Hope this helps

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Hope this helps
By Joy

1. The woman who makes the calls in the morning gave me a little impromptu advice speech. That was it.

2. Probably not, because the experience of a regular teacher and a substitute couldn't be more different. Shadowing
an experienced sub might be more help, but only with the 'I wish I had known this when I started' details.
3. I would offer a day-long crash course in the basic rules (and the more obscure rules) of the school district. Detailing the punishment options subs can use. The classroom management stuff is something that could be touched on, but it's my opinion that you have to learn that

part by doing!

4. I teach high school, and find that 'less is more' is the most effective technique. Meaning I am neither friendly nor unfriendly when I walk into the classroom, and I try to keep a poker face that they can't read. Being honest and respectful usually works with kids that age - they appreciate it. When a problem comes up, eye contact with a warning look, moving closer to the kids causing the disturbance are both effective. When all else fails, a warning that they will be written up if it happens again, then writing their name down for the teacher is all I can do. Knowing their names is a sub's biggest ally.

5. Not knowing their names. Not knowing the little rules about water bottles, hall passes, free time. Subbing for a laid-back teacher who leaves a minimal lesson plan and who won't follow up if I leave a note of complaint about a student. The kids know there won't be consequences and they act accordingly.

6. Salary. Transitory nature of the work. Stigma, which comes from lack of respect from the kids, which comes from lack of support from the administration.

7. One of my best days was subbing for a cooking class, which I expected to be a nightmare. But the lesson plans were clear and thorough, which helped, and another Home Ec teacher dropped in periodically to check up on me and the kids. Honestly though, I think it was a good day because I had good kids. That's really what it boils down to. Sometimes I think I have an easier time because I'm a young sub (24 years old) and the kids feel they can relate to me, so it's not as much fun for them to give me a hard time. Of course, I also have to deal with other teachers mistaking me for a student in the hallway...