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November 2008
Vol 5 No 11
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Teachers.Net Gazette Vol.5 No.11 November 2008

Cover Story by Kioni Carter
A Reflection of Me:
Why My Students Disrespected Me


Kioni shares her experiences with the “bottom class" and reveals the trials and triumphs of inspiring them to become the "top class"!


Harry & Rosemary Wong: Effective Teaching
A School That Achieves Greatness

Columns
»Words—Are We Teaching the Right Ones?Cheryl Sigmon
»What, Me Worry?Sue Gruber
»20 Ideas for Teaching Citizenship to ChildrenLeah Davies
»On “The Coattails of Affinities”Todd R. Nelson
»People Do Better When They Feel GoodMarvin Marshall
»The Busy Educator's Monthly FiveMarjan Glavac
»Dear Barbara - Advice for SubsBarbara Pressman

Articles
»$8 a Gallon Creates Jobs in Denmark
»Thoughts about Gratitude
»Labels Are For the Jelly Jar
»Cheating and the 'Net Generation
»November 2008 Writing Prompts
»The Economy, The Great Depression, Money Matters – Lessons & Resources
»Using Photography To Inspire Writing

Features
»A printable story, The Turkey and the Pumpkin
»Apple Seeds: Inspiring Quotes for Teachers
»Today Is... Daily Commemoration for November 2008
»School Photographs for November 2008
»Lessons, Resources and Theme Activities: November 2008
»Video Bytes: Guided Reading FAQ; Tour of Solar System; Wikis; How We Elect and More
»Live on Teachers.Net: November 2008
»The Lighter Side of Teaching
»Newsdesk: Events & Opportunities for Teachers
»If you were given a magic wand...


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Cover Story by Kioni Carter

Effective Teaching by Harry & Rosemary Wong

Contributors this month: Kioni Carter, Marvin Marshall, Cheryl Sigmon, Marjan Glavac, Todd R. Nelson, , Leah Davies, Barbara Pressman, Tim Newlin, Bill Page, James Wayne, Hank Kellner, , Barb Stutesman, Ron Victoria, , and YENDOR.

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Barbara Pressman

Advice for Substitute Teachers
Archive | Biography | Resources | Discussion


School Rules & Parents
and
Rewards & Motivators for High School Students

This month: Enforcing school rules above parents’ objections and how to reward good behavior at the high school level.
Dear Barbara - Advice for Substitute Teachers
by Barbara Pressman
The author of Substitute Teaching from A to Z (McGraw-Hill, 2008)
Regular contributor to the Gazette
November 1, 2008
School Rules and Parents

Dear Barbara,
I was subbing in a fourth grade in a suburban school where the parents are very involved. It seems as if they flow in and out of the rooms all day long! They tend to be overly involved, in my opinion.

Yesterday, we had a classroom birthday party for “Ashley.” Her parents came in with cupcakes for the children. Both parents stayed and helped me with the party. They distributed the cupcakes and talked with the other children, which was helpful.

After the party was over, they said they would be taking Ashley home now. It was 2:00 and the students are always dismissed at 2:45. I was uncomfortable saying no, but I know the school has a policy about early dismissal. I knew that the office must clear all students who go home early. The parents acted disgusted with me, but I stood my ground! I had them report to the office for official clearance, before I released Ashley to her parents.

Was I wrong?
Christine

Dear Christine,

We teachers have to be careful. The climate in our litigious society forces us to be cautious and suspicious. The news is full of stories about kidnapping. Parents have unfriendly divorces with custody disputes over the children. For this reason, you must never dismiss any student without clearance from the office.

You did the right thing. If you had dismissed Ashley early, on your own, you would have violated a school rule. Always play it safe and follow safety procedures.

If the parents were unhappy with you and said you were being unreasonable, that’s their problem. You are obligated to follow procedures. You stood your ground and acted with authority!

Being cautious was the right thing to do!
Barbara

Rewards & Motivators for High School Students

Dear Barbara,
I'm a strong believer in rewarding good behavior, but most of the rewards and motivators suggested to substitute teachers are suitable for elementary school students, not high school students, e.g. stickers, pencils, story time, a game. They are also geared towards reinforcing behavior through to the end of the day with one class, rather than the five classes a day a high school sub will encounter. Any suggestions for high school substitute teachers on rewards for good behavior?
Gail

Dear Gail,

Rewards are wonderful for motivating students. However, rewards for subs at the high school level need to reflect the structure of the day. When you have a new group of students each period, the reward system must be immediate and appealing to your age group. Subs can’t use cumulative rewards because we don’t have the time!

Rewards don’t always have to be concrete. High school students like recognition. They are pleased when you understand and appreciate them. Your sense of humor can be a great help. Relate to them in a one on one conversation.

The classroom teacher may have a reward system in place. See if there is a display in the room that explains the system. Ask a trusted student. If they get tokens or points for class participation and responsible behavior, use the system that’s in place. If not, here are some solid rewards that high school subs use effectively:

  1. If students work quietly, they can partner with a friend for the last ten minutes of class.
  2. If work is completed in an acceptable manner, students will be given 5 extra credit points toward their grade. You can say that you have worked this out with their teacher. Be sure to include this promise in your note to the permanent teacher.
  3. Students will gain the right to have free time for the last few minutes of class to work on homework or talk quietly.
  4. Give out a Homework Pass for good conduct.
  5. Sincere praise is a great motivator. Use whole group and individual praise often.

Best wishes,
Barbara



» More Gazette articles...




About Barbara Pressman...

Barbara Pressman is an adjunct professor at the College of Education, Florida Atlantic University. She has been a classroom teacher for more than 20 years, and a supervisor for student teachers for 10 years. She currently mentors Substitute Teachers as well.

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 6th grade long term subbing assignment, which led me back to full time teaching. Upon retirement, I went back to subbing once again.

Barbara is the author of book
Substitute Teaching from A to Z (McGraw-Hill, 2008), available in all major bookstores and Amazon.com. To find out more, visit: www.substituteteachingatoz.com

Substitute Teachers:
Barbara invites you to submit your question by email. Your question could appear in a future column!


Barbara Pressman Articles on Teachers.Net...
Related Resources & Discussions on Teachers.Net...

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