Okay, I prefer the title part-time teacher nomad. Here I document my adventures, misfortunes and tips on substitute teaching while balancing motherhood and various other life undertakings. Take a look!
- How to Make a Simple Pencil Shirt
When it comes to teacher fashion, what do you think of? Does a wonderfully rustic, handmade pencil shirt fit into… - Substitute Teaching: Pandemic Edition
When news of the pandemic spread, its effects began to reach into every sector society, schools included. School systems were… - Substitute Teaching as a Financial Freedom Lever
There’s plenty of talk on the Internet these days about achieving “financial freedom.” Forums, YouTube playlists and social media platforms… - How to Become a Substitute Teacher for the 2024-2025 School Year
The 2024-2025 school year is now in full swing where I’m from, as well as all over the country. There’s… - Former Teachers Now Mamas: Try Substitute Teaching
“I just can’t find any job that’s worth it,” my fellow former teacher friend sighed, as she recounted her stop-and-go… - Substitute Teaching for Specials and Electives
Substitute teaching for specials and electives classes can be different and even more chaotic than a regular day, but these… - How to Substitute Teach as a Super Young Adult
Each new substitute teaching assignment brings with it a new day of possibilities. The day starts when a sea of… - 3 Keys for Effectively Teaching All Ages as a Substitute
I’m lucky to be teaching all kinds of different ages of students in various schools. In fact, there’s only one… - A Year in Review: Substitute Teaching in 2023-2024
I’m hanging up my substitute teaching hat for the rest of the year, folks. Summer break has officially started for… - It’s Gonna be May: A Substitute’s Survival Guide to the End of the Year
One might think that nearing the finish line of a long and busy school year would be a smooth-paved path… - Leaving a Sub Note: Examples and a Free Template
Last updated on May 10th, 2024 at 12:09 am After another breathlessly chaotic day substitute teaching in a new class,… - How to Leave Students Positive Notes as a Substitute Teacher
Last updated on February 24th, 2024 at 09:05 pmWhile I’m a firm believer in giving students consequences for misbehavior, it’s… - Substitute Teaching: How to Endure (and Maybe Even Enjoy!) the MayhemSubstitute teaching can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the profession. I’m a substitute with a few…
- Want to Know What Really Goes on at Your Child’s School?Last updated on January 31st, 2024 at 08:01 pmWe all want better education for our kids. But there seems to…
- Why Subbing is Great for the Family Building Phase
Last updated on January 27th, 2024 at 05:24 pmMy focus in the past few years has shifted. For so long… - 5 Habits for Saner Substitute Teaching
“I know…” she shook her head and mustered a pitying smile at me when I suggested substitute teaching as means… - What It’s Really Like Subbing as a Former Teacher
“Nice try– I was born at night, but not last night,” I explain coyly to a student trying to pull… - A List of the Best Substitute Teacher QuotesLast updated on February 21st, 2024 at 03:53 amSurely you’ve seen various mementos and trinkets cutely embellished with quotes like…
- How to Pump Breastmilk as a Substitute Teacher
In the throes of a time-bending newborn haze, among sinks full of bottles and tops and pump parts, during a… - Should You Aim to Be a Tough Substitute Teacher?
As teaching in general is pummeled with more and more challenges, the difficulties for a substitute are that much more… - How A Substitute Can Respond to “But Our Teacher…”
If you step in to take over a brand new classroom for a day, you’ll likely run into the number… - How to Redirect Students Without Saying a Word
It’s no myth that teachers often lose their voice during the school year. By October, those tired vocal folds seem… - 20+ Ways Teachers Can Beat the Sunday Scaries
Last updated on December 4th, 2023 at 05:31 pmMy first year teaching— now almost a decade ago– I distinctly remember… - How to Get Students to Follow Directions With One Word
Tired of apparently giving directions to the abyss? There’s one word that carries a lot of heft. In fact, it’s… - Why Modeling is Such a Powerful Strategy for Substitutes
The second you release the students to start their work after giving directions, the room drops into the chaos of… - Is Substitute Teaching a Good Job for Introverts?
