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 remixed sleep schedule and learning all of the exciting features of your...
Substitute Teaching
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!
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 magnified. Classroom teachers don't think their students are giving them a modicum...
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 one thing students inevitably bring up: "But our teacher lets us..." "That's...
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 to go on strike. That's why I like to use this strategy...
The First-Year Teachers Are Not Okay: Why It’s So Difficult
My first year of teaching, nearly a decade ago, wins the award for the most challenging year of my career by a dumpster fire landslide. Though I hold so many special and...
20+ Ways Teachers Can Beat the Sunday Scaries
My first year teaching-- now almost a decade ago-- I distinctly remember the overwhelming feeling of dread I had preparing to go back to teach after a glorious weeklong respite for Thanksgiving....
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 quite magical once you've completed the setup. But it does take a...
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 twenty little people engaged in anything but sitting at their desks completing...
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 doesn't come close to covering all of who you are. You have...
What to Do When You Return to a Negative Sub Report
Psst! If you're a substitute looking for ideas for handling negative classroom behavior, this article may help! You've returned to your classroom after a time away, pushing past slightly misplaced chairs and...
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 teach and be okay. (Okay, but probably not great!) There are tools...
What to Pack: My Favorite Substitute Teacher Lunch Ideas
Substitute teaching can bring its fair share of fun and excitement, but it can also come with disappointments. Don't let a sad lunch be one of those disappointments. As uncontrollable as some...