A High-Fat Substitute

A Bit More optimistic

2005-11-13T21:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks to H0kie Erin for the kind words on the last post. I know it's not just me, and that makes me even more frustrated sometimes. I know there are so many excellent potential teachers out there, but due to limited options, they can't achieve that dream.

I'm still mulling over what I plan to do. Don't count me out completely. I've sent off for some transcripts, and I can't do anything, really, until they get here.

I just want to give up.

2005-11-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

I'm just pissed off at a lot of things right now.

One issue has been my future plans to teach. Basically, unless I'm best buddies with someone in a helpful position, I'm going to have to go back to college for 2 years to get certified.

Which wouldn't be horrible. Except for the fact that I know what's going to happen with any Tennessee college. They're going to take one look at my transcript from a Kentucky college and say:

Well, you'll have to take all these certification classes...and, oh yes, this class and that one, and oh, all 10 of those classes don't convert to anything that will help you, so you'll have to take these other classes as well...

why Why WHY?!? Why should it take me practically getting a second bachelor's degree to teach in the field I received my FIRST bachelor's degree in? Why can't they have a fast-track for people in this type of situation? People who teach business technology can fit their classes in four years of school. Why should it have to take me eight, when I only need teacher education classes?
Why is it such a long and tedious road for me to take a test and get a little piece of paper, when there are people teaching classes who ARE certified, but they aren't certified in that field?

I'm so disgusted at this point, that I'm ready to just throw up my hands and quit. We do not have the money for four more years of college at MTSU or Tenn. State. We do not have the money for 2 years of (now) out of state tuition at Western.

Some people would say, well, if that's what you want to do, you'd find a way to do it. You apparently haven't been reading for very long. So many other issues are involved, like finances and time and infertility and fat and new house/new town and, just, AHHHHH!

Like some of you care. People have to suck it up and make sacrifices all the time, so what makes me so special? Well, you're right. That's why I'm going to start sending off the resumes and finding a computer job.

Because I'm tired. I'm sick of wondering what I should do next, and not getting any answers. I wasn't looking for shortcuts; I just thought there might be a more efficient way to let me become a teacher. And I realize that I just need to quit whining and do something.

Even becoming a substitute is doubtful. Yes I enjoyed it, but apparently there's a whole different set of hoops to jump through here to become well, as well as lower pay. Pay is really not the issue, though; subbing while knowing that I won't ever become a full-time teacher would depress me even more. Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with subbing. I loved doing it, and wanted to help others as well. For me, though, it was just a middle ground to eventually having my own class.

If you have suggestions, by all means, offer them (as long as they're helpful and not hurtful, of course). I feel as if I'm at a dead end.

Sorry I've Vanished

2005-10-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

A lot has been happening in my life the past few months.

I was enrolled at WKU and starting my first teacher certification classes when my husband was offered a job in Nashville, TN. With selling the house and moving, and our lack of finances, I made the decision to drop my classes and get a tuition refund.

Right now I'm packing up for the big move. I'm not subbing or anything right now because of everything else going on.

It's kind of a weird, hanging in limbo feeling that I have. I'm not really sure where I'm going next. I need to work to help with the bigger house payment we're going to have, but I don't know if I'll be subbing again, or if I'll be able to qualify for the "fast track" option that they have in TN for computer and math teachers. I may be able to do neither and wind up working as a receptionist or something, if I can't get consistent work.

I miss subbing, and I'm disappointed I had to put my dream on hold. But I've wanted this move for a long time, so I can be closer to my family. If it means waiting a bit longer to become a teacher, then so be it.

I'm still going to keep this blog up, because I know that I'll soon be back to subbing at least, and I'll hopefully have more stories and help for all of you first-time substitute teachers.

A Quick Summer Update

2005-06-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

Here's an update on what's been going on so far this summer:

I applied for the teaching job and...nada. Did not even get an interview. Pissed me off royally that they were all like, "Well, we'll still take your application seriously, but we have to go with some certified if they are more qualified" yadda yadda yadda...but I honestly think they just tossed it in the trash along with those reference letters I worked my ASS off to get. Le sigh. I'm sure it's someone certified to teach some other subject, but barely knows how to turn a computer on. But hey, he or she is *certified.* certifiable nuts, I say.
The school district I grew up in is practially begging people to teach because they had a third of their teachers move and/or retire this year. But my husband and I are trying to get pregnant, and I'm just not comfortable with jumping into a job, then saying I have to take maternity leave within my first year there. So I'm in a way grateful I did not get the other job I applied for.
I finally, FINALLY am able to log onto my Psychology 100 correspondence study course, almost 2 months after paying for the damn thing. I've went through half the course in almost two weeks, and hope to finish up right around the time my Desktop Publishing class starts up in July. Then it's a full 18 hour course load come the end of August.
Above mentioned pregnancy could also put a damper on my education plans for spring (depending of course on how quickly I get preggers). I have no nearby family or friends to help out, and I will have to commute 2 days a week possibly if we can't move closer to my school by then. Trying not to worry about it until spring registration rolls around, but I still think about it.
I am HATING my house right now. Horrible air-conditioning, a constant barrage of ants that even a nuke wouldn't kill off, and a neighborhood that's getting worse by the day is making me cuckoo bananas. I am tired of living so far from my family, and I do not want to raise my yet unconceived child so far away from his/her grandparents. I am not getting stuck in a hot house with a screaming child, being chased by ants while my cats look on laughing, and wondering when the inevitable break-in of my home will occur. I want out of here now!
The fertility medicine I'm taking, Clomid, is making me as mean as a viper, cry a river, and whine and cling like a kid with separation anxiety issues. And that's only in the first few hours after I take it!!! Can't you tell?
Stuff around the house needs to be done, events are coming up that I don't want to deal with, work issues are plaguing my husband, and life just sucks more than a little bit right now.

Hope your summer is going well! At least better than mine...

So did I actually apply for that job?

2005-05-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

I sent in my resume, transcript, and filled out some kind of teacher insight questionnare by Gallup. Now I'm trying to track down 3 people who will write me recommendation letters. I know, I know, I should've realized this was coming, but I honestly didn't think about it until they mentioned it.

The recommendation letters are really becoming more of a hassle than they are worth. Look, I know that I've worked hard at every job and computer or business class I've had. I hope I don't sound too confident, but I've always been told I did great at all the IT internships I've had. So why is it so hard to get one of these people to write me a recommendation letter that talks about my skills and abilities when it comes to computers? I have tried contacting 5 people, and only ONE is actually in the process of writing me a letter. The rest are former professors and supervisors who seem to have forgotten how phone and email work.

This is really starting to stress me out. For one thing, I always feel like I'm just as bad as a telemarketer when I call these people. I know that shouldn't be the case and it's not like I call these people all the time asking for reference letters. This is probably the first time I've contacted most of them about something like this.

I've already been told that if someone accepts the position, and has certification, that he or she would have to be chosen over me since I don't have certification. That's fine and I can accept that. But if I can't even stay in the running because I can't pull together 2 more recommendation letters, well, that's just going to really piss me off.

The assignments begin to roll in

2005-05-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

I finally got a sub assignment today. It was for a 4th/5th grade combo math class at ES#4. This one was also way outside the city limits, but I made it on time. I left early enough because I knew it would take 15-20 minutes to get there, unlike the incident the above link leads to.

Combination classes are interesting, and I've never seen or subbed in one before. The class structure consisted of a homeroom (a mixture of 4th and 5th graders) that participated in various projects until 9:45. Then they left for an hour at the library and computer lab. At 11:00, they went to their lockers and began going to different classes every hour. In my case, the teacher I subbed for was the math teacher, so she had 2 classes of 5th graders and 2 classes of 4th graders for the rest of day.

I don't know how much they benefit the students (if someone wishes to share their experience with combo classes, let me know, I've just never seen one before so I can't judge the benefits), but I can tell you that it definitely helps out with behavior issues and it benefits subs. I only had minor issues during the day, with one or two students talking, and writing their names down after repeated warnings was enough to stop that. The rest of the students were great. I don't know if the switching classes helps them let off steam during the trips to their lockers or what, but they were definitely more subdued and paid more attention than any other elementary class I've had. If I had to teach elementary school, this is the kind of class I would push for.

It was probably one of my best elementary school experiences, but it still left me feeling exhausted and swearing to myself never to teach below a 6th grade level unless I have no choice. Once again, I say that elementary school teachers are a special kind of group. You must live on coffee or energy bars to keep up with those kids all day.

Assignments have been lined up for Wednesday and Friday as well. Both of them are English classes at HS#2, only with different teachers.

I knew this was coming. All was relatively quiet during the two weeks of state testing except for that one day at HS#2. Not only are the teachers running for the hills at this point (and throwing papers up in the air in glee), but some of them still have work to do involving the students' portfolios.

In my state, the students are required to create a writing portfolio. I can't give you a whole lot of detail because I didn't go to school here, but I do know that they place a large emphasis on these portfolios. A lot of the teachers out this week are out due to grading those portfolios or doing SOMETHING concerning them.

