If you substitute teach..

[Hilltopmom]

Who Subs?

 

Want to share about your experiences?

 

I'm a former public school special Ed teacher & still certified.

 

I was going to go back to teaching doing early intervention next year when oldest is off to college, one is in K, & one in preschool. I probably will do EI & in home preschool services.

 

But, now I'm kinda sorta considering subbing in my kids elementary school.

We're new to the neighborhood & school (homeschooled oldest all the way through,just moved here) and I'd like to get to know the school community this time around.

The principal already indicated he'd love to have me.

 

When Iwas teaching,I HATED subbing for other teachers at the last minute...I didn't know their kids or routines. Drove me crazy, I prefer routine & hate the unknown.

 

But I don't want to work full time & really want flexibility & to be involved in their school. And subbing for $100 a day would fit that.

 

Basically, what I want to know is, how did you adjust to the flyby the seat ofyour pants environment that subbing is. (I know you get emergency lesson plans sometimes & probably have a set of things youfallbackon if need be)

It was stuff like when specials are,who gets pulled out for what,etc that always threw me off.

 

Give me subbing tips,help me decide:)

Edited June 9, 2017 by Hilltopmom

[Kim in Appalachia]

I subbed this past year at my kids' schools.  For the most part I enjoyed it.  I viewed it like being the aunt or grandmom.  You only have to handle them for a little while then you give them back.

 

I really liked getting to know the schools and teachers.  I have a lot more confidence in my kids being there.  I've also been able to make some good contacts if there are problems (with my kids).

 

Some classes were quite chaotic.  I can tell who the good teachers are. :)  But, for the most part, I learned how to navigate the kids.  I always gave my rules up front.  I was normally lenient, letting kids go to the restroom (1 at a time), listen to music on their phone or even watch a movie on their iPads.  If the teacher left specific instrucitions against those things, I simply read the instructions to the students so they know where they stood.  I didn't hesitate to write down names of kids who were a problem.  

 

A kind of funny; I wrote up one girl for her attitude, because she all out started arguing with me and was very rude.  That entire class was rough, but she was a problem.  The next week she called me out on it.  I told her exactly what I wrote and why.  She just looked at me and said, "yeah, you're right". :D  

 

By spring the kids, especially in the middle school where I subbed the most, knew me.  So they knew what to expect.  Most thought I was fair.  They liked that I didn't mind them talking.  As long as the kids weren't loud or out of control, I didn't mind.  Some subs, especially the much older ones, get very angry when the kids talk at all.

 

I remember being a kid in school and having a sub, and if there aren't lesson plans, it can get very boring.  

 

I liked the flexibility of subbing, and I liked getting to know the kids and teachers. I think it's worth doing, at least for a time, to get to know the place where your kids are all day. 

 

I never did elementary school. Honestly, the idea of being with that many little kids all day terrifies me, so I stuck to older kids. :)

[Artichoke]

I like subbing because of the flexibility.    Some things that make it easier for me are to only work the same days each week and at the same schools.   You get to know the kids better this way and have a better overall view of how the school functions.   This takes most of the surprise out of my day.   Another feature that I absolutely love about our district is that every teacher must have a sub binder in the main office.  It has ALL of the info I need for the day, including an emergency lesson plan in case lesson plans aren't left for that day.   Maybe your district does the same.   If I didn't have that info, I'd ask at the main office for what I needed.  I also write anything that I specifically need to remember at the side of the whiteboard so I'm sure to see it during the day.    Hope that helps. 

[creekland]

I've been subbing in our local public school for 17 years now and absolutely love it.  I used to do 7th-12th, but modified that a few years back to just do 9th- 12th.  I also mostly stick with math/science as those are the subjects I know well, but in general, I have oodles of friends among co-workers, so will go in for other things too if I like someone enough.

 

For me, it all works well because I know the teachers (at this point) and the subjects (when math/science).  Those teachers let me do what I want to.  Sure they have plans, but I can modify them as needed.  Essentially, I get to teach (most of the time) and that keeps things interesting for the kids rather than basic "busywork."  Occasionally I share some stories from my past - whatever fits.  I'm extremely flexible by nature and can change things on the spot if something is or isn't working.  Problem solving is one of my gifts.  That's super helpful with subbing.

