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Janet/4/AR/host - Welcome to the Sub. Teacher's Meeting!
Janet/4/AR/host - Hello Knightman, are you a sub. teacher?
knightmom - yes, I am here in Milw , Wisc. First year subbing
Janet/4/AR/host - What grade level are you subbing for?
knightmom - K-12, at 4 elem 1 MS and 1 HS here
knightmom - and 2 elem and 1 MS and 1HA in other district
Janet/4/AR/host - WOW......I bet they keep you busy. I am not a sub anymore. I took a position this year in a Christian School here. I teach 4th grade.
knightmom - Not real busy yet...had one week I worked all days and now only am called 2-3 times a week. I'm the new kid (ha at 48)
knightmom - any one here have problems subbing for the middle school grades like me?
Stanley - k.mom, You're subbing near Milw & not able to work all the time?
knightmom - yes, like I said new kid on the block I think. Been out 2-3 times a week altho they say there is a great need
Stanley - k.mom, Most EVERYONE complains about MS! 1x/wk is about all I can handle of them!
knightmom - discipline, talking back gang wanna be's, just hormonal like Janet said
knightmom - I hope so, girl. Need money to afford this affluent lifestyle! Ha!
Janet/4/AR/host - knightmom, I got all kinds of calls here to sub and the schools were like, upset. I said I got a teaching position. They were disappointed. Sub shortage is bad here.
Stanley - My sense is that there are really VERY few subs that SPECIALIZE in MS! When I schedule one I always try to get something "easy" before & after!
knightmom - I have a principal at the MS who backs me up all the time which is good, but why do the kids try everything under the sun to drive me nuts?
Janet/4/AR/host - knightmom, I did my spec. ed internship in senior high. I got in their faces when need be. Most were in gangs and girls pregnant.
knightmom - I prefer the elem & the HS. Both are cool. Even the "bad" ones at the HS are better than MS
Janet/4/AR/host - Stanley, I feel more training for MS is very much needed. Most subs do not like to sub in the ms.
Stanley - k.mom,My theory is that MS kids know they're confused. Therefore, if they can confuse YOU they *KNOW* you don't have anything they're interested in.
knightmom - I think more sub training for ALL levels is needed before we go out there.
subgirl - How long have you all been posting on the chatboard? I love reading the various comments.
Janet/4/AR/host - I enjoyed my senior high students. They respected me and they earned my respect back. I let them know that respect had to be earned.
subgirl - good theory, stanley
knightmom - since Sept, when I found it
Janet/4/AR/host - I agree Stanley, but MS seems to be the most dreaded grade level by subs.
Stanley - Though I value training, or at least, "guided reflection," I'm not sure there IS a whole lot to be done about MS.
knightmom - I agree,too Stanley. But they won't even try to get un-confused. They like it that way I think
Janet/4/AR/host - subgirl, I think around 5 or 6 years now.
subgirl - i still think m.s. is fun
Stanley - That being said, I DO like the characters -- I just can't take TOO much of them! <G>
subgirl - I usually leave feeling I've done my bit.
knightmom - I did have fun at MS when I subbed for science and a geog classes. But never again in ART
subgirl - wow, janet....you're an old pro!!
knightmom - I read them some riddle called lateral thinking puzzels they liked after their work was done
subgirl - Stanley....I worry when I have two back to back kindergarten days. Those little ones wear me out.
subgirl - I know the books "Lateral Thinking," and bring them with me to middle and upper.
knightmom - But, subgirl, don't you love the hugs at the end of the day?
Stanley - k.mom, I try to use my wit/sense of humor with them, while at the same time not putting up with bleep. But I truly believe their "junk" is primarily a defense mechanism to sort US out.
subgirl - That's happened to me, too, Janet.
knightmom - No hugs after 1st grade!
subgirl - Stanley.....you are very wise. How long have you been teaching?
Janet/4/AR/host - I get hugs from my 4th graders, *smile* I have 9 boys and 3 girls.
knightmom - Stanley, I do that too. and it does work, but there is always the one or 2 who don't care to even try and talk with you
subgirl - twelve kids in class???
