host - Alexis, no you do not have to have taught them before. Just lets them know what you can come up with fun for the students to learn a consept.
Mrs.Sub - I sure didn't expect to be called in everday ! Of course I don't go every day, saying NO is one of the greatest benefits of being a sub.
Janet/AR/Host - In my portfolio I have made up coupons for different things to promote good behavior.
al_IA - I had a week of science a couple of weeks ago. It was fun, to pretend they were my kids.
Janet/AR/Host - Mrs. Sub, I have a full time job as well as subbing.
al_IA - Janet, what coupons?
Janet/AR/Host - al, that is great! I bet it was fun.
Mrs.Sub - Alexis, you will be using this portfolio in an interview I assume. ?
Alexis - Janet--What is an example of one of your coupons?
Alexis - Mrs Sub--Yes, hopefully!!! =)
Janet/AR/Host - al, i made coupons with 10 mins. of computer time. or 10 mins. of free time, etc. One can be creative with that.
al_IA - That sounds like good stuff. Privleges are always good motivators
Janet/AR/Host - the kids love the coupons. They can save them up till the end of a week or cash them in when ever they want.
Mrs.Sub - Janet, I too have a full time job. Subbing is just a way to get my feet wet and to get known in the school for a future job possibility
Alexis - I "completed" my portfolio before graduation, but I keep going back to add more, rearrange, etc.
Janet/AR/Host - Mrs. Sub, the same idea here.
al_IA - I know some of our teachers give 5 points on next homework or free homework, that sort of thing
Janet/AR/Host - al, yes that is it. Free homework passes are great motivators!!!
Alexis - Oh, some people suggest adding pictures of projects, assignments, bulletin boards, and you interacting with the group...is this still a good thing to do, in your opinion?
al_IA - Alexis, I hope so cuz i have bb photos and project photos
Janet/AR/Host - Alexis, yes it is but it is hard getting a picture of you interacting with a group unless you have a camera that has a timer.
Alexis - Janet--What if a child earns a free homework pass, and he goes to use it, but you know that he needs extra help and practice on the concept?
al_IA - Then don't offer them to that class.
al_IA - Offer something else
Alexis - Janet--During student teaching, I got several pics taken by my coop teacher, and I also took pics of the kids working on their projects and their final product.
Janet/AR/Host - Alexis, there is always time in the day for the student to get help. I use learning centers for that.
Janet/AR/Host - Al, yes that is it. If you feel he needs the help then do not give that coupon to that student.
al_IA - Janet, too bad we don't have those in the higher grades. Could help lots of kids, I think
Janet/AR/Host - Alexis, it is a great idea to put pics of those in the portfolios.
Alexis - What do you suggest for the outside of the portfolio to look like? During student teaching, a couple people made binders into "albums" with the cloth covering, but in a way it was "over-cutesy"--do you know what I mean?
MyK - I am being told on one hand that sub jobs, and particularly long terms are the ticket to a full time job.
Alexis - Right now, mine is in a solid white binder, with a sheet of "school" stationery in the front with my info....
al_IA - Alexis, keep it professional looking. Lots of nice looking binders out there
Janet/AR/Host - Alexis, yes I do know what you mean. yes decorate the outside but make it a simple but nice cover.
al_IA - MyK., maybe where you are, but here I don't think that is the case
Janet/AR/Host - MyK, you are absolutely right!
MyK - After a regular teacher complained to her princiapl that I had 'turned her class against her' the principal told me that long terms in the middle of the year were a mine field!
al_IA - Mrs. Sub, go to the lesson plans on this site and search Sweathog
Janet/AR/Host - MyK, mine field?
al_IA - A good set of ideas there
MyK - I am already at risk because my cooperative teacher of 1996, after telling me that her LAST student teacher was out of the classroom for 4 years thanks to her, is still 'at large.' I do not need this.
Janet/AR/Host - Alexis, as a sub I do not feel we get a really good chance to TEACH. How does everyone else feel about that?
MyK - Fraught with problems; dangerous.
Janet/AR/Host - MyK, she is playing mind games with you and that is so unfair!
Alexis - I agree...so often it doesn't feel like teaching...
Janet/AR/Host - I enjoy the subbing but I feel like the worksheet queen! LOL
Alexis - Even with some classes, I feel that all I am doing is babysitting....I have done enough of that already in my life!!! =)
al_IA - Janet, I try to bring my own ideas into the lesson plans that are left. Some times I can't, but when I can it is called teaching
MyK - I make it teaching, pull in whatever experiences I have that will add to the lesson.
Janet/AR/Host - MyK, I try to do that as well but it would be nice to be able to do a lesson of ones own.
Alexis - When I have "real" lesson plans left, I feel that the teacher may get offended if I added something of my own...
Janet/AR/Host - When one does not know what grade until that morning it is hard to do that.
MyK - After teachers get to know you and are assured that you know something, they seem not to assign as many worksheets. I also take magazine pix, glue to notebook paper and have kids write different things about the pix.
Janet/AR/Host - Alexis, and some would get offened that is for sure.
