Re: Discipline for substitutes

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This always worked when I was a sub:

I have Mrs. X's plan here. We will work through it. Depending on
how well you work determines your free time at the end of class.
Sound good?

Mrs. X has also instructed me to take names of any student who
chooses to disrupt the learning of other students. Please
begin...

On 10/10/11, Long term HS Sub wrote:
> On 10/09/11, Rachel wrote:
>
> Adding your own rules puts the hair up on their backs - just a
> heads up. It suggests that their teacher's rules aren't good
> enough. Also beware that in these times in which we live,
> you're a stranger. Subbing is extra hard now that we've taught
> children to be wary of strangers. Be careful not to appear
> heavy-handed - high schoolers take a dim view of it and see you
> as treading too heavily on borrowed authority.
>
> Some students see a sub as a day off - others just dread subs.
> There's a difference - don't lump them all together. Make sure
> the bell worksheet you hand them is the teacher's or they'll
> say "Ms. Smith doesn't give bell work." Then you'll say, "It's
> my bell work, not Ms.Smith's." And with that you've dissed
> their teacher without intending to and came off as heavy-handed.
>
> Never give a 'talk pass' to high schoolers.Never discuss your
> qualifications with them - they don't care at all and it will
> look ... as if you're trying to impress them and that's a sure
> sign of weakness. These are not things that will build a
rapport.
>
> Don't worry about Plan B - follow the plan given. I want to say
> this kindly and gently but it's clear that you do have a great
> deal of experience in the younger grades.
>
> For high school, I'd recommend a pleasantly brisk manner and
> always have the teacher's lesson plan in your hands so they can
> see it. Get the job done, keep everyone safe, ignore minor
> disruptions, don't go over your qualifications or try to make
> jokes. Many of them dread subs precisely because the subs come
> in with a chip on their shoulder or wearing their ego needs on
> their sleeves.
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>> After they complete the bell work, I explain how I would
>> like them to pass it in to me. Then I do my intro and
>> spiel. I review the classroom teacher's rules and
>> expectations and I tell the classroom my own rules while I
>> am their teacher today. They are 1)Be responsible for
>> yourself 2)Be kind to others. I also tell them a little
>> about myself and my interests. I tell them that I am
>> a "real" certified teacher and that I am qualified to teach
>> them, so they can relax because they are in good hands, and
>> I will make sure that they have a productive learning day.
>> I may also inject some humor by mentioning how relieved
>> they must be to hear that.
>>
>> I realize that I may not have a lot of time to establish a
>> rapport with them, but I do think that it is possible. Any
>> advice on how to earn the rapport and respect of my
>> students in such a short time would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>> As for breaking rules, consequences, I was told to follow
>> the plan that the regular teacher has in place, but if
>> there is none, or I am unable to locate, I would like to
>> have a plan B. For repeat offender I really like the idea
>> of writing a positive and affirming statement, paragraph.
>> This would remove the problem temporarily and give them
>> time to regroup. And since it would be positive statement,
>> they wouldn't be on defensive? Thoughts? Ages?
>>
>> I really don't want to resort to sending to office. I have
>> heard of subsitutes being banned for sending to office. but
>> of course, if I feel that I am in a situation I cannot
>> control, I will absolutely call for help.
>>
>> Thank you for any opinions or ideas.
>>
>> Rachel

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