Substitute Teaching: Everything You Need for Success

by Sidney W. Gilford

Overview

What does one need to be a substitute teacher — particularly to be successful as a substitute teacher? This book has been written to be a resource to those who are new to substitute teaching or are seasoned teachers considering substitute teaching. From the role of a substitute teacher to hints for getting assignments, from a typical day to being considered for a full-time position, from lesson plans to classroom management, from the Sub Pack to sample ground rules, this book has something for everyone.

In addition to original filler activities labeled by grade and subject, Substitute Teaching: Everything You Need for Success includes practical teaching strategies, hands-on activities to use in classrooms with students at various learning levels, checklists, a glossary, and a list of resources to guide you along the path toward being a successful substitute teacher.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781610489423
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	07/29/2014
Pages:	84
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Sid Gilford, Ed.D. has more than 20 years experience in education and with nonprofit organizations. He has worked with teachers, subject specialists, and school and district administrators. He is adjunct faculty in undergraduate and graduate education and conducts workshops at state and national education conferences. Sid was a substitute teacher in California and in Connecticut.

Table of Contents

Introduction
New Experiences
Where to Find Work
How to Use This Book
How the Book is Organized
Stand Alone Resource vs. Training Book
Purpose and Ultimate Outcome

Part I. Substitute Teaching and You
Chapter 1: The Importance of Substitute Teaching
Why Substitute Teaching is Important
Adding Value
No Empty Classroom
Quality Education and Learning Opportunities
Continuity
Professional Development for Teachers
Seamlessness
Exposure to New People
Chapter 2: Your Role as a Substitute Teacher: Responsibilities and Boundaries
Responsibilities
Boundaries
Observe and Report / Diagnose and Decide
Chapter 3: Know Yourself, Confidence is the Goal
Strengths and Weaknesses
Fear Factor
A Key to Success
Chapter 4: What Grades and Days do You Prefer?
Comfort Level: Grades / Ages
Availability: Days of the Week
A Note about Being Flexible
Chapter 5: Flexibility: A Key to Getting Assignments
Being Flexible
Flexibility: the Key and the Warning
General Categories
When to Say No
Being Proactive

Part II. Before and at the School. In the Classroom
Chapter 6: Being Prepared to Get “The Call”
Being Prepared
What to Have Ready
Getting “The Call”
Automated Phone Systems
Web-Based Systems
“Preferred” Lists
If Your Availability Changes
Chapter 7: What to Expect: A Typical Day
Preschool, Elementary, Middle and High School
Activities Throughout the Day
A Day with Ms. Jones
Prior to the Classroom
In the Classroom: Before Students Arrive
Students Enter the Classroom
During the Day
End of the Day
After Students Leave
Chapter 8: The End of the Day and the Next Day
Classroom Clean Up
Mini-Checklist
Note for the Regular Teacher
Pause and Reflect
Leaving the School
The Next Day
Chapter 9: Some Tips and Reminders for Your Day in the Classroom
Nervous is Normal
Arriving at the School
What to Take with You
Sub Pack
Assert Your Command of the Class Early On
Classroom Instruction
Who Else is in the Classroom?
You’re Not Alone at the School
Safety First
Get Invited Back

Part III. Tools, Tips, and Teaching
Chapter 10: Lesson Plans
What is in a Lesson Plan?
How to Use Lesson Plans
Objectives
Instructional Procedures
Materials
Assessment
What if There is No Lesson Plan?
Chapter 11: The Balancing Act: Teaching Strategies vs. Classroom Management
Interrelationship of Strategies and Management
Need for Corrective Classroom Management
Tipping the Balance
Chapter 12: Teaching Strategies
Factors That Affect Learning
Learning Conditions and Situations
Communication
Teaching for Learning
Ground Rules for Group Exercises and Activities
Teaching Styles
Teacher-Centered
Student-Centered
Teaching Strategies and Exercises

1. Small Group Discussion

What Is It?
Some Advantages of Small Group Discussion
Small Group Discussion Exercise

1. Brainstorming

What Is It?
Some Advantages of Brainstorming
Brainstorming Exercise

1. Pros and Cons Chart

What Is It?
Some Advantages of Pros and Cons Chart
Pros and Cons Chart Exercise

1. Cooperative Learning

What Is It?
Some Advantages of Pros and Cons Chart
Pros and Cons Chart Exercise

1. Guided Discovery

What Is It?
Some Advantages of Guided Discovery
Guided Discovery Exercise

1. Mind Mapping

What Is It?
Some Advantages of Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping Exercise

1. Concept Mapping

What Is It?
Some Advantages of Concept Mapping
Differences between Concept Mapping and Mind Mapping
Concept Mapping Exercise