Janet/4/AR/host - subgirl, yes I teach in a Christian School.
knightmom - Christian private school, subgirl. Janet is comfortable
subgirl - ah
Janet/4/AR/host - Yes, I do have a tough bunch. But they have come a long way.
subgirl - do you do the pledge in private schools? Just curious.
Stanley - subgirl, What's "Lateral Thinking" about? Also, much as Kinders are high energy, I can take FAR more days with them than with MS: I think the latter always have me feeling as though I'm on a precipice! (sp?)
Janet/4/AR/host - subgirl, yes, christian,american flags, and the bible. We sing a song after each one.
subgirl - Lateral....as in sideways....like the lateral football pass....not straight forward.
subgirl - The books are by Erwin Brecher and are about 80 pages....very handy to tote.
Stanley - subgirl, Thanks! :-) I'm in my 5th yr, but I average>200 days/yr. Also, 53 yrs under my belt... sigh
Janet/4/AR/host - We have Chapel every Wed. and Bible study 4 days a week for 30 mins.
subgirl - Here's a sample puzzle....I'll try to be brief.
subgirl - Three bodies are found in a cabin in the mountains. There are no footprints in the snow. How did the three die?
subgirl - The books have hints and kids are encouraged to make guesses--however outrageous.
knightmom - thanks, Janet. Lateral thinking: dead Man in desert, no prints around him, unopened package next to him: What happened?
MI/jo - 3-8 in Michigan, right now I am long-term 3rd grade. My second long-term since 8-25-00
Janet/4/AR/host - jo, I teach 4th grade, I love it!
knightmom - Anyone here got certification for teaching? Not just the liscence?
MI/jo - subgirl, I am guessing they died of starvation?
subgirl - no
Stanley - Ah, I've seen those kinds of things before. I've not gotten into them that much, however. I have trouble remembering them myself! LOL
knightmom - In Wisc, they only require a BS degree in anything to be a sub
subgirl - that would be too straightforward
Janet/4/AR/host - knightmom, I am certified and have a licence to teach elem. ed/spec. ed/ and soc. studies.
MI/jo - I do in Michigan K-5 all subjects and 6-8 language arts and social sciences.
subgirl - Do you think middle school is tough, jo?
Janet/4/AR/host - jo, you sure stay busy I bet.
subgirl - Others in the room do....but I love it.
MI/jo - Yep, but I love it! I am working on my masters in Middle School education. then I want o get my Ed. leadership and be a Principal.
Stanley - jo,Do your long terms mean you're on the fast track for a contract? Also, k.mom, I'm credentialed, though there are a bazillion with what I have! <G>
MI/jo - Yep, I don't miss too many days of the 184 I am allowed to teach...
knightmom - I have BS in Sec ed but no certification...ran out of money years ago before I could get it
subgirl - Here's a hint for the Three Found Dead in Cabin in Mountains puzzle: Think about the cabin.
MI/jo - Nope, I wish it was the case though. The two long terms this year is because I was #2 in the interview process.
Janet/4/AR/host - jo, that is wonderful and I wish you all the luck with your endeavors!
knightmom - I found it hard to beleive that there are subs out there with only a HS diploma in some states
MI/jo - The cabin caved in, it is in a remote location...no rescue available,...
Janet/4/AR/host - knightmom, AR is that way, all one needs is a high school diploma.
MI/jo - Janet, do have any ideas that might make me #1 for January interivews? I could use some ideas.
subgirl - I was surprised by the posts that said that, knight. In WA, you must be a certified teacher.
knightmom - Mine was they guy jumped from a plane and parachute did not open
Stanley - jo, In MI is a Masters an asset or a liability when seeking a contract? In S.CA I feel it is DECIDELY the latter!
MI/jo - NO WAY knightmom...jusyt hs diplomas spare me...
subgirl - no, jo....but keep thinking
Janet/4/AR/host - Jo, do you have a protfolio?
knightmom - Don't you find that scary, Janet? I do.
subgirl - knight....good...close
MI/jo - The latter, but I need 18 hrs. to renew my certificate this June and I might as well have a goal or two.
knightmom - Yes way, MI in Tenn I know for sure and Janet says in WA too
Janet/4/AR/host - knightmom, yes I do because most are just babysitters with nothing buy worksheets for the students to do all day.
knightmom - No, no subgirl, I was giving answer to my puzzle! Sorry
MI/jo - Janet. Yes, I have done 7 long terms is 3 years. My portfolio is a 4" 3-ring binder. Many compliments and kudos on it.