 

I find I have to train 9th graders every year.  Kids are so used to "subs."  While I am a sub technically, I don't generally run my classes like one.  I have my own rules which I share with the kids - no need to ask to use the restroom (but I keep track mentally), etc.  Essentially, I run my classroom like a business.  I do my part, they do theirs.  I rarely have to write kids up because the vast majority love being treated like the young adults they are.  I warn them that if I do have to write any up, admin comes down HARD knowing it was a real problem.  There's always one 9th grader who has to test that... the word gets around and the rest are warned.  It might sound harsh, but kids love it.  I get asked several times per year why I don't teach full time.  I tell them the truth.  I'm way too lazy to work 5 days per week every week.   :lol:  (Well, and we travel too much, etc.)

 

Problems I see from other subs?  They are either too lenient and kids run all over them - annoying both real teachers and admin, or they are too strict and kids hate them, often looking for any way they can provoke things.  Then there are those who don't know the subjects - meaning the kids are saddled with busywork and no one to assist with answers. Worse yet are those who assist with answers that are incorrect!  Then there have been subs who have given kids answer keys (for tests) or "helped" them way too much with tests, and some subs who are openly racist or for/against various religions.  (Those aren't asked back if discovered.)  Some subs come with their own agenda and ignore teacher plans... one guy spent his day teaching kids magic tricks instead of doing the math lessons.  Some sit and read or play on their phone/computer - totally ignoring kids.  Others aren't smart enough to ask other teachers if there's a question - like if kids say they're allowed a calculator, but one isn't sure - ask another teacher.  They'll know.

 

FWIW, many of these subs live on in history as we talk around the lunch table, but so do "good" subs.  Those are highly sought after.  I could work every single day if I wanted to - and I have a standing offer for a full time job if I ever wanted one.

 

I can't say if it's for you or not.  I think it's important to be flexible, but I also think a good part is natural talent coupled with knowing the material.  I once had a chem teacher leave "Charles Law" as his only lesson plans.  I had no problem with that, but I asked him the next day, "How did you expect a different sub to come in and do that if I hadn't been here???"  His reply?  "I figured if a sub knew it, I was ok with them teaching it.  If they didn't, I didn't care what they did."  Fair enough - though that wouldn't have helped a "normal" sub know the rest of the day - the non-chem classes, from attendance to lunch.  ;)  Oodles of subs would have been super annoyed with that.  Me?  I was fine with it.  I knew the material and made it work (well).  I knew how the day went otherwise.

 

Teachers ARE supposed to have plans - almost all do - so don't be afraid of things like that one, but also don't be afraid to take the reins when needed.

[Ali in OR]

I'm also trying to figure out if I want to sub next year. Or maybe teach part time. I got my sub credential this spring and I'm still taking classes to get my regular credential renewed, so realistically I probably won't have the opportunity to get a part time position this year unless they're desperate (my last class ends at the end of August and I expect at least a month for everything to be approved). There are advantages to part time (set schedule, my own classes), but this week I'm leaning toward subbing (I can quit or cut back if its too much for me and I can work fewer days). My biggest complicating factor with either is figuring out care for my disabled dd--she gets out of her program before the end of a sub's school day. All of her respite care workers are school employees, so I would need another solution for staff development days if I was a classroom teacher.

 

If I sub, I would try for just my kids' high school, maybe just math. For most math classes I can wing it, and I've been tutoring math at the school for 3 years so I'm familiar with many of the courses.

[Ottakee]

I have a degree in Special education....cognitively impaired and emotionally impaired (was MI and EI back in the day) ages 3-26.  My license has officially lapsed so I am annually authorized.

 

I have been subbing almost exclusively in our county's regional school for the most impaired kids in the county.  These are SXI (severely multiply impaired.....almost all are non ambulatory), severely cognitively impaired, a few moderally cognitively impaired classrooms, and the severely autistic program (kids that are also cognitively impaired, often aggressive to themselves and others, etc).

 

I LOVE it.  My hours are 8:30-3:30 and I can pick and chose my days.  I most of the time have days scheduled ahead where teachers ask me to take their classrooms for personal days, appointments, etc.  I also will substitute for classroom aides.  I get $15 less per day doing that but it helps me work as many days as I want.

