Substitute Teacher List

[wlwilliams9]

You've definitely recieved some great advice on this thread! Always leave a detailed note about how the day went and what was covered and if you weren't able to get to something done, behavior problems and students who went out of their way to help you.

If you are at a school where the teachers cover recesses, you WILL have recess duty!! Teachers will switch duty so the sub has it, so make sure to bring the appropriate outerwear!

When I was a sub, I made cute business cards that were magnetic with my name, phone number and sub number and "Thank you for having me in your classroom today" so if the teacher liked what I had done for her/him they knew how to get a hold of me to come back. I was often called back and the teachers always had my info close by (magnet on the white board, filing cabinet, etc..)

Good luck and have fun!!

 

[erincon23]

I used to bring worksheets (or at least a master of several) -- coloring pages for the younger kids, word searches, math puzzles -- but I found that I rarely if ever used these. (The kids really loved the word searches, though -- I would let them work on the sheets with a partner.) Now, if I find I have extra time, the kids like playing "heads up 7 up", especially right before lunch (I have had classes where they come back from gym and 10 minutes later leave for lunch, have to have a filler there); they like Spelling or Math Sparkle; do "races" up at the board with math problems; have social studies "trivia" team contests -- all the answers from the chapter they're currently working on. I'll also go around the room and ask the kids to tell me about the book they're reading, so the other kids can maybe be exposed to a new book. I've gotten lots of good book suggestions for me to read! And I find that helpful too -- I try to read some of the books that are popular (I sub K-5), so I have something I can recommend or discuss.

 

[wlake]

I do have to say that one time, a sub left me a three page hand written note with extreme details of how the day went. I wondered if she ever left my desk because it had to take her forever to write the note! LOL!

That may have been me from 20 years ago! I subbed for my first year out of college and was trying to impress the teachers/principals, so I would stay for an hour after school and write the notes.

I don't know how to quote two posts in the same reply, but someone else mentioned magnetic business cards -- great idea! I was left a regular business card from a sub I had last year -- my classroom aide thought she was terrific AND she left me a note, so I requested her every time I was out. Having the card made it much easier.

 

[dimimi]

Wow...loved so many of the ideas that I'm going to copy/paste them and take them with me...THANK YOU!!!

I am actually certified to sub for grades K-12 but because of my years of volunteering, the principal at my boys' school have already inquired about subbing there. I am not sure if I'm ready to jump into high school...some of those kids are probably more intelligent than I am...LOL!

I am a high school teacher. The high school teacher's realize the subs aren't going to be able to teach the content of the class. They will most likely leave review work or independent work for the students.

I always appreciate it if the sub does what I leave for the kids and follows my instructions. I like it when I have a note to read about what was assigned, etc.

Once teachers get to know you, you will probably find that they request you and you will be busy. At my school most people that are veteren subs take only jobs ahead of time...rather than at 5 AM.

 

[d96j97]

This thread has helped me more than you all know!!! I have a couple more questions:

1. Does someone have a nice "summary" sheet that I could leave for a teacher. I was given a couple when I took my classes, but they aren't very good ones (in my opinion).

2. What are the best kind of totes to carry everything in? Lands End, etc.?

Gosh, school is starting in 4 weeks...with everyone's help here, I think I'll be prepared. Thanks again everyone!

 

[dimimi]

This thread has helped me more than you all know!!! I have a couple more questions:

1. Does someone have a nice "summary" sheet that I could leave for a teacher. I was given a couple when I took my classes, but they aren't very good ones (in my opinion).

2. What are the best kind of totes to carry everything in? Lands End, etc.?

Gosh, school is starting in 4 weeks...with everyone's help here, I think I'll be prepared. Thanks again everyone!

Usually the district will give you a sheet to use. I have worked in 4 due to moving and they all had their own. Any kind of tote is fine. I have used all kinds from Lands End to Vera Bradley to an inexpensive kind...I really can't see a difference.

Be reallly friendly and efficient. Make sure you talk to the building secretary and try to get pre scheduled days. That will make your life easier. Of course, try to get the assignments that last for several days.

