Another year...?

 

Well, another school year has begun!

Every year seems to bring something new. This year, substitutes had to learn a new substitute management system and get updated on district policies and procedures. It's been a rough start.

I haven't picked up any jobs yet. Unless you're doing a long-term assignment, the beginning of the school year can be a bit of a game when it comes to finding work. We receive job notifications by text and email, but you have to respond almost immediately unless a teacher specifically requests you.

I've also let a few teachers know that I applied for a position at the public library. I've already completed a phone interview and am now waiting to hear back about an in-person interview.

In the meantime, I thought I'd go over some basic substitute policies and procedures that are generally good practice, regardless of the district or state.

1. Know your point person.
Every school has someone who coordinates substitute teachers. It might be the bookkeeper, the principal's secretary, or someone in the front office. Know who that person is—they're your go-to contact if you have questions or need assistance during the day.

2. Arrive early.
Give yourself enough time to check in, find your classroom, review the lesson plans, and get settled before students arrive. Starting the day prepared makes everything run more smoothly.

3. Never leave a class unattended.
If you need assistance, a restroom break, or have an emergency, ask a nearby teacher for help or contact your point person or the front office. Also, don't leave campus during your assigned work hours unless you've been authorized by an administrator.

4. Be honest about what happens in the classroom.
This one may sound obvious, but it's worth mentioning. Many classrooms have cameras, and administrators may review footage if there's a concern. Besides, students are often quick to tell their version of events. Honesty is always the best policy.

5. Leave prohibited items at home.
Do not bring weapons, alcohol, or illegal drugs onto school property. This should go without saying, but unfortunately, it still needs to be said.

Above all, be flexible, dress professionally, and think carefully about what you say. Profanity should never be used, and student information should always remain confidential. Many situations fall under a "need-to-know" basis between students, teachers, and administrators.

If you're interested in learning more about student privacy, take some time to read about FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).

These guidelines may seem like common sense, but trust me—I've heard some pretty unusual substitute teacher stories!

DO:

• Greet students at the classroom door.
• Dismiss students from the doorway.
• Maintain a positive and orderly classroom.
• Walk around the room and actively circulate.
• Keep students on task and engaged.
• Follow the teacher's lesson plans and instructions.
• Ask a neighboring teacher for coverage if you need to step away briefly.

DON'T:

• Allow students to run errands for you (this tends to be a bigger issue in elementary schools).
• Spend long periods sitting behind the teacher's desk.
• Allow students to use their phones if it's against school policy.
• Use your own cell phone except during planning periods or in an emergency.

A colleague suggested that I cover some of the technology challenges substitutes face, so I'll plan to do that in my next post.

Until then, here's to another school year—and hopefully to picking up some substitute jobs soon. Cheers!