Any substitute teachers here?

[GRLMGC]

I was thinking of maybe going into substitute teaching since it seems pretty flexible. Anyone care to share their experiences?

[KitchenWitch]

1. I know Kajsa is a substitute teacher

Middle school IIRC.

I am sure she could help with your decision making.

[GRLMGC]

2. Oh, cool

My uncle recommended it to me. I think i'd rather work in elementary schools since my patience tends to wear then with middle school kids. My uncle said he could recommend me for some ESL classes in high school too since I'm bilingual and they tend to be pretty nice kids.

[MrScorpio]

3. You called?

[GRLMGC]

4. YES!

The expert in Espanol!

[MissMarple]

5. Years and years ago...

You will need quite good classroom management skills. Never depend on the "lesson plans". Those are just guidelines, especially if you are out of your area. Bring your own stuff, age appropriate, just in case. Never get into an argument with a student about how things are supposed to go. The quiet ones may have the best advice about basic procedure. Good luck, sweetheart.

Oh, and have firm, quiet, authoritative control as they walk into the classroom. That is important. Eye contact, calm, firm.

[GRLMGC]

6. Thanks for the advice

We'll see how things go :)

[femmocrat]

7. I subbed for 12 years!

It can be a very good way to find a full-time job, since a lot of districts hire from their sub lists. And the pay is pretty good now, compared to when I subbed. If you get long-term, they usually pay for benefits.

I always liked it and didn't have many bad experiences. High school is the easiest, because the kids know what to do and don't usually misbehave. Middle school is the hardest level, discipline-wise. Elementary is tricky unless you are an elementary teacher. It's a lot of work and the kids are the most demanding. I refused to do elementary after I got established.

Good luck to you! :)