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Janet/AR/host - Welcome to the Substitute Teacher's Meeting.
Janet/AR/host - Are there any concerns you would like to discuss?
Vicki - Right now I'm a permanent sub in a 4-6 building. If I'm rotating I do K-8.
Marcia/Ca - Hi everyone....This is my first month subbing and I love it...but...
Marcia/Ca - I want to get into the internship program and need to get a long term sub to qualify..but I am too nervous to speak up to the head of personnel.
cofio - I'm taking a class in Substitute Teaching through the Area Education Agency here and the funny thing of it is is that I have had more experience subbing than the instructor. T
Vicki - Marcia....what is an internship program?
cofio - The instructor has had 6 yrs of experience and I have had at least 11 or 12 years of experience subbing
hannah - Hi, I'm writing a book for new teachers, What sort of things would subs like to have included?
Janet/AR/host - hannah, go to my sub page on my site. It might help ya. http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/5146/sub.html
cofio - In the subfolders that i have come across in my experience they include seating charts, map of school building, lesson plans or fillers
Marcia/Ca - I am not a credentialed teacher...I have 20 years experience with prek but not elementary...You can sub with a BA and passing the CBEST...I want to finish and get my credential through the CalTeach Internship program..If you don't have a teaching position,,,you can start with a long term sub of 90 days or more...I am too nervous to talk to personnel and inquire...
al-IA - My favorite thing found in a sub folder is a lunch pass
cofio - I'd like to see something like routine How do you do lunch count? line up? what are some of the activities that the students like to do for rewards for being on task, etc.
KC&JoJo - look over lesson plans?
Janet/AR/host - Marcia, why are you nervous? The personel is usually very helpful.
toes - I am looking for the teacher "Hana", would that be you?
al-IA - Janet, pretty good. There have been some long term sub openings due to illness, but I have a regular job, so good for me
Marcia/Ca - I usually have to make a seating chart when I get into the classroom...So far most of the teachers I have been subbing for have been mentor teachers on dist. business...the classes run very smooth...
Marcia/Ca - I am more comfortable with children then adults...aren't most teachers....
KC&JoJo - i applied for a sub certificate today
Janet/AR/host - Marcia, here the teachers do not even make seating charts as all.
cofio - one thing that would be nice is the lunch menu for the week or month especially if long term
al-IA - Anyone up for a job at the semester?
Janet/AR/host - Good for you KC and JO JO
Vicki - I wish they had something like that in Illinois.
Janet/AR/host - al, no! unfortunately.
Marcia/Ca - Of all the classes I have subbed in several were dubbed "class from He**" before I even got there...they were right...
cofio - I have days scheduled into May
Janet/AR/host - Marcia, how do you feel hearing about classes like that before you even get there?
KC&JoJo - i had a confirmation class from hell
KC&JoJo - man i miss those kids
al-IA - I don't do the classes from down there anymore. Just too hard on the nerves
Vicki - Marcia....been there, done that!
cofio - I, myself, look at classes like those as a Challenge and will do it. I like all classes.
cofio - I have even subbed in Behaviorally Challenged Classrooms and like it
Marcia/Ca - Well, actually it makes me feel better knowing it is not me that can't control the class...but it is a reflection on the reg. teacher...If she can't how can she expect a sub to do it....
KC&JoJo - Behaviorally challenged classrooms? you mean jr. high?
Janet/AR/host - cofio, I really like the alternative school here.
al-IA - I will take them the first time. If, they truly are awful I won't take them again
Marcia/Ca - grades 5-9
KC&JoJo - gosh..i'm in a sarcastic mood tonight
hannah - where? the update?
cofio - that's true, but sometimes the Sub can also control the class better than the regular teacher. It all depends on many variables, personality, willingness and WANTING to DO IT
Vicki - Being a permanent sub in 1 building, I usually have to take the more "challenging" classes, so the rotating subs don't have to.