 

I have become tube feed certified (super easy) and generally work with the SXI kids but will do some other rooms as well.  I avoid most of the AI (autistic classrooms as it is generally better all around for those kids to work with staff that know them well and have the CPI training, etc).
 

In these programs, I always have at least 2 other adults in the room with me, almost always ones that are the regulars in the room so they know the routines, etc.  Most classrooms don't have big lesson plans but rather activities you do each day....might be swimming, therapy, music, etc.

A have subbed a few times in the local elementary school and the local 5/6 building for special ed.  Those rooms are very different but not bad at all (and more duty free time than the special school I work at).  Once though (and ONLY once) I got reassigned to FIRST grade when I showed up in the morning.  NEVER EVER again.  I have no interest in subbing for regular ed.  I do not want a room 20-28 kids.

[Deb in NZ]

I've subbed for the past 7 years.  Dh lost his job because of restructuring & we had just decided to put ds#2 in PS for high school, so I applied for a last minute opening at the local intermediate school.  I didn't get the job, but got added to their relieving teacher (substitute teacher) list.  Since then I've averaged 2-3 days a week work.  Up until a year ago I worked only at the intermediate school in any class they had need of me, including the specialist classes (art, music, dance, etc.)  Mid-2016 I put my name down at the local Catholic Primary school & love working there.  I was nervous about working at a new school and with the littlies after so long at the intermediate school, but I find that now I actually prefer it.  My name got given to another small Christian school in town & I get quite a few days work there a term as well.  If you are well liked, your name gets around.  

 

I enjoy subbing as I get the joy of working with children without most of the politics, paperwork, etc.  I aim for 100 days work a year, which roughly relates to 50% of the school days.  Here in NZ we are paid 1/190 of what our full-time annual salary would be (capped at step 8), so for casual work subbing is very well paid.  For dh & I having flexibility in when I work has allowed us to put family first at times as when we took a week off to go watch ds#2 play in the NZ u21 hockey tournament.  This is something I would not have been able to do if I'd been working full time.  I have been asked to apply for a term long position at the intermediate school teaching food technology next term as the current teacher is retiring at the end of this term.  I have been her favourite reliever for the past 7 years.  I've put my CV in & will find out next week if I have got the job.  I'm not sure I really want full time, but for a term (10 weeks) I figure I can do it.  It will give us a bit more funds for our home renovations as I will be on contract & will receive my full salary level, not capped.  

 

Positives about subbing:

• work only 8:00-3:05
• no meetings, assessments, fundraising, camps, etc.
• flexibility to fit work availability around other commitments
• reasonable pay for casual work
• opportunity to teach creative lessons.  As teachers got to know me they often told me to do my own thing for the day.  

 

Negatives about subbing:

• no job security
• no pay during holiday times (12 weeks of the year)
• stress of last minute calls to come work
• need to be able to think on your feet & come up with last minute programs for when there is no plans left
• need for extremely good class management skills
• no opportunities for professional development 

HTH,

[Hilltopmom]

I have a degree in Special education....cognitively impaired and emotionally impaired (was MI and EI back in the day) ages 3-26. My license has officially lapsed so I am annually authorized.

 

I have been subbing almost exclusively in our county's regional school for the most impaired kids in the county. These are SXI (severely multiply impaired.....almost all are non ambulatory), severely cognitively impaired, a few moderally cognitively impaired classrooms, and the severely autistic program (kids that are also cognitively impaired, often aggressive to themselves and others, etc).

 

I LOVE it. My hours are 8:30-3:30 and I can pick and chose my days. I most of the time have days scheduled ahead where teachers ask me to take their classrooms for personal days, appointments, etc. I also will substitute for classroom aides. I get $15 less per day doing that but it helps me work as many days as I want.

 

I have become tube feed certified (super easy) and generally work with the SXI kids but will do some other rooms as well. I avoid most of the AI (autistic classrooms as it is generally better all around for those kids to work with staff that know them well and have the CPI training, etc).

 

In these programs, I always have at least 2 other adults in the room with me, almost always ones that are the regulars in the room so they know the routines, etc. Most classrooms don't have big lesson plans but rather activities you do each day....might be swimming, therapy, music, etc.

