research project

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research project
By Nancy

Hmmm, what makes a good day for me? A good day is one where I am called by the sub. caller the evening prior to the day I am needed to sub. When I arrive at the school, I am pleasantly greeted by the office staff, and if
I have never been in that particular building, they give me a brief guide of the building (teacher restrooms, lounge, intro. to teachers around my room, cafeteria, studyhall, etc.). When I arrive in my room I love seeing lesson plans (written out especially for a sub), worksheets already run off, student seating charts and a schedule. My good day continues when my eager students arrive,

are helpful, listen, behave and participate in the learning. There are no hiccups, no tattling, no fights, no problems. Believe it or not, I've actually had a few days like this.

However, what makes my day difficult? Lesson plans that only the regular teacher can decipher. Lesson plans that contain information such as, "Administer the midterm test on, 'Dante's Inferno,' with no test to be found (I found that one in a four file filing cabinet, stuffed in a manila folder marked, "Midterm Exam, 1999-2000"). Unhelpful staff in the office. Students that are disruptive, rude, obnoxious and couldn't care less about learning.

For the most part, I am welcomed into most schools that I sub. in. I do, however, make it a point to introduct myself to other teachers, eat in the lounge and ask questions of other people, just basically be friendly (you wouldn't believe how many of these people have remembered me and requested me as a sub. on other dates). I am substitute teaching on a temporary sub license with a B.A. in English. I do not have an education degree (though I am working on it) and I am still welcomed as though I am an integral part of the day to day activities of the school I happen to be subbing in. I feel welcomed, wanted and appreciated by most. Maybe I'm just in a good district, but I like to think it has a lot to do with my attitute, my professionalism and my general upbeat outlook at what job I am there to accomplish.