Stanley - jo,Check the archives here @ T.Net for lists of interview questions.
Janet/4/AR/host - No I say in AR it is that way, only a hs diploma to sub.
knightmom - I get worksheets too from the teacher, but usually with some instruction involved
MI/jo - Thanks, Janet...I will.
subgirl - answer: The cabin in the mountains is an airplane cabin. Plane crashed.
Janet/4/AR/host - jo, I fine that most administrators do not look at a big portfolio. Try making a mini one to drop off before your interview date.
subgirl - Hence..."Lateral" thinking puzzle....not always the straightforward answer.
Stanley - jo, Any chance your current long term can roll over into a contract, thus avoiding the interview?
subgirl - avoiding the interview....ah.....lovely idea
MI/jo - Teachers leave worksheets out, but know I won't use them unless, they are connected to current learning. Most teachers I sub for know me well enough that they leave their plans and I follow them.
Janet/4/AR/host - subgirl, I would never have guessed that one. LOL
Stanley - Janet, I agree with your portfolio comments!
knightmom - Another situation, Room....we can't show videos that we bring in unless it comes from the administrations' OK list. I'm talking about Reading Rainbow, and Kratt's Creatures I couldn't show
MI/jo - Stanley, your question...nope, besides I keep coming in second to relatives of.... Janet your question, others have done that, only tohave the interview cancelled...thanks for the idea.
knightmom - and the vidoe has to come from the central video place, not the library
Janet/4/AR/host - Teachers left plan book for me as well but ones that were not certified I know they left worksheets for the sub to pass out all day to the students to keep them busy.
subgirl - I can't imagine bringing a video....I get so tired of watching videos as a sub. Some teachers would rather leave a video than write up lessons for the sub, so I've seen more than my share.
Stanley - k.mom, You couldn't show Reading Rainbow? Your local educrats must be bored out of their skulls to be frettin' 'bout such stuff!
MI/jo - Janet and Stanley, I live in area that has 10 colleges with teacher training program within 1.5 to 2 hours drive of my home family and friends get you the job, but I am looking outside of this area.
knightmom - I use them at end of day if the class has been especially good and we have time..meaning all work is done
knightmom - I did show it but another Principal told me I shouldn't have
Janet/4/AR/host - What is their reasoning for not wanting Reading Rainbow shown?
MI/jo - Ughhh videos....I hate them, the kids want the lights off and I can't see what they are doing.
subgirl - It sounds like they've had some parent complaints at that school, knight
MI/jo - Middle schoolers like the dark
Stanley - jo, Have any OTHER districts nearby? [My county has 40 some odd!]
knightmom - Yeh, they are a boring lot...our school board average age is 63, really up to date folks
knightmom - Complaints?... all it takes is ONE parent to talk up and they jump the hoops
Janet/4/AR/host - Jo, it is who you know that does get you a position not necessarily what you know.
MI/jo - Stanely, in southeast michigan there are A LOT of small farming communities. So number of districts is limited, I have applied to all that are within my county, and all that border the four sides of the county. Detroit is 3 hours away and looking good after 6 years of subbing.
subgirl - agree, knight
knightmom - Do any of you use rewards? like candy or stuff ? I saw a whole bunch of commentson the board on that subject
Stanley - Video showing tip: Try to position yourself in the BACK of the class. Then focus upon what I call the "springheads!"
subgirl - That one did get a lot of comments, didn't it?
Janet/4/AR/host - Jo, I wish you luck and keep us posted.
MI/jo - No I quit rewards!! Read Alphie Kohn's Punished by Rewards...wonderful, thought proviking book
knightmom - You got that right, Stanley, Always stand in the back of the room during videos!!!
Janet/4/AR/host - knightmom, I don't use it a lot. I want my students to know they have to act appropriately.
MI/jo - "Springheads?" Is that like knuckledraggers Stanley?
subgirl - Have heard of it, jo, but haven't read it.
knightmom - Thanks, MI/jo I heard of it but now I will read it. Does it apply to our position of subbing?
