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~Janet/AR/host~ - Welcome to the Substitute Teachers Meeting.
Beth/sub - Have you done any long-term subbing? How did you fit in with the "real" teachers? Did you participate in outside get-togethers, etc.? Should you keep your distance?
~Janet/AR/host~ - Beth how long have you subbed?
Beth/sub - I have been subbing for two and a half years.
~Janet/AR/host~ - Beth, No long term here. Are any of you certified subs. Brann is a 5th grade teacher. She will be able to help us.
~Janet/AR/host~ - Beth, try to be friends with the teachers if you can. I know it is not always possible.
Janie/WA/sub - I am certified.
Jennifer/3/sub - I am a certified teacher who didn't find a full timer after grad. in May
~Janet/AR/host~ - Jennifer neither did I. I am cert. in elem. ed. spec. ed. and social studies.
Jennifer/3/sub - I have a 6 week maternity leave now - Oct. 2... the teacher is very attached with the room... tomorrow is our first day with the kids and she is going to be there. Any suggestions/ opinions?
Brann/5 - Jeenifer...are you comfortable with her around?
~Janet/AR/host~ - jennifer, try to go and see what her routine is and what she will expect from you.
Jennifer/3/sub - I barely know her...but I guess it doesn't bother me if that's what you mean
Beth/sub - I am certified in Elementary Ed. I have done one long-term and am scheduled to do another in the same school. Interviewed for 2 jobs and did not get hired!
~Janet/AR/host~ - Beth same here. Do you feel that once they get cert. subs that we are over looked for teaching positions?
~Janet/AR/host~ - Well it looks as though most of us are looking for teaching positions. Does anyone have a question for Brann?
Mickey - What do you do as soon as the students enter the classroom? How do you get the students to quiet down so that you can take lunch/attendance, etc..?
~Janet/AR/host~ - Mickey, maintain order and take lunch/attendance count.
Jennifer/3/sub - Mickey - what grade level?
Mickey - Mostly grades 4 and 5..
~Janet/AR/host~ - Mickey depending on the grade level some have work on the students desk and some have students write a person journals.
Brann/5 - Mickey...as a teacher or sub?
Mickey - Suppose the teacher has nothing for the students to work on for those first few minutes?
Mickey - Sorry, I'm a sub in grades K through 5.
Jennifer/3/sub - Mickey - it almost depends on the teacher's usual routine and what they expect.
~Janet/AR/host~ - Personal journals are a good way for you to have them busy while doing time and attendance for grades 4 and 5.
Beth/sub - Of seven interviewed for a position, the one who was not a sub was hired!
Jennifer/3/sub - Seems like a never ending battle Beth...I sympathize...
~Janet/AR/host~ - Beth, I feel we are being over looked myself. Do you? Due to the sub shortage.
Brann/5 - I had a sub for 2 weeks last year...hardest thing for me to do ..... as a teacher..I wanted to know that my sub was comfortable in there, and that the things I needed covered got covered so I didn't have to back track so much
Beth/sub - I'm starting a third grade maternity leave job on Oct. 1. I met with the teacher today to get info - read books ahead of time, get a class list, daily schedule, etc. Now I can prepare ahead a bit.
~Janet/AR/host~ - Beth looks like you have a great start.
Jennifer/3/sub - It's hard for me to be getting the room ready and contributing so much when what I really want is my own classroom... : (
Jennifer/3/sub - But in the same sense...I don't want the teacher to think that I want to take over or that I don't care because it's not my own...
Beth/sub - Jennifer - we have something in common!
~Janet/AR/host~ - Jennifer, I know how you feel. I just got turned down for a teaching position myself and I am also hearing impaired.
Brann/5 - Jennifer..that is a tough position to be in....I can understand your feelings....
Beth/sub - Do any of you have difficulty grading papers when you are only in a room a day or two?
~Janet/AR/host~ - Beth yes and sometimes the teacher does not want the sub to grade them.
Jennifer/3/sub - Beth, during prep times usually works for grading...and some teachers are so picky they don't even WANT you to grade
Mickey - I don't see how any sub has time to grade papers?
~Janet/AR/host~ - I have to agree Mickey.
Jennifer/3/sub - It depends on the subject and type of paper to be graded...
Beth/sub - I try to grade papers that are easy enough to do. I stay away from those which are more complicated.
Janie/WA/sub - Luckily most of the rooms I'm in have aides that grade papers, I'm so busy I's never have time!
Jennifer/3/sub - More "subjective" grading should always be left to the regular teacher... just my opinion
~Janet/AR/host~ - Jennifer I agree. Do any of you have other jobs besides subbing?
Beth/sub - No other job here! I could have used one this summer though!
Jennifer/3/sub - Not currently...though I probably should : ) my husband is an engineer so we are fairly stable...luckily
~Janet/AR/host~ - I do. I work in a local hospital in the Radiology Department and have for 20 years.
Mickey - How do you Subs get the students to line up quietly when changing classes?
Jennifer/3/sub - Mickey - you could try a game of sorts where they have to pay attention to some movement you are doing and copy...keeps their attention!!