 

[Tink-aholic]

As a teacher in a technical high school, I am required to have a sub folder. In it is a list of the school periods, attendance sheets, and all of the work required. I have the same group of kids for 9 periods a day, all week, every other week. Keeping up the sub folder is a lot of work, and I have to manage two of them (one for each group of students). I also leave a detailed note to the sub with the school rules, my personal rules, and which kids to watch out for.

It bothers me no end if a sub of mine disregards all that I have done and just pops in movies (because it would take several movies to fill the day. All of our movies have to be approved by the supervisor, anyway. The kids should be on task and working, regardless of whether I am there or not. If they do nothing, I won't ask that sub back.

On the flip side, my students graduate weeks before school ends. I then sub for other teachers in my department (which helps out, because I know the material they teach). I expect all teachers to have the same work prepped for me. I leave detailed notes to them after.

It just stinks for outside subs in my school, because they only make $100 per day doing the work.

 

[d96j97]

It just stinks for outside subs in my school, because they only make $100 per day doing the work.

Most would think I'm crazy....but I still don't know exactly what I will get paid per day. I figure that I've volunteered for years so anything will be better than nothing. Maybe I'll think differently once I'm subbing. To all you teachers out there...great advice! I'll do my very best to follow your lesson plans to the "T". After all...it is YOUR classroom.

 

[SnowWhite607]

I am a former teacher who will be subbing this year so I am glad for all the tips. its good to see things from the other side of the desk once in a while!

 

[IndianaPrincess]

Wow! Our district only pays $65 a day!

 

[SnowWhite607]

Wow! Our district only pays $65 a day!

we have a tier like system.......$65 for a high school diploma, $75 for a college degree and $90 for a teaching certificate.

 

[rileyroosmom]

I have been subbing for 3.5 years. Good suggestions to follow the plans and get to know the secretary. I also make sure the room is organized as well as the teacher's desk. I erase the board and the lunch count tally sheet. I'll write the next day's date on the board as well as the next day's lunch choice. When I leave a note I try not to talk too much about the negative stuff. I always point out the positive things and who were of great help to me. I just jot a few notes after each subject is complete letting the teacher know what we covered and where we left off. Don't be afraid to go to the teacher in the next room to ask questions. I've gotten to know many teachers that way which has gotten me many job assignments with them. Also get a whistle for recess. I carry my WDW tote bag. I also bring a timer, helps me to stay on track. A book to read at lunch and a water bottle. I try not to intrude on the teachers during lunch. The staff room is teachers usually talking about students, parents etc and I don't want them to think I'm being nosy. After a few times in the same school, they usually invite me to eat with them. In my school, each teacher has the same "emergency" procedure book for fire and tornado drills. Read through it and be prepared to have to walk the class through these drills, I've done it countless times. You certainly want to look like you have control during these times. Don't know how transportation works in your school, but at ours if there is any type of transportation change (child taking the car home instead of the bus or is staying after school) the parent must send in a written note which then must go to the office for approval. I write those changes down and put them with the teacher's bus list. Dismissal is a very confusing time when you aren't familiar with the kids and which way they go home. It's hard to remember when there is a change (and sometimes depending on their age, the kids don't remember there is a change either). One more trick, especially for the K-3 group. I introduce myself (always write your name on the board no matter what grade you are in) and tell them that today will be a different day because I'm not Mrs. XXX and I don't do things the way Mrs. XXX does. It will be ok if we do things differently. We will all work together and do the best we can and I will let Mrs. XXX now about everything. Something like that. The little ones tend to get upset if the day doesn't run exactly like when the teacher is there.

Good luck!

 

[Tink-aholic]

In my school, each teacher has the same "emergency" procedure book for fire and tornado drills.

Maybe it is the difference in the type of schools, but we do emergency lockdown drills. Every sub should know what to do if a gunman enters the school.

First, grab any stray kid out of the hallway. Lock doors, turn off lights, get kids as far away from any entrance or window. No cellphones on at all and no bathroom breaks for as long as it takes. Do not leave the room for any reason (even if the fire alarm goes off or the principal announces it is ok).

Teachers (and subs) can take their lives in their hands every day. No way would I do that for $65 a day.

 

[TinkOhio]

*Bump* Great thread! Many of the recent grads in our area can't find teaching spots, and many great teachers have been laid off. Hope this thread helps!