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Janet/AR/host - Welcome to the Substitute Teacher's Meeting!
Janet/AR/host - What would everyone like to discuss tonight?
Janet/AR/host - The first thing a good sub should do is be early to her classroom if at all possible.
cofio - always leave detailed messages of what you have done, what has worked, what hasn't worked, etc. Get to know the layout of the building and always get to the building before time to be there
Janet/AR/host - On my website Sub teachers page I have a worksheet of a detailed message for the teacher. It will help save some time. http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/5146/sub.html
Janet/AR/host - Are all of you certified as well?
al-IA - Here in Iowa, you have to be certified
Roz - I agree. It's best to arrive early for many reasons, including the fact that it prevents stress. It allows you to feel your way around the classroom
bette/tx - in Texas some districts require it some don;t
Janet/AR/host - Have extra work or a goodie bag for lag times.
al-IA - The best is to know in advance. If I have scheduled jobs, I stop in the day before if possible
bette/tx - but just in case you should have a sub folder
stanley - I'll 2nd that arriving early. There just NEVER seems to be all the time we'd like 1st thing in the AM -- unless perhaps we've worked for the T previously.
Janet/AR/host - One thing I like to do to help get the lunch/attendance done is pass out index cards and have each student put their name on it and decorate it for a name plate.
Roz - Familiarize yourself with the room. Read everything visible including bulletin boards. Put yourself in the place of the teacher mentally
Janet/AR/host - bette, GREAT idea, Here the teachers have to have a sub folder for the sub with instructions and all.
Roz - Act and try to feel as though you belong there. You are not a stranger. This is your place. It's difficult to do, but after a while it becomes almost enjoyable
al-IA - I have 7 or 8 subject folders and keep little tidbits in them for time killers. i get the call, grab the subject folder and I am set.
Janet/AR/host - Roz, by letting the students know what YOU expect from them right off the bat helps alot.
stanley - Janet, How do the index cards help you to take attendance?
bette/tx - i subbed last year, this year i am the teacher so i need ideas...i like the sub folder idea ..but you would be surprised the number of teachers that don't have them
al-IA - bette, lots of teachers have them, but forget to update them
Roz - Try to develop a connection with the material in some way. It helps. Relate the material somehow to you
Janet/AR/host - stanley, I put the index cards on the students desk before they get there. And then I tell them what to do with it when they get seated.
Haley/KS - I subbed this year and many teachers have the sub folders but don't use them.
bette/tx - al_IA -probably true..even when i taught pre-k i had a sub folder...
al-IA - As far as checking out the room, make sure to know where to go in emergencies. A bit embarrassing if there is a drill and you don't know where to go. Worse yet if it was the real thing
stanley - Excuse me for being dense, but do you then go around & compare that to your roster?
Janet/AR/host - Go and introduce yourself to the teachers near your room in case you need help for any reason.
Roz - Yes, al-IA
cofio - most of the teacher's have had a subfolder that I have subbed for and if it wasn't in plain sight I was left a note in the lesson plans as to where to find it
cofio - thanks Janet. It opened this time
Janet/AR/host - stanley, if it is the first time you were in the classroom it helps you know the students name and call on them when doing classroom things.
Roz - Read the plans over. Then read them again
bette/tx - cofio- one teacher i subbed for had such great lesson plans i did not need a sub folder..just did everything off the plan
Haley/KS - One day I subbed and all in the same day I had a fire drill, tornado drill and an assembly. I was really glad I had student taught there. The teacher left no instructions for those things.
Janet/AR/host - I bring flash cards and extra books. I read to the students while they are doing their classwork. They love that.
bette/tx - Haley- almost the same thing happened to me ...
Roz - Absorb the material. Make sure it makes sense to you. Don't teach something you don't understand.
al-IA - I try to get little squares of paper, write the name of a student on each one, mix them up and then use them to call on the students. That way everyone gets called on
stanley - something I've yet to do but am considering: Counting the # of Ss, comparing that to the roster, & then asking the kids, "Who's absent?"