Mickey - Would this work with 4th and 5 graders?
Jennifer/3/sub - sure why not? they want to act silly just like the young ones!! plus they get to see you being silly - it's fun!
Beth/sub - Mickey - lining up quietly - talk about earning a story time or game time at the end of the day if the day goes nicely (quietly).
~Janet/AR/host~ - Mickey, I found out how the Regular Classroom Teacher has them to do it. If not just. Possitive reward is a good way. Something for them ot look forward to later in the day.
Brann/5 - I tell you this is interesting from a teachers side!! Mickey...when I subbed...I was all bark and no bite...I really turned the day into a game in a sort....jolly ranchers work wonders!!!
Jennifer/3/sub - I agree with the treats Brann!!
~Janet/AR/host~ - Good Idea Brann. Also if you have a video that you can show at the end of the day for a reward works great for 4 and 5 graders.
Beth/sub - Do any of you sub at all grade levels - PreK through high school?
Janie/WA/sub - I sub pre-school thru 12th!
~Janet/AR/host~ - Beth, yes
Jennifer/3/sub - Beth - I did about three years ago (for 3 mos.)...now since grad. I'm sticking to elem. and middle
Deb/WI - Actually I sub K-8 now with the budget cuts around here. The hs normally moves teachers around to fill in .
Brann/5 - I subbed before I was hired...that is how I got hired...if the teacher left say 20 math problems...I would tell them that there were 30 and I would erase as they worked quietly!! yes deceptive I know!!
~Janet/AR/host~ - Brann, but it works!!!
Jennifer/3/sub - that is a great idea Brann
Deb/WI - I do.
Beth/sub - I'm only doing PreK through 5 now. I used to do all! To many discipline problems in the upper levels.
Jennifer/3/sub - i totally agree beth
Mickey - I have a real problem with sarcastic comments from students when you first start to introduce yourself. How do you subs handle this situation?
Jennifer/3/sub - Mickey - what kind of sarcastic comments?
Deb/WI - I lay it on the line with comments such as "you may do that with your teacher but I'm not her..."
~Janet/AR/host~ - Well Mickey I get in their faces if need be. You have to get their attention.
~Janet/AR/host~ - Deb, LOL I have made that same statement many times!!!
Mickey - Suppose these comments are coming from several students located throughout the room?
Jennifer/3/sub - I've never experienced that before Mickey
Brann/5 - Mickey...as a teacher....I know I wanted to know specifics...I don't get good notes...just they were rude....please tell the teacher...I am sure that that behavior is not tolorated in her/his room
Deb/WI - If it doesn't stop don't be afraid to pull out the detention slips and let them know that the next comment earns a detention.
Jennifer/3/sub - have you had a problem Mickey???
Deb/WI - I agree with Brann. I always leave my teachers a detailed note about what happened during the day or if anything went wrong with an assignment.
Beth/sub - Deb - what kind of detention? Will it be dealt with by the regular teacher, the principal, or you? Explain.
Brann/5 - going in with a set of flash cards.....play around the world....bring a fun short story to read....Robert Munsch has some GREAT ones!!
~Janet/AR/host~ - One thing I do with the upper elem. and older is a coupon token. If they have been good the student will get a coupon for extra computer time or free time.
Brann/5 - as far as grading.....hard for a teacher to grade sometimes becasue they have no idea how it was presented...does that make sense?
Deb/WI - In our schools the teacher gives out the detention slip and then the principal sets the amount of days.
Jennifer/3/sub - When I subbed before, I always left a page at least detailing the happenings of the day
Janie/WA/sub - I agree with leaving a note with names of both kids who cooperated & those that didn't. Most teachers deal with teh problem kids & if not, I refuse those classes.
~Janet/AR/host~ - I have worked up a Sub Worksheet. A time saver I hope to leave teachers at the end of the day.
Mickey - I haven't had a problem this year, but I've had in the past.
Deb/WI - I've never had a problem with a principal or teacher ignoring a detention. I don't give them out very often and when I do the kids know that they've overstepped boundaries.
Jennifer/3/sub - what age group. how have you handled it previously?
~Janet/AR/host~ - I will be posting it on the Substitute Grade Board and the Main Chatborad. That way Teachers and Subs can print it out and leave it for the teacher the next day.
Beth/sub - Nice of you Janet. We need more ideas!
Deb/WI - Have any of you absolutely refused to go back to a grade because the principal won't back you up?
~Janet/AR/host~ - Would anyone be interested in the Substitute Sheet?
Jennifer/3/sub - yes Janet
Pam - yes
Deb/WI - I take any help Janet. I keep files on everything especially for new teachers.
~Janet/AR/host~ - At the next meeting lets discuss what a sub needs to bring with them. We can discuss that now if you would like.
Mickey - Janet, I'd love a copy
Jennifer/3/sub - sure janet
Deb/WI - In most schools your own lunch...LOL
~Janet/AR/host~ - I am also compiling a goodie bag list. Good so everyone be looking for it in the next day or so. OK?