It's a bit nerve wracking at this time of year as well. There are only about 3 weeks left in the school year, and all the students are getting serious cabin fever symptoms. I've had some of my worst classes ever since they had spring break, and I fear it's going to get worse. Today was a lovely surprise, and I just hope that my luck continues on for the rest of the week.

If I really wanted to, I could just say that I can't sub for the next 3 weeks. Subbing is something I do because I mostly (enjoy) it and I want the experience. It's not a job I have to do, fortunately, because my husband makes enough to support us both.

But I think I'll continue to sub for the rest of the year. If anything, I think that it will help sharpen my classroom management skills. Or drive me crazy, whichever comes first. But then I'll have 2-3 months to get sane again,so it will all work out in the end!

Right? Hello? ;)

I need your advice.

2005-04-24T22:26:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving this post on top so everyone can see it and hopefully offer suggestions.

There is a Computer Applications teaching position available in the area I plan on moving to in a few months. I have considered applying for it, but I'm nervous. Will they just laugh in my face and throw out the application because I'm not certified? There are alternative routes to certification in my state, but there has to be a job lined up first, and I'm willing to go through night and summer classes if I can get this position.

Plus, it will also mean that I can move into the area earlier than I had anticipated, and that would be a fantastic bonus. I would be closer to my family, which is something that I've wanted for a long time.

I have a lot of experience using the types of applications that I would probably be teaching. The curriculum itself would not be challenging...my difficulties would probably lie in classroom management. I've done well in middle schools as a substitute, but I know that it's totally different having your own classroom.

I would rather go ahead and go through the planned 2 year program for my second B.S. and certification (because I think it will better prepare me for teaching), but since teaching positions for computer classes aren't exactly in abundance (especially in the area I plan to live), should I go ahead and apply? Please tell me what you think. I don't know how different the teacher application process is from any other type of job.

I jinxed myself.

2005-04-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

I got a call this morning around 10:00am for HS #2. Apparently someone had really messed up and didn't line up a substitute teacher for a math teacher's class, and they needed me to get there as soon as possible..

They are taking the state testing every day for the first 2 and a half hours. For the rest of the day, they are dividing up the 4 classes so students could fit in all their classes. This will go on for about a week and a half to two weeks (depending on the school).

I missed the testing part, but I got there in time for the first class right after it. For some reason, the testing had run over, so the first class only had 15 minutes before the bell rang to change classes. They were supposed to do a worksheet, but it was all I could do to keep them from jumping off the desks. And these were HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. I just handed the sheet out and decided to concentrate on avoiding a war for the 15 minutes I had them. I was really grateful that I didn't have them any longer.

Then came lunch and my second class right after that. The majority of the students were fine, but there were 3 or 4 boys that would not pay attention. I had a teaching assistant in there with me, and she was really nice, but those boys were so disrespectful to her, and it really pissed me off. She just shrugged it off, which is a good thing to do every now and then, but she shouldn't let them do it all the time. I suspect that the regular teacher doesn't give them consequences for treating her like that, and that really bothers me.

This was a Math Concepts class, which consisted of mostly juniors. I suspect most of their problem was that they didn't know how to do the assignments. I tried to help as best I could, but there wasn't a book I could check to see if I was doing it right or not, and even the teacher assistant didn't really know what she was doing. It wasn't something I covered very much in high school, so I couldn't pull anything from memory.

Next class was a planning period. I grabbed some bottled caffeine and set up for the final class. I mean, they actually used a BOOK. With EXAMPLES even! Wow! Who would've thought? It was just Pythagorean Theorem, but hey, it was something easy I could help them with.

The last class (which is normally 1st block) finished up their assignments with about half an hour left. I just let them talk and relax a bit, because I knew they had been through a lot of testing this morning.

Some things I've got to work on though are getting better control over a class and keeping an eye on the people who want a hall pass. I couldn't assign any homework because the teachers aren't allowed to assign homework during testing. I made sure to ask the front desk about disruptive students at the end of the day, and they said that since I can't write any referrals or detentions, that it's perfectly fine to send the student to the office if I have to. That's great, and as the year comes to a close, I'll probably have to do that.

It's very quiet around here

2005-04-18T22:12:00.000-07:00

Didn't get a call today. I probably won't get one for a few weeks. State testing started today and will continue for up to two weeks. I'm not sure, but I believe that subs are less likely to be called during state testing.

This is not a huge problem. I've got spring cleaning that I've been putting off as well as a contact lens fitting. Exterminators are coming by Wednesday and will hopefully get rid of our ongoing ant problem (trust me, if it's a product on the market, we have tried it...the little fuckers just keep coming back). Hopefully, they'll get my correspondence study account ready tomorrow or Wednesday, so I can get started on my Introduction to Psychology course.

However, I'll still be around, posting a bit here and there on school-realted issues or ranting on stuff I can't discuss in my blog that my family and friends read all the time.

What I'm NOT looking forward to are the calls I'm going to get right after state testing. Those kids will only have about 2 1/2 weeks after the testing winds up on April 29th, and they will be climbing the walls every single day. It just sends chills up my spine to think of all the mayhem.

I am so pissed right now

2005-04-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

Words cannot describe how I feel right now. The only ones that come close are ones that mom would have smacked me for saying when I was a little kid.

I have just had the class from hell. These were the worst group of students I've ever had to deal with.

I got a late call this morning for a P.E. teacher. His first class was weightlifting, which consisted of 25 freakishly large male students stuck in a weight room for an hour and a half with a 5'4 tall, (almost) 24 year old, chunky female sub who actually got mistaken for a high school student just this morning by one of the other P.E. teachers.

I was placing mental bets on who would get killed by a flying dumbbell first.

Surprisingly, the class went smoothly. Most of the guys were done with about 20 minutes to go before they went back to the locker room, so I let them play basketball too. Hell, I honestly didn't care. They had folders to fill out with information on their reps and such, and he should know they fly right through them, so I wasn't going to try to make 25 towering boys who were in 10th and 11th grade stay in the weight room and do nothing for 20 minutes.

Because someone would definitely had been killed then, I'm sure.

Next up was a first aid class, which was a mix of male and female students. They had to copy some information from the board (about half a page), and then all the lesson plan said was, "have them study for their test next class."

Honestly, what the fuck? It is a Friday, 71 degrees and gorgeous outside, and these kids have their state testing next week. Do you REALLY think a single one of them will so much as glance at their book? HahaHAHA, the joke's on me.

Except that it's not. One of the kids brought the movie Independence Day, and since it was PG-13, I let them watch it. What else was I going to do? Stare them down the whole period? I didn't even have the book for the class, and it didn't look like the kids did either, so it wasn't like I could pull from that. And these kids were too old for games (though I might have gotten a few of them interested in 90's Trivial Pursuit). But we were all lazy, so I cut them a break, and it was a quiet, boring, and noneventful class.

Besides, it wasn't all for nothing. They learned about aliens and visual movie effects. That knowledge is so important in this day and age, you know.

I thought it would be a good day. Oh my GAWD how wrong I was to think that, because I hadn't gotten to the 3rd and final class of the day.

THE class...Satan's minions, walking right here on earth, trapped in stinky male adolescent bodies.

It was a P.E. class of 22 more gigantic guys (since when did teenagers tower over me so damn much?). I thought it would be smooth sailing after the weightlifting class. After all, these guys had to run 6 laps and then they could play basketball the whole time. I had a class like this last semester (girls and guys) for a different teacher and they were fine.

It was utter chaos. 3 or 4 guys wouldn't dress out and sat down, claiming they were injured. I haven't seen that many hurt knees and heard that much whining since third grade, and not one of them had a doctor's excuse like they were supposed to, so I wrote their names down. Even though they were "hurt" they still would get up and shoot a ball every now and then.

The rest of them were mouthy and kept kicking the balls and trying to dunk while launching off each other's backs. I knew that someone was going to get smacked in the face with a ball, they'd get pissed off, and all hell would break loose. So I tried to get them to actually play basketball. I threatened, I yelled, I was a major bitch by all accounts...it didn't work. I even tried being nice, but that didn't work either.

After telling this one kid (who never would give me his real name) numerous times to sit down or play, just pick one, he started arguing with me, "But but but..." I said, "But nothing. Now sit down." He grabbed a ball and asked me to repeat what I said, trying to wave the ball around menacingly. I quietly replied with, "Is that a threat?" and he backed down, saying he was just joking.

In hindsight, I should have carted their collective asses to the office, but I was trying to give them breaks (see above about weather, it being a Friday, and state testing). I haven't had this difficult a group since my first day, and I guess I forgot that sometimes I need to be a bitch to get things done.

Finally, when they started bugging me about going to the locker rooms 20 minutes early, I went to get one of the coaches to help me. I felt SO bad having to do this, but my temper was at the breaking point and I was really scared that someone would get hurt on my watch, and it might affect future jobs.

He came in there and helped keep them at bay. Turns out there's quite a few of them that are on the verge of getting kicked out, and they're a tough group to handle even by the full-time teacher. He told me to get the names and details of what happened, and the regular teacher would take care of it. I told him I didn't know if I would ever sub for this group again, and he said, "Well, we definitely don't want to be the teachers who own the class that you say you'll never sub for again, so I think he'll take care of it."

