After 25 years in my own classroom, I’ve recently returned to the sub-ranks.  Being a guest teacher allows me the flexibility to be available for my dad (see previous post) as well as dedicate time to consulting for the Diamond Regional Institute (more on THAT in another post).  In any event, my foray into the world of guest lecturer has provided some valuable insight that might be of use to you whether you are a member of the school administration, a veteran classroom teacher, a pre-service teacher, or someone like me who is a little of both.  

Raise your hand if you are a classroom teacher and have required the use of a substitute.  On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your classroom on the following:

_____ My classroom management has procedures for everything from how a student should sharpen a pencil to how a student is allowed to leave the classroom.

_____ My students know the daily routine and demonstrate efficiency with these routines every day.

_____  My “sub folder” contains information regarding emergency procedures including fire drills, tornado drills, evacuation drills, and lock-down procedures.

_____ My “sub folder” contains current attendance lists, seating charts, bell schedules, and extra assignments (with enough copies for all classes).

_____ My rules and expectations for student conduct is visible and posted in my classroom.   Students are aware of the consequences for poor conduct.

_____ My sub plans are written clearly including where to find materials required so that a visitor who has never been in your classroom, district, age-level, or subject area can find what s/he needs easily and can administer your plan to your expectations.

Raise your hand if you are an employee of the school (secretary, neighboring classroom teacher, educational assistant, custodian).  On a scale of 1-10, rate yourself on the following:

_____ I welcome new faces to the building and offer to show them where to find what they need in order to have a successful visit.

_____ I offer my assistance and a smile when I see a new face in the building.

_____ I talk to a visitor in the staff lounge and offer to share the lunch table.

_____ I do not assume the visitor has been here before and knows where things are such as the time clock or the faculty restroom.

_____ I do not make a show of what a bad-ass hard-core teacher I am by interrupting a class and lecturing/shaming students in front of the sub as I know this undermines the guest’s authority.  

Raise your hand if you are a substitute teacher.  On a scale of 1 to 10, rate yourself on the following:

_____ I am friendly.  When I arrive at my assignment, I acknowledge why I am there and state what I need from the person who greets me.  I say, “hello” to any staff I see on my way to my assignment.

_____ I treat students with respect.  I understand that having a new face in the classroom may cause some anxiety or nervousness on the part of students and that some behavioral issues are really an expression of that uncertainty.

_____ I understand the importance of classroom management and take the time to get a feel for the classroom vibe and adapt my style to the needs of the students. 1st grade is not the same as 11th grade.  

_____ I understand the importance of following the plans left for me.  I do not go “off book” and teach something interesting to me or offer a different activity.  

_____ I understand my own strengths and comfort levels.  I do not accept an assignment for a subject area or a grade level when I know I will not be successful.

Every sub assignment I have accepted has raised these questions, and caused me to reflect on my own teaching practices.  I’ve had subs that I would invite back to my classroom, and subs I wouldn’t. Likewise, there were subs who loved taking my classes, and subs who never returned. As a guest, I have been greeted warmly and offered assistance as soon as I entered the main office, and I’ve also been treated like a nuisance who interrupted the morning coffee klatch.  I have been offered an escort to find my way, and I’ve also been handed a folder with outdated information and sent down a strange hallway with no directions better than a finger point. I have learned that I am better suited to sub for older elementary and middle school and not at all suited for 1st grade (I have intentionally avoided high school grades).  I have learned that the classes who behave the best for subs are those where the classroom teacher has established clear routines and expectations and reinforces them on the regular. I have subbed for teachers that made an extra effort to make me feel welcome with a gift-bag “survival kit” or a cute note letting me know who the special students are, and I have been in buildings where subs are treated as sub-human.  The most important thing I’ve learned is that being out of your classroom for any reason is stressful: with so much pressure on teachers to meet standards and prepare students for testing, a day out can really set things back if the sub does not have a good day and accomplish the things that need to be completed.  As a sub, it is important to have fun and enjoy the experience: you can learn a lot and there is no higher compliment than being asked back.