Huge difference in behavior with subs and "real" teacher?

Discussion in 'Substitute Teachers Archives' started by kel222, Nov 13, 2007.

  1. kel222

    kel222 Rookie

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    Nov 13, 2007

    I
     
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  3. Shanoo

    Shanoo Habitué

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    Nov 13, 2007

    I've both subbed and had my own classroom. Is there a difference? Absolutely. Students are rarely going to act for a sub the same way they act for a regular teacher. However, I don't think it's anything that isn't manageable.

    It's been my experience that students are chattier and less productive when they have a sub. I'm aware of that and I expect that. As long as they're working (however slowly) and the noise level is under control, I'm ok with that. I think subbing is an exercise in picking your battles.

    The biggest mistake I made early on was to expect students to behave perfectly for me as a sub. It didn't happen and the more I tried to correct their behaviour, the more defiant and disruptive they became. They saw me as the outsider and they didn't think they were going to be held accountable for their actions.
     
  4. MissFrizzle

    MissFrizzle Virtuoso

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    Nov 13, 2007

    I agree with Shanoo,


    The students definitely try and test the waters with a sub. Didn't we when we were in school? As a sub, I have to force myself to tolerate a certain amount of talking and go with the flow... as long as we get some work done and it's not chaotic- it's all good.:D
     
  5. smalltowngal

    smalltowngal Multitudinous

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    Nov 13, 2007

    I agree. Students are always going to see what they can get away with with a sub. You just have to assert yourself.
     
  6. MrsR

    MrsR Rookie

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    Nov 14, 2007

    I completely agree; when I started subbing, I had some crazy expectation that I could go in there like I did when I was student teaching, with the students respecting me and being quiet and productive. Boy, have I learned a lot! I, too, have noticed that if I go in expecting a perfect class, and demanding it, I will have a really hard, exhausting, fruitless day. But if I go in hoping to get SOME productive work done with whatever the minimum noise level can be (each class differs!), then I have an excellent day. I remember days in school when I had substitutes - I always got away with the most chatting (and little work) I could. But with all my regular teachers, I was a 'star student'! Kids haven't changed that much over the years, obviously. It helps to keep that in mind.
     
  7. cmw

    cmw Groupie

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    Nov 14, 2007

    YES and YES!! When the students have a sub they are often extra wound when they come to music! As specials teachers we say... you may have a sub in upstairs, but not in here. One of our classes was quite bad for the sub so they put some of her kids into other classes. yikes! :lol:
     

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