this week I worked across the board
I did teach 5th grade twice, which I decided is a grade I really like. Beyond all the preteen drama they are pretty much still sweet little kids. I did a lot of peer mediation between friends and between "couples", we had quick little pow wows over by the teachers desk and resolved their problems with a little BOSS advice. I think I almost made one girl cry, because she felt so bad about making fun of another student after my talk.
Another consistent event in this week was that I managed to always be at a school on either their fire drill day, an assembly day, or a combination of both day.
let's break down the days by the grades that I taught
5th grade-the gifted class
I didn't know what to expect with the "gifted" class. I will say that they were probably one of the more behaved classes that I have taught, but I don't think their 5th grade knowledge content was anything worth shouting about.
I think the problem is that I have really high expectations of what children should be able to do, which in most cases is a good expectation to have as a teacher. This is why I have here by determined that I need to teach 3rd grade or above.
kindergarten-"are you ready to sing a new sonng"
That's right, I was literally making up songs left and right, along with other activities to give them. The teacher didn't leave much for me to do with them, but she did leave a note that read "do not let them touch ANYTHING". That is a hard rule to follow when you have 32 five year olds sitting in a room that is surrounding them in colorful toys. This was probably the longest day of my week. I just don't relate to these kids, haha. I did bribe them with a movie, which they could only keep their attention on for 25 minutes before I had to instigate a new activity...that messed up what I thought the schedule would be. I will say I lucked out with this classroom because it had its own bathroom for the kids, and if you don't know 5 year olds go to the bathroom a lot! I was prompted by the art teacher that some kids in my class have been wetting their pants in her class and not saying anything, just sitting in the mess. All I can say is what I didn't know, didn't hurt me, but I'm pretty sure there weren't any accidents...
7th grade-"omg, fomfl, lol"...really?
A little bit refreshing. Every time I teach middle school I get flashbacks and wonder, was I really this ridiculous? There was a lot of talking going on, and it mostly concerned relationships between boys and girls. I had a self proclaimed "emo" girl in my class who wore two black gloves that read, rock...I would point my finger at hot topic to take the blame for those. She talked a lot about how "awesome" texting is. The boys in the class mocked her pretty much the entire day. I was previously warned about a student who had severe ADHD, but I was on that issue, I moved him to the front of class and literally just sat next to him and made him my best friend by going step by step through the assignment. He kept asking me if he could shoot things with his rubber band, and I just kept denying him permission. The kids in the class apparently liked me, because they wanted me to come back and told me, "you should be a teacher, you are really good", to which I applied, "yea, I am a teacher". I can't wait to have my own class. This sub lady experience is really teaching me what works and what does not work in a classroom. I think I will definitely be able to keep my future class in line.
yesterday I taught 5th grade again
They were crazy, what can I say. I was doing peer mediation about every 5 minutes. This consisted of different kids coming up to me, with a sad face on, to tell me something that someone else said to them, and then just standing their starring at me. I usually returned the look with a moment of, so whats the problem here, but then I quickly counciled the child and then called a quick meeting between all other suspects. By the end everyone said they were sorry and the problems were resolved. It is crazy how at the start of the day two children can be enemies and by the end they are skipping around together as best friends....oh what it would be like to be that age agian.
I was going to take today off, but I had a talk with God last night about just doin what he puts before me each day. Anyway, I didn't get a call today...I'm going to take the time to finally do some things for myself.
Peace
DA BOSS
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
3 day work week
Thats right! I worked a total of 3 days this week, killin it!
Also, 2 of the 3 days I was told "you are the best teacher in the whole world", which to me seems like a pretty remarkable accomplishment for a sub.
day 1-the notorious gym teacher
It must be somewhere on my record that I would've made an excellent gym teacher, because I was once again the gym teacher. This consisted of me going around and playing games, or taking over so that the teacher could flee from the room. Heads up 7up will never die.
The best part of the day-watching a movie about sea creatures with a handful of students in a special ed. class.