Quiet. Thoughtful. Sensitive. Reticent. Introverted. If you’re like me, these terms color the shades of who you are. But that… - What to Do When You Return to a Negative Sub Report
Last updated on November 27th, 2023 at 05:08 pmPsst! If you’re a substitute looking for ideas for handling negative classroom… - What to Pack: Essentials in My Sub Bag
Sure, you could walk into a new classroom with just your wonderful sub self and maybe your district-issued badge and… - What to Pack: My Favorite Substitute Teacher Lunch Ideas
Last updated on November 9th, 2023 at 05:08 pmSubstitute teaching can bring its fair share of fun and excitement, but… - How to Become a Substitute Teacher in 2023
Maybe you’ve decided it’s time to join the ranks of us humble nomadic teacher ninjas: A substitute teacher is to… - A Free Behavior Management Printable for Substitute Teachers
Last updated on November 13th, 2023 at 04:47 pmManaging a new class’ behavior can be the toughest part of substitute… - The Best Behavior Management Tips for Substitute Teachers
Last updated on February 24th, 2024 at 09:10 pmI’ve witnessed those hopeful bright eyes in new substitutes– for but a… - Should Substitute Teachers Bring Candy as a Reward?
Last updated on October 27th, 2023 at 03:55 pmMy husband recently recounted a story of his beloved Sunday School teacher…. - 7 Effective Consequences for Students When Subbing
Last updated on November 15th, 2023 at 03:43 amPsst! If you’re a teacher looking for advice on how to handle… - 8 Things I Learned After Subbing for High School
(and why I won’t likely return to high school) Most of time, I substitute teach in the elementary grades. It’s… - No Sub Plans Left? No Problem!
I’ve been substitute teaching for a while now, and I always knew there was a chance I’d be hit with… - The #1 Thing I Always Do When Substitute Teaching
Last updated on October 27th, 2023 at 03:56 pmAside from the basic nonnegotiables of substitute teaching like keeping the class… - Why I Use Both Whole Class and Individual Rewards
Last updated on October 27th, 2023 at 03:56 pmTeachers and substitutes strike a delicate balance each day keeping the classroom… - How Substitutes Can Use a Token Economy System in the Classroom
Last updated on October 27th, 2023 at 03:56 pmWhen Dwight Schrute, a character in the hit TV series “The Office,”… - 3 Effective Ways to Quiet an Elementary Class
Last updated on October 27th, 2023 at 03:56 pmIf you’re overwhelmed by the din of a large group of children,… - How to Rein in a Class That’s Had Multiple Substitutes
Last updated on October 27th, 2023 at 03:56 pmSubstitute teaching is pretty much the ultimate gamble of a job. Unless… - A Fun Trick for Substitutes to Boost Positive Student Behavior
Last updated on October 27th, 2023 at 03:56 pmSome days, it may feel like you’ve tried everything up your sleeve… - How a Substitute Can Manage Behavior by Spelling a Word
Last updated on October 27th, 2023 at 03:56 pmBehavior management in the classroom becomes an important foundation for accomplishing everything… - Free Student Rewards for Substitute Teachers
Last updated on February 24th, 2024 at 09:09 pmIn a perfect world, one could waltz into a new classroom to… - Top Low-Prep Games for Elementary Teachers and Substitutes
Games have the power to provide much needed relief during the school day. They can bring a class together with… - My Favorite No-Prep Elementary Classroom Games
Last updated on September 21st, 2023 at 09:23 pmTeachers and substitute teachers alike can benefit from this tried-and-true arsenal of… - The Complete Guide to Long-Term Substitute Teaching
Last updated on April 6th, 2024 at 03:08 amWhat is a long-term substitute? A long-term substitute is a substitute teacher… - Is It Worth It to Long-Term Substitute Teach?
Last updated on September 16th, 2023 at 02:39 pmBefore signing up to take over a classroom for a while, you… - 6 Key Tips for Success as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Last updated on September 16th, 2023 at 02:39 pmThere’s a new teacher in town! And it’s you. At least for… - Considering a Long-Term Sub Position? 3 Reasons to Pause
Last updated on September 16th, 2023 at 02:39 pmLong-term substitute teaching can be a rewarding gig– I’ve filled in for…
There’s more where that came from on Chocolate for the Teach! Read about my experiences in motherhood and leaving teaching, juggling various side hustles, and even scraping together some time to make cool DIY projects like a name-embroidered sweater. Thanks for visiting!