Anyone substitute teach?

Question

Please tell me all about it, I am thinking about doing it. I would like all aspects and suggestions....

Do you work everyday?

What is it like in general?

Thanks so much!

Answer 1

I subbed for several years after retiring from business.  The first two years I worked every day but mostly one-day assignments.  After that I had semester or year-long assignments.  My last year of subbing I purposely worked only a few days a week.  Around here at least, subs are in demand.  In this city they are paid over $100/day.  

You will need to take some classes (I wound up getting another masters over time!)  I eventually taught (night and weekend) teacher seminars in portfolio assessment, writing process, and cooperative learning.  I worked with debate and speech kids as well after school and accompanied them to speech/debate tournaments.  What was supposed to be a part time effort to get me out of the house a few days a week, turned into my third career.

Answer 2

I have substituted before and it is really easy. Basically you get a call from the school and come in. Most schools have you go through a simple training that consist of a few hours. At this training they get you phone number and days you are free to sub.

If the teacher knew that they were going to be out then they typically have a plan ready. Sometimes they have emergency plans left with other teachers for last minute occasions.

This is how it works in my school system. It might be different for other schools.

For me it was a pleasant experience. I did have a little trouble with a few students but I handled that with help from neighbor teachers.

Most teachers are very helpful and willing to give you a hand if you are lost.

Answer 3

  

     Well, before I became an Adult School and College English Instructor, I spent a year sub-teaching at various grade levels.   Depending on your preference, there are many grade levels to choose from--or simply all.  

     When I first started, I tried at the primary grade level and discovered that I didn't like to discipline.  I then tried at the secondary level and found it better, but still difficult to discipline.  Lastly, I tried the Adult School level and fell in love--I could actually teach with out having to discipline!  

     You may like to discipline or have the knack for it.  Do understand that as a Sub-Teacher most children and teens--not all-love a "Sub Day" and think of it as a "Free Day"--the trick is to be firm and question students, do an ice-breaker activity, get to know them, and don't be a stereotypical Sub-Teacher.

The Best of Luck to Ya!    ;  )

Answer 4

I've been subbing since January, and yes I like it.

Don't get me wrong.  I have plenty of bad days.  I often lack coherent lesson plans, basic information (like a bell schedule), respect (from students as well as the "real" teachers), and if I weren't married, I wouldn't be able to make a living at it.  However, I am essentially my own boss.  I decide what days I'm willing to work and what classes I'm willing to take.  It's also given me hands-on experience for when I eventually go back to school.  I have a B.A. but not in education.

Last year I could have easily worked every day I wanted.  This year there's been 3 days I haven't gotten calls.  Teachers take more days off as the year progresses and they're more burnt out.  Plus, with the economy being so bad, there are a lot of people in my area who have become subs until they can find another job.  In GA, all you need is a clean background and a GED to sub.  Other states have stricter requirements.  I also eliminated some of the further away schools I sub at because gas was until very recently $4 plus a gallon.

Every day is different.  Today I had middle school art, last week I had high school computers, tomorrow I may have elementary school special education.  Flexibility is an essential skill for a sub.

Subbing isn't quite like really teaching, but there are worse jobs out there.

http://www.csrnet.org/csrnet/substitute/

Answer 5

Try my answer here.  There are also some really good other answers on this page:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 6

I found with little kids it was important to learn the names of kids who seemed to have a lot of energy before the day started- pay close attention.  They are surprised when you can immediately say "Jorge, sit down now!"  Have a pocket full of stickers, and reward people who are working hard or do something kind, and everyone will start being good.  Some of the schools where I subbed had 10-15 min of recess, so I would have a jar and bag of dried beans, and when everyone was really behaving, I'd add beans.  If they filled the jar, I'd give extra recess.  

With middle school, you have to figure out what motivates them.  I had one school full of really tough kids, but once they got to know me and I got to know them, I found out break dancing was huge.  So if they worked for 40 min, I let the move the furniture for the last 10 min of class and break dance.  So they didn't pull out their knives, or turn off the lights during my class anymore.

Answer 7

I spent a year as a sub when I was trying to get my name known in the district that I wanted to work in,  Because I was willing to cover any subject, after the first 2 weeks, I was able to work any day that I wanted to.

If you want to succeed, you will need to be flexable and roll with the punches.  Don't let yourself be stressed by anything the kids try to pull.

The only drawback for me is that the pay is so low.