So I wrote a very long and detailed note describing the situation. I know I should've done more, especially about the joked threat. But I'm not used to being put in that situation, and to be honest, I did feel a little intimidated by all those gigantic guys. With the wacked out people you have these days, who knows what someone might threaten you with for real?

This is something I'm going to have to get control of though, especially if I want to teach full-time. I can't let this happen to me, and right now, I feel like an absolute failure that I couldn't keep control of this group. This is only the second time since I started subbing that I've felt like this.

It's one of those rare occasions where I question whether or not I should even sub, much less be a full-time teacher.

On my way to another degree

2005-04-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

I finally made my first trip back to the college I am returning to in the fall, henceforth known as BRU. That's not the acronym for the college, either; it's simply a nickname that is easy to type.

I needed to get some paperwork out of the way and my summer schedule needed to be fixed.

Bascially, my biggest issue has been with Introduction to Psychology 100. At BRU, they require that all students wishing to become teachers take Education Psychology 310. The only problem with that is the fact that during my first degree, I never took Psy 100. I took Sociology and Philosophy instead, which satisfied my general education requirements.

Now, if I wait until the fall semester to take Psy 100, it will make my schedule FUBAR. Instead of being a full-time student and graduating in May 2007, I would be a mostly part-time student and graduate in May 2008. This is due to the fact that a handful of classes are only offered in certain semesters and that most of the upper level courses have tons of prerequisites and corequisites and requisites that require you to stand on one foot and pick your nose at the same time.

My issue with taking Psy 100 during the summer is due to the long commute. It is a 3 hour, 140 mile round trip drive to BRU. They do not offer any Psy 100 courses at the extended BRU campus where I live. I would have to pay 3 bucks a day in tolls and 8 bucks in gasoline (at the current price). No local college (all of which are private) offer a summer Psy 100 course.

Regardless, the Psychology department at BRU wouldn't give me a break. So I signed up for a 3 week May session of the course and decided I would just drive every day for 3 weeks and be done with it.

Fortunately, my Desktop Publishing professor told me about Correspondence Study at BRU, which has a web-based Psy 100 class for the same price as the May session course. I signed up for it, and will begin the course in a few days.

Because of correspondence study, I will work on the lessons at home and submit them online to the professor of the course. I will also take the exam from home. I can finish it in as little as eight weeks, and because its web based, I never have to drive to BRU for a class.

I'm also taking my Desktop Publishing course this summer, but that is also web based, so I won't have to drive either.

I'll have to go back to campus one more time before the fall semester. I have to take a test that will hopefully get me out of Word Processing.

This is my current schedule for the summer and fall:

Summer 2005:

* Psychology 100
* Desktop Publishing
* Testing out of Word Processing

Fall 2005:

* introduction to Education 250
* Foundation of Middle Grades Education 275
* Management of Family Resources 310
* Organizational Management 310
* Educational Psychology 310
* Business Communication 350

I'm sure that all these courses have different titles than the courses that some of you have taken, but if you can offer any advice or suggestions when it comes to these classes, I'd appreciate it. I might post more information on the courses as the summer goes by.

Last Week's Assignment

2005-04-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't been getting too many calls lately. Our state testing is next week, so I imagine that, right now, the teachers are threatened to not call in sick unless they are practically dying.

I'm sure it will pick up in a few weeks, with the end of the school year a little over a month from now.

I did have one assignment last week. It was a US History/Government class full of juniors, and it did not go very well at all.

The first thing I noticed was that when I got there, I had to go find the teacher's mother in order to get the lesson plan (she had emailed it to her mom). I was expecting a little more than what I got.

It was about a half a page, and all it basically said was:

"First period - The students have a project to work on. They should have brought the necessary materials, besides glue and markers, which I have. If they don't have the stuff for their projects, then have them work on section reviews in their book. They don't have to turn them in."

And that was basically it, except for a small blurb about 2nd and 3rd period going to the computer lab.

Okay, these are high school juniors we're talking about. Do you really think they came prepared? Maybe 4 of them did. I told the rest of them to work on the section reviews, and they basically ignored me and proceeded to chatter and goof off at high volume for the rest of class.

What could I do? In middle school, I can whip out an assignment that I make them hand in. This class had already went through almost every chapter in their book, so I didn't have anything to pull from...plus, they were supposed to be holding onto their section reviews, so I couldn't take those up either. I couldn't find the discipline mark forms, so I couldn't threaten them with those. She didn't even leave me a ROSTER. I had to ask the students who was absent, and for all I know, they lied through their teeth. But I had no choice. I had to turn in an absentee form for every period.

So I let them talk. Hell, if the teacher wasn't going to at least give me a roster and something more substantial for a group of high schoolers, honestly, it's her own damn fault if they don't accomplish anything. I don't see how these kids learn anything when she's actually THERE.

Apparently this teacher is absent a lot, so it's not like she hasn't had to prepare for a sub this semester.

I couldn't find anything in this woman's room. Roster, discipline mark forms, even the glue and markers she talked about in her notes, were all in some secret magical place behind a pile of paper, junk, or something.

The second and third class went to the computer lab for research. Yet something else to piss me off. The computer lab was locked, and I had to keep it locked every time I left the room. So I had to ask the teacher next door (*saracasm* who was a real *pleasant* lady, by the way *saracasm*) to unlock the door 20,000 times for me and my class. I understand that there's a need for security around electronics, but damn people, there wasn't anything in there that wasn't attached by 20,000 wires and would take more than a few minutes to steal. And like someone wouldn't notice a kid sneaking out with a CPU under his shirt or in his clear/mesh backpack.

*rolls eyes*

Of course the kids didn't want to do research. I felt like a mean old lady hovering over their shoulder, telling them to close those minimized windows to subwoofer websites because HELLO, I USED THAT TRICK ALL THROUGH COLLEGE. I finally gave up with the third period, which ignored me anyway, and just let them mess around.

4th period was planning, and when I let those kids go for lunch, I got the hell out of there. If I can keep from it, I will not accept another assignment from this teacher. It was ridiculous, and the most unprepared class I've ever had.

Spring Break Photos

2005-04-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from Norris Lake, which is where I went for spring break last week.

Just in case you were curious, the cabin in the last photo was not the one we stayed in. We spent that Wednesday out on a boat, and that just happened to be a pretty cabin we spotted while out on the lake.

I had a sub call today, but I'm not really in a great mood, so I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.

My Spring Break Trip

2005-04-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

I had a nice and relaxing time at Norris Lake. I'll post photos of it in the next entry, once I figure out how to upload them.

No calls so far this week. I should be using this time to do some spring cleaning, but I've felt lazy.

Tomorrow I'm supposed to talk to my advisor about my fall class schedule. The only problem is that my transcript hasn't went through yet, so I don't know how much we can talk about. I'm supposed to register on Friday, so I hope we can figure something out.

Spring Break!

2005-03-27T22:26:00.000-08:00

I'm off for 4 days at Norris Lake, which is near Knoxville, TN. I promise I'll come back with pictures.

Enjoy your week!

Another New Link

2005-03-24T13:34:00.000-08:00

This time, it's for my teacher blogroll.

While checking out the links from the Carnival of Education, I found Tall, Dark, & Mysterious. Moebius Stripper, a college professor, is struggling with a pre-calculus class full of unprepared students. Although I feel sorry for Moebius Stripper, I can't help but laugh when I read some of the entries at TD&M.

For example, we have this, from an entry called I know, blogging about it only makes it worse:

Anyway, since I am right, my screed has not attracted anyone searching for such phrases as “compute covariance on TI-83+” or “polar coordinates graphing calculator”, even though I used all of those words on the same page. However, in the past week, TD&M has absorbed droves of people googling the phrase “how to make a penis graph on a TI-83″. Check it out - I’m number six. And seven. Back on February 28 I did indeed mention both the penis and the TI-83+, but apparently five people did so even more relevantly than I.

Anyone who can somehow incorporate the word penis into a discussion about graphic calculators definitely needs to be in my blogroll.

Link Happy

2005-03-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

I've been surfing around on the Internet quite a bit the last few days and I've found some interesting tidbits that I'd like to share.

First of all, week 7 of the Carnival of Education is up at Jenny D.'s. The Carnival of Education is a great resource to catch up on other educators and their philosophies, teaching methods, and opinions on curriculum, classroom management, and education legislation. I promise you will learn something new every time you check out this collection of excellent and diverse blog entries.

I also added a new link to the Substitute Teacher Resources list on the right side of the blog. You can find just about anything you could ever want at Education World. They have a fantastic library of work sheets for those times where you've went through the teacher's lesson plan and you still have 15 minutes to kill before the bell. They also have articles, tips, and other goodies for substitute and full-time teachers.

There's also Guest-Teacher.com. I'm not so sure if calling myself "guest teacher" instead of "substitute teacher" will gain me any more respect, but it looks like this site has plenty of tips, time killers, and other resources that will benefit teachers.

Keep in mind that all of these links provide resources for any type of educator, so don't dismiss them if they only say "substitute teacher" or "new teachers." I know that I can learn something new from any of these sites that will benefit me in the classroom.

It's Back With A Vengeance

2005-03-23T11:15:00.000-08:00

I CANNOT shake this cold.