Pam - Janet what do I need to bring?
Jennifer/3/sub - LOL deb!! LOL
Beth/sub - Where will you post your list? Substitute board?
Deb/WI - Sounds good Janet.
~Janet/AR/host~ - Pam, word searches for all grade levels, books, colors, markers,crossword puzzels, glue, maybe an art project of somekind,
Janie/WA/sub - I am not afraid to refuse a class if the behavior of certain students doesn't change. (my refresh button wasn't even there!)
Deb/WI - Do any of your teachers have a fun box already in their room? Many of mine do in case we need more things to do.
Mickey - I know that a lot of teachers don't like subs to do their own lessons. Any ideas for free time after work is finished?
Beth/sub - I bring extra paper to write down notes to keep; a book or two to read to the class; a pattern/design sheet to copy and color; a few small games; candy treat!
Deb/WI - Coloring, storytime, sometimes if I've been to the school alot I'll carry a video with me.
Janie/WA/sub - I've found that the kids LOVE free time (quiet of course)
~Janet/AR/host~ - I went to Wal-Mart and bought those books for different grade level and copy them so I will have extra work if needed. A video is a good idea I do the same thing for a reward at the end of the day.
Mickey - Do you have free use of the copy machine?
Deb/WI - I do in many of my schools.
Beth/sub - Mickey, I have use of a copy machine at the elementary school where I sub!
Janie/WA/sub - I tape National Geographic Explorer programs & use them to fill time at the end of the day, too. Even the high schoolers like them.
~Janet/AR/host~ - I will be posting all my stuff on the Substitute Grade Board and the Main Chatboard.
Mickey - The schools around here don't allow subs to copy material, so it gets very expensive if I have to go to Kinko's to pay for my copies.
~Janet/AR/host~ - Mickey, I go to Krogers. Only 10 cents a copy.
Mickey - I guess that 10 cents a student is worth some peace and quiet.
~Janet/AR/host~ - Mickey, I know that schools do frown upon the subs doing that and I think it is silly since we are doing it for the students.
Mickey - I know that a lot of kids like to free draw when they are finished with their work. Do you think that this is okay?
Deb/WI - Like I said I've have many teachers that already have fun sheets and activities copied in case I run out of things and they allow me to samples for my files.
~Janet/AR/host~ - I went to the dollar store here and got some flash cards that are games for the student to play. It was only a dollar. I also have a lot of rubber stamps am make my own reward notes on post it notes.
Beth/sub - I encourage reading, writing, drawing, when they finish their work! Anything quiet!
Beth/sub - Janet - stamping - great idea. I'm just getting started on that!
Becky - Since we don't have access to copy machines I thought I could put things on transpariencies
Mickey - I do the same, Beth
~Janet/AR/host~ - It is fun for the students and all it requires is scratch paper.
Mickey - I have several transparancies in my bag in case of emergencies.
~Janet/AR/host~ - Good idea Mickey.
Mickey - I'm subbing in a 4th grade class tomorrow.
Beth/sub - School starts next Monday. No dates lined up yet, except for long-term in October-Jan.
~Janet/AR/host~ - Since I work in x-ray I use x-ray film. I have also brought pics of x-rays with me to show students. They love that. I just block out the names. I usually use ones of myself.
~Janet/AR/host~ - Beth, I think that is wonderful and you will do a GREAT job.
Mickey - Do any of you use name tags for students in grades K through 5th?
~Janet/AR/host~ - Mickey, yes!
Deb/WI - I do. Otherwise I couldn't keep the kids straight. The teachers have really cute ones made up for their classes so it really helps me out.
Janie/WA/sub - For the older kids I either use a seating chart or let them make a tag for their desk.
Mickey - I once had a group of 4th graders switch their desk name cards and really caused a problem for me. It was my first year and these kids were loving my confusion.
Beth/sub - Mickey - name tags - I've started the day having the children make a name tag (fold a piece of paper so it will stand on their desk). I give each one a sticker for their tag. This gets the day going smoothly.
~Janet/AR/host~ - It is easy to do with index cards for students to make them. Hey Mickey that is something that would keep them busy during lunch and attendance count.
Deb/WI - That is a good idea.
Mickey - I had forgotten about having them make their own name tags. Thanks, Beth.
Becky - I have them write 3 things they like to do on the back of the folded card while taking attendance
Mickey - That's a good idea also, Becky. Thanks
~Janet/AR/host~ - Mickey, Kids love trying to confuse the subs. I wish all teachers would make seating charts for the sub folder.
Janie/WA/sub - I also give each child an index card & have them write their name on it, (it's fun to see how they sign & design them!) & then I use them in order to call on kids. that way I don't call on all the 'eager' kids over & over.
Deb/WI - Do you do that with even the younger kids janie?
Janie/WA/sub - Yes, except Kindergarten
Mickey - It's funny, but I did the name card thing when I first started subbing. I can't believe that I forgot about this morning activity. Thanks everyone.
~Janet/AR/host~ - I want to thank everyone for coming and please come to the next one as well and look for those items I will be posting. OK?
