California Educator

October 2013

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Learning t the Abouok! bo The top 10 tips for and from subs below are based on the Make a Difference in a Day handbook, which is literally a cookbook of ideas covering classroom management, talking to teens, lesson planning and delivery strategies, understanding motivation, and students with special needs. Authors Elliot and Fox wrote the handbook for substitutes and beginning teachers. For more on the handbook, go to substituteteacherhandbook.org. Find resources for substitutes at nea.org/substitute. Advice for substitute teachers ON CTA'S FACEBOOK PAGE. Terry Pesta I have always told the substitutes: "Feel free to vary the plans to fit your needs, especially if you have a special skill or lesson that you would like to share." Over the years this led to my students being taught skills or lessons that I could not teach. It also let the visiting teachers know that they were respected as professionals. JoAnne Clark I regard the behavior of the kids to be a reflection of their esteem for the teacher. I try to prepare a sub for the dynamics of those classes that can easily get out of control, and I let them know my policies re: bathroom passes, requests to see the nurse (don't ever refuse!) or other teachers/counselors. Jeff Hicks Advocate for higher pay for subs. Some districts have been paying subs the same daily rate for 20 years. Speak to your union president about the need to raise sub pay. Ruth McLean Eller I have found most subs to be very conscientious. Thanks for all your hard work! 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 It's important to stick to the lesson plan. Return my classroom the way you found it. Please enforce my classroom rules. Be clear with the class about your expectations and be consistent in enforcing them. Use professional behavior with students and school personnel. Be aware of appropriate language and appropriate dress. Don't try to be the students' friend. Don't accept assignments which are beyond your academic abilities or comfort zone. Leave some contact information in case I do need to call or email you. Don't overreact or underreact. Get enough training in classroom management to keep the class under control. OCTOBER 201 3 Educator 10 Oct 2013 v2.1 int.indd 51 www.cta.org 51 10/7/13 9:39 PM

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