I was feeling so much better yesterday afternoon and evening. When I tried going to sleep, my body decided to start draining all that nasty phlegm down my throat.

I involuntarily cough and clear my throat when that happens. So you can imagine the sleepless night that awaited me.

I spent another night on the couch, coughing and hacking until my throat was raw and I could barely swallow.

Right after my husband left to go to work, I moved back to the bed. The phone rang a few times, but I didn't even bother to answer it. I don't know if I would have been able to talk if I had answered it.

I slept for about 5 hours, then had to get up because I couldn't breathe through my nose anymore, and I didn't think my poor throat could take another drying out session.

I tried taking some Tylenol Allergy & Sinus, which has helped a little, but I still feel and sound horrible.

I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. I'll just have to deal with it when it gets here. If I get another call (if they haven't given up on me by this point) and I got a small amount of sleep, I might take an assignment. Or I may develop pneumonia and be out of commission for a month. Who knows?

I just want it to go AWAY. I'm taking Nyquil and Tylenol Allergy & Sinus. I'm using cough drops and putting an insane amount of Vitamin C into my body. I eat chicken noodle soup at least once a day and I'm resting as much as I possibly can. I haven't left the house since last Friday. I even missed my Weight Watchers meeting and didn't exercise at all this past week. I'm bored out of my mind but don't feel like doing anything. I feel guilty that I can't take assignments the week before Spring Break, which would have meant I could've worked most of the week.

Why does this plague of death still have it's claws in me?

I'm supposed to be on vacation the 28th-31st of March. I really hope this flu/plague/cold is gone by then.

How I Sub At Middle Schools

2005-03-22T13:14:00.000-08:00

"System" is really too big of a word for it. I just tried some different ways to push (threaten) the kids so they would finish their work with as little disruption as possible.

The best way I've found to substitute teach for a middle school class is just to be strict, especially when you sub in a class for the first time. Don't budge an inch for those students, no matter how much they try to get you to soften up.

The first day I subbed for that famous seventh-grade science class, I was nervous. I had been to MS#3 one time before, and it had not turned out well. That class kept getting up from their seats, crowding around the door before the bell, and yelling out in class. I was determined to make this class different.

The main difference was the discipline system. I simply wrote "HOMEWORK" on the board and erased the last 4 letters. I announced to each class that I would add a letter every time I had to raise my voice. If I completed the word before the end of class, then they would have to do an essay or some other kind of assignment. They can also earn back letters if they are really quiet.

One class pushed me to complete the word. They ended up having a essay to complete before the end of class. I've now changed this to an assignment from their book that pertains to what they're learning during class.

After that one class did that, on the first day I subbed for them, no other class in that group of seventh graders has gotten so far as the "O" in "WORK." They know I mean business, so they don't try to push me anymore.

I also try to actually discuss the class material with them. A lot of teachers assign reading for the students, but I know that if I just leave them to read it on their own, it won't get done and the class will start to get noisy. It's normally not a lot to read, so after a couple of quick runs through the text during a planning period, I can usually think of enough to actually discuss with the class.

If they have free time, puzzles are always fun, even for the middle schoolers. Before I realized I wasn't going anywhere on Monday, I stayed up late Sunday night, trying to put together some more puzzles.

In a previous assignment, I brought in some puzzles, and found the students really like themed ones, like "Top Billboard Artists" or "Celebrity Women," with names of people that they can relate to. I've also found a few students that love mazes and riddles too. A whole stack of those worksheets gets me through those times where the classes have a little extra time left.

Discovery School's PuzzleMaker is perfect for custom mazes, word searches, or any other type of puzzle. I also found that they really like the "word-zle" I found here and the riddles I found here. Granted, the seventh graders are a little older than the recommended grade level, but a lot of them still got a kick out of guessing the answers, and only a few of them had seen the riddles before.

Finally, sometimes I just listen to them. A lot of times, these students just want to be acknowledged, and they have a unique sense of humor.

My Thoughts On Middle School

2005-03-22T12:52:00.000-08:00

Recently, I came across a rant from a substitute teacher who hated middle school assignments and basically said anyone who chose to teach middle school needs to check their sanity and didn't really want to do it.

I know middle school is almost always a difficult assignment for both full-time and substitute teachers. The students are trying hard to grow up, yet they still possess some vulnerability and desire to please that were in abundance during those elementary school years.

It is a rough stage for any child to go through. I still have very vivid memories of my middle school years, ones that I wish I could forget.

It's just as difficult to teach students who are in middle school.

When I first started substitute teaching, the only assignments I wanted were the ones from the local high schools. I remembered how rude and obnoxious the students were in my middle school(s), and I did not want to deal with that as a teacher.

I got a call for a middle school assignment right after I was put on the substitute teacher list. I turned it down and told her that I only wanted to sub for high school. A few weeks went by with no calls from her. Finally, I got another call, but it was for middle school again. I reluctantly took it, and the assignment was as bad as I feared. Not because of the students themselves, but because I wasn't prepared and I did not have a set system for middle school classes.

As time went on, middle school assignments got easier. I tried different things to get the students to behave and complete their work, and eventually found something that works for me. I'll talk more about that in the next entry.

Now, I really enjoy middle school. In fact, I picked my major because when I'm certified, I can teacher business and/or computers to grades 5-12. So if I get into a middle school, I'll be just as happy as I would be in high school.

I've found that, yes, there are some students in middle school who are rude and obnoxious. There are also a lot of students who are scared, needy, helpful, and really funny. These are the students that remember my name after just one day of being a substitute for them. They are the ones who tell me about fun websites I should check out. If you can get them involved in a discussion, middle school students are the ones who love to talk.

I'm sure it will take a lot of work and effort to be a middle school teacher (if I become one), but I think I'm up for that challenge.

Still Sick

2005-03-22T12:26:00.000-08:00

You remember that assignment that I didn't want to turn down?

Well...I had to turn it down Monday morning. I thought I would feel better by then, but I had a very bad night of no sleep and not being able to breathe.

I hated to do it, but there was no way that I could watch over a seventh grade science class feeling like that. They'd wind up overpowering me and taking over the school. That wouldn't get me too many callbacks, would it?

I was disappointed too, because I've subbed for that particular class 2 or 3 times, and I've put together a good system for middle school assignments because of this particular class. I also really enjoy the kids in this particular science class.

So I spent yesterday (a gorgeous day too) in bed. Last night was another night of pitiful sleep, but I'm actually feeling a little better today. Depressed, but at least I'm not running a fever anymore and I can breathe through my nose.

The students don't have Spring Break until next week. I suspect I may get another call later this week, either tomorrow or Thursday. I know some teachers will want to get out just a little bit early. The 25th is Good Friday, so no one will be in school then.

Lots of Posts

2005-03-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know that I'm bombarding all (probably 3) of you readers with posts today. I'm trying to make up for the lack of posting in the last few weeks.

Some things I forgot to mention about my last assignment:

I absolutely LOVED the lesson plan left for me by the full-time teacher. She had 2 pages of typed notes detailing what test each class had to take, what they could use on the test, what homework needed to be taken up, and what extra worksheets needed to be handed out. She also had a sub folder that was (gasp) updated. It was one of those portfolio folders with the fasteners in it, so it was nothing fancy. She used sheet protectors and had the class schedules, rosters, seating charts, and even notes next to the students I needed to keep an eye on during the tests. I wish EVERY teacher would do this. It is a wonderful and easy way to prepare a substitute teacher for the day.
There was another substitute teacher in the room next to me. Not only was he late (and I had to let his students into their classroom through my room), but the students in his class were loud and out of control. That was difficult for me, because I normally wouldn't gripe about how another substitute teacher does his/her job. However, my classes were taking tests, and I know that all the noise was distracting them. I was really close to actually going over there and asking him to keep the group down, but I didn't, because I didn't want to come across as a bitch, I guess. All I can say is that no matter what, I always try to keep my classes as quiet as possible, because I just don't want them interfering with other classes. I just wish others would do the same.
A few more teachers actually seemed talkative this time and friendly. I didn't spend lunch alone like I normally do. I even got into a fun discussion with a teacher about the Harry Potter series. I also got to talk to some other substitute teachers, which is always interesting.

I'm Feeling Grumpy

2005-03-20T18:34:00.000-08:00

Some little urchin has passed on a nasty head cold to me. I haven't been sick for a long time, but it looks like it finally happened. I thought I had been more tired than usual this week, but I didn't realize that it was just an early sign of sickness.

I had planning during the 4th block of my Friday sub assignment, so I got to come home early. I promptly crashed for about 4 hours, and woke up with the entire right side of my throat raw and tender. It just snuck up on me, with no scratchiness or other early warning sign whatsoever (except for the sleepiness, of course).

So a nice, relaxing weekend has turned into a whining, pathetic, and Kleenex-wielding torturefest complete with Nyquil shots and stuffy head stupor.

The sore throat is gone today, but my head still feels like it's barely attached to my neck and will float away at the slightest jolt. I know it won't be completely gone tomorrow.

So, of course, what happens? I get another early call today for an assignment tomorrow. I would have turned it down, but it's a teacher that I suspect actually requested me. I've substituted for her quite a few times this semester (she's been battling illness, I think), and I do enjoy the class itself. I accepted it, even though I really didn't feel like doing so.