The worst part of the day-Going upstairs to the middle grades floor to go into a 7th grade class. The students were completely out of control and the teacher was just screaming at them when I walked in, not that she had much of a voice left to scream with.
When I walked in she pretty much just ran out of the room to leave the craziness to me. I was not feeling that well, so I just tried to help out the ones that were somewhat controlling themselves.
day 2-New school New day
I was supposed to be assigned as a gym teacher, but then the office lady changed her mind and put me in charge of a 32 student, second grade class. I decided to implement some incentive/management ideas I have collected from being in other classes. I've come up with a excellent combo that works well for the day-to-day sub life.
If you are interested, let me know and I will share.
Day 3-Senorita Alvarado
Apparently I have won the hearts of one school. It is the school that has asked me back several times now by special request, a special request for DA BOSS, aka Senorita Alvarado.
Today the head clerk told me that everyone loves me there. I have taught 5th grade, 4th grade, been the librarian, been the gym teacher, and today I was called in to be a 3rd grade teacher for a bilingual class.
Now, I am not Technically "bilingual", but without saying anything about it, most of the school thinks that I am. The kids definitely think I am fluent in Spanish, and I don't think I need to let them know otherwise. I do plan to become more affluent in the language, but for now I get by with a few basics in my tool belt. I loved the kids in this class.
The only negative to my day is that the school does not have air conditioning, so unfortunately I came away with a migraine from inability to breathe and minor dehydration.
Our day went well, I was able to teach them a bit about the world, literally, I pulled down the world map and we had a good time learning about this place we live in. I got through teaching their reading and math without a problem.
I told the kids that I MIGHT come back, because I can't make promises, but they were very excited about the prospect of it.
Other students in the school now recognize me when I walk in the hall, which must be a good sign. I feel sort of like a celebrity because every time a kid sees me they call out to me, pointing and telling their friends who I am, and wave and generally get pretty excited. DA BOSS is famous, what can I say.
They already asked me back for Monday, and are putting me with the 5th grade gifted class. There is a bit of pressure on when given such a privilege as to teach the "gifted" class as a substitute. I hope to continue to impress the students and the staff at this school so that I can fill the next vacant position. I think by winter I should be in there more permanently....and hopefully living closer to the school.
CPS has a day off tomorrow! I plan to sleep this weekend.
Talk to you next week...
Also, 2 of the 3 days I was told "you are the best teacher in the whole world", which to me seems like a pretty remarkable accomplishment for a sub.
day 1-the notorious gym teacher
It must be somewhere on my record that I would've made an excellent gym teacher, because I was once again the gym teacher. This consisted of me going around and playing games, or taking over so that the teacher could flee from the room. Heads up 7up will never die.
The best part of the day-watching a movie about sea creatures with a handful of students in a special ed. class.
The worst part of the day-Going upstairs to the middle grades floor to go into a 7th grade class. The students were completely out of control and the teacher was just screaming at them when I walked in, not that she had much of a voice left to scream with.
When I walked in she pretty much just ran out of the room to leave the craziness to me. I was not feeling that well, so I just tried to help out the ones that were somewhat controlling themselves.
day 2-New school New day
I was supposed to be assigned as a gym teacher, but then the office lady changed her mind and put me in charge of a 32 student, second grade class. I decided to implement some incentive/management ideas I have collected from being in other classes. I've come up with a excellent combo that works well for the day-to-day sub life.
If you are interested, let me know and I will share.
Day 3-Senorita Alvarado
Apparently I have won the hearts of one school. It is the school that has asked me back several times now by special request, a special request for DA BOSS, aka Senorita Alvarado.
Today the head clerk told me that everyone loves me there. I have taught 5th grade, 4th grade, been the librarian, been the gym teacher, and today I was called in to be a 3rd grade teacher for a bilingual class.
Now, I am not Technically "bilingual", but without saying anything about it, most of the school thinks that I am. The kids definitely think I am fluent in Spanish, and I don't think I need to let them know otherwise. I do plan to become more affluent in the language, but for now I get by with a few basics in my tool belt. I loved the kids in this class.