 

A have subbed a few times in the local elementary school and the local 5/6 building for special ed. Those rooms are very different but not bad at all (and more duty free time than the special school I work at). Once though (and ONLY once) I got reassigned to FIRST grade when I showed up in the morning. NEVER EVER again. I have no interest in subbing for regular ed. I do not want a room 20-28 kids.

It hasn't occurred tome to see if our program like that needs subs too. But I can do tube feeds, trach care, etc... Did all that care for my son when he was still alive.

[Ottakee]

It hasn't occurred tome to see if our program like that needs subs too. But I can do tube feeds, trach care, etc... Did all that care for my son when he was still alive.

I am sure they would love to have you. They also need trach certified people to ride the bus with some students as well. Likely you would be in high demand.

[creekland]

 

Positives about subbing:

• work only 8:00-3:05
• no meetings, assessments, fundraising, camps, etc.
• flexibility to fit work availability around other commitments
• reasonable pay for casual work
• opportunity to teach creative lessons.  As teachers got to know me they often told me to do my own thing for the day.  

 

Negatives about subbing:

• no job security
• no pay during holiday times (12 weeks of the year)
• stress of last minute calls to come work
• need to be able to think on your feet & come up with last minute programs for when there is no plans left
• need for extremely good class management skills
• no opportunities for professional development

 

Love (and second) your lists!  Our hours differ.  Mine runs from 7:15 to 2:55 officially, though I'm always there by 7am to set up my day (first class starts at 7:30 - last one ends at 2:30).  The rest is the same.

[Hilltopmom]

Other positive (huge one for me as a special Ed teacher)-

 

Wouldn't have to test,write IEPs or reports as a sub :)

[emzhengjiu]

I work for a rec. center now, but I so need to bring in more money soon.  Years ago, I subbed and enjoyed the experience, but I subbed in a much smaller city.  I need flexibility to homeschool, work at the rec. and then a second job.  Subbing, in theory, would do nicely since I work evenings & weekends at the rec.  Subbing a couple of days each week would help a lot.  My daughter can work independently those days.

 

There's such a mixture of kids coming to our rec. centers.  Some, probably most, are really good kids but the others give us such a hard time.  I had to kick out a large group earlier this week.  The summer is always a tough time for disciplinary issues for us.  Remembering how bad last summer was with the kids, I'm beginning to rethink subbing.  So...is there a bag of tricks experience subs have to help get through the day.  I'm thinking of working only in elementary schools at least at first.  Where's that middle line between being too lenient and too strict.

 

 

[Hilltopmom]

When I was teaching, Ialways left plans and had emergency plans on file too.,

 

But I know the daily subs would bring a bag of stuff with them to spice things up if need be- crossword puzzles, interesting readings or read alouds, funbut generic multi age lesson plans, games (not board games but at your desk group games like "popcorn" or that one where u toss the ball around to different desks (sorry,it's been a decade, I'll have to re learn how to play all of those).

[Hilltopmom]

I was talking last night to the middle school counselor iused to work with & he was like "no,don't sub in the elem school, please, come to the middle school! We need good subs"

Yeah, I want to start at the elem where my littles will be ;). I've btdt with middle & high school

[creekland]

Where's that middle line between being too lenient and too strict.

 

With elementary, I'm not sure.  I could never do well with the younger set.  Mine are lucky they survived (perhaps hyperbole, but still...)

 

With high school, it's common sense.  I don't mind general chit chat with busy work as long as the work is getting done and they aren't just copying each other, but I don't allow talking during quizzes or tests at all (unless it's a group test, of course).  Super strict subs sometimes have a "no talking!!!" law that can't be changed.  There was an issue two years ago where a Hispanic young lady was helping translate for a Hispanic young lad who didn't have a good grasp of the language yet.  This was set up by the teacher, but she forgot to put it in writing.  The sub went ballistic on the kids and didn't listen to ALL of them trying to explain.  They ended up hating her (the sub).

 

Too lenient is letting slackers not get anything done - they just chat away.  I'll make a round or two (I'm up interacting with kids, not sitting at my desk) and if there's been no progress, I'll ask what they're stuck on.  Then I'll either assist with that part - or - remind them that this is math/science/whatever class and if they have issues doing math/science/whatever during that time they are welcome to take it up with admin, but it doesn't fly for me.  Since I have awesome admin support, that's as far as I ever need to go.  Those kids might still slack compared to the shining apples of the class, but they make progress - or ask questions.