I just need to make sure I take a lot of medicine tonight and get a lot of sleep. I suspect it may be a long day tomorrow.

As for college updates, I got my acceptance letter to the school I just applied to. Now I have to wait for my transfer credits to go through (which will take 2-4 weeks) before I can meet with my advisor and figure out what my schedule is going to look like. I'm a little nervous that some of the classes might be full by the time I actually get to register, but it already looks like it might take longer than 2 years anyway, so I'll just take whatever I can and hope for the best.

Two Day Assignment

2005-03-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

March 17th & 18th (Thursday & Friday)
HS #1
Algebra II, Geometry, & Study Hall

Most of the math teachers were out due to a conference, so I actually got a call the DAY BEFORE (that is new and exciting in itself) for a two day assignment.

It was one of the easiest assignments I've had. The Algebra and Geometry classes all had tests that took almost the entire block (the high schools are on block scheduling) to finish. The study halls only had 2 or 3 students in each one, so I was able to just relax and get to know the students a little better.

My favorite part of being a substitute teacher is probably the rare times when I get to talk and joke around with the students. We talked about colleges, jobs, and life after high school. I (slightly) hope that sharing my experiences about college and work will possibly help the students when it comes to making decisions after high school. I always get a lot of questions about where I went to college, if it was a good school, and what I majored in, so perhaps it does help.

I also showed the NCAA tournaments in the classes both days. I was not the only one doing this. All the full-time teachers got emails stating that it would be okay to show the games in their classrooms, and quite a few did. I turned it on in the study halls because the kids certainly weren't studying.

I also turned the television on (but muted it) during the test taking. I was a little nervous about doing this, just in case the students started focusing more on the games and not their tests, but that didn't happen at all. And it came in handy after some students finished their tests, because it cut down on talking (which also cut down on telling them to be quiet because there are still tests out).

Of course, the students weren't the only ones who wanted to watch the games. I know of someone in particular who was eager to watch the Austin regional games...ahem. So of course I didn't put up too much of a fuss.

I also have to mention the classroom itself. It was definitely the coolest room I've ever substituted in. You could tell the regular teacher had a unique personality. I always like seeing what kind of creative ideas teachers come up with for their classrooms, because I feel that creative environments may very well impact the students, regardless of grade level, as well as the teacher. I know I would definitely look forward to teaching in a bright, colorful classroom rather than a dreary, cold classroom.

I would love to have a classroom environment similar to hers.

Another Step Towards My New Career

2005-03-16T18:22:00.000-08:00

Friday, I finally sent off my application to the college I want to attend.

I never got any comments or advice concerning this post, but I pretty much had my decision made anyway.

I'm going to go with the first option and go ahead and get another bachelor's degree, this time in Business and Marketing Education.

They already have the fall semester schedule up, so I hope my application gets processed quickly and I can register on time. Class spots in the different classes go quickly once everyone gets to register. Plus, my goal is to get classes on only 2 or 3 days of the week.

Honestly, I don't know if we'll have moved close enough for an easy commute by the time the fall semester starts, so I want to drive down there as little as possible if we're still here. It's about a 70 miles and an hour and fifteen minutes one way commute.

I'm excited about it all. Surprisingly, I'm looking forward to going back to school. It will be mostly upper level classes, so I don't have to worry about sitting through another boring General Education course.

I'm Not A Fan of Elementary School Assignments

2005-03-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

The Sub Powers That Be didn't punish me for very long this time. Last week, I got a call for a half-day assignment at an elementary school (ES#3).

I ended up being late because the directions seemed to indicate that it was right outside the city limits. Uh, yeah, about 20 MINUTES outside the city limits. It was out in the middle of nowhere.

The teacher understood though. She just laughed and said the same thing happened to her when she came out there for her interview.

This time, it was fifth graders, which was a new experience for me. I've only subbed for 3rd graders before.

The little urchins were horrible. Oh my God, you'd think they'd be better behaved than 3rd graders, but they weren't. I don't know if someone snuck sugar into their lunches, or if their teacher gave them all candy before she left and wound them up, but they would not shut UP.

They were supposed to have free time after lunch, but due to being absolutely out of control the twenty minutes I was with them before lunch, plus the fact that they got the worst possible report that a class can get during lunch, they spent the time doing extra work.

I normally don't like filling out anything but good notes, but it didn't seem like anything I tried or threatened them with helped, so I had a page filled with notes on kids who backtalked me, kids who would not sit down, kids who wouldn't work quietly when they were supposed to, kids who picked at other kids while they were trying to do work...little things, but when added up, they made me want to tear my hair out.

The kids made a complete turn around the last 45 minutes of class, after I had told them that they had one more chance basically to get in to my good graces. It was unusual because that's usually the worst time of the day for a class, yet this class was well behaved during that time.

I also found a new game to keep them occupied. "Two Lies and a Truth" consisted of me writing 3 statements about myself on the board and having the class vote on which one was true. They seemed to really enjoy it, and I will probably continue to use it for the younger kids.

Even though it was only half a day, I was exhausted. I always am when it comes to elementary school assignments. I once again claim that elementary teachers are a special and very patient group, and that I have major respect for what they do every day.

A Quick Update

2005-03-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been so long since I've updated.

They punished me for about a week and a half (the norm) for not answering the phone on the 22nd.

They called on Friday (at 6:30 am, earlier than normal no less), but I couldn't take the job.

My husband's grandmother died Thursday night, and we had to travel across the state on Friday to be with his mother (who was not handling it very well) and to attend the viewing and service this weekend.

I HOPE that because of that fact (which my husband told them, he's the one who answered the phone), they won't continue to punish me. But I guess we will find out soon enough. I do hope they don't call tomorrow, simply because I am exhausted from this weekend and would like a day of rest. My husband is even taking time off from work tomorrow as well.

I still haven't sent off my application for college in the fall. I really need to get busy with that. I'm not applying for finiancial aid, but I still want to be able to register for fall classes fairly easily and get the times I want.

I hope to be able to post something about subbing and teaching soon.

Taking Time Off!

2005-02-23T17:16:00.000-08:00

I haven't received any calls for this week so far. I guess I'm still being punished for not answering the phone on the 15th.

It's okay, though. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday, I have another one tomorrow and one Friday morning. So most likely, I won't be able to take any assignments anyway.

I may post one or two entries about old assignments, but I'll probably take the rest of the week off from posting.

I'll still be checking up on my blogroll, though.

No Call Today

2005-02-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

I didn't get called this morning. I'm probably paying for not answering the phone on Tuesday.

All I have to say is, screw that. I've been taking all the other assignments, even when they've been last minute or assignments that she knows I don't particularly enjoy (elementary school).

If I'm being punished for taking a day off, well, they can get over it. Fortunately, it is not a money issue. I got into this to decide if I wanted to teach full-time, and money was never a problem for me. I'm very lucky to have that opportunity.

It could be that there aren't a lot of jobs available, but unlikely, because the flu is widespread here and teachers (and students) are all getting sick. Plus, some of the teachers are in Florida for a conference.

Before, I've been worried when they don't call. I worry that the teachers don't think I'm a good substitute or something like that. I know that's probably not true because I've always made sure the students finish their assigned work and they've never been so out of control where I couldn't handle it, but I still doubt myself.

All I can say is, I REALLY hope that my husband and I are not here next fall. I don't want to continue subbing in this area, and I know I don't want to teach here full-time.

I'm sorry for the last few posts and the amount of griping in them. I love the students, but the politics and the way I get treated sometimes outweighs the enjoyment.

I Hate Politics and High School #1

2005-02-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

I call bullshit on the nearby high school (high school #1).

I had a half-day today for a group of 12th graders. The teacher has been out since Tuesday and will be out the rest of the week.

Yet, they only asked me to substitute Wednesday and Friday for half-days. Why? They run on a different schedule where students go to certain classes MWF and others on TTR (similar to some college classes). All the classes are watching Separate But Equal, so it's not like the classes are any different. Am I not good enough to handle full days? If a permanent substitute is covering those days, why can't he or she cover the half-days too?

It just pisses me off. They do that, then want me to come in at the last minute for something else because someone didn't show up. These half-day assignments have been the only ones with any kind of advance notice since Christmas.

The attendance staff person who I sign in with is a bitch too. When I ask her a question, she's really snippy with me and kind of sarcastic.

Look, I'm sorry that I don't know EVERYTHING about EVERY class in your school with it's ridiculous layout. I'm sorry that you have to be bothered to pick up the phone and page a custodian to unlock my classroom door. Just so you know, he/she never showed up, and in desperation, I finally had to track down another teacher to open the door for me because I didn't want to deal with you again. I'm sorry if the teacher I'm subbing for didn't make enough copies and I don't have a code in order to make more copies. I'm sorry you have to move 2 feet from your desk to ask someone else to make the copies for me.

There are only 2 high schools in this county district. I want to teach high school, so I'd like to get as much experience as possible at both schools. However, this school always makes me mad. I don't expect to have a red carpet rolled out for me, but damn, I think I deserve help without the added bonus of an eye-roll, especially since I've only been at that school 3 times now. The other teachers are standoffish and only focus on their little cliques, so lunches can be rather lonely.