The only negative to my day is that the school does not have air conditioning, so unfortunately I came away with a migraine from inability to breathe and minor dehydration.
Our day went well, I was able to teach them a bit about the world, literally, I pulled down the world map and we had a good time learning about this place we live in. I got through teaching their reading and math without a problem.
I told the kids that I MIGHT come back, because I can't make promises, but they were very excited about the prospect of it.
Other students in the school now recognize me when I walk in the hall, which must be a good sign. I feel sort of like a celebrity because every time a kid sees me they call out to me, pointing and telling their friends who I am, and wave and generally get pretty excited. DA BOSS is famous, what can I say.
They already asked me back for Monday, and are putting me with the 5th grade gifted class. There is a bit of pressure on when given such a privilege as to teach the "gifted" class as a substitute. I hope to continue to impress the students and the staff at this school so that I can fill the next vacant position. I think by winter I should be in there more permanently....and hopefully living closer to the school.
CPS has a day off tomorrow! I plan to sleep this weekend.
Talk to you next week...
Friday, September 18, 2009
blessing in disguise
I woke up this morning at 5:30am feeling sick in exhaustion from my eyes to my toes, and everywhere inbetween. As I was getting ready for a call this morning, I was trying to just rest on God and trust that he would place me where he wanted me today.
....I never got a call
I ended up going back to sleep for 2 hours, and now I'm going to take this beautiful day as a much needed sabbath.
Maybe finally I can do some sewing
or get a much needed haircut
go for a walk, a run
maybe go look at apartments
or go buy some watermelon, mmmm
peace out
DA BOSS
....I never got a call
I ended up going back to sleep for 2 hours, and now I'm going to take this beautiful day as a much needed sabbath.
Maybe finally I can do some sewing
or get a much needed haircut
go for a walk, a run
maybe go look at apartments
or go buy some watermelon, mmmm
peace out
DA BOSS
Thursday, September 17, 2009
the librarian
today i taught 1st-6th grade as the librarian
I had to go between 4 separated buildings to go into all the classrooms, since for some reason subs are not allowed to be IN the library...I still don't understand that
I've decide I much more prefer to have one class the whole day than to try and take on a new group of students every 40 minutes
Having masters classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, right after teaching, is really wearing me out
I leave the house at 7am and get home by 9:30pm...I don't know if I'll make it at this rate, literally I'm not sure if I will stay alive if I keep this up
I am trying to move into Chicago, since right now I live about 1 hour from the city limit. Not only is my body takin the beating of the travel stress, but my car is about to give up.
I really want to take the day off tomorrow, but I need the money...
How am I hungry again?
Now that my eating is limited to a bite size lunch and a small snack for dinner, I am pretty much constantly hungry and dehydrated
peace out
...DA BOSS
I had to go between 4 separated buildings to go into all the classrooms, since for some reason subs are not allowed to be IN the library...I still don't understand that
I've decide I much more prefer to have one class the whole day than to try and take on a new group of students every 40 minutes
Having masters classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, right after teaching, is really wearing me out
I leave the house at 7am and get home by 9:30pm...I don't know if I'll make it at this rate, literally I'm not sure if I will stay alive if I keep this up
I am trying to move into Chicago, since right now I live about 1 hour from the city limit. Not only is my body takin the beating of the travel stress, but my car is about to give up.
I really want to take the day off tomorrow, but I need the money...
How am I hungry again?
Now that my eating is limited to a bite size lunch and a small snack for dinner, I am pretty much constantly hungry and dehydrated
peace out
...DA BOSS
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
"you're a verry good teacher"
I taught 5th grade today
I'll start with a good note
Most of the students kept asking me if I would come back tomorrow, "pleasse"
And I had one student linger around after I dismissed them from class to tell me, "you're a verry good teacher"
They apparently liked me, but managing that class to stay on task and to keep them under control was quite the challenge. One of the main factors that I think added to this struggle was how the classroom was organized...or not so organized. The seats were sprawled out all over the room, and I am sure the teacher has her reasons, but it did not make sense to me when teaching a class of 30 kids, especially since the ones in the back of the class were mostly causing the trouble.