Janet/AR/host - Marcia, that is so true. Subs have a hard job. They are at the mercy of the students.
al-IA - Did sp ed class last week. Teacher asked if I had thought about getting sp ed endorsement. Thought I would be good at it.
cofio - no KC& JoJo, many of these students have behavioral problems that interfere with their learning process and they are not all ADD or ADHD
cofio - they are at all grade levels
Janet/AR/host - al, are you concidering the spec. ed? I did and glad I did.
KC&JoJo - here's a question fro those who work with behaviorally challenged kids...
KC&JoJo - at camp over the summer...i had kids on ADD drugs
KC&JoJo - and like...i dunno...are they like waaaay over perscribed?
cofio - All I need for a Special Ed endorsement is the practice teaching part of it but I'm right in the middle of moving from one town to another
Marcia/Ca - something that I have done,,,that doesn't always work....but...I bring up the book Miss Nelson is Missing..when they say they know the book...I take a vote on which teacher they would like me to be...then I ask them what kind of behavior they need to show to get that teacher...worked on Friday,,,,
al-IA - Janet, don't think I have the patience for it.
cofio - sometimes I feel they are overprescribed and at other times they are underprescribed.
Janet/AR/host - al, I think you can do it for sure!
Vicki - I agree with cofio......there seems to be a lot of kids on them, but i've also seen it work miracles.
Hannah - What would you like to have the teachers do to make your day easier?
Janet/AR/host - One really doesn't know until they see the child when that child did not get their meds. WHOA!!!!!!
KC&JoJo - if i had actually subbed one day in my life i might be a better conversationalist here
cofio - if it's truly necessary it is a major help but how many are being put on meds just because the parents and teachers don't want to deal with "Normal" active behavior
al-IA - Hannah, have a disciplince plan already set. Makes life easier
Janet/AR/host - Hannah, have worksheets ready and a friendly note from them would be nice.
Marcia/Ca - (((((smile)))))) be organized...I have come into some rooms that look like a whirlwind struck.....
Janet/AR/host - Marcia, so have I. LOL
cofio - Hannah it would be helpful if one of the nearby teachers was appointed to help the sub locate all materials such as copy machine, show how some of the necessary equipment works etc. if needed and introduce the sub to the other teachers
Marcia/Ca - I came into one classroom and it took me 20 to find the lesson plans..they were on a table across from the teacher's desk...
Janet/AR/host - I go to puzzlemaker and make my own wordsearches. Kids love them for fillers.
Marcia/Ca - But my problem is that most of the schools...you have to have a code number to use the photocopier... I can't afford to do it on my own...
al-IA - janet, what words do you use. I use the students names, for holiday fillers in my study halls. The kids like seeing their names in print
cofio - usually the subfolders are in the office and when you check in you are given the subfolder and it tells where the lesson plans are or sometimes it has lesson plans in it and there are also lesson plans on the desk or located in an easily spotted place here
Janet/AR/host - Marcia, same here!
Marcia/Ca - What really works for me...and I do mostly k-4 is to bring a book...my favorite...Junie B. Jones ,,,and read and have them create illustrations for the story...
Janet/AR/host - al, I will be subbing this Thurs. and Fri. and I will be making one for Thanksgiving.
al-IA - At our school you cannot photocopy morethat 15. Need to send out to copy room, takes a couple of days
Marcia/Ca - They are quite happy to use extra time listening and it is not without merit... Listening skills can really be sharpened by listening to Junie...I ask them to raise their hand every time they hear a mistake in language and so forth...
Janet/AR/host - Marcia, kids love Junie B. Jones books.
cofio - there should be some way that subs should be able to use the photocopier; perhaps the District that one is subbing in could allow each sub a number and for computers a login and password so they wouldn't have to use the regular teachers and the sub would be responsible for what was run off or entered there
al-IA - Marcia, check with the secretary. Use the teacher's number you are subbing for.
Hannah - Great ideas, I'm writing as fast as I can! Keep them coming!
Vicki - Cofio....great idea, but our district is so stingy with copies I doubt it will ever happen. I work every day in the same building and still don't have a copy number.
