Well, of this weblog anyway.
Hi! Until it’s underway a while, we won’t know what this blog will be, but now, at the time of its inception, I hope that it will become a great resource for all substitutes (especially those here in Clay County), and a place where substitute teachers and regular teachers can share best practices and what each can do to help the other. I have been on two sides of this triangle (as a student with a substitute teacher in the room, and as a teacher needing a teacher to substitute while I was out). I am currently endeavoring to explore the third side - becoming a substitute teacher.
“I just need a warm body to fill the seat.”
That is what my mom used to say when she owned a small business, and she was desperate for personnel. Of course she was joking, but sometimes a hiring process can make you wonder…. Just as when I became a teacher, I am shocked at how little they (the county or school board) need to know about me before giving me total control of 20-35 of our children.
They did require a fingerprint and pulled a background check which tells them I was never arrested. So that I can qualify for the slightly higher rate of pay, I submitted my college transcripts, which tell them a little something about my education (as you and I both know much of that happens outside of classroom doors), my interests, and my ability to work hard. But no one ever SPOKE to me. (See more on communication in the next post.) There was never an interview of any kind. No one had me perform a role play (like when I was promoted to Compensation Analyst in the corporate world) to ensure I could handle even one of myriad issues that could arise in the classroom. No one in Clay County knows if I can project my voice (yes, with much effort) or if I like or despise children (love them). In my past life working in HR, most of the interviews I conducted included asking situational questions. “Give an example of a time when something did not go your way and explain what you did in response.” “When you are busy on a task, and something interrupts you (like another teacher), how do you get back on task minimizing the amount of time wasted?” “How do you deal with ambiguous situations (like having no lesson plans)?” It seems to me that a few questions like this could give them a lot of useful information about the candidates.
Don’t get me wrong. I do understand the reasons why this level of scrutiny is not applied to the substitute pool – cost of time spent interviewing and small supply of applicants. I just feel like, yet again, the students lose in this deal. When people who lack flexibility, are less than passionate about children and their education, and lose control easily are hired to be substitute teachers, the students sense this and respond by disengaging and misbehaving. It molds their perception of substitutes into something resembling an ineffective babysitter. This, in turn, causes problems for the regular teacher and for the next substitute – no matter how qualified, his/her job will be harder. And the cycle continues. School systems (and ultimately the students) would benefit from remembering substitutes are teachers, too, and doing a better job of attracting and selecting candidates who are more qualified and have a great attitude toward students.
My sincere hope is that you find something useful within these posts, that you comment when you agree or disagree meaningfully, and that if you know of anything that would benefit the rest of us, you will let me know. And if we are lucky, our efforts will improve the educational experience of the children in all our care. Enjoy.
6 comments:
You right so eloquently, Chastity! I have not filled the role of substitute teacher since my second year of undergrad. I remember walking into a first grade classroom with absolutely no idea what the heck I was doing. Now that I am a teacher, I feel for substitutes. Especially ones who step into the classroom of a poor-planning teacher! I enjoyed reading your blog and will check it again soon!
Lacey Cupp
I too admire anyone that can fill the substitute roll. I find it difficult. However, I must say that the substitutes that the students get to know well enjoy there presence as much as their regular teachers.
Hi Chastity,
First off, thank you so much for your encouraging words and personal story. That was very encouraging and personal and I really appreciate you opening up like that to me. It definitely put things into a new perspective for me.
In terms of your post, I COMPLETELY agree with Lacey in that you have such an eloquent way of writing. People do not tend to do that any more and it is definitely refreshing.
When I was in my interning semester at Duval Elementary I made a fairly good impact on the administration and staff. Because of that, I was asked to substitute teach a couple of classes when the music teacher was absent. I would show up and the students would actually respond fairly well to me. I have been on both sides as well, teaching elementary school music now and not being in school specific Fridays because of competing, and being asked to substitute. As recorded in my vote on your blog poll, I think there should be a type of certification for substitute teachers so that they are better equipped to deal with specific classroom environments. As a child, I had many substitute teachers, some of which would actually teach from the lesson plans they were left with and I learned a lot, and others who would give out handouts and just sit at the desk. I do not believe they should have to jump through the same certification hoops as full time teachers because they are not creating cirricula and performing extended assessment, but there should be a level of accountability there for them. I look forward to your future posts on this topic!!! Thanks again!
~ Dre'
Substitute teaching is difficult and the children will test you to the limits & beyond. This will be an interesting blog to follow. I have been a teacher, a sub, and a student. I have been a sub in a very difficult class, managed it and got a job at that school because I did a good job substituting.
Dian
Throughout my career I have had awful substitutes. For some crazy reason the most "interesting" subs have been attracted to my sub postings. I have had subs that fell asleep during class (according to my more trustworthy students), brought a bat with them to school, and my most favorite was the one that did not speak a word of English (thankfully my students were able to translate for her). When I finally found a good substitute I was so overjoyed that I passed her name to all of my colleagues - unfortunately when I needed her after that she was already booked.
I know how difficult substituting can be. This resource is a much needed addition to the educational blogging world. I will be sure to pass on the URL to our sub coordinator.
Lacey, thank you for the kind words. Although I have taught before at the high school level, I can admit that the idea of entering another teacher’s elementary classroom is daunting. I am sure when I am contracted as a regular teacher again, my substitute experiences will help me be as compassionate toward subs as you are. Thank you again for your comments.
Cheryl, I hope I can be one of those kinds of substitutes! I have been wondering how well I will adjust to having to leave the kids at the end of the day and not see them the next day. I developed good relationships with my high school students, even the ones with the most challenging behaviors. In elementary, they are not just children; they are young, impressionable and so cute! Leaving them will be tough, especially if they like me. Wish me luck!
Dre, I am glad you did not think I was meddling (too much). I wish you and your wife all the best in deciding the right timing for your own family. Thank you so much for the kind words about my writing. It is rewarding to see people enjoying and responding to what I have to say, and your comment meant a lot to me personally. I agree with you on the certification issue. There should be some minimal qualifications (other than HS Diploma but less than for teachers) and training required before entrusting our children to just anyone. Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
Dian, I hope I can do as good a job as you did. I am hoping to hone my classroom management skills and maybe pick up ideas from other teachers. I saw that you are following the blog. Thank you very much for your comments and interest, and please comment and add to anything I discuss here. I welcome your experienced input!
Tina, those are some scary experiences, especially the bat! I, too, once had a substitute who could not speak English. My personal worst experience was when the sub just stood in the hall for most of the class period, letting the students do as they pleased. I did not understand how he got away with that one. But a science teacher in our school had a sub who allowed a student to throw things out of the second story windows in the classroom. Needless to say, that substitute was never asked to return. I just think we need a better way to weed out the unqualified people before they cause these types of disruptions and unsafe environments. Thank you for your support and comment.
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