I guess the only major issue we had was at our bathroom break when some of the boys decided to play with the soap....yea
After I brought them back to class I delivered a genuine but dramatic lecture about the fact that the students need to think of the people they affect when they make decisions and how the kind janitor would now have to stay after school, not be able to go home to his family like they would be, only to clean up their mess. They were pretty good after my talk, and they definitely felt bad about what they had done. I saw the janitor cleaning up their mess later and apologized profusely.
Major Tools that I am developing for my Sub-box
-from the moment you are about to meet your class walk up to them like you are DA BOSS
-candy, candy,candy (feel the class out first, don't waste your candy if the class is well behaved or is able to follow suit to another management tool you have, you can reward them less frequently or just for larger accomplishments. Make sure you have a system of when and how you give candy to students, remember You Control The Candy!)
-Have activities and lessons ready to pull out and teach if the Teacher you sub for leaves you nothing, you need to appear that you are on top of your game in front of those kids, literally from minute one you need to act like you know everything there is to know...don't back down from this position
-Your instincts will kick in and let you know where the students are that you need to be aware of...quickly let them know what Great students you think they are (they are great, and they can be, so find something they are great at quickly), reinforce that, and make them love you. If you only learn a few names make it those kids names...believe me
-take a quick tour of the school, you should know where the bathrooms are, the lunch room, etc.
You will lose points of respect from your class if you have to ever ask them for assistance
-seating charts would be appreciated, but are seldom provided. It might be a good idea to give the kids name tags as you call attendance, or play a name game. The day will be verrry long if you don't know names.
-Use the flexibility of Sub-plans to your benefit, use the extra time to be FREE TIME at the end of the day. Put those words on the board and make the kids "earn" it, keep in your mind you want them to earn it because that is sometimes all you have on your side to keep them focused and moving forward.
Motivate them by reassuring them that you are all working together as a team to get them through all the work they have to do that particular day and ANY bad behavior is not acceptable, Erase a letter to show them you mean business. Believe me use whatever means you can do assure them that this is mandatory work that will effect them and that you are there to get them through.
Tomorrow I am a librarian..hmmm
peace,
DA BOSS!
I'll start with a good note
Most of the students kept asking me if I would come back tomorrow, "pleasse"
And I had one student linger around after I dismissed them from class to tell me, "you're a verry good teacher"
They apparently liked me, but managing that class to stay on task and to keep them under control was quite the challenge. One of the main factors that I think added to this struggle was how the classroom was organized...or not so organized. The seats were sprawled out all over the room, and I am sure the teacher has her reasons, but it did not make sense to me when teaching a class of 30 kids, especially since the ones in the back of the class were mostly causing the trouble.
I guess the only major issue we had was at our bathroom break when some of the boys decided to play with the soap....yea
After I brought them back to class I delivered a genuine but dramatic lecture about the fact that the students need to think of the people they affect when they make decisions and how the kind janitor would now have to stay after school, not be able to go home to his family like they would be, only to clean up their mess. They were pretty good after my talk, and they definitely felt bad about what they had done. I saw the janitor cleaning up their mess later and apologized profusely.
Major Tools that I am developing for my Sub-box
-from the moment you are about to meet your class walk up to them like you are DA BOSS
-candy, candy,candy (feel the class out first, don't waste your candy if the class is well behaved or is able to follow suit to another management tool you have, you can reward them less frequently or just for larger accomplishments. Make sure you have a system of when and how you give candy to students, remember You Control The Candy!)
-Have activities and lessons ready to pull out and teach if the Teacher you sub for leaves you nothing, you need to appear that you are on top of your game in front of those kids, literally from minute one you need to act like you know everything there is to know...don't back down from this position
-Your instincts will kick in and let you know where the students are that you need to be aware of...quickly let them know what Great students you think they are (they are great, and they can be, so find something they are great at quickly), reinforce that, and make them love you. If you only learn a few names make it those kids names...believe me
-take a quick tour of the school, you should know where the bathrooms are, the lunch room, etc.