Marcia/Ca - they are usually so harried in the office..I can't get out of there fast enough...and most of the schools I end up at are 95% title 1
Marcia/Ca - Hannah..this chat will be archived..you don't have to copy it all down.
Sue - doing a temporary 1/2 job daily now
Janet/AR/host - Hey there Stanley, I almost gave up on ya being here. How are you?
cofio - One of the things that I personally feel needs to be done is to make sure all teachers have Substitute Experience as well as Student Teaching Experience
cofio - I teach 1/2 day tomorrow, a full day the on Thur/Fri and one day so far next week. Then after Thanksgiving I have one class for the whole week
al-IA - Marcia, what does title I have to do with it
Stanley - Fine, Janet. Went for a swim, then Dad was on the phone when I returned. Been subbing any?
Marcia/Ca - Well I have been told that subbing is much more rewarding that student teaching..(in practical experience dealing with all the little things) and they are right......
Janet/AR/host - Cofio, that is sooooooo true. Here all one has to have is a high school diploma.
Sue - ok except I've been sick and driving 32 miles one way every day for 1/2 day
Marcia/Ca - many of the schools have 95-100 of the children on free lunches and there are some many other little things that pop up for the office personnel to deal with...
Janet/AR/host - Stanley, been sick so no subbing. Will be thurs and Fri.
Marcia/Ca - they are just more needy and the children and their parents too!
al-IA - Janet, thought you were not going to sub, in protest of no permanent job
Janet/AR/host - Another thing for teachers to do is inform the sub of special things like assemblies and pep rallies, plays, etc.
Stanley - Janet, sorry to hear of your health. I'm just battling a cold myself -- 2nd of the yr already!
Janet/AR/host - Al, just very limited times. Teachers are requesting me so it is a little hard to turn them down.
cofio - also, taking this class on Substitute teaching I feel that there needs to be a requirement for administrators, principals, teachers (regular) etc. need to take a class and to Substitute Teach for a certain length of time before they can become certified to do these things
Janet/AR/host - Stanley, same here. Been very ill.
al-IA - Also, always check emergencies procedures. Nothing worse than not knowing where to go when that fire bell sounds
Marcia/Ca - I have done my share of special programs already...Every Friday is assembly day around here...plus special day activities for Red ribbon week and mor....I am expert at ad libbing...
cofio - If already certified for these make sure that something like this is required for them to recertify
Vicki - Teachers who have subbed before have a much greater appreciation and understanding than those who haven't. The ones who have never subbed are the most critical.
al-IA - Good for you.Janet. you have a loyal following
Janet/AR/host - Vicki, I definately agree.
cofio - when leaving notes for the regular teacher the sub should leave enough information in case another sub has been called in to take the place of the first sub, not just "Everything went well," Textbooks used, page numbers covered, etc
Janet/AR/host - al, I really love the kids. One of the teachers I subbed for said she was going to recommend me for a position next year so who knows maybe!
Stanley - Vicki, I recently had to leave a horrible class that a sub on an emergency credential had under control. My friend, Gwen, is a **superb** sub, VERY intuitive!
Janet/AR/host - Cofio, I have a worksheet for teachers and subs on my site one can print out.
Hannah - In my school, most of the teachers who were hired were qualified subs!
Marcia/Ca - the other day I had a situation arrise that I didn't know what to do....I was on antibiotics for a sinsus infection and if you have ever taken erythromycin...you know what happened...Help! I couldn't work the phone and needed to use the rest room...now!...I sent a student to the next room...and luckily it was a kinder rooom with a team of teachers....What else could I have done???
al-IA - Hannah, that does not always happen.
Vicki - Stanley....has Gwen been subbing for a long time?
Janet/AR/host - Hannah, due to the sub shortage here the district seems to pass us up here.
Stanley - Janet, Good to hear of the recommendation!
al-IA - few reg teachers have told me to handg in there... openings are coming....
cofio - I usually just handwrite mine Janet but I have subbed in classes where there has been another sub first and it wasn't working out and I've been called in and the only note was "everything went well" or not well. didn't tell me much either
Janet/AR/host - Marcia, you did the right thing. There should always be a teacher one can contact for help.