Janet/AR/host - Also I bring coupons that have free time and free computer time on them and if the students are caught being good they get a coupon. They turn them in at the last hour of the day.
al-IA - Janet, good idea. Must be elem
cofio - what I like about the sub folders here is that several of the teachers have listed those with medical problems and what to do in case of emergencies as well as class schedules and seating charts
Roz - I think that's important. Don't always call on the same chld.
bette/tx - ccofio- seating chart is important
Haley/KS - I always bring one of my favorite books to share with them. I let them know I will share if we have a good day. They really work for it. Usually I take a Dr. Seuss book or The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. Even the 5th graders love it.
bette/tx - at the private school that i am going to teach at..we have to get the sub off a list of names..some people we have never met..
cofio - one of the things I do when subbing and there is time for it, is to teach them some Sign Language. Kids of all ages love it, at least here they do
al-IA - I also like to have a cartoon or short article which I can have made into a transparency and put up. Givves the students a focus as they enter the room
Janet/AR/host - Haley, those are fun books!
bette/tx - Haley- those are good books
Roz - Cofio, are you fluent in sign language?
Haley/KS - I do the same with Spanish. They love things that are different.
Janet/AR/host - cofio, I am trying to find a place that teaches sign here.
cofio - at the Jr. High level I put a note on the outside of the door as to what materials are needed; textbook if needed, paper, pencils, etx
Janet/AR/host - cofio, I am hearing impaired myself. I wear hearing aids.
Roz - Who teaches High School?
Janet/AR/host - I pretty much stay in the elementary.
cofio - I know enough to communicate on a one-to-one or one-to-two basis, at least enough to communicate with friends who happen to be deaf or hearing impaired and with a great aunt of mine before she passed on
bette/tx - i subbed mostly in elementaary..i did not like jr high but high school was okay
Haley/KS - I'm elementary.
stanley - Seating charts....I wish Ts would leave a blank 1 along with their original. That way I'm not always having to translate the perspective if I work from a different section of the room. (Uh, guess who's spatially challenged!)
Thomas - Anyone ever worked with school-age kids in a day care center? I have a substitute job doing that right now.
Haley/KS - I've never taught daycare.
Haley/KS - I subbed this year but hope to have my first regular teaching job this year. I just graduated in Dec. I'm looking for ideas.
Janet/AR/host - stanley, it would be a great idea. But I have yet found a teacher who left me one.
bette/tx - i got my job teaching kindergarten by subbing in that class and the teacher was leaving
cofio - I subbed in a 2nd grade class several times this year and some of the stories and lessons helped them to remember. I taught them some signs and now when I see some of the kids somewhere else they always try to give me a sign that they like and remember
Roz - Sometimes they change seats and "change their names" as well, if you know what I mean. I don't mind them changing seats if they behave.
cofio - I substitute in K-12
bette/tx - Thomas- for years ..my parents owned one
Janet/AR/host - Haley, me , too. I am really searching hard. Had an interview a week ago last Thursday.
bette/tx - Thomas- i taught 3 and pre-k
stanley - Janet, neither of I. It was just something that now occurred to me. But, do any of the rest of you struggle with the perspective on those charts?
bette/tx - haley- subbing is a good way to get a teaching job..aleast in my public school district
cofio - I would like to take more Sign Language classes so that I could also teach the Hearing//D/deaf Impaired students
Janet/AR/host - One major problem is a sub shortage. They never seem to call us for interviews when there are openings here.
bette/tx - Janet- not here ..all the good subs get jobs
al-IA - Have any of you taught summer school?