You will lose points of respect from your class if you have to ever ask them for assistance
-seating charts would be appreciated, but are seldom provided. It might be a good idea to give the kids name tags as you call attendance, or play a name game. The day will be verrry long if you don't know names.
-Use the flexibility of Sub-plans to your benefit, use the extra time to be FREE TIME at the end of the day. Put those words on the board and make the kids "earn" it, keep in your mind you want them to earn it because that is sometimes all you have on your side to keep them focused and moving forward.
Motivate them by reassuring them that you are all working together as a team to get them through all the work they have to do that particular day and ANY bad behavior is not acceptable, Erase a letter to show them you mean business. Believe me use whatever means you can do assure them that this is mandatory work that will effect them and that you are there to get them through.
Tomorrow I am a librarian..hmmm
peace,
DA BOSS!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
sub-human
One thing you should all realize about being a sub is that you are no longer a human being. The main adaptation that you must make to your new existence is to never use the bathroom and to stop eating.
Today I went to a school that I had actually interviewed at during the summer. Three subs showed up and they did not have that many positions. I was given the first position, the Gym teacher...that's right! I guess you have to have a specific endorsement to teach in the actual Gym, which I do not have, so I had to go in to every class and attempt to take over for 40 minutes. This pretty much means you have to wing it and come up with games/activities for the group to do. This is seemingly easy, but in actuality it is really hard.
My schedule was
8th grade, 7th grade, 3rd grade, then two kindergarten classes.
I thought the older kids might enjoy learning a few improvisational skills, but this proved to be a challenge when I found out that about 98% did not even know what it meant to improvise. We still attempted some basic drills, and they were not very successful. I decided to ditch it and do some art lessons...which went better, but was still a struggle with the older students.
The third graders did a game and then a drawing/writing/presentation bit, and they enjoyed it.
I have never taught a kindergarten class, don't get me wrong I've worked with very young children in a small group settings, but having a class of 30 of them...yikes! They definitely loved me and wanted to hug me and give me all their drawings as "surprise presents", but their attention span at that age is non-existent. I honestly don't know how kindergarten teachers do it, for real! I'd like to observe a teacher who is capable of keeping all of that under control.
At the end of the day I was supposed to have a 40min free prep period, but instead I went and helped the other sub get control over her kindergarten class that she had been placed in.
I probably should have rested, but it feels weird sitting around with nothing to do at a school I am not familiar with.
Tomorrow I get to go back to the school I taught at on Monday! I am pretty excited about it because they put in a specific request for me to come back. I'll be praying, I am worried that it won't go as well as it did on Monday. I have to keep a good relationship and rep. with that school, because eventually I hope to work there.
DA BOSS
Today I went to a school that I had actually interviewed at during the summer. Three subs showed up and they did not have that many positions. I was given the first position, the Gym teacher...that's right! I guess you have to have a specific endorsement to teach in the actual Gym, which I do not have, so I had to go in to every class and attempt to take over for 40 minutes. This pretty much means you have to wing it and come up with games/activities for the group to do. This is seemingly easy, but in actuality it is really hard.
My schedule was
8th grade, 7th grade, 3rd grade, then two kindergarten classes.
I thought the older kids might enjoy learning a few improvisational skills, but this proved to be a challenge when I found out that about 98% did not even know what it meant to improvise. We still attempted some basic drills, and they were not very successful. I decided to ditch it and do some art lessons...which went better, but was still a struggle with the older students.
The third graders did a game and then a drawing/writing/presentation bit, and they enjoyed it.
I have never taught a kindergarten class, don't get me wrong I've worked with very young children in a small group settings, but having a class of 30 of them...yikes! They definitely loved me and wanted to hug me and give me all their drawings as "surprise presents", but their attention span at that age is non-existent. I honestly don't know how kindergarten teachers do it, for real! I'd like to observe a teacher who is capable of keeping all of that under control.
At the end of the day I was supposed to have a 40min free prep period, but instead I went and helped the other sub get control over her kindergarten class that she had been placed in.