Sue - sub shortage here this year too
Stanley - Vicki, I'm thinking about a yr & a half -- certainly less than my 600 days!
Vicki - We are extremely short of subs......the list is a lot shorter than last year.
Marcia/Ca - I was showing a movie..and couldn't read the phone instructions...I read them first NOW!
Sue - same here Vicki they say
Janet/AR/host - Cofio, Teachers here usually want to know about the day. So leaving a note with some details is very helpful to them.
cofio - I have worked my way up since September to about the top of the sub list and that's not bad for movin g to another city
Vicki - We've already had several days when there was just no one left to call.
Vicki - It's not even the busy time of year, yet.
Marcia/Ca - what do they do when they can't get a sub?
Hannah - Subbing is hard work! I did it for a while, but you are always proving yourself and to a new class every day.
al-IA - We got a couple of new subs...retired teachers from neighboring districts. But have had several long term sub opening, so we are still short of subs
cofio - I always leave detailed notes Janet, not long, just about what happened, what was covered, not covered and anecdotes
KC&JoJo - if i get my certificate i can sub
Janet/AR/host - cofio, right.
Stanley - Marcia, Nothing else TO do. You came back though, right? I heard of a frustrated sub who used that as a ruse so she could leave the site!!
Sue - I've been busy since beginning of school this year-been at this temp. job since 25th Oct.
Vicki - So far, we have a couple of assistants who are certified to sub and they will pull them. Next i guess would be the Sped teachers who don't have their own classroom.
Janet/AR/host - I am not able to sub a lot but love the chance when I can. I have a full time sec. job in a local hospital radiology dept. Ready to leave that job when I get a position.
Marcia/Ca - Yes...I would have rather not had to make that"quick trip" but...It was a wonderful class..... I have to watch what I eat and how much I drink..that is one of the hardest problems...
Janet/AR/host - Is everyone able to get everything the teacher leaves for the day done? I do most of the time.
al-IA - Do any of you have a favorite building or district.
cofio - Subbing is the way I have always lived and I enjoy it. I have an 80 year old mother who lives with me as she cannot live by herself any longer and we came to the city to get better health care for her.
Vicki - I do most of the time, also.
Vicki - I only work for 1 district (10 schools), but I have 3 or 4 favorites.....some not so favorite.
cofio - I do most of the time Janet, unless there is an assembly or something that I don't find out about until lunch or recess time
Janet/AR/host - Sue, that is great. When one is called a lot that means they like you.
Sue - I had a pretty good day today
Hannah - I could have worked every day if I had wanted to. What I would like is a long term situation. I guess that's the plum!
Stanley - On the Sub Board I've posted a link to a URL where you can download Pokémon coloring pages. I use them as prizes in my raffles.
Janet/AR/host - al, yes I do.
Janet/AR/host - Same here cofio.
cofio - I only work for one district and there are seven schools total
Marcia/Ca - yes, most of the schools I have been at have had the children leave at 2:45 and the subs must stay til 3:15 no problem picking up and writing my note.
KC&JoJo - pokemon rules!
Janet/AR/host - Stanley, yes, I saw that post and plan on printing them for Thurs and Fril.
Vicki - Stanley.....I bookmarked the sight for my boys......they loved it!
KC&JoJo - i can't find anyone to go see the movie with though
Stanley - Hannah, Why do think a long term is a plum? I know many subs that refuse to take them!
Marcia/Ca - At one school I have subbed at several times the children are forbidden to bring pokemon cards...they get sent to the office....
al-IA - Stanley, I got that the other day. Have it on my bookmarks, but don't really see that much interest here. Small town midwest rural. Maybe hasn't hit here yet. But I will be ready
Janet/AR/host - Marcia, we have to stay until 3:30 but students are gone by 3:15 so that helps.
Marcia/Ca - that 15 min makes the difference...
