by Jacob Langford

Created on: September 10, 2009

Substitute teaching. The job I recently gave up to become a full time teacher. I am the first to say that substituting is quite the opposite of being a teacher with a set schedule and a classroom of your own. I substituted in North Texas mostly in middle schools. I did this for almost a full school year while I was trying to make contacts with other teachers and principals.

The average day for me consisted of reporting to the front office about ten to fifteen minutes before I was scheduled to be there. I would meet with the school secretary and sign my substitute card and go ahead and fill out the card so I would not have to go back to the office in the afternoon. I check the map of the school if I had not already been there and then scout where the restrooms are as well, as that is very important to know as a substitute in a school that you do not know very well. I head down to the classroom and inspect the room. Is it a female teacher's room? A coach? Math lab? I then walk over to the desk and sit down and read the instructions and what assignment the teacher has left. Only one time did I get there and were there no instructions whatsoever.

After reading the teacher's notes and getting the assignments together, I might go in the hallway and see if any other teachers are in the hall and introduce myself and let them know i am the substitute. Most of the time they are very helpful and offere assistance if needed. When the first class comes in and the bell rings I stand up and ask for them to get quiet. I write my name on the board and tell them about myself and the plan for the day. Most of the time I let them know the assignment and if its just worksheets or book work then I let them know that they can work together. What! Is a substitute supposed to encourage group work and talking? Well, they are going to anyway, so I figure best to let them know the rules so they can respect me for letting them have some freedom. Students are not dumb, they know that the teacher being away means it can be a lighter day, and if they are respectful then I let them have some freedom.

The best time is during the planning period. This is when I either surf the Internet on the computer or if tired, take a nap. Again, what? Yes, a nap can be quite the relief you need from crazy students that you aren't used to. If I am not tired at all and the computer has some crazy password, then I might read the magazine I brought with me.

Lunch also means peace and I always brought my lunch because you never know how much time you will have or where the cafeteria is or how much it might cost. I do search for Coke machines and if one is close then I get a coke to go along with my sandwich or crackers.

As the day winds down, I am with the students in looking at the clock and waiting for the bell to ring. Sometimes I chat with the students in the last class and get a feel for the school. When the bell rings, I make sure all the students are out the door. I write a quick note to the teacher and let them know how the day went and if there were any disruptive students. I then close the door and head for the parking lot. This is the advantage of not having to go back for the main office and dealing with crowds. Most days are good and if I didn't pull my hair out then I would consider going back.

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