Haley/KS - I have one in the morning. I'm very excited about it. The only thing is I'm not a good interview. I've interviewed in my district and got to the last interview but wasn't chosen. Kinda sad.
cofio - I agree Janet. It seems as if the schools don't want to lose their subs so they don't call them for interviews
Janet/AR/host - bette, I am told I am a great sub but never seem to get called for an interview here. I am even requested all the time for teacher's classrooms.
al-IA - We have so many good subs, that I find it hard to undeerstand why the admin goes outside to hire
Roz - I would like to learn sign language. I was once called for special ed and was with a deaf child the whole day. The teacher was upset that they didn't have a "signing substitue". There aren't any and they don't train us in it. Wouldn't it be good if they offered substitues some training without us having to pay our own tuition. They have so many courses and workshops for reg. teachers.
bette/tx - Janet- the school my duaghter goes to..just hired a perment sub..i thought that was a great idea
Haley/KS - Janet, they don't want to lose their great subs so they won't hire them. That's what I was told by a vet. teacher.
Janet/AR/host - I plan on taking some classes in sign as soon as possible!!!
al-IA - Roz, I am in favor of that. I take as many inservices as I can. Sometimes I get some nasty looks, but I go
Janet/AR/host - Haley, that is right! The sub shortage is critical here.
cofio - my personal opinion Roz is that they should require teachers to take a basic sign language course because of all the inclusion that is being done these days
bette/tx - Roz- i agree..i have a daughter in resource and it is hard to find trainned subs for those classes...
al-IA - cofio, I think it is coming to that
stanley - Subs not getting interviews... Are we viewed as being "dangerous" because we know too many things about too many schools & classrooms? Most administrators try to steer clear of those who see more than the administrators would like to be seen.
Lynne - My caller says that permanent subs make it hard for him to arrange last minute subs in areas they are most strong in--good grief does that make sense?
Roz - al-IA, in my district the inservices are during the school day and they need us subs to cover the teachers while they're learning
bette/tx - Lynne- this sub is at the school ...5 days a week she is on the school distirict payroll
al-IA - roz, we have early outs for inservice
Roz - I would go to a workshop on sign language even after school
stanley - Janet, Seriously, my 2nd long term that's what happened to me, near as I can figure!
al-IA - P E has got to be one of the hardest classes to sub for, at least for me
Lynne - Folks, tell me more about inservice. I am so green. Do you get college credits? What kinds of inservice courses would you like us to be able to take also??
Janet/AR/host - stanley, are you looking for a teaching position?
al-IA - Roz, you might, but how many reg teachers would. They don't seem to be willing to give up time.
Janet/AR/host - Lynne, one on gangs that I went to helped me when I interned special ed.
Janet/AR/host - Most of my students were in gangs! It was so sad!
Roz - The problem is that there are so many subs on the list. Yet some subs are serious and have been doing it for 4 or more years. They should distingusish between the ones who really want to benefit the students and the school and the others. Are there many serious ones.? You all seem to be
Lynne - Wow, now that WOULD be good. I have no idea what I'm doing with special ed.
cofio - It's not that hard to sub for PE although that's what my certification is and I'm in the process of adding the Special Education Multicategorical K-12 endorsement. Have 22 hours in Special ed
stanley - Janet, Yes, but I don't really push or follow-up the way I should. I find those things to distract me from the kids, which is what I REALLY like!
Janet/AR/host - Lynne, It sure helped me. I was on to them on everything. Gang grafitti on classwork was immediately tore up and they had to redo it with it.
Roz - I would also love to learn more about the computer programs they're using, i.e. Power Point, word, etc.
sue - cofio-spec. ed classes should help you
bette/tx - cofio- there is a shortage of resource teachers...
Janet/AR/host - stanley, I am really searching seriously! I am even going out to the surrounding cities now.
stanley - Moreover, my goal is to work just as many days as I can, NOT run around to dead ends that only APPEAR to be alive. Probably not the best strategy, but I can still start the day with a smile.
al-IA - Lynne, at our inservice we have different speakers come. I also try to take all the free stuff on our area ed ICN.
Lynne - In your school districts, are you able to go to faculty meetings? What can you attend that permanent teachers can also attend? I can go to the faculty meetings. It was a bit unconfortable at one. They talked about subs and their pay, and how to cut back on substitutes!!!!
bette/tx - janet- what do you want to teach??
