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How to Succeed as a Substitute Teacher
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How to Succeed as a Substitute Teacher
Everything You Need From Start to Finish


November 2007 | 160 pages | Corwin

"Substitute teachers are courageous educators. Day in and day out, they walk into unfamiliar classrooms and willingly embrace the challenge of creating meaningful learning experiences under stressful conditions. This marvelous book—with its practical tips and valuable insights—is a must-read for these unsung heroes."
—Lynn G. Beck, Dean and Professor
University of the Pacific

"The book gives substitute teachers value, importance, and worth, something that many of them don't feel and that many school districts and teachers fail to acknowledge."
—Elizabeth Day, Sixth-Grade Teacher
Mechanicville Middle School, NY

Begin every "first day" of school with confidence!

This invaluable handbook provides clear and practical techniques to help substitute teachers walk into a new classroom, create a positive learning environment, and deliver instruction that meets established curriculum standards. An ideal resource for novice and veteran substitute teachers—and for the administrators who hire, train, and supervise them—this book includes:

  • School and classroom procedures
  • Eight key tips for classroom management
  • "What Would You Do?" practice scenarios with multiple solutions
  • Information on professional topics such as permits, pay, networking, and more
  • A checklist of things to do before, during, and after class

 
Foreword
 
Preface: A Message to All Substitute Teachers
Acknowledgments

 
About the Author

 
 
Introduction
Why Substitute Teachers Are Important

 
How Do You Define Success?

 
 
1. Welcome to Substitute Teaching!
Different Work Opportunities That May Be Available to You

 
Types of Schools

 
Types of Programs

 
Variations in Scheduling

 
Average Pay

 
Pros and Cons

 
The Good!

 
The Not-So-Good

 
Tips to Take With You

 
Food for Thought

 
 
2. Setting Sail as a Sub
Getting Started in Your New Job

 
Parking

 
At the School Site: Information and Material to Look for Upon Arrival

 
Substitute Teacher Responsibilities

 
Legal Issues

 
Substitute Teacher Supplies

 
Welcome Back, Kotter: Teaching Where You Were Once Taught

 
Tips to Take With You

 
Food for Thought

 
 
3. General Classroom Procedures
Sample School Schedules

 
A Day in Kindergarten

 
A Day in Elementary School

 
A Day in Secondary School

 
Three Important "To-Do" Lists

 
Things to Do Before Class

 
Things to Do During Class

 
Things to Do After School

 
Working Together: Paraprofessionals

 
Lesson Planning in a Nutshell

 
Lesson Plan Template

 
Things to Remember When Planning a Lesson

 
When Does a Sub Need a Lesson Plan?

 
Tips to Take With You

 
Food for Thought

 
 
4. Making the Most of Your Position
Benefits of Networking

 
Meeting and Greeting 101

 
Staying in Touch

 
Staying in Touch With People

 
Staying in Touch With Information

 
Applying the 13,000-Hour Apprenticeship of Observation to Substitute Teaching

 
The Learner's Autobiography

 
Respecting Cultural Diversity

 
Tips to Take With You

 
Food for Thought

 
 
5. Eight Classroom Management Tips to Make Your Job Easier
#1 Attitude

 
What Would You Do?

 
#2 Rules, Authority, and Leadership

 
What Would You Do?

 
#3 Using a Gimmick

 
What Would You Do?

 
#4 Getting to Know the Students

 
What Would You Do?

 
#5 Dealing With Disruptions

 
What Would You Do?

 
#6 Flexibility

 
What Would You Do?

 
#7 Developing Mutual Respect

 
What Would You Do?

 
#8 Preventing Problems

 
What Would You Do?

 
Tips to Take With You

 
Food for Thought

 
 
6. Staying Safe
Unfortunately It Can Happen...

 
Protect Yourself

 
Protect the Students

 
Protect Your Stuff

 
Protect School Property

 
Tips to Take With You

 
Food for Thought

 
A Final Word

 
 
Resources
A. State-By-State Information

 
B. Substitute Teacher's Log

 
C. Elementary School Sub Report

 
D. Secondary School Sub Report

 
E. Online Sources of Free Materials for Teachers and Substitutes

 
 
Glossary
 
References
 
Suggested Readings
 
Index

"Substitute teachers are courageous educators. Day in and day out, they walk into unfamiliar classrooms and willingly embrace the challenge of creating meaningful learning experiences under stressful conditions. This marvelous book—with its practical tips and valuable insights—is a 'must-read' for these unsung heroes."

Lynn G. Beck, Dean and Professor
University of the Pacific

"All the ins and outs of how to be successful as a substitute teacher are revealed in this very readable and practical guide. Rude's numerous and clever teaching and classroom management tips are extremely helpful for novice and seasoned teachers alike."

Robert Oprandy, Professor of Education
University of the Pacific

"The book gives substitute teachers value, importance, and worth, something perhaps many of them don't feel and that many school districts and teachers perhaps fail to let the substitute know."

Elizabeth Day, Sixth-Grade Teacher
Mechanicville Middle School, NY

"Provides good, solid information to anyone interested in working as a substitute teacher. Covers everything from what to expect as a new substitute teacher to useful resources for experienced substitutes."

Claudia Schwartz, Director of Field Experiences
Benerd School of Education, University of the Pacific

"The author has done an excellent job covering this important topic. Not only is the material clear and concise, it is interesting and helpful. Anyone interested in becoming a substitute would benefit from rading this book and carrying it with them as they fill this critical position in schools."

Jolene Dockstader, Seventh-Grade Language Arts Teacher
Jerome Middle School, ID

"Should be required reading for student teachers and prospective substitute teachers. You can't imagine how helpful the ideas about reporting to the classroom teacher are until you get the 'classes were fine' report from the substitute and something entirely different from the students or the administrator!"

Deanna Brunlinger, Science Teacher
Elkhorn Area High School, WI

"The book gives practical and useful suggestions to help anyone who decides to become a substitute teacher. I would buy this book and leave it on my desk with my substitute folder. Substitute teachers will definitely find this book helpful and easy to access."

Florence Krokos, Teacher
Harding Elementary, Granada Hills, CA

"The author includes a checklist of things to do before, during, and after class, an immense help to anyone just entering a classroom—including a new full-time teacher."

Beverly Wixon, Language Arts Department Chair
Kathleen Middle School, Lakeland, FL

"The book is almost conversational in tone, and one feels confident that the author really knows her stuff!"

Elizabeth F. Day, Teacher
Mechanicville Middle School, NY

"This book is quite comprehensive and has valuable advice for substitute teachers. I would recommend it to all the incoming subs in our building."

Carrie Carpenter, Program Coordinator
Deschutes Edge Charter School, Redmond, OR
Key features
  • A "first days of class" resource for substitute teachers
  • Short, clear, practical, and well organized,
  • Offers useful tips and strategies
  • Covers professional topics (permits, pay, networking, and more); school and classroom procedures; teaching tips for before, during, and after class; and 8 key tips for classroom management
  • Includes "What Would You Do" practice scenarios with multiple solutions
  • Appropriate for anyone who hires, trains, and supervises substitute teachers

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ISBN: 9781452297569

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