Substitute teaching for specials and electives classes can be different and even more chaotic than a regular day, but these interesting courses also carry the potential for more excitement and fun.
At the elementary level, there’s usually a lesson plan that includes videos, indoor and outdoor games, or projects the students can work on. In middle school, subbing in elective classes can also be fun and interesting. Most students have chosen to be in these classes and are engaged in what they’re doing and learning.
I try to sub for specials and electives as a way of taking a break from the normal classroom environment. Most of these classes are structured unless there is no lesson plan. In that case, I have to have a Plan B or C or ask for help and ideas. Overall, I enjoy being in a creative space with students, and that’s why I choose to sub specials and elective classes.
Here are a few of my experiences, if I have yet to convince you to join these interesting teaching opportunities:
Gym Teacher for the Day
One reason I like to sub PE is that I get to wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. I can relax a little knowing I don’t have to dress professionally that day. (In my district, it’s expected that substitutes dress in business casual.) I can wear nice leggings or sweatpants along with a solid-colored T-shirt or school shirt if I have one. If it’s cold I’ll wear a nice sweatshirt or light jacket. I also try to wear the colors of the school to show school spirit!
In elementary school, there’s usually two coaches who teach the large groups, so I know I won’t be alone with 50 kids. I help monitor the students for safety, bathroom breaks, water breaks, and whatever else comes up in an exciting PE period. It can get really loud inside the gym with all those kids running and yelling, so the coaches have microphones to get their attention. I’ve used the mic to direct kids to the next activity and to get them quiet so they can listen to directions.
Elementary PE is organized chaos at best. But that’s part of what makes it thrilling!
Middle school PE is different. PE classes can have only boys, only girls or a mix. It’s less like herding cats than elementary, but there are still some excitable behaviors to deal with.
The time I wound up teaching middle school PE was a day I had signed up for something else. I was moved from that subject to a girls’ PE group, and I wasn’t dressed for it. The coach just had me monitor the girls inside the gym while they were doing their exercises. Then later that day I had to go outside in the heat to monitor a class during their activities.
It was a good experience, but I wish I had known about it before the admin moved me that morning.
Covering Art Class
Being a sub in elementary art involves a little more work. Usually the art teachers are by themselves in a class of more than 25 kids. Sometimes there’s a paraprofessional in the room who can help.
As a sub, I make sure the materials are out and ready to use and that the students clean up after themselves. It can get loud with all those kids talking as they work. I walk around the room and talk to them and ask questions about what they’re doing. Most students are eager to share what they’ve made and want to tell you all about it. I love seeing all their artwork!
Middle school art classes are electives and more structured. The teacher leaves detailed plans and instructions on which materials should be used for their projects. These students know what to do and don’t need much instruction. I walk around the room and talk to them about their artwork. Some students need reminders to stay on task and not be disruptive to their tablemates. There are some really talented students who love art and produce amazing art pieces. I enjoy looking at their work and having them talk about it.
Substitute teaching music and theater arts
Elementary music classes are large, and usually there’s only one teacher in the room. The sub plans have included watching a video, having the kids dance to Go Noodle or play games. Most of the kids love going to music class, so they’re in a good mood.
Music and theater arts classes in middle school are considered electives. I’ve covered orchestra, band, choir and theater arts. I have a music background, so I’m always looking forward to these classes. There is usually a co-director who does most of the teaching, but I have done some conducting and I’ve set the metronome at various speeds so the students can practice their music. I’ve even helped hang and organize formalwear for these groups.
Theater arts classes tend to have the most talkative students! They want to perform. But when there’s a sub, they usually have busy work online or handouts. Sometimes it’s hard to keep them on task and quiet. The older students (8th graders) might have permission from their teacher to practice on stage, so I monitor them and make sure no one is trying to be overly dramatic and jump off the stage!
Substitute Teaching Other Electives
One of the reasons I like to substitute teach at the middle school level is that there are a variety of interesting classes to choose from. I’ve subbed Spanish and French classes. Even though I am not fluent in either language, I got to learn a little bit from the students. The teacher usually has a project for them to work on or an online test to complete during class. Si, se puede! Parlez vous Français?
Another fun class to sub was Food and Fabrics which used to be known as Home Economics. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to cook or sew anything on those days. The plans just had them online doing work or drawing and designing place settings on a piece of white paper. Still, it was interesting. I know some students were disappointed that their teacher was absent because they couldn’t do hands-on activities like using the sewing machines or the stoves.
I even substitute taught a class called Principles of Manufacturing and Engineering Design.
It was intimidating at first. I didn’t know what to expect. Once I got to know the other teachers (usually coaches) I felt more at ease. The plans have involved having the students take a quiz or test online, view lesson videos, or sometimes do hands-on activities like building circuits and using small tools. I really liked those classes. The students were engaged and excited about the things they were doing.
A Chance to Learn Something New
Being a substitute in specials and electives can be exciting! One great part of being a substitute teacher is having the freedom to try out different classes and either returning or blacklisting that class depending on how the day went.
I learn a lot by being in a wide range of classrooms and subjects, interacting with all kinds of students sharing all kinds of passions. It’s a break from teaching the same old core subjects– so try it! Who knows? You might learn something new.
