How does a substitute teacher control a class? Hints/suggestions?

Question

I just began sub teaching last week & so far the experience has been less than positive.  I had a seminar in on subbbing in Oct by a very astute retired teacher, but whatever he tried to impart to me just hasn't clicked.  I've had 2 full days- 1 HS, 1-K, & 8th grade 1/2 day today, which I had to call for help!  Got a 1/2 day tomorrow- elementary.  I've seen a couple of other subs/parapros in action & I know I need some pointers in crowd control.  I'm retired & would like to earn a little extra $$, but I get the feeling there may be a better way to supplement my income.  I do have a BA from MSU.  

Aside from that, I feel my expectations are getting in the way.  I'm used to decent order.  Maybe I need to go back to stocking shelves at Krogers!

? · Accepted Answer

I'm in 11th grade and I've definitely been in classes where the sub couldn't control the class. You have to reason with the group you're dealing with. If it's high schoolers, tell them to work well for 45 minutes and then allow them to leave 5 minutes early. Or say, you can go when you finish the worksheet. We like to get out of class early, and are totally willing to work for it! Also, if the class is too crazy, don't be afraid to threaten to send the disruptive students to the principle/office. Warn once and if they don't listen, send someone. It will get the class's attention real fast. As far as younger kids, explain to them that you are reporting back to their teacher and that you will have to give a bad report if they don't do their work. Explain that you are a guest in their school and though that "Kennedy Elementary" Students were better behaved than that. Remind them of the school's core values (usually learning, respect, responsibility, best effort, etc.)

Good luck!

Kervin · Answer

First, you are in charge of each class you teach! You have full classroom autonomy! Are you going to let a child take money out of your pockets because you can't manage them? I hope not.  However, you asked the right person for advice.  I serve as President of my sub alliance, and have been subbing more than 20 years!

Check out/read my link:  http://voices.yahoo.com/first-person-unemployed-consider-substitute-teaching-11966719.html?cat=4

Please feel free to share this link with all subs you see, or anyone interested in subbing.  I also wrote a book on subbing, and have many sub resources.  Email me at kervinfondren@yahoo.com and I will share this info with you.

? · Answer

controlling the class? well as a student, when the sub makes you do the work in silence, the students feel the need to then purposely rebel, and cause mayhem cause its funny. so that 1 main point, If they get too noisy dont shout like quiet doqn and be angry, just be more like "guys i think we should probably keep the noise down just a bit, we might annoy some other classes and we will all probably get in trouble",  that way i feel like the teacher is on our side, and want to listen to him more and respect and also by the way you include yourself in the trouble, i just wanna hush down more kinda llike cause i fel like "awwwww".

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How does a substitute teacher control a class? Hints/suggestions?

3 Answers