 

Too strict - can't use the restroom.  Too lenient, sure go - in pairs or groups - and it's ok if you don't return for half an hour or so.  I pay attention to who goes out of my room (even though they don't need permission) and if they're likely wandering the halls, I'll address it with them - or contact admin on the spot as needed.  One kid might try this once, but word gets around and it doesn't happen again.

 

Too strict - writing up someone with no warning for a simple offence, say, a paper airplane.  Too lenient - letting oodles of kids make paper airplanes instead of working on their lesson.  Happy medium... see the airplane, don't make a big deal of it and add a quip about, "Hey Joey!  You missed the topic.  It's not aerodynamics today, it's _____.  You must have misunderstood.  No biggie, but I don't want to see any others or you can explain to admin why you want to change the lesson topic."  The other kids chuckle.  Joey gets the message.  If he doesn't, then he CAN explain to admin why he did it, but he was warned nicely and it's fair to everyone.

 

There really are a lot of on the spot calls TBH, but once you get a reputation, it's not too difficult to keep it and that solves 99% of your problems if you're respected.

[Artichoke]

With elementary, I'm not sure.  I could never do well with the younger set.  Mine are lucky they survived (perhaps hyperbole, but still...)

 

With high school, it's common sense.  I don't mind general chit chat with busy work as long as the work is getting done and they aren't just copying each other, but I don't allow talking during quizzes or tests at all (unless it's a group test, of course).  Super strict subs sometimes have a "no talking!!!" law that can't be changed.  There was an issue two years ago where a Hispanic young lady was helping translate for a Hispanic young lad who didn't have a good grasp of the language yet.  This was set up by the teacher, but she forgot to put it in writing.  The sub went ballistic on the kids and didn't listen to ALL of them trying to explain.  They ended up hating her (the sub).

 

Too lenient is letting slackers not get anything done - they just chat away.  I'll make a round or two (I'm up interacting with kids, not sitting at my desk) and if there's been no progress, I'll ask what they're stuck on.  Then I'll either assist with that part - or - remind them that this is math/science/whatever class and if they have issues doing math/science/whatever during that time they are welcome to take it up with admin, but it doesn't fly for me.  Since I have awesome admin support, that's as far as I ever need to go.  Those kids might still slack compared to the shining apples of the class, but they make progress - or ask questions.

 

Too strict - can't use the restroom.  Too lenient, sure go - in pairs or groups - and it's ok if you don't return for half an hour or so.  I pay attention to who goes out of my room (even though they don't need permission) and if they're likely wandering the halls, I'll address it with them - or contact admin on the spot as needed.  One kid might try this once, but word gets around and it doesn't happen again.

 

Too strict - writing up someone with no warning for a simple offence, say, a paper airplane.  Too lenient - letting oodles of kids make paper airplanes instead of working on their lesson.  Happy medium... see the airplane, don't make a big deal of it and add a quip about, "Hey Joey!  You missed the topic.  It's not aerodynamics today, it's _____.  You must have misunderstood.  No biggie, but I don't want to see any others or you can explain to admin why you want to change the lesson topic."  The other kids chuckle.  Joey gets the message.  If he doesn't, then he CAN explain to admin why he did it, but he was warned nicely and it's fair to everyone.

 

There really are a lot of on the spot calls TBH, but once you get a reputation, it's not too difficult to keep it and that solves 99% of your problems if you're respected.

 

 

Like Creekland, I mainly sub for high school.  I totally agree with her that it's finding that line between too strict and too lenient.   Your reputation will absolutely proceed you.   More than anything don't let them know that you're nervous or scared.  Just try to go with the flow.  If you have an absolutely wild class, don't worry.  It will end!  Just keep everyone safe and accounted for by the end of the day :-)   Realize that it's not your fault  but that other factors are at play.  Administration already knows what you're contending with,    

 

Basically, I try to treat students  as adults and not children.  For example, if the teacher has left busy work -- i.e. dot to dot with plotting points for Honors geometry  - I have no problem with a student who asks to read or work on another class assignment that is productive.   i leave a note letting the teacher  know that I okayed it.   Now if they just wanted to be chatting the entire class, that's a different story.   I have a similar restroom policy, let me know you're leaving and sign out/in.   I don't question anyone who needs to go, but I do let them know the sign out list will be left for the regular teacher.  Humor is good too.  Students always try to sound cool around you with their latest slang ( That statement makes me feel really old! )   Sometimes I surprise them by understanding it from Urban Dictionary. Most  times I don't have a clue so I good naturedly ask them to educate me.   They think it's funny and usually explain it to me.   Being interested in them is a good thing.  