1. Interactive Multimedia (Audio-Visual).

What Is It?
Some Advantages of Interactive Multimedia
Interactive Multimedia Exercise
Chapter 13: Classroom Management
What is Classroom Management?
Who’s in Charge?
Classroom Management Techniques
A Word about Kids
A Reminder about Your Role and Boundaries
Chapter 14: Special Education
Definitions
Special Education
Mainstreaming
Inclusion
Full Inclusion
Self-Contained Classroom
Collaborative, Team Teaching
Least Restrictive Environment
Controversy
Mainstreaming Advantages
Special Education Students
Non-Special Education Students
Costs
Mainstreaming Disadvantages
Special Education Students
Non-Special Education Students
Costs
Special Education and Substitute Teaching
In a Regular (Non-Special Education) Classroom
Some Additional Tips
In a Self-Contained Special Education Classroom
Chapter 15: Drills and Emergencies
Emergency and Crisis Response Plans
Types of Emergencies and Crises
Drills
A Note on Drills
What to do During a Drill or Emergency
Lockdowns
What to do During a Lockdown or a Lockdown Drill
Some Additional Lockdown Tips:
Simulations
Reporting Emergencies
Chapter 16: Teaching Assistants, Student Teachers, and Non-Classroom Activities
Non-Classroom Activities
Teaching Assistants and Teacher Aids
Student Teachers
Chapter 17: The Effective Teacher
A Reminder about Learning Styles
Attributes of an Effective Teacher
Classroom management
Instruction
Self-Improvement
Chapter 18: Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
General
Instruction
Materials
Classroom Management
Safety and Emergencies
Professional Development and Growth
Availability
Don’ts
General
Personal Control
Professionalism
Instruction
Classroom Management
Health and Safety
Professional Development and Growth

Part IV. The Future
Chapter 19: Your Future
Trying Other Grades
Second Nature
Getting Called Back to a School or District
Long-Term Assignments
Full-Time, Permanent Teaching Positions
A Final Note

Part V. Some Notes for Trainers
Chapter 20: Some Notes for Trainers of Substitute Teachers
Goal and Training Objectives
Goal
Training Objectives
About Trainees
Assorted Backgrounds
Learning Styles
Bring Out the Strengths
Getting Started
Ice Breaker: Trainee Introductions
Staying Up-to-Date
Training by Example
Some Training Tips
Before the Training Session
During the Training Session
At the End of the Training Session
After the Training Session
Assessment and Evaluation
“Pop Quiz”

Appendix A: Filler Activities
Appendix B: Resources
Appendix C: Sample End of the Day Letter for the Regular Teacher
Appendix D: Sample Ground Rules for Group Activities and Exercises
Appendix E: Sample Lesson Plan
Appendix F: Sub Pack
Appendix G: What to Take with You Checklist
Appendix H: End of the Day Checklist

Editorial Reviews

This book skillfully links the social and academic responsibilities of the substitute teacher and makes a solid connection to the student learners' needs and opportunities for experiencing enjoyment of learning. This is regardless of grade level. The foundational relationship between teacher and student is clearly examined for effective educating that's meaningful for all present. Materials and attitudes are aptly addressed, and the eight Appendices round-out this book's comprehensive attention to 'best practices' for successful substitute teaching. The author has left 'No stone unturned,' with a plethora of teaching styles, differentiation of instruction ideas, and application of varied modalities/activities/methodologies.

Marjorie S. Schiering

Substitute teaching is hard work deep in the trenches of school. Gilford’s outstanding manual covers all the bases of how to be an effective sub because it will generate the confidence and communicationskills necessary to teach and control all grade levels of students. For new and experienced subs, the book provides attention-grabbing lessons and strategies that are creative, entertaining, and educational along with key managementskills that should be required reading before walking into any classroom: newbie and veteran substitute teachers alike will be better for reading it.

Jeffrey Pflaum

This is book provides an excellent resource for professionals who wish to become substitute teachers, regardless of the grade level or discipline of interest. Unlike so many other sources in the field of education that devote little attention to this topic, the author has rightfully identified the important role that substitute teachers play in schools and has provided a roadmap to assist them with understanding their interests and preferences as well as the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. Practical exercises are also included to assist with ensuring that all class time is committed to important learning activities. Given the useful and practical nature of the subjects covered, this book is a must-have reference for not only aspiring and current substitute teachers but experienced teachers and administrators who are responsible for assisting them.

Nicholas D. Young

Sid Gilford has done it! He has put together a masterful work for those who step into the mix as substitute teachers. Theirs is a difficult job, but Gilford's work is comprehensive and includes everything necessary for substitute teacher success. The author's detailed approach covers 'taking the phone call' from a district, to 'filler activities' at all grade levels – and everything in-between. Gilford has thought through the 'what-ifs' of classroom management and has answered them with practical and tangible applications. His work deals with both the professional and personal sides of substitute teaching. Lo-and-behold: Substitute teachers are humans too! As a lifelong educator, adjunct university professor, and district-level professional development leader, I am thrilled that someone has provided the requisite tools for substitutes to continue to advance learning. I highly recommend Gilford's book.

Ernest J. Zarra III

Sid Gilford has done it! He has put together a masterful work for those who step into the mix as substitute teachers. Theirs is a difficult job, but Gilford's work is comprehensive and includes everything necessary for substitute teacher success. The author's detailed approach covers 'taking the phone call' from a district, to 'filler activities' at all grade levels – and everything in-between. Gilford has thought through the 'what-ifs' of classroom management and has answered them with practical and tangible applications. His work deals with both the professional and personal sides of substitute teaching. Lo-and-behold: Substitute teachers are humans too! As a lifelong educator, adjunct university professor, and district-level professional development leader, I am thrilled that someone has provided the requisite tools for substitutes to continue to advance learning. I highly recommend Gilford's book.

Ernest J. Zarra

This book skillfully links the social and academic responsibilities of the substitute teacher and makes a solid connection to the student learners' needs and opportunities for experiencing enjoyment of learning. This is regardless of grade level. The foundational relationship between teacher and student is clearly examined for effective educating that's meaningful for all present. Materials and attitudes are aptly addressed, and the eight Appendices round-out this book's comprehensive attention to 'best practices' for successful substitute teaching. The author has left 'No stone unturned,' with a plethora of teaching styles, differentiation of instruction ideas, and application of varied modalities/activities/methodologies.

Marjorie Schiering