Any Substitute Teachers out there?????

[mackerel]

I figured starting this in the lounge would get more traffic. I haven't subbed in like 12 years. I have an interview tomorrow to get signed on with a local school district. Anybody have any pointers or tips? It's taken me a month just to get an interview. The last district I subbed for was in a different county and it was so long ago.

[mainstreetonce]

1. What age group?

I might have some tips if it is elementary.

[BlueSpot]

2. Way longer ago than 12 years

I don't think I even interviewed. I just showed them my certificate and told them I was available. If I said yes when they called, my name stayed at the top of the list and I worked every day.

If it has been a while for you and your resume shows that, they may ask things to see if you are up to date on educational theory and current regulations.

I guess they might also ask a series of questions on how you would handle various situations. Educationally, that might be give an example of how you teach something in your specialty. Uglier questions could involve how you would react in the event of an active shooter, a drug overdose or gang violence.

Good grief. So glad I got out of education! That's just depressing.

This probably isn't all that helpful. I haven't subbed since the 80's. Good luck though!

[mackerel]

3. They never used to interview or at least not in Napa County

but now you have to jump through all kinds of hoops. I had to get TB tested and get a sign-off from a dr. that I was "disease free." I also had to get my finger prints check not once but twice and had to pay for it myself. I also had to pay to have my substitute teachers permit updated. I had to submit three current letters of recommendation plus provide 3 references from teachers in the field. I've been working at this since January.

Anyway I signed up for elementary & special ed. I was trained to teach English.

I used to sub for all grade levels but I had to drop middle school because there were too many behavioral problems.

[U4ikLefty]

4. Do the opposite of Peggy Hill. nt

[DivenParker]

5. humans' age

over 18

[femmocrat]

6. I subbed for 12 years before I was hired for a permanent position.

And then it was just part-time!

If you are looking for a position, be aware that it is a crap shoot. Too often the districts will overlook their loyal subs and hire someone right out of college or a relative of a board member.

Best advice: Make friends with the assistant principals. They are usually the schools' disciplinarians and your go-to in case of something serious. Otherwise, you will be expected to handle everyday discipline entirely on your own.

It doesn't hurt to have a bag of tricks, such as games or puzzles, in case you go into a situation with no plans left by the teacher. Happens more often than you think.

Good luck to you.

I thought of something else.... Find out if the school has a building-wide management procedure... things like counting down from 5, raising your closed hand for quiet, etc.
It helps if the kids *think* you know the ropes. LOL

[callous taoboy]

7. Went to sub one time and the note on teacher's desk said "Wing it."

[mackerel]

8. Omgeeeee LOL!

They asked me what I'd do if there were no lesson plans. I told them it had never happened to me before and then I kinda gave a very general answer. Good idea about the assistant principal.

[mackerel]

9. So I went to the interview and waited 45 minutes before being called.

Turns out they had a panel of 5 principals and they had the morning booked at 15 minute intervals. They were running way behind. It gave me time to talk to other applicants which I think help when it came my turn. It might take up to two weeks for them to decide. If I make it through then I have to run my finger prints again and that can take up to ten days. In other words the school year will almost be over. LOL

[femmocrat]

10. Good luck, mackerel!

I'm surprised that the interview process was so involved. School districts are usually crying for subs. I guess everyone is super-cautious anymore.