I probably should have rested, but it feels weird sitting around with nothing to do at a school I am not familiar with.
Tomorrow I get to go back to the school I taught at on Monday! I am pretty excited about it because they put in a specific request for me to come back. I'll be praying, I am worried that it won't go as well as it did on Monday. I have to keep a good relationship and rep. with that school, because eventually I hope to work there.
DA BOSS
Monday, September 14, 2009
a fresh start
week 2-day 1
I made a commitment last night that starting this morning I would strip my life to the basics. In prayer I let God know I would be meeting him first thing in the morning to hand him the heaviness of the day to come. I figured turning 25 was a good time to re-evaluate the times in my life that worked the best, like when I was in Guatemala and everyday I had to depend on God first. It was the most joy filled time that I can remember in my life, and I has a sense of faith that I desired at every other point in my life. Ok God, take it on.
I woke up this morning with worry boiling in my soul. I went straight to God, although I will admit I was dragging my feet a little.
Not too long after this I got the call from sub center for my position. They asked if I could report to the far south side (which would take me at least 2 hours to get to), and I asked if there was any possibility of something less far away (considering I didn't have much time to get there and that I had a long way to go). Sub center assigned me to a different school and I just took it. I got stuck in horrible traffic , got lost and ended up being a little bit late.
When I finally pulled up to the school I realized it was a school I had seen over the weekend, and when I saw it I had tucked a thought away about wanting to work there. I was pretty stressed out that I would now walk in minutes late to the beginning of this school relationship. I ended up getting to walk with the vice principal to my class room (which was in another building a few blocks away...I guess they have more than one building to house all the students). It was a pleasant walk, and she didn't seem to be in any rush as she made several stops along the way and had me come with.
When I finally got to the class I was nervous at the possibilities of what I was about to face. I walk in to the seemingly sweet faced students of this 4th grade class. They were all Hispanic from all over, Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, etc. I quickly fell in love and felt overwhelmed with a sense of belonging. They all reminded me so much of the children I loved and left in Guatemala and Venezuela.
There was a student teacher in the room with me, but she just started and was only there to observe for student hours. I quickly picked up the lesson plan, scanned it, and absorbed as much as I could so that I could begin teaching.
The day went sooo beautifully. I fell in love with the students, and they took to me very quickly. I was able to teach without any discipline disruptions, and I was able to begin to remember my love for teaching. The student teacher told me this was the best day they have ever had, that she had never seen them so well behaved...Thanks God, thanks!
Side note: the absent teacher had a daily devotional sitting on her desk...Yea, I see ya...I understand
One student kept trying to sneak me his work telling me, "take it with you, I want you to have it" I made a deal with him and photo copied it so that I could take it with. I missed out on a special secret note that was on the back one of the stories he wrote, warning:reading this story may cause laughter. I think he did that because I told him how funny I thought his story was.
My mom called me on my way home to tell me she couldn't believe that I had gone to that school because she had passed by it this weekend and thought it would be the perfect school for me, so she had said a prayer about it...hmmm
I can't explain the oddness of how well my day went, but to say that I really do believe God put me there...maybe not to put me there permanently, but maybe just to restore my faith that I need to keep pushing forward. Hearing that the students were from places like Guatemala was a great reminder that my desire for international service is closer to my doorstep than I sometimes realize.
what will tomorrow bring.....
I made a commitment last night that starting this morning I would strip my life to the basics. In prayer I let God know I would be meeting him first thing in the morning to hand him the heaviness of the day to come. I figured turning 25 was a good time to re-evaluate the times in my life that worked the best, like when I was in Guatemala and everyday I had to depend on God first. It was the most joy filled time that I can remember in my life, and I has a sense of faith that I desired at every other point in my life. Ok God, take it on.
I woke up this morning with worry boiling in my soul. I went straight to God, although I will admit I was dragging my feet a little.
Not too long after this I got the call from sub center for my position. They asked if I could report to the far south side (which would take me at least 2 hours to get to), and I asked if there was any possibility of something less far away (considering I didn't have much time to get there and that I had a long way to go). Sub center assigned me to a different school and I just took it. I got stuck in horrible traffic , got lost and ended up being a little bit late.