I've thought about not taking another assignment there and telling the Oh So Great Assignment Lady exactly why. That will cut me down to only one high school though, and that bothers me.

We'll see how it goes Friday.

Another Person Who Hates "That's So Gay!"

2005-02-16T17:10:00.000-08:00

Here's someone else who is apparently tired of students saying, "That's so gay!"

Precinct 333

(via The Carnival of Education at The Education Wonks)

I Wish...

2005-02-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

I wish that schools would have designated parking spots for substitute teachers. I hate getting to a new school and not knowing where to park.

I drove to middle school #3 for my half-day assignment yesterday. I knew the school locked all doors except for the front ones during school hours, so I tried to find a spot in the front of the school. Every spot was full, even though it was supposed to be guest parking.

I doubt there were 40 guests at the middle school that day.

So I had to park around back, then walk all the way around the school building to get in. No one was around to open the back doors for me.

It was windy, it was a large building to walk around, and I was highly annoyed. It's not like I have access to a key that will open the school building doors (like most full-time teachers have).

Schedule for the Week

2005-02-15T18:43:00.000-08:00

I had a half-day yesterday with a class that I subbed for a few weeks ago. The teacher still felt sick and had a doctor's appointment.

This morning the phone rang, but I didn't answer. I was really tired and wanted to sleep in. Also, they didn't call until almost 8 am. School here starts anywhere from 7:50 to 8:15 am. I didn't want to deal with the rush this morning.

Since the calls have been random lately, I haven't seen the point in getting up and being ready for that phone call every morning. The late calls also suck because I don't have a lot of time to go through the teacher's notes and prepare for the classes. Since I want to be prepared, having to rush bothers me. It also causes slight chaos in the classes, especially the elementary school assignments.

I realize teachers get sick after they arrive in the mornings. I also understand some substitutes back out of assignments. However, I get tired of almost all of my calls being last-minute assignments.

So I didn't answer the phone. I have 2 half-day assignments, one tomorrow and one Friday (both for the same high school history class). I'll probably get called Thursday too, so this was likely the only free day I will get this week.

That's So Gay!

2005-02-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

While I was subbing for the P.E. class at high school #1, I mentioned to one of the female students that I had to go to middle school #3 the next day for an assignment.

She replied, "Did you know about the ban on pink clothing at middle school #3?"

I said I hadn't heard about it.

Evidently, some male students had gotten into a fight the week before and there was a chance that it was gang-related. The gang in question wore the color pink, so there was a temporary school ban on pink clothing.

It was surprising to hear about something like that in such a small town, and I told her that. She nodded her head in agreement, then she said it.

You know, IT. The most annoying phrase I've ever heard.

"Oh, I know. That is so gay!"

Arg! Who came up with this phrase? Does it bother anyone else when they hear it?

Apparently it came back into mainstream because gay people were using it amongst themselves.

Now, it's become a phrase that both gay and straight people use. Sometimes it's used in a hurtful way and that is when it bothers me. Or that it's used so much that people don't realize how hurtful it could be.

Some students are finding out that saying, "That's so gay!" can land them in trouble.

I live in Kentucky. I don't feel it's being used lightly here. I'm not saying the students are discriminating, but I think they've just used it so much that they don't realize the impact that phrase could have on someone.

I was surprised by the student's comment, but next time I hear a student say it, he or she will know that it is NOT acceptable to me.

Am I overreacting here? Does it really not bother people when teens (or adults) use this phrase?

On a lighter not I started to think about what she had said. How she had exclaimed, "That's so gay!" while talking about the color pink being a gang color, and it almost had me in a fit of giggles.

No wonder this small town is so concerned. We apparently have a roving band of gay male teens who wear the color pink and think they're the Fab Five. They randomly attack guys who have made horrible fashion choices and they try to help them out.

Like, oh my God, he's wearing ARGYLE! Quick, get him boys!

No, I did not reveal my imaginative scenario to the young woman I was speaking to. However, I entertained myself with it for the rest of the day.

(Please don't think that I believe all gays are like this. I just have a weird imagination sometimes.)

Day 4: My First Lecture Class

2005-02-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

Second Week of December 2004
Middle School #3
English
8th Grade

Day 4 was on a Friday and it was an English class. It was exciting for me because I hadn't actually substituted for a class that required much from me. The other 3 days had been mostly handing out worksheets, making sure the kids weren't looking up porn on the Internet, or making sure the kids didn't beat each other to death with basketballs.

So when I walked in to a detailed lesson plan and notes for the day, I was happy. I am a very detailed person myself, so I LOVE it when full-time teachers leave a lot of information.

The writing classes had vocabulary tests, DOLs (Daily Oral Language), and portfolio projects to work on.

(In the state of Kentucky, they make the students do a lot of writing. They create portfolios throughout their K-12 classes.)

The reading classes involved me reading a chapter of Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson and handed out a study guide for a test on My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier (they were having the test on Monday), another book they were reading for the class. We also went over the study guide together (since they had extra time before the end of class).

It was a good day with not too many problems. I wish the teacher had left a day schedule for me. The classes had bells except for lunch, so I was never quite sure how much time I had left in class without asking the students.

There was also a LOT of chatter and students getting out of their seats, lining up by the door, and flicking light switches on and off. I didn't really have a discipline system in place then, so I wasn't doing too well with keeping them quiet.

1st period made a huge mess with glue and scrap paper (for their portfolio pieces...they involved arts & crafts) and I had to clean it up. The teacher's aide was a huge help that morning.

I have to be honest, though. I was really happy when school was dismissed that afternoon. It had been a rough week and I was ready to go home and not move from my couch until Monday.

Sorry

2005-02-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry I posted the last entry 3 times. I was having trouble with my blog on Friday and I finally gave up, thinking none of the entries posted. I've been at a friend's house for a few days and I didn't check my blog during that time.

I think everything is fixed now. I'm still looking for advice or comments on Friday's entry, so if you are a substitute, full-time teacher, or trying to get your teacher certification, please let me know what you think.

Sorry again!

Frustrated

2005-02-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

I thought I would go ahead and start checking around concerning my options when it comes to teacher certification.

It's not going to be as easy as I thought. I'm going to have to go through at least 2 more years of school, and whether I wind up with another bachelor's degree or a master's degree depends on what I choose.

So I need some advice from any of the teachers out there. Just so you know (just in case it has any relevance), I live in Kentucky.

First Option

Go to local college (where I went my first three years of college before I transferred to a closer school) as an undergraduate with my major in education. If I do so, hopefully all my general education requirements will transfer.

I found what classes I will need to take to complete a B.S. in Business & Marketing Education for grades 5-12.

Here is the list (The ones I have not taken are in bold and have notes on some of them. I have already taken the other courses.)

When I factor in fall/spring only classes, pre-requisites, and the fact that my student teaching will probably be in spring, it looks like I won't graduate with that degree until May 2007 (even with summer classes). Keep in mind it won't be a master's degree, but only another bachelor's degree.

Any other type of certification (math, English, etc.) would take even longer because I haven't had the specialized courses like I've had in business.

Second Option

Go to same college, but get a MAE (Master of Arts in Education). I think that would run between 30-45 hours, and it would probably finish up around the same time. I would put up the classes for it, but the web page at the college is under revision and I can't get my hands on it right at the moment.

My problem with this option is that almost everyone tells me not to do this because no school will hire me. They will have to pay me more than they would a new hire with just a bachelor's degree. I haven't heard anyone professional admit this, so I'm not sure if it's true or not. Plus, it could save me some school time (and money) in the future.

Third Option

Emergency (Alternative) Certification? I don't think any of those alternative routes will work for me (I can't really make sense of what exactly I NEED to look at concerning that anyway). I'd be willing to get into mathematics, social studies, or English if it would provide me a faster route to certification. This also wouldn't work unless I actually got hired by a school system, which doesn't seem to be likely.

Fourth Option?

Any suggestions?

What makes me even more frustrated is the fact that I can't really explore ANY of these options until I know more about when/if we are moving (we're still staying in Kentucky). I hate the college I transferred to and I really don't want to go back there, then have to go through the trouble of transferring. I don't really want to wait until 2-3 years from now to start either.

Right now, I just need some advice. I don't want to make a mistake and wind up with another useless degree.

Just Thought I'd Share

2005-02-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

I still feel a little sick today. It's also the third day in a row that I haven't received any calls.

What's the deal? I thought there was a outbreak of sickness in the area! I assumed I'd be getting bombarded with calls because of it.

Of course, they'll call me tomorrow, because tomorrow evening my husband and I are going to a friend's house for a few days. That way, everything will be rushed, and we won't get there until late tomorrow night!

My father-in-law (who is a middle school math teacher) sent me this joke and I thought I would share:

On a special teacher's day, a kindergarten teacher was receiving gifts from her pupils.

The florist's son handed her a gift. She shook it, held it over her head, and said, "I bet I know what it is - flowers!" "That's right!" said the boy, "but how did you know?" "Just a wild guess," she said.

The next pupil was the candy store owner's daughter. The teacher held her gift overhead, shook it, and said, "I bet I can guess what it is - a box of candy!" "That's right! But how did you know?" asked the girl. "Just a lucky guess," said the teacher.

