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Dear Barb – Advice for Substitute Teachers

By Barbara PressmancloseAuthor: Barbara Pressman Name: Barbara Pressman
Site: http://www.substituteteachingatoz.com
About: 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. When asked how she came to be interested in writing for substitute teachers she responded: 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.comSee Authors Posts (32)

“I Lost my Job and I Want to Try Subbing”

Dear Barbara,

I’m 56 year old laid off man with a background in business. Being a victim of the economic downturn, I can see that finding a job in my field may be impossible.

I have decided to try Substitute Teaching.  My only experience is helping my own kids with their homework. I have a Bachelor’s Degree, which qualifies me to sub in our  school system.

I bought your book, Substitute Teaching from A-Z. I found it to be very helpful, especially for the elementary grades. But what about High School? I feel that I will be better suited for that age group. Any special tips for the challenge of older students?

Regards,

Brian from MA

Dear Brian,

Subbing is a great temporary career when you’re between jobs. You’ll be able to go on interviews and pursue your goals, while earning a paycheck. Many of us find subbing to be very rewarding work, once you master some basic teaching skills. The best way to get good at subbing is to keep doing it, and learn from your mistakes. See what works and what doesn’t. Follow the guidelines that I’ve suggested.

High School students come with their own special rewards and challenges.  Once you have given an assignment, they should work independently. You are there to help and instruct, and they will appreciate your caring assistance.

Here are a few tips for High School Subbing:

1. High School students are suspicious of new subs. Be confident and relaxed. Students will size you up. If they feel that you’re mean or weak, they’ll test you. If they sense that you are someone they can trust who genuinely likes them, their suspicions disappear.
2. Try to find something to relate to with them. If you enjoy the subject matter of today’s lesson, let them know. “I see you’re studying Thomas Jefferson this week. I just finished a book about him. What a fascinating man he was….” Or, “Tenth graders are the best. My son is in tenth grade at Central High. I always have a good time working with tenth graders.”
3. Be sure to keep your sense of humor.
4. High School students like to be recognized as individuals. Show a sincere interest in their opinions and comments.
5. Reward good behavior by giving them free time at the end of the period to start on their homework.

With a little time and experience, you’ll soon be an asset to the schools. Once you have proven yourself to be reliable and capable, you’ll be called all the time!

Barbara

What should I do when I finish the lesson and have lots of time left?

Dear Barbara,

I have just started subbing and I really enjoy it most of the time. Usually a few students try to help me with classroom routines and behavior problems. Students tell me they want to me to come back and sub again. That makes me feel good!

My problems occur when there is time left before the end of the period. Are there any special games that I can play to keep the class busy and involved?

Michaela from Buffalo

Dear Michaela,

You must be doing a great job if students want you to come back. But we can always get better. Having a Bag of Tricks on hand for those extra few minutes can make all the difference.

A few guidelines about the games:

1. They must be fun.

2. They must be age appropriate

3. The must have some educational merit.

Here are a few of my favorite educational games:

• Higher Lower – One student stands at the board, facing the class. You write a number over his head. The student must guess the number. The class responds with “higher” or “lower” until the student guesses the right number. You must choose a number that is appropriate for the grade level and the abilities of the student.

• Buzz – Students start counting. Each time you have a number that is a multiple of 7, students must say, “Buzz”. If not, you are out. Continue until only one student is left.

• Number Trick – Tell the students to choose a number. Double it. Multiply the sum of the digits by 5. Now remove the 0. (Hint – the answer is always the original number).

• How Many Words? – Write a long word on the board. It should be a word from the content area taught that day, or famous person’s name. Have students write as many smaller words as they can from that big word.

• The standard favorites are great too. Most children already know the rules and can help you. Try Hangman, Twenty Questions, Seven Up, Spelling Bee.

I hope these games will help you enhance the subbing experience for you and your students.

Barbara