discipline while subbing

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Home : 2004 : November : 26

discipline while subbing
By KT

Subbing can be difficult b/c of the discipline issues that come up. I subbed for a year before finding a permanent position. There are advantages and disadvantages to both sides. It is difficult for subs to discipline
b/c they are not as familiar with the teacher's and school's rules. They don't know the students' names (and the older students can use this to confuse you). On the other hand, if you have a difficult class as a sub, you never have to sub for that class again. You can pick and choose your sub jobs.
As a sub, the main thing I did was to firmly establish myself as the authority figure

at the beginning of class. I had to remind myself that I was not there to be friends with the students. I would give the assignment and then call roll while they were working. I was always prepared with fun worksheets or puzzles for those days when no lesson plan was left. Become an active sub. Don't be afraid to modify lesson plans -- like, if the lesson plans say for the students to read a chapter out of the text, then have the students read it aloud to get everyone involved. Always make their assignments due at the end of class. Walk around -- stay close to problem areas. Many subs just sit and read the newspaper. If a student is disruptive, give him "the look" to let him know you mean business. Set limits and follow through with consequences.