 

I think some of these ideas will translate to your elementary teaching.  Elementary for us is k-5 with class changes beginning at 4th grade.   Try to treat everyone equally and be firm but not overly strict.  In the early grades the children move as a group so you'll probably be more concerned with behavior inside your classroom instead of  containing them as we do in high school.   Many times simply moving a disruptive child to another seat will take care of the problem.  I do this sometimes in middle schools and after about fifteen minutes ask them if they'd like to go back to their original seat.  That way they're not "under punishment" the entire class and almost always try to behave better.  Never threaten your class --- " I won't  tell you to be  quiet again " or something similar   Be fun when you can.  Find a signature reward that is yours and yours alone :-)   For me, it's leaving one minute before the bell rings.  The high school kids absolutely love that extra minute, and it's not enough time for them to get into trouble.   For  early elementary,  I might  play Hangman or have an extra 15 minutes recess, if possible.   If you sub in the same classes/school  don't have a favorite who always helps or runs errands.    Above all enjoy being with the kids.  If enjoyment isn't possible, then ask yourself why -- is  it you or the students?   I've always found that to be an interesting question  after a helluva day.  

 

Best wishes as you make plans for subbing :-)   

Edited June 11, 2017 by Artichoke

[creekland]

Basically, I try to treat students  as adults and not children.  For example, if the teacher has left busy work -- i.e. dot to dot with plotting points for Honors geometry  - I have no problem with a student who asks to read or work on another class assignment that is productive.   i leave a note letting the teacher  know that I okayed it.   Now if they just wanted to be chatting the entire class, that's a different story.   I have a similar restroom policy, let me know you're leaving and sign out/in.   I don't question anyone who needs to go, but I do let them know the sign out list will be left for the regular teacher.  Humor is good too.  Students always try to sound cool around you with their latest slang ( That statement makes me feel really old! )   Sometimes I surprise them by understanding it from Urban Dictionary. Most  times I don't have a clue so I good naturedly ask them to educate me.   They think it's funny and usually explain it to me.   Being interested in them is a good thing.  

 

I think some of these ideas will translate to your elementary teaching.  Elementary for us is k-5 with class changes beginning at 4th grade.   Try to treat everyone equally and be firm but not overly strict.  In the early grades the children move as a group so you'll probably be more concerned with behavior inside your classroom instead of  containing them as we do in high school.   Many times simply moving a disruptive child to another seat will take care of the problem.  I do this sometimes in middle schools and after about fifteen minutes ask them if they'd like to go back to their original seat.  That way they're not "under punishment" the entire class and almost always try to behave better.  Never threaten your class --- " I won't  tell you to be  quiet again " or something similar   Be fun when you can.  Find a signature reward that is yours and yours alone :-)   For me, it's leaving one minute before the bell rings.  The high school kids absolutely love that extra minute, and it's not enough time for them to get into trouble.   For  early elementary,  I might  play Hangman or have an extra 15 minutes recess, if possible.   If you sub in the same classes/school  don't have a favorite who always helps or runs errands.    Above all enjoy being with the kids.  If enjoyment isn't possible, then ask yourself why -- is  it you or the students?   I've always found that to be an interesting question  after a helluva day.  

 

Best wishes as you make plans for subbing :-)   

 

Same here with your top paragraph - esp with not getting hung up on busywork if more important things are being done.

 

However, with your "treat," neither admin nor other teachers would like that at our school.  Some teachers used to do that and admin cracked down on it.  If a sub were doing it regularly, they might not say anything (directly to you) since they need subs, but many would be steaming - the teachers because they can't and the admin because they want "order" in the halls. It would be talked about.  (It has been at my school.) To the OP, just be careful to see what's ok at your school if you choose to use it.