The next gift was from the liquor store owner's son. The teacher held the bag over her head and noticed that it was leaking. She touched a drop of the leakage with her and tasted it. "Is it wine?" she asked. "No," the boy replied. The teacher repeated the process, touching another drop of the leakage to her tongue. "Is it champagne?" she asked. "No," the boy replied. The teacher then said, "I give up, what is it?"

The boy replied, "A puppy!"

Word of the Day: Vomit!

2005-02-09T11:25:00.000-08:00

Damn that mouth breather.

Either that or my Tae-Bo workout tape *literally* makes me want to vomit.

I didn't realize exercise could be so bad for your health!

I'm really glad I didn't get called today (I didn't get called yesterday either). I'm sure it would have been a memorable moment for those kids if their substitute teacher had projectile vomiting.

What Comes Next

2005-02-08T15:23:00.000-08:00

Jenny D. asked a very good question in my comments section.

I'm sorry if I'm coming in late. What are your plans for work next? I'm curious if you are thinking about getting a teaching certificate.

No, you're not late. I actually haven't mentioned too much about my plans.

In March, I plan to go to the admissions office of a nearby college and figure out exactly what I need to become certified.

I currently have a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and will most likely choose to teach high school business and computer classes. I think that will give me the fastest route to receiving my certification, because my major was business and computer-related. If I had a choice of anything, I would possibly add math to the mix.

I had thought about getting my MBA while I was at it, but have been told numerous times that I will not be able to find a full-time job because districts will have to pay me more than they would a teacher with a 4-year degree. I'm disappointed because I wanted to get it out of the way.

Hopefully, all I will need are a few education classes, some student teaching, and the exam to get certified. I would like to get those out of the way this summer and next fall depending on how much I have to do.

During that time I still want to substitute teach (except for student teaching, of course) and will probably continue to do so until I can find a full-time position.

Of course, the husband and I are trying to get pregnant right now. We're also planning to move soon. So the timing might change a little, but I still plan to go in this direction when I am able to.

Jenny D., if you have any suggestions or advice, I would greatly appreciate it. That goes for anyone else who visits here. I haven't had a chance to talk with many full-time teachers, so I know I might be missing something.

Oh My God

2005-02-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

I tried a different activity with the 3rd graders today that I've heard has been successful for other subs.

I had them suggest different jobs that I might have had before I became a substitute teacher. I also added 4 or 5 at the end of the list, including computer programmer since the kids didn't suggest it. As the day went on, I would erase one or two until I revealed the answer.

Most were normal suggestions like waitress, archaeologist, coach. Other suggestions were a little strange, like zookeeper, clown, and banker.

I finished the list, then walked to the back of the room while the students continued to work on their assignment. I noticed Jacqueline (who was a huge help to me today) had her hand raised and was giggling. I walked over to her.

"What do you need, Jacqueline?"

Her response?

In a stealth whisper, she said "Jonathan had a suggestion for the job list. He thinks you were a stripper!"

I don't know whether to be horrified or flattered.

How would you react to that? I simply told him that it was very inappropriate and I tried NOT to laugh.

Today's Thoughts And Observations

2005-02-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

I now know why I will never become an elementary school teacher.

Those of you who teach elementary school are of a different breed, and I can't think of high enough praise for all of you and what you go through.

Some of the thoughts I had today:

Please do not stand right next to my face with your mouth breathing of DEATH just so you can tell me that you feel sick to your stomach and you need to go see the nurse. AUGHHHHH! I just want to hold you down and spray you with an entire can of Lysol!

I realize you are 3rd graders, but for the love of God, 'I don't understand' does not help describe to me what your problem is with the assignment, and it makes me want to tear my hair out after hearing it 20,000 times. You say you've done the reading, but I know you couldn't have done the reading because the answer is RIGHT there!

(At the beginning of the day) Oh writing teacher, why must you be such a bitch to these kids?
(At the end of the day) I want to be more like you, writing teacher!

Must they have a whole hour and a half devoted to writing when they only get an hour (or less) of the other subjects?

Don't MAKE me hunt down a roll of duct tape and some glue so I can fasten you to your seat.

I don't CARE if that's the way your teacher does it, I am not HER and since it wasn't left in the notes, it's NOT going to happen.

You know, Mrs. Volunteer, I don't really know why you gave me that wide-eyed look when I tried to get the kids to sit down, but I don't like it. Get over yourself and go back to looking like you are busy with something and can't be bothered with trying to help.

The card system does not work with these kids. Actually, I don't think much of ANYTHING works with these kids.

It was not a good day. This has been only the second time I've subbed at the elementary school level, and this group was vastly different from the first group.

I just inhaled some chocolate; now I'm going to take some Advil and try to nap a little. I wanted to exercise a little today after I got home, but I just don't know if it's going to happen now.

Day 3: Can You Run In Those Shoes?

2005-02-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

Second Week of December 2004
High School #1
~~Science Class~~ P.E.
Freshmen

I finally got my first high school assignment. I was really excited because high school was where I planned to teach full-time (if I decided I liked teaching).

She told me it was a science class. I took my time getting ready (I was called about the assignment the day before) and arrived with time to spare.

What a screwed up school layout. The guy who designed this school MUST have been high as a kite during the process. It was a circular layout with some extra hallways tacked on. I was *literally* going in circles.

I managed to get to the front office and told the staff I was there for Jacob's science class.

She looked at the papers and said, "Yes, I have you down for Jacobs' class, but it's a P.E. class, not science."

Um, yeah. Here I am in my turtleneck, dress pants, and dress shoes, and they want me to teach P.E. ?!?

Substitute Tip #1: ALWAYS keep a extra set of clothes in your car just in case it turns out to be a different assignment than you were told. Exercise clothes along with another set of regular clothes (in case your students fingerpaint and get creative with their canvas or something) is probably best.

Even though I was less than 5 minutes from my house, I did not have time to go home and change. So I sucked it up and signed in.

It took me forever to get back across the school to the gym. I had to ask about 5 people how to get there. It would have been nice to have received a map of the school.

It sounded like an easy day. I was just hoping that the kids wouldn't end up beating each other to death with basketballs or stuff someone in a dressing room locker. I was REALLY worried about them skipping class entirely.

They actually did well. Apparently Mr. Jacobs makes them run laps almost the entire class, but in his notes, he wanted them to only run a few warm-up laps and play basketball. When I told them this, they were so grateful that they were ANGELS.

Once again, I was bored. I couldn't play basketball with them because I didn't have sneakers on. So the time dragged by a little bit for me, but it was an easy day.

He had a planning period during 4th period (the schools are on block scheduling), so after asking if there was anything else I needed to do, I wrote my notes down for him and left early. I still was paid for a full day, so that was pretty cool.

My throat hurt from all the shouting, though.

Substitute Tip #2: Buy a whistle just in case you get a P.E. assignment. You WILL need it to get their attention unless you never want to speak again.

It's All About Me

2005-02-06T18:04:00.000-08:00

I decided to remain anonymous on this blog for a reason.

Sadly, a lot of people are losing their jobs because of what they write online about it. I want a place to vent and be honest about a job I love, without worrying about getting into trouble.

So I won't reveal my name or where I live. I will never use real names. I've only told my family and friends about this blog.

Hopefully this will allow me to be more open about my experiences as a sub.

If you really are curious though, here are a few facts about me:

1) I have 3 cats that I absolutely adore.
2)The Sims 2 PC game is my favorite waste of time.
3)I met my husband during my first year of college.
4)He is a software engineer at a local manufacturing plant.
5)Hershey's Cookies & Cream bars need to stay far away from me.
6)I hate wearing makeup but unfortunately, I need it.
7)I am a night owl and have a lot of trouble with sleeping.
8)Soon I hope to move closer to my family. Right now, we live far away from our families and friends.
9)I love playing volleyball and softball.
10)I also like to sing and I want to get involved in theater.

It's not much, but at least you know a little more about sub007.

Day 2: Heaven Compared to the First Day

2005-02-05T23:42:00.000-08:00

Second Week of December 2004
Middle School #2
Computer Class
Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade

I was called on a Wednesday morning about a week later. The Oh So Wonderful and Fantastic Lady Sub Caller set me up on assignments for the rest of the week.

Wednesday's job was for a computer class. I was excited because this was the first class I had subbed for that involved my college major.

I arrived early and promptly got lost in the maze of hallways. After asking a few people how to get to the office, I finally found it. They were not very prepared, and it took about 3 trips back and forth between the classroom and office to get the room opened, lesson plans, and a schedule. Fortunately, her first period was a planning period, so I managed to get everything together in time.

The lesson plan wasn't much. The students were to finish a simple 5 slide PowerPoint presentation on Internet Safety they had started the day before (they had also watched a video on it). After that, they could have free time on the computers. I was a bit concerned about this and was worried about a repeat of the previous assignment.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

The students were practically angels compared to the hellions from the previous day. Most of them had finished the presentation and quietly surfed the Internet or played games. If anything, it was boring because I didn't have anything to do besides help with a slide every now and then. I didn't have an account, so I couldn't log in to a computer myself. Out of desperation, I grabbed a few magazines from the library for the afternoon classes.

