Dear Barbara - Advice for Substitute Teachers

The author of Substitute Teaching from A to Z (McGraw-Hill, 2008) writes monthly in response to questions from Substitute Teachers.

Teachers.Net asked Barbara how she came to be interested in writing for substitute teachers. Her response:
I have subbed for many years during my teaching career. When my children were small, I found subbing to be a wonderful "free lance" job. At that time, I took on a 6^th grade long term subbing assignment, which led me back to full time teaching. Upon retirement, I went back to subbing once again. Currently, I mentor college students who sub in K-8 classrooms, under a special program called SMaRT (Substitutes with Mentors for Realistic Teaching) at Florida Atlantic University. I work side by side in the classroom to demonstrate effective teaching and subbing practices.

How Should I Handle an Uncooperative Classroom Aide?

Dear Barbara,

I often sub in a second grade class with a teacher’s aide with an attitude. She sits on her chair and does nothing. The student that she is assigned to help (a boy with ADHD) becomes disruptive because he is not getting the help he needs. I’m sure when the regular teacher is in school, the aide does her job. But when I’m in the room, she decides to take the day off.

I have asked her for help, but she gives me "a look," then gets off the chair slowly, and walks to her student. It’s gotten to the point where I feel uncomfortable asking for her help.

It is not in my nature to be confrontational, but it seems unfair to the child, the other students, and me! This teacher’s aide is making my life miserable. How should I handle it?

Adam in Minnesota

Dear Adam,

I can understand how you must feel. People like the teacher’s aide you are describing have a distinct way of intimidating others. But remember, you are in charge of that classroom for the day. It’s just as important to guide the teacher’s aide as it is to guide your students. Classrooms run smoothly when the teacher controls the flow.

You need not be confrontational. With a take charge tone, you must tell her that her assistance is needed right now, and, if necessary, remind her frequently. If she gives you her "look", ignore it. Pretend you didn’t see it. If you display an aura of confidence, you leave her no choice but to do her job.

It’s important for you to feel comfortable in your subbing assignments. Establish your role with confidence each day. If an aide is with you, express your respect for her, thank her in advance, but be a clear leader in that classroom.

Barbara

How to get a full time job?

Dear Barbara,

I have been working for 3 years in the same school system. I would like to get a full time job there, but I sense that it’s not going to happen. I feel as if I’m invisible sometimes. There are days when I just don’t feel respected.

How can I get the administration to notice and appreciate me?

Christina in Kansas

Dear Christina,

You are not alone. Many subs feel the same way, and you are correct in thinking that some people don’t take subs seriously. If you have that feeling of isolation and a lack of respect, there are a few things you should do.

Always leave a complimentary note for the classroom teacher. Say you would love to sub in his or her class again.

If a long term subbing position is offered to you, take it! These positions are the best route to a full time job. They give you an opportunity to show your talents. Look at long term subbing as an audition for a teaching job. Administrators prefer hiring people who have proven their worth. Principals talk to one another, and often recommend good candidates to their colleagues.

Finally, if you can see that you are in a dead-end situation, put your name on the subbing list in another school system. You never want to feel as if people are taking you for granted. Get a fresh start somewhere else, where subs are appreciated!

Barbara

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