Janet/AR/host - bette, that is what I interviewed for a week ago Thursday.
al-IA - Roz, check your area ed group
Janet/AR/host - Bette, I do not care really as long as I am teaching.
bette/tx - i guess i am lucky i got hired after subbing ....i got hired in Feb for the fall
Roz - I read the journals in the teachers lounge and try to read the materials in the classroom. There's so much to read. One can get distracted especially if you go to so many different subject classrooms.
Janet/AR/host - I am also sending out mini portfolios to some schools.
Janet/AR/host - Welcome Audrey to the Sub Teacher's Meeting.
Lynne - Really, Bette, do you know what for??
Roz - It seems as though most of the subs want to teach permanently. Anyone interested in subbing indefinitely?
Janet/AR/host - Bette!!! Congrats!!!!!!!!!!! :-)
cofio - my problem with Special Ed is that I had the practical knowledge before getting the book knowledge. I used to work in a Developmental Center, a State Hospital School and have had various experiences in working with Special Needs people of all ages
stanley - Janet, Can you work in more than 1 district? I'm in 4 of our county's 40 some odd. Spreads me kind of thin, but I *love* seeing all the different perspectives on things.
al-IA - The more I sub the less I want the hassle of my own class.
bette/tx - Lynne- i subbed and then got hired in Feb for kindergarten'
Haley/KS - I started the job search later than I should have so I am looking as far as 3 1/2 hours away. Especially in districts I haven't subbed in.
bette/tx - cofio- that is important the practical
Janet/AR/host - stanley, yes but I also have a full time job as a secretary in a Radiology Department in our local hospital. I have worked there almost 21 years now.
Roz - Haley, are you willing to move? I hope you're not thinking of commuting
Lynne - Al, I felt the same way after the last three weeks of full time teaching for bioloy and ecology classes!!
al-IA - Of course, I am in my 50's and this is a second careeer for me
bette/tx - Janet- i continued to sub there and other schools ..i got to know the teachers well...bye subbing at my school
sue - Roz-didn't plan on subbinng-looks like it may happen forever if I don't soon get a job.
stanley - Janet, My congratulations! How do you do it all -- plus help us too??
Haley/KS - I'm hoping to move a little up north. IF I get this job. :-) That'd be a long drive.
Janet/AR/host - bette and everyone, I have decided not to sub this next shcool year.
al-IA - Janet, What?????
bette/tx - Janet- you where working and subbing too??
Janet/AR/host - stanley, Kat asked me and I told her I would be glad to do the meetings. I enjoy them very much.
Roz - Janet, why did you decide on that?
Audrey - janet, why are you not going to sub?
bette/tx - haley-what grade??
al-IA - Haley, have you checked the job chatboards on this site
Janet/AR/host - bette and everyone, yes I was. I used all the vacation time I have to sub.
Lynne - Janet, did you say, though, that you are still looking for a permanent teaching job??
cofio - I'm looking to relocate to another state for better care for my Mother and my sister is in this state, I will have to get there teaching license, but until I find a full time job I will Substitute. I am 49
Janet/AR/host - Lynne, yes I am looking for a permanent position.
bette/tx - cofio- where are you looking to relate??
Audrey - cofio, you should be able to teach for a year in most states before you are required to get their license
Janet/AR/host - The reason is that I have subbed for 2 years and still have not even been called for an interview here. If I do sub it will be with another district.
Haley/KS - I'm cert. K-9 but I'd prefer 4,5 or 3. Yep, I've looked on the job boards. I don't want to move that far away from my family.
cofio - Kansas City. I have a Missouri license but my sister and her family are on the Kansas side and Mom wants to be closer to her
Roz - Let's hope the situation for substitutes improves everywhere.
Janet/AR/host - stanley, even if I get a teaching position I will continue the meetings. I enjoy them too much not to.
Lynne - I'm subbing for this district for another year, and then I'm going to branch out, just to get a better perspective.
stanley - Janet, Yes, but if you leave teaching????
Haley/KS - I'm in Independence, Kansas. I went to college in Olathe, KS and hope to get a job in that area. Stiff competition.