The last group of the day was a FLEX period (which is normally used for preparing for state tests and such), and I helped quite a few of them with their algebra homework. I have to mention that because algebra was always a challenge for me, and I'm proud to actually have remembered a few things!

I was able to talk with some of the students and get to know them better, which is the part I enjoy most of all when I substitute teach. They loved hearing about my old high school (a tiny school of 500, which is the equivalent of one graduating class in the county I sub in) and I had a good time listening to their middle school experiences.

The faculty was really helpful and nice. The only problem I had was that their lunch seemed really short compared to the other school I had subbed at. I also had to go on a long trek to find a soda (I finally scored one from the guidance office fridge, which provided soft drinks for the faculty). Caffeine is a big deal when you're dealing with middle school students.

Nobody likes a cranky sub!

It was the easiest day I've had yet. I would love to sub at that school anytime.

Another Substitute Teacher Blog

2005-02-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

A visitor from the ProTeacher Busyboard Community offered up his substitute teaching blog to add to the links.

He's a kindred spirit. We're both new to the substitute teaching world and were previously involved in computer related careers.

So go check him out!

KauaiMark's Substitute Teacher Blog

Now I Know Why Subs Get A Bad Reputation

2005-02-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

One issue we substitutes face (regardless of calorie or fat content) is being looked down upon for our profession.

Now I can't complain of sub oppression too much. I've only been doing this for 3 months and I've had okay experiences so far.

At first, it bothered me. Why must teachers feel like I need my hand held when I step into a classroom? I can read their notes. I can write on the board. I can easily speak in front of a group of students and am willing to discuss the material with them. I help them with the material as much as possible.

Then I read this entry at hipteacher and I realized WHY we have such a bad reputation.

I always try to follow the plans that the teacher has left behind. There have been exceptions, like the time the teacher next door overruled the sick teacher's preferences and told me what the class should do (they were close friends and the sick teacher had left her notes with this teacher, so I made the decision that she would agree with the other teacher's assessment).

There have been days where the students do not want to cooperate. Those days, I try to make compromises with them. Like when a high school class had geometry review problems to work on and only 1/3 of the class had their books open. I knew it was the last class of the day, and because of block scheduling, it was an hour and a half long. I told the students that if they worked on those review problems for the first hour, we would play 90's Trivial Pursuit the last half hour. The compromise worked perfectly, and the students were excellent. Some of them even continued to work on the review INSTEAD of playing Trivial Pursuit, and that really pleased me.

I have never just ignored the plans for game playing or talking instead. I think that is disrespectful to the teacher and it's NOT doing your job. It's substitute TEACHing, not "stand in the room and look bored." With a little creativity and preparation, you can actually get the students to complete their assigned work.

Besides, what would I learn from all of this if I just stared at a book all day? I want to know what teaching is like, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to figure it out BEFORE I make the decision to go back to college.

Treats on the Sidebar

2005-02-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

I've added some resources that have been helpful to me, especially when I first started substitute teaching.

I also started up a list of teacher blogs.

I haven't found too many substitute teaching blogs, but if you know of any good ones I've missed, please let me know. Either I'm not looking hard enough or there are not too many out there.

The First Day: An Experience to Remember

2005-02-05T02:50:00.000-08:00

First Week of December 2004
Middle School #1
Technology Education
Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade

I had been called a week earlier about subbing at an elementary school. I had turned it down since I'd requested only high school when I turned my application in. I smugly thought that the calls would just start rolling in.

When that didn't happen, and the next offer was for middle school, I decided to accept it. It was a last minute call; classes had already started that day. Fortunately, the teacher I was subbing for had 1st period planning, so I was able to get ready and arrive with just a few minutes to spare.

This was my first job, and I was certainly nervous. The front office staff was extremely helpful, but the woman who showed me my room seemed a little nervous. I had no idea why, but I would soon find out.

That day was the most stressful and out of control day I've ever experienced. The students sat at tables, which didn't help the situation. This middle school had 7 or 8 periods, with each one not lasting more than 30 or 40 minutes. The students had been assigned worksheets that day, and most of them were lucky to get one finished within the entire class period.

In the 6th grade classes, there were a lot of special education students. Unfortunately, I was not informed of this and did not know who required extra help (there were even some who could not do the worksheets, but I didn't know who those students were until an assistant mentioned them to me). There were assistants, but I didn't realize what they were there for until later on that day. A note mentioning those students would have been very helpful.

Not every class was horrible. My first eighth grade class that day was wonderful, and it was the complete opposite of the eighth grade hellions that mouthed off to me during the last class.

Mistakes I made:

A)Letting them work together. I should have made them work on the sheets separately and go over the sheets as a class instead. They totally ignored the "quietly" part of allowing them to work together and took advantage of it.

B)Not going over the sheets as a class. No one read the enclosed section of information, thus, they had no idea how to answer the questions. I was bombarded with, "How do you answer question 1, 3, 15?"

C)Not having a discipline plan. The school system has it's own form of marks to issue in case of discipline problems, but Ghetto Middle School frowned upon substitutes using them. I had no backup system of my own, so I felt I could do little more than threaten. One or two students would become mouthy, and I basically just left it alone because I couldn't think of a way to punish them.

D)Lack of organization. 2 worksheets per class for 6 classes equals a LOT of worksheets. I did not keep them organized as the day went on, and it cost me time after school. I did not leave the school until 6 o'clock that evening.

What I Did Right (Honestly, I didn't feel like it was much)

A)Was lenient on the students being late or having to go to the bathroom. It seems the middle schools only allow about 3 minute breaks in-between classes. That seems very short to me, especially for students who may have to walk a little farther to a place like the gym or the technology education room. And being able to use the bathroom during that time as well? Forget about it. Even I barely had time to run to the bathroom. So I gave them some slack on needing to go to the restroom during class, or being a minute late to class. That's just a personal choice though, and unless something is said about it, I'll continue to do so.

B)Getting to know some of the students. This was a little difficult because I couldn't get distracted from the students who had problems working quietly. But some of the students who finished early were curious about me and I spent a few minutes talking with them. That was the most enjoyable part of my day.

At the end of the day, I was very tired. I managed to grade worksheets for one class. It also took forever to straighten the room back up. I left a custom-created sheet which detailed accomplishments, discipline problems, and various notes for each period.

I did not like the fact that the staff wasn't very helpful (except for the secretary who showed me the room and a long-term sub who was in the school that day). I also did not like how gossipy they were at lunch. They would sit there and talk about the students (and not in a good productive way). That made me feel very uncomfortable. I know it happens, but I don't think it's respectful to the students that they talk about. Finally, the fact that punishments for discipline were in place, yet I really shouldn't use them bothered me. The fear of not getting called back made me feel like I couldn't do more than threaten the kids.

I got home and my husband had fallen asleep on the couch, so I had to fix dinner as well. I was angry at myself and for once in my life, I didn't not want to talk about it or anything else. I just wanted silence, because all I had dealt with during the day was noise. It was 2 hours before I could tell my husband about my day.

After that, I really wondered if I would ever be able to teach. I knew it would be different to be full-time rather than a substitute, but if all the kids were out of control like that, I didn't know if I could handle it.

About Our Gorgeous and Pudgy Heroine

2005-02-05T02:10:00.000-08:00

I graduated with an IT/Business degree in 2003. At the time, I was excited about diving into a IT career and putting my love of web design to good use.

Within 6 months, First Real Job shows up. It was local, entry-level, and had a fantastic salary.

I only lasted 6 months before I quit.

I hated it. I was traveling all the time, I had set programming that I had to follow (no creative outlet anywhere), and I went from doing absolutely nothing the first few months to working 10 and 12 hour days.

I was tired, suffering from depression, and too miserable to feel like spending all that money I was making. So I quit and didn't work at all for 6 months.

I realized a 8 to 5 IT career would never make me truly happy. I would never get the creative license I wanted and the idea of just typing mindlessly for the rest of my life helped me decide to try something different.

So in November of 2004, after submitting stool samples along with fingerprints, retinal scans, and 20,000 pages of paperwork, I was put on The List for substitute teachers.

I began waiting for that call. The call that would lead to opportunity, runny-nosed mouthy students, and inevitable screw-ups.

I was ready to go, but I had my doubts. What if teaching didn't work out? What would I do next? I'm just out of college, so will the students try to take advantage of me? Will they even listen to me? How will I discipline them? Can I balance humor and discipline in a classroom without feeling like a pushover or a bully?

My first job came a few weeks later.

Lay Off The Carbs, Sweetheart

2005-02-05T02:00:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce myself.

I am Sub007.

I am the high-calorie, high-fat substitute who can kick Splenda's ass anyday. That is because I really need to go on a diet and probably enter a 12 step program for carbohydrate obsession. However, I am still in denial, even when I can't button my pants.

I'm not very good for your health, but I guarantee that you won't walk away from this blog without feeling full!

And hopefully it won't be full of B.S. either!

I began substitute teaching in November of 2004. Here, I will regale you with tales of my experiences and provide links to education-related information (along with comments).

I hope this can become a good source of information for other substitute teachers out there, full-time teachers, or for anyone else who may be thinking about going into teaching.