Life As a Substitute Teacher

For the past few weeks I have been substitute teacher for two reasons: (1) To pass the time until baby boy arrives (only 4 more weeks until my due date and I CAN NOT wait) and (2) To earn some extra cash, that's never a bad thing.  Anyway... I haven't had too many jobs, but the ones I have been able to get have taught me some important lessons about children, teaching, and schools.  I thought I would share.

LESSON 1: Each grade come with its own challenges and delights. 

The other day I subbed for the music teacher at my old school. That day I was able to teach every grade level, K-6.  I came away with some great insights into each grade. 

KINDERGARTEN- they could possible be the CUTEST kids in the whole school.  They are so little.  However, they can't to ANYTHING by themselves.  They also say the most random things, like, "My mommy is having a baby too and she is naming her Shaniqua" right when we are reading "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly." OR "I know why your tummy is so fat.  Because you have a baby in there."   

FIRST GRADE- They are still so little and again can't really do much on their own.  They still say the MOST random things only now they can raise their hand and wait for you to call on them before they share that they went camping 2 weeks ago.

SECOND GRADE- They are getting a little older, but are still capable of having "accidents" in class.  Not the most pleasant thing to deal with.  They are so cute, but DO NOT think I'm funny.  I was teaching and  and they would just look at me with a blank stare.  I was sitting there thinking to myself, "Hello, I'm funny, laugh already!"

THIRD GRADE- In my opinion possibly the BEST grade EVER.  They are getting older, they think I'm funny, they still LOVE their teacher, but they are also getting bigger and are learning more complicated subject matter. 

FOURTH GRADE- Also another GREAT grade.  And since I was able to teach about half of my old students I might be a little biased, but they could be the SECOND best grade.  Again, they think I'm funny but are still young.

FIFTH GRADE- Getting older and a little bit "too cool" for school.  But, I can still get them to do what I want them to.

SIXTH GRADE- Here is where I'm just at a loss.  They come in with a "way too cool for school" attitude and I don't really know how to change their minds.  I admire those that can teach 6th graders when they have this attitude AND when they are starting to smell bad.  And I mean REALLY bad!

LESSON 2 - The Principal Makes ALL The Difference

Today I taught 1/2 day for a full day kindergarten teacher.  Her class was HARD.  If I was the teacher of those students I would have a hard time with some of them.  However, her class was COMPLETELY out of control.  I did my best to manage them and I felt as though I was failing ... miserably!  But ... when the end of my time drew closer 2 of the aids told me I was doing a fabulous job that the morning had gone better than most mornings ever do!  I was shocked.  Then when I was leaving the school several people in the office asked if I had "SURVIVED" because they knew how hard of a class it was.

I was thinking to myself, if you KNOW that the class is so hard, why don't you DO something about it!

I have personally taught in 2 schools and I have learned that the PRINCIPAL makes all the difference.  Now, you might be saying ya ok, but the teacher is really the one who matters.  Yes, your child's teacher is the one who will be directly interacting with your child each day ... BUT ... it is the PRINCIPAL that sets the tone for the whole school.  Do you want a principal that asks your teacher if they  "survived" or one whole helps your teachers succeed and gives them guidance and resources to succeed?

I can honestly say that I had one of the best PRINCIPALS and FACILITATORS at Sunset View.  They were strong leaders that set you up for success, who care for EACH and EVERY teacher AND STUDENT.  They EXPECTED the VERY BEST from each of us, and because they expected it, we GAVE IT!  That school is one of the most well run school I have EVER seen.  Thank you Anne-Marie and Michelle for making my teaching experience such a wonderful one.  I learned a lot about education and TRUE leadership from both of you.

Now, will you still be around when my kids are in school?  Because I don't want to send them anywhere else!