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!
- Leaving a Sub Note: Examples and a Free Template
After another breathlessly chaotic day substitute teaching in a new class, I slumped into the worn office chair loitering bedraggedly… - 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 Mayhem
Substitute 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… - A Letter of Introduction for Long-Term Substitutes
Last updated on September 16th, 2023 at 02:39 pmIf you’re planning to take on a classroom for a long-term period… - My Experience Long-Term Subbing for an Unplanned Leave
Last updated on September 26th, 2023 at 10:17 pmBy October, I was fresh off the plane from a variety of… - My Experience Long-Term Subbing for a Planned Leave
Last updated on September 16th, 2023 at 02:40 pmI’ve had some pretty memorable substitute teaching experiences (hello, surprise water day!)…. - How to Stay Organized as a Substitute Teacher
Last updated on August 12th, 2023 at 04:26 pmIt’s essential to stay organized as a substitute teacher— how else will… - The Truth About the Disadvantages of Substitute Teaching
While there are enough benefits to being a substitute teacher to keep me in the job, there are also some… - 6 Ways Substitutes Can Prepare for the School Year
Last updated on August 10th, 2023 at 03:09 pmSubstitute teaching is a flexible job, which I find translates into refreshingly… - My Side Hustle as a Substitute Teacher
Last updated on July 31st, 2023 at 02:44 pmSubstitute teaching can sound like a pretty sweet gig at first– filling… - What is Substitute Teaching Really Like?
Last updated on September 5th, 2023 at 04:00 pmA snapshot of substitute teaching If you’ve never had the privilege of… - A recap of subbing in the ’22-’23 school year
Last updated on September 5th, 2023 at 04:02 pmIt’s halfway through May, and I’ve decided to round out my substitute… - How to Plan for the Summer as a Substitute
Last updated on November 10th, 2023 at 04:40 pmAh, the sweetness of a soon-to-be summer. Through hazes of humid air,…
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!