Increase Your Substitute Teaching Assignments

I ocassionaly run into fellow subs I use to see while working. They sing the same song, "I don't know why that school no longer calls me." Getting to the top tier of your district's subsitute teachers call list is just a few steps up a ladder if you follow my suggestions.

First rung: Simply conduct yourself in a professional manner like you would at the corporate level. Secondly - follow the absent teacher's lesson plans as close as possible. Finally, make an effort to click with the students. I go into expanded detail of this subject in my latest eHow article, "How to Become a Frequently Requested Substitute Teacher" : http://www.ehow.com/how_5781754_become-frequently-requested-substitute-teacher.html

After reading the eHow article, I'd like to hear your comments!

National Substitute Teacher's Alliance Hosts 10th Annual Conference

I believe most of we substitute teachers are "isolated".  No, not loners as we do have do be extroverts
to do what we do best. I consider myself outgoing and friendly.    My meaning is we have no sense of community with our fellow substitute teachers:  no office parties or summer picnics or trade organizations like in many employee settings. Yes, I know my fellow subs and greet them in the hall or have friendly chats in the lunch
room - but that's the extent of our contact.

    Until now.

     I'm a veteran sub of many years experience yet I never knew there was a national group and better yet, an annual convention!  If you can schedule it, pack your bags
for the The 2010 National Substitute Teacher's Alliance Annual Conference,  May 20-22 in Las Vegas,
NV.

     To learn more about the National Substitute Teacher's Alliance (NSTA) and the convention, go to:
http://www.nstasubs.org/ I created this blog as a virtual substitute teacher network, but perhaps we can all meet in person one day at this convention!

     

Subsituting during the holidays: Make it Fun!

I enjoy substitute teaching during December at the elementary school level. The classrooms are festive and lesson plans deviate a bit from the norm. I enjoy getting my holiday themed jewelry
and sweaters out to wear to work.
Planning emergency activities is easier, too. We instinctively can whip up art lessons
plans themed around winter holiday (remember to use this politically correct term!) Keep a Holiday themed coloring/activity book in your back that can quickly be photocopied for a time filler. Finally, have some holiday stickers or candy canes packed to use as reward incentives.

The Twelve Days Of Christmas ala Substitute Teaching

As I ponder the Twelve Days of Christmas, I'm inclined to count my blessings in this rewarding profession . . .

• 1. I learn something from students each classroom assignment.


• 2. Substituting has turned me into a better negotiator in other aspects of my life.


• 3. I can read "Cat in the Hat" with joy after 12,000 times!


• 4. Hearing "yeah!" from the students when they discover I'm in for the day.


• 5. Treasured friendships made with fellow staff members.


• 6. Got to love those minimum days with full pay!


• 7. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery": As a sub, I incorporate fabulous ideas
  
  from various teachers into my curriculum
  .


• 8. When so many currently layed off teachers are out of a job, it's amazing we "temps" are still getting the calls.


• 9. My husband says I'm more organized around the home when working.


• 10. I've learned to take the discipline challenged student and make them a special helper.


• 11. Admittedly, I have been slow "going green". Seeing schools jump on the bandwagon has made me more aware and active in these efforts.


• 12. I thank the stars
  for every hug and smile students have given me throughout the years.

Back to School Tips for the Savvy Substitute Teacher

Time to wake up from sleeping in and summer fun! Be ready to start your rewarding new year of substitute teaching with these handy tips.

Is your emergency credential current? It if is expired or expiring soon, take the few minutes to renew it online. If you teach with an expired credential, your paycheck will likely be withheld until renewal process is completed.

TB tests should be up to date. Check with your district's human resource office to find out the status.

Go through your clothes closet and separate outfits appropriate for teaching. This will save time when those last minute phone calls occur.

Shop our Savvy Sub store for all the tools you'll need to make this a productive and profitable school term:

http://astore.amazon.com/thefinartofsu-20

Language Arts Lessons for the Savvy Sub

Designate an accordion file for lesson plans and worksheet masters. Label the tabs by grade level or subject matter - whatever works the best for you. When you get called for a certain class, refer to the file and pull what you may need for that day. The whole accordion file is too bulky to keep in your "Mary Poppins" bag.

Here are two primary level language arts lessons to get you started. They are from a series of articles I'm writing with individual lesson plans for we savvy subs. Have fun with your students!

HOW TO TEACH SPELLING WITH CRAYONS:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4988120_teach-kids-spelling-crayons.html

HOW TO TEACH CHILDREN TO WRITE ACROSTIC POETRY:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5014612_teach-kids-write-acrostic-poetry.html

Everyday essentials teachers can take to work:

http://astore.amazon.com/thefinartofsu-20

Enjoy!
Sheryl

Savvy Sub and Swine Flu

UPDATE: The World Health Organization announced the Swine Flu or H1N1 Virus is a global pandemic - our first in 41 years. Also, this virus will prove resilient in summer months. Don't let your guard down while teaching summer school or in special programs! "How to be Proactive with Swine Flu": http://www.ehow.com/how_4932177_proactive-swine-flu.html

Substitute teachers find ourselves bouncing from classroom to classroom with a new set of germs to greet us each assignment. We are more vulnerable than the "regular" teacher who is with the same set of kids and classroom daily. I am washing and sanitizing my hands so much they are drier than ever! Overreacting? No, I'm playing it safe.

As you check in the office for your daily assignment, ask if there are any precautionary measures you need to be aware of as far as procedures and protocols with swine or H1N1 flu. From the educator standpoint, it behooves you to keep abreast of the latest facts as even the youngest children are commenting on this issue. If it comes up in class discussion - you'll impress them with your knowledge gleaned from the best and most up to date source: Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/

Stay healthy!