Janet/AR/host - stanley, I am not leaving teaching! I just want a permanent position.
bette/tx - Janet= have you tried private school
Lynne - Janet, thanks for all you do. You people with all this energy--well, you amaze me!!!!
Janet/AR/host - bette, no I haven't.
Janet/AR/host - Thanks Lynne! I appreciate the kind words.
stanley - An idea that might help some of you: Photocopy your class roster so you have a record of the Ss once you turn in your attendance folder. Plus, you can write notes by their names during the day.
bette/tx - Janet- you might want to try..the pay is not as good but it is a job...
Roz - Lynne, I live in Maryland, about 40 mi. from DC And you?
Janet/AR/host - bette, I am thinking about trying one of the church schools here.
stanley - Janet, But if you don't sub & (heaven fobid) nothing permanent opens up??
bette/tx - Janet- that is what i am going to teach at...the hours are the same as my children..and i actually go about 15 days less then them..and i will have some flexiablity
al-IA - In Iowa we have a site of school openings...http://www.sai-iowa.org/
Janet/AR/host - stanley, Well I just feel this would be best. I will sub for another district if I decide to keep subbing.
cofio - what are some of the discipline plans that you use? I use an on-task Behavior system where they get their names on the board for being on task and then they can earn stickers, several extra minutes recess, etc. this is at the elementary level
coolhand luke/VA - My discipline system involved auctions using behavior coupons
Janet/AR/host - cofio, I use my own. Usually the teacher's discipline plan does not work for me.
stanley - cofio, For G-1 up I award tickets so I can draw names at the end of the day. I'd be LOST without it!
cofio - how does that work coolhand?
al-IA - This is a women who subs and has set up this great site. http://www.dowlingcentral.com/MrsD.html
Lynne - Hey, folks, what's the pay in private schools, anyway--I mean the church kind? and the benefits? Are there any??
coolhand luke/VA - When ever I see students quickly following directions such as being prepare during during transistions or following instructions without delay.
stanley - Janet, BRAVO -- plus, with your own the kids are playing your "game" rather than theirs. Kind of helps to even out the playing field, don't you think?
bette/tx - Lynne- well the pay is better than mylast job..LOL and the only benefit i get is 1 day a month sick pay
Janet/AR/host - stanley, YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!
Lynne - Roz, I agree. It's a very strange post. Me, I don't care if they know who's posting it.
Janet/AR/host - Lynne, I am not sure!
coolhand luke/VA - I hold acutions a couple of times a month when the children have an opportunity to bid on things that I have picked up at the dollar store. They quickly learn to use strategy during thee auctions
coolhand luke/VA - the pay is terrible less than 20k
Janet/AR/host - Cool, WONDERFUL idea the auction.
bette/tx - Lynne- it is more than i really expected..
Lynne - Cool hand, I like the auction idea.
coolhand luke/VA - I call them cougar coupons after the school mascot name
al-IA - luke, how do you do this auction as a sub. Are you in the same school lots
Janet/AR/host - Please send me any topic suggestions to llihpw@prodigy.net
Janet/AR/host - There is a meeting for subs every 3rd Monday of each month.
Haley/KS - I have a store. I give out tickets for good behavior. Then every couple of weeks, I have a store where they can buy dollar store stuff or coupons for free assignments, etc. I make sure everyone has at least 1 coupon. Everyone can buy. 1 ticket will get a jolly rancher. I did this for student teaching, not subbing. Subbing, I take away things and give things like stickers, free time, etc.
Lynne - High school students are too old for stickers. I'm still trying to figure out how, as a sub, I can reward them.
al-IA - Lynne, I give them a big smile and tell them they did a great job. Talk to them in the hall, at there jobs. Simple recogniztion works wonders
Janet/AR/host - I want to thank everyone for attending this meeting! I really appreciate it and hope to see you all next month.
Haley/KS - I've heard that telling them you are the Guest Teacher instead of Sub creates more respect and curiosity for the students.
Janet/AR/host - Night everyone and Thanks so much for attending!