Vicki - The only thing I dislike about a long-term is that I don't make any more money than if I had worked the days individually. Then i have to make plans and grade papers.........lots of extra work....little pay.
cofio - I usually write my note as I go along like when the kids are doing quiet seat work (of course this way they see the teacher is working at "seatwork and that gives them the incentive to do their seatwork" I also give "awards occasionally for being on task --several times during the day
Janet/AR/host - It sure does Marcia. I also have the students help clean up and they like doing that.
Jen-1st - how long have you all been subbing?
Hannah - I like longterm assignments because you can set the rules and atmosphere once and then proceede to teach. The kids know what you will put up with and you aren't spending all your time proving that you do indeed mean "NO"
cofio - or sometimes at recess when I don't have duty and at lunch time
Stanley - al, It WILL hit -- the movie will probably see to THAT! Also, the trick with the pages is to find a CHEAP way to run them off.
Janet/AR/host - What does everyone give for rewards?
al-IA - We are to stay until 4. Kids out at 3:20. Do a clean up and reoragnize and write note. Then hang out in the lounge
Janet/AR/host - Jen, 3 years.
Marcia/Ca - After teaching prek for 20 years...I don't let the little darlings out the door til the room is clean...then I straighten the rows of desks and tidy up.
Sue - Last students don't leave my room til 3:40-----at least 5 when I get home with no stops
Vicki - In January, I'll have been subbing 5 year.
cofio - my reason for doing it that way is sometimes I end up with a last period planning and they want me to go to another classroom to cover during planning periods
Jen-1st - 6 years for me...
Stanley - Hannah, I hear you. However, I always spend so much more time on the job, the pay is not augmented all that much more.
Jen-1st - what does your districts pay a daily sub?
Janet/AR/host - Subs that are certified teachers get $49.00 a day here.
cofio - I use stickers, extra minutes of recess, lunch with teacher, candy (very occasionally because some children cannot have sweets) extra computer time, library time, visit to the principal (priorly arranged) to tell them about the good day they are having, etc
Stanley - Janet, Candy, tennis balls, & now the Pokémon sheets.
KC&JoJo - $100/day
Hannah - Maybe that Vicki, that's true about the pay and work, I was subbing for the upper grades. Maybe that's the reason.
Sue - I get $85.72 gross daily
Vicki - Rotating subs make $60-70. Permanent subs make $75. Long-term subs make $60 - 70.
al-IA - 69.00 per day
Sue - after 30 days same classroom 100% teacher pay
Stanley - I can earn $80, $100, or $103.?? depending upon the district in which I work.
cofio - depends on the district here one district pays $95 a day with incentives (for 10 Fridays) and others pay less. The district I'm subbing in pays $83/day
Vicki - Wow! Sue where do you live?
Janet/AR/host - I also make post its and rubber stamp some incentives on them and put on their desks as I walk around the room. They like those.
Sue - I'm working in middle school
Marcia/Ca - $91 in the two district around me,,but we are close to the SF bay area and the cost of living is high.
Sue - WV
KC&JoJo - cost f living in SF is unbelievable
al-IA - Sue, some district around here have been know to pull a long term sub off just before the pay increase. Rather a nasty
Janet/AR/host - WOW.....AR is way behind on the pay here. LOL
KC&JoJo - i had a job offer there and i turned it down
Sue - I've lost money doing 1/2 day daily currently
Stanley - Marcia, I've heard Oakland is EXTREMELY high. Know anything about that?
Janet/AR/host - al, very tacky.
al-IA - Janet, cute idea
cofio - when I've done a half-day sometimes it's only been for an hour or two and I still get the half day pay which I think is good
Jen-1st - we get paid 65/day here...and after 60 days they pay first year salary...but that doesn't happen often
Sue - yes-no promises usually workintg til board meeting
Stanley - Sue, Your district is to be commended for their fairness to long terms!
Janet/AR/host - al, hubby bought me a bunch of post its and rubber stamps so I put them to use. I also have a button maker.
Jen-1st - al, sounds like where I am from!