Janet/AR/Host - MyK, WONDERFUL IDEA! Mind if I use that?
al_IA - I may not always have an idea to toss in , but maybe a different way to approach the lesson. Group discussion as opposed to written sentences or the like
MyK - I wish that the teachers were thoughtful enough to at least say on the instructions on the machine-we are going through bats this month, or we are into Solar system. That would give us a boost!
Alexis - I keep copies of a book called "The Anti-Coloring Book" with me, so if students don't have anything assigned for Morning Work, i have something for them to work on...I find that's the hardest time to keep them under control...
Anti-Coloring Book
The Anti-Coloring Book of Celebrations
The Anti-Coloring Book of Exploring Space on Earth
The Anti-Coloring Book of Masterpieces
Artists at Work : A Literature-Based Anti-Coloring Book on Careers in Art
The Circus Anti-Coloring Book
The Fifth Anti-Coloring Book
Fourth Anti-Coloring Book
The Inventor's Anti-Coloring Book
The Mystery Anti-Coloring Book
The Newspaper Anti-Coloring Book
Second Anti-Coloring Book
The Sixth Anti-Coloring Book
Third Anti-Coloring Book
Janet/AR/Host - al, I totally agree! I like talking to the students. I get greater feedback that way most of the time.
al_IA - Janet, I have a folder for each subject. Just grab it and go when I get the call. I add to the folder whenever I find something I can use as a filler or idea
MyK - Anything I say may certainly be used by any who reads it! I don't copyright this stuff! If we each only have idea, and we keep it we still each have one. Share ideas and they multiply like bunnies!!!
Janet/AR/Host - One thing I do with a new class I am subbing for is bring in index cards and let the students make name plates so I am able to learn their names. They can decorate them.
Janet/AR/Host - GOOD IDEA al.
MyK - I like the name tag thing Janet!
Janet/AR/Host - thanks so much MyK
Alexis - Janet-That would definetly help in keeping them busy while I did the paperwork!
al_IA - I make qiuck name cards and go thru them to call on students. That way I call on every one and am not constantly looking at the seating chart.
MyK - I also put nouns on index cards, give one to each child. They write their name on it, add an adjective, pass it on. Cards go all over the room. No repeating of words. No using the 'dead words' from tombstone I put on board. Cute. Little. Big., etc.
al_IA - Really neat idea, MyK. I will be using that one
Janet/AR/Host - Wonderful idea MyK. Wow we sure are getting great ideas here tonight!
MyK - I also call my kids Miss Pink Shirt, Prince Grey Sweatshirt, etc. Saves time, and they do pay attention. I tell them, I can have 150 kids every week in elementary!!!
Janet/AR/Host - That is a cute idea MyK!
al_IA - MyK, different parts of speech could be used too.
Janet/AR/Host - MyK, one noun to each index card?
MyK - of the 8-12 school where I sub are REALLY touchy-very insecure and ready to tattle, stab us in the back, etc. I feel that I do a super job of subbing, I just hate the politics part.
MyK - Yes, one noun to each card, Janet. I make them up while I watch tv, wait in doctor's offices, etc.
Alexis - MyK--Then do you sit and read thru them...?
Alexis - That's a neat idea MyK!!
Janet/AR/Host - COOL MyK
al_IA - Myk. are you talking about the reg teachers or the students
MyK - up. /Sometimes we do it as a class, aloud. They learn more that way.
MyK - he regular teachers.
Janet/AR/Host - MyK, that is the toughest part of it all, POLITICS!
MyK - I keep thinking that everyone seems to be losing sight of what we are there to do-teach the kids.
al_IA - I just smile at them all .
Alexis - Does anyone have any other quick activities?
Janet/AR/Host - When I want the kids to be quiet while I let them go to the restroom before lunch. We play the quiet game.
MyK - ive them a big word or phrase on the baord-see how many words they can make of it.
al_IA - If you go to the idea jar, there are 5 min activities there that can be adapted to all levels
Janet/AR/Host - Very true, MyK
Alexis - al--What is the Idea Jar?
al_IA - That is http://www.idea-jar.com/
Janet/AR/Host - I also play a game of what state am I in.
Janet/AR/Host - al, thanks for the url. I will have to visit there.
al_IA - It is mainly for elem and prek
Alexis - Thanks al, I am always looking for some quick activities...I will definetly check it out!!!
Janet/AR/Host - Myk that is an activity that students like.
MyK - I also have them fold a sheet of manila paper in certain number of squares and then give them a list of things to do to it. Color the upper left square purple, give the math family 8x9=72 in the lower right hand corner, etc.
Janet/AR/Host - MyK, you certainly full a wonderful activities.
al_IA - Boy, you are just full of great ideas, Myk
al_IA - Hey, Janet, great minds
Janet/AR/Host - Yup!
MyK - Another time let them find green things to put in a square, find the word January from a magazine, look for a picture of a dog. I know a lot of my regular rooms have magazines. I TAKE magazines with me on longer subs.
Janet/AR/Host - I want to thank everyone for coming tonight! It was great! I hope everyone will attend next month as well.
Janet/AR/Host - My email addy is llihpw@prodigy.net if anyone wants to email me.
Janet/AR/Host - My website is http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/5146/
Janet/AR/Host - bye everyone!
