I just graduated from University, and I want to start subbing in the hopes of getting a teaching job.
Because of the high rate of unemployment in my state of Florida, I’ve been told that people are signing up to become Substitute Teachers in record numbers. Because of the competition, I want to stand out as someone who is a desired Sub. If I’m asked back often, I hope to make a name for myself, and then apply for a full time job for the 2010 school year.
Do you have any tips that will ensure my success?
Amanda, Pompano, FL
Dear Amanda,
A few years ago, school boards were concerned about the lack of subs. Today, some communities have closed registration for Substitute Teachers. They have too many! In addition, there are budget cuts. Some schools are asking specialists to take over for absent classroom teachers. Now, more than ever, you need to be the best sub that you can be.
How can you stand out as a superior teacher? 1. Don’t be shy. Let the office staff and principal know how much you enjoy and admire the school. State clearly what a great day you had, and that you hope to work there again soon. 2. Leave the teacher’s desk and the room even better than you found it! Spend 15 minutes after the students leave cleaning up. Be sure the papers are where they should be. 3. Leave a detailed note. Tell the teacher that you enjoyed the day with his/her students. Thank the teacher for the good lesson plans. Don’t go on and on about who was uncooperative. Handle behaviors on you own, unless it’s something administration must take care of. 4. Be sure to cover all the material that was left for you. Follow lesson plans exactly. If there is extra time, you can play an educational game.
Remember, teachers always ask the class, “How was the Sub?” Students are honest. So be fair, be consistent, and be professional. If you are, your good character will shine through and you’ll be invited back often!
Barbara
Barbara Pressman 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
If you have a question for Barbara, <!-- var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addy20110 = 'blpressman' + '@'; addy20110 = addy20110 + 'yahoo' + '.' + 'com'; var addy_text20110 = 'click here'; document.write( '<a ' + path + '\'' + prefix + ':' + addy20110 + '\'>' ); document.write( addy_text20110 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n
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Your advice has been quite helpful to me in my daily teaching. There is one problem that I would like some help with.
When I sub, I try to follow the lesson plans as closely as possible. I want to be thorough, and maybe that’s why I never finish the lessons in the allotted time. I feel like I move too slowly.
How can I judge my pacing to finish on time, and still cover all the material?
I am a craftsman. I work with many tools in my trade, In a variety of mediums— Some large, some small They come in many colors— Each has its own beauty. Some are hard and rigid as steel, Others are as soft and malleable as tin. Some are entrusted to me for a long time, Others are in my care for a few days. Each will leave a lasting impression. With each I have to work with the flaws Others have caused or despaired of. Some flaws were accidental, others purposeful. I search to find a way to lighten the scars Or correct the errors others have made And that other artisans may finish the process Of developing the beauty within. Each project is unique in its own way Most will be of use to others While a few sad ones will be discarded But, hopefully, not until after Many like myself, have done everything To try to save them. Every day I delve deep inside To get the inspiration of how to Know when to apply pressure, And when to use a gentle hand. I won’t become famous or rich for my work, But my reward comes from the satisfaction In seeing the finished project I had a hand in And knowing that I will live forever Through all that it touches and inspires. This is a reward beyond measure. I am a craftsman…for I am a teacher.