Marcia/Ca - $104 to $124 if you are a contracted sub..you get health ins for yourelf...but they cant' get enough subs...I have friends . who when they have called in sick...have had to split their class and send them to different rooms.
Sue - not really Stanley----1/2 time isssssss someonne not subbing long or a retiree
Stanley - Marcia, Thanks! I'd heard something like $150, "But will your car be there when you're finished?"
Vicki - I can't even get my district to deduct $25 a check for a retirement account.....they claim they only do deductions for contracted folks.
Sue - no benefits for subs here either
Janet/AR/host - None here either!
cofio - none here either yet
Marcia/Ca - VBG
al-IA - A friend of mine subbed in large metro area. Had money stolen from purse, cuaght the kids, sent them to office. Went to go home....car was keyed
Stanley - I've a post under Anon E. Mous on the board that some of you may find interesting.
Janet/AR/host - I need some feedback now. How does everyone like the meetings. Are they helpful to everyone?
Vicki - I'm not even asking them to match my deduction.....this only involves a small amount of paperwork on their part to get the deduction started. It;s just another way we're treated like an unimportant part of the district.
Sue - subbed 8 yearsssss-no ret. benefits and have work 135 days innn the county to countaS A YEAR of experience per year
Jen-1st - no benefits here either....last year I had a child refuse to leave the room, and said "chase me if you want to make me leave" I said...they don't pay me enough to chase you nor do I have insurance!" So, I said I will wait until you are ready to leave.
Stanley - Janet, Yes!
al-IA - Janet, if nothing else it is a place to commiserate. I get some ideas, too
cofio - I get a lot of good ideas from it Janet. Unfortuneately with me in the process of moving from one town to another I don't always have the opportunity to participate.
Stanley - Marcia, Sorry, don't know "VBG!"
Janet/AR/host - Thanks everyone. I appreciate the feedback.
KC&JoJo - thanks for making subbing sound horrible :)
Hannah - I have enjoyed this session! Very informative. My chapter is called, "Don't Sink the Sub!" I think I will have some good things to add to it. Thanks again, Janet, and all of you!
KC&JoJo - I'll take my application out of the milbox
cofio - I also feel that I can contribute some of my experiences to help those that are just beginning in the field as well as those that are veterans. I'm always open to new ideas
Sue - I have mixture of classes-5th period=grade 6 Reading, 6th period=grade 5 Science, 7th period=grade 5 PE, Health, and music-rotates every 2 weeks, and 8th period=grade 7Creative Writing
al-IA - Hey, while you are here. Janet. put it a plug for your hint of the day. Some good stuff there
Janet/AR/host - KC and JO JO don't do that. We are just expressing concerns. My real reason for subbing is experience and love children.
Stanley - KC & JoJo, I enjoy subbing a great deal! Even if contracted I'd try to continue somehow!
Janet/AR/host - Cofio, you are full of wonderful ideas that help us all.
diane/sub/or - Hi all, just returned home from a job interview! I'm tired!
Janet/AR/host - al, My tip of the day is the rubber stamp and post it incentive.
Jen-1st - this is my first year to have my own class...and it was worth the six years it took to get it!
Janet/AR/host - Jen, congrats!!!!!!! And good luck with your class!
diane/sub/or - It was long and very detailed! I give myself a B for my answers
Jen-1st - thanks, but I am still considered a full time sub!
diane/sub/or - Interview was for a temporary 3rd grade position.
Jen-1st - I have 18 kids!!!
al-IA - Jen, is it an overflow class or what
Stanley - Jen, Say what? They paying you long term rate??
Jen-1st - one is transferring to a full time learning support class after thanksgiving.. I am being paid first year teacher salary
kim - any advice on how to keep seventh graders quiet? My class tomorrow is SUPPOSED to be reading quietly.
Janet/AR/host - I want to thank everyone for attending tonight and hope to see you all here next month! Have a wonderful night and rest of the month. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!!!!!
Stanley - Janet, Thanks, & same to you!!
Janet/AR/host - Night everyone!
