Subbing

The life of a Sub is never dull. I constantly have to be on my toes in the classroom but also in the morning prior to going to school. I can get a call anytime in the morning starting at 5:45 to work that morning. It was hard to adjust. I was in a 5th grade classroom over a week ago. The teacher ran a tight classroom and had high expectations for students. The one classroom management piece that I like was these sayings. If the teacher said, "Subway" then, then students would respond with "Eat Fresh." The class had 3-4 different sayings/slogans that they used. After the students responded they were expected to be quiet and be ready to listen.

I have noticed that each classroom in the grade levels act differently. Some classes in middle school are great and others the students are very disrespectful. The same goes for elementary students. I was wondering what causes the students at same grade levels to respond and act differently even though they are the same age. The main difference is their teachers. If the teacher in the classroom has a management system that gives the  students the ability to have a routine and guidance when there is a sub, then the day will go great. But if there is no structure present or if there is structure and I, the sub do not have an idea of the management then the day will also be chaos. I really appreciate the teachers that leave management tips on the days they are gone.   The tips give me an idea of what the normal day looks like. I could have bad lesson plans but the management tips would make up for what was missing.

At the moment, I have been subbing 4 days in a row, which is a huge praise and stress relief, for the same teacher. The teacher just found out that she has breast cancer. My thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family. Some placements that I get are not always for the best circumstances. This makes it hard to enjoy working for this teacher. I am glad and appreciate that I am able to make a difference and help out in bad times.  



The month of February has many important dates.
1st - Michelle's Birthday
13th - Patrick and I's 2 1/2 year anniversary of when we started dating
18th -1 year anniversary of when we got engaged
25th - Patrick's Mother's Birthday