Stanley - k.mom,I'm probably one of the chief candy people in the entire universe!
knightmom - Talk to me Stan
subgirl - I sometimes bring chocolate to older grades, but I never use it as a reward....just a social device....to give to kid who has to stay after to take test, etc.
MI/jo - It is worth the read. You have to have an openmind and be ready for a change. Kohn points out that by bribing a student to do this to get that, we are not using misbehavior as an opportunity to teach correct behavior and intrinsic motivation.
Stanley - jo,Don't know if I'd have the chutzpah to mess with inner city Detroit!
Janet/4/AR/host - jo, I have to agree.
piggy - Hi, I am just joining today. I have a questions if anyone can help. I am currently in my masters program and am looking for journal articles on guided reading. If anyone has a connection I could use to get some info let me know. I would really appreicate it, Thanks
MI/jo - You know Stanley, I don't think I do either, that is why I keep subbing and smiling...here in podunk. As I tell others the cows laid out the road system is our county and it is fine with me!! :)
knightmom - How about using free talk time after work is done as a motivator? Works real well in HS and they respect that I will take it away if they mess up
subgirl - I reached into my sub bag today after school. A boy was looking rather down and gave my best smiling greeting. He said, "Hi Ms. C. and then told me that he was down because he fought with his girlfriend.
Stanley - I pass out tickets & have a raffle @ the end of the day. It works for me, so I don't care 'bout much else. I got into it when I saw how COMMON positive reinforcement is in SPED classes.
MI/jo - Free talk is a reward for ms and hs...do it!! they love it and many talk to me at the end of the day
knightmom - That's what I liked MI/jo, the talk to me afterwards. Neato!!
Janet/4/AR/host - In my class now the students love the free assignment passes.
subgirl - I reached into bag...gave him two mini-snickers and told him to share one with someone. I knew this small gesture made his day.
MI/jo - Peggy, have you looked in the reading magazines, such as Hornbook or..gosh I lost the name of the reading teacher magazine...
Stanley - jo, ROTFL -- re the cow!
Janet/4/AR/host - subgirl, that was sooooooo nice!
MI/jo - Knightmom...I learn soooo much listening to teens...especially the ms.
subgirl - Peggy, have you tried searching ERIC?
MI/jo - Stanley...I am not kidding.. The road I lived on as a kid was a cow path the county paved and named in 1969!!!
Stanley - piggy,Post your request on the Main Chatboard! There are regular visitors there who, I sure, could & WOULD help!
Janet/4/AR/host - With the younger ones sometimes you learn a lot about their families. LOL More than you want to know. LOL
Stanley - jo, I know -- even in parts of San Diego we have some streets like that! <G>
knightmom - The HS kids make sense when they talk.. not the MS kids, They are way out of my league, sometimes in their topics of conversation
MI/jo - Yep, I day I learned that daddy's girlfriend was mommy's sister and aunt was going to have a baby, but it is a secret!!!
subgirl - lol...yes indeed, janet
Janet/4/AR/host - jo, LOL!
knightmom - Oh man, MI/jo what a speech that must have been!! Whew!
MI/jo - Yep, thats is called community and my kids don't make a move around without someone knowing it and reporting BEFORE the kid had finished the "crime"
Stanley - subgirl, I LIKE the sharing aspect. One of my raffle prizes often is 2 long Jolly Ranchers for precisely that same reason!
MI/jo - Folks on that day I just went home and roared...
Janet/4/AR/host - Jo, I can imagine! LOL
knightmom - Peyton Place anyone?
Janet/4/AR/host - LOL @ knightmom!
MI/jo - On colubus day this year I was explaining that Columbus got lost going to the Indies. One young lady offered that Noah didn't get directions either...just like daddy! You know we complain about the job, but the laughs are wonderful
Stanley - Lee, How is your class going?
Janet/4/AR/host - Well everyone thanks so much for attending the sub teacher's meeting. I really enjoy these meetings.
Janet/4/AR/host - The laughs are great!!!!!!!!!
Janet/4/AR/host - Hope to see everyone next month! Have a great month of subbing!
Stanley - Janet, THANK YOU, as usual! Don't work TOO hard, now! <G>
knightmom - Bye Janet, and Thanks
