Substitute Teaching - Fort Worth,TX

Hey B.,

Let me tell you as a long time paraprofessional, children aren't that bad. High schoolers on the other hand, will treat you like your dumb. Just remember to use common sense and follow the teachers game plan. Most Teachers will leave you a note and inform you of which of their little darlings are trouble makers and which are angels. If you have any questions, most co- workers will help you out so don't be afraid to ask! You will do wonderful and kick booty!
good luck

I have subbed before and am now a teacher. I can tell you from both experiences that the teacher will most likely leave you very detailed lesson plans. Other teachers on campus are generally quite helpful, and as long as you let the kids know your expectations ahead of time, your day sould go smoothly. No kid is perfect and most of them try to get away with things while their primary teacher is away. This is normal, just let them know such behavior will not be tolerated. You are not their full time teacher and we don't expect you to teach things the exact same way we would. We REALLY APPRECIATE your service! The norms are to show up early for preparation, be kind to the students, pick them up/drop them off at specials on time and leave the teacher's desk somewhat organized. I personally do not like someone else grading my papers, but that's because I have certain students with accomodations. I hope this has helped!

Routine? It all depends on the district, the school and the teacher. Other teachers are usually very helpful. What is expected of you will be to arrive in plenty of time to prepare for the day, control the class, get most of the work accomplished, and leave the teacher's desk and the classroom neat. Some teachers like papers checked, but not graded. The worst thing for me(when I taught) was to hear from other teachers how loud my classroom waswith the sub and to walk into a mess the morning I returned. Keeping the class under control means keeping them busy and letting them know from the start that you are in charge and what you expect of them. Some praise and a small reward at the end of the day are a nice incentive, too. If you plan on substituting for a while, you should read Love and Logic. They have a series for parents and for teachers. Good luck!

I've been subbing since 2000 at the same elementary school in Plano where my daughter attended.

Fortunately, I know most of the students so I have a some upper hand because I know parents due to being neighbors, bunko, social, etc.

Most teachers, at least where I sub, have detailed plans. If not the weekly plans are available and I just follow them as best I can to keep the students on track. Believe me...the teachers are thankful you are there to keep control in the class. I am in this school enough to keep me busy 2-3 days a week and I am not looking for that much so I know the routines and schedules so the teachers mostly let me run the class according to the plans for the week.

DO NOT BE AFRAID to show control EARLY on so that kiddos know you mean business. Example.....I knew I was going into a class where subs hated to go back in Oct. I went in with "tickets" and a drawing for the end of the day. My deal was OK'd by the staff BEFORE I started. I gave tickets to everyone as they came in... as the day went on... IF needed I gave an extra ticket to those who showed most responsibility, etc and I took away tickets from those who needed it due to behavior. Whatever you choose... I have used a couple of tactics...it works.

Once you show the control of giving recess time out or whatever is needed.... you will get the attention of the class. ALL classes have a couple of kids who will test you and unfortunately...even if you know the parents...you need to follow through as teacher..not as parent friend.

You can do it and it can be rewarding.

IF I have an issue, I just ask "how is your mom, I have not seen her in a week or so, I can't wait to catch up with her" and that child is NO LONGER an issue.

I subbed for about 12 years. I loved it because I could be with my children on times off of school and when they were sick. I hope you enjoy it if you do it.
Sometimes teachers help, sometimes not.Sometimes I fended for myself. I liked the differences I had in my daily life. To keep the class under control, have a sense of humor ( they will try things ) and of course use every consequence that the school has to let them know they cannot do certain things. They of course will try everything. YOu have to just laugh.