When I finally pulled up to the school I realized it was a school I had seen over the weekend, and when I saw it I had tucked a thought away about wanting to work there. I was pretty stressed out that I would now walk in minutes late to the beginning of this school relationship. I ended up getting to walk with the vice principal to my class room (which was in another building a few blocks away...I guess they have more than one building to house all the students). It was a pleasant walk, and she didn't seem to be in any rush as she made several stops along the way and had me come with.
When I finally got to the class I was nervous at the possibilities of what I was about to face. I walk in to the seemingly sweet faced students of this 4th grade class. They were all Hispanic from all over, Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, etc. I quickly fell in love and felt overwhelmed with a sense of belonging. They all reminded me so much of the children I loved and left in Guatemala and Venezuela.
There was a student teacher in the room with me, but she just started and was only there to observe for student hours. I quickly picked up the lesson plan, scanned it, and absorbed as much as I could so that I could begin teaching.
The day went sooo beautifully. I fell in love with the students, and they took to me very quickly. I was able to teach without any discipline disruptions, and I was able to begin to remember my love for teaching. The student teacher told me this was the best day they have ever had, that she had never seen them so well behaved...Thanks God, thanks!
Side note: the absent teacher had a daily devotional sitting on her desk...Yea, I see ya...I understand
One student kept trying to sneak me his work telling me, "take it with you, I want you to have it" I made a deal with him and photo copied it so that I could take it with. I missed out on a special secret note that was on the back one of the stories he wrote, warning:reading this story may cause laughter. I think he did that because I told him how funny I thought his story was.
My mom called me on my way home to tell me she couldn't believe that I had gone to that school because she had passed by it this weekend and thought it would be the perfect school for me, so she had said a prayer about it...hmmm
I can't explain the oddness of how well my day went, but to say that I really do believe God put me there...maybe not to put me there permanently, but maybe just to restore my faith that I need to keep pushing forward. Hearing that the students were from places like Guatemala was a great reminder that my desire for international service is closer to my doorstep than I sometimes realize.
what will tomorrow bring.....
day3&4
So after that first day of subbing, I was not at all upset when I did not receive a position on day 2...I took the day to recover and pass my resume out at random schools.
The next morning I was given a call a bit after 6am, by now I know that I will never be called at the time I was supposed to be called at.
This time I was at least told that I would be filling in for middle grades...ok, fair enough.
I show up at the time I was told to report at, and apparently the school expects the subs to be there a lot earlier than the time I was given, because the clerk that I checked in with at the office did not seem all that please with my performance thus far, it was only 8:20 am.
I guess she could tell by some of my questions that I was not as affluent a sub as she would have liked. She asked me how long I've been subbing and I straight up told her the truth, "to be honest it's my second day...", to which she replied, "I would have never had you come". I just apologized for the hatred she felt toward me, and tried to reassure her that I would do my best...
She greatly underestimated my ability to wing it, because I ended up having a great day with the 7th grade class I was assigned to. I mostly ruled with the Candy hand. They might act like they don't care about candy, but they do, oh they do. The other teachers on the middle grade floor that I was on assured me that I had done an excellent job and that I should not worry about the fact that the clerk lady sorta hated me.
When I left that day I was sure that my great performance was reason enough to show up the next day, as I had been assigned. Little did I know that the clerk was not expecting me showing up again. As I was getting set up in my classroom another man walked in, an older, more experienced African American man. Apparently he was assigned to this same class. We quickly became best friends and decided to go down to the office and sort this mis-understanding out. The clerk lady was pretty upset that I had shown up, and I think she thought I was trying to pull a fast one. I assured everyone that I would turn around and go home if they did not want me there and that this was an honest mis-communication. I am an honest person, and would have not have shown up somewhere had I known I was unwanted. After she called the sub center to tell them of my unwanted presence at her school, she calmed down and said that another sub they were expecting didn't show up and that we could both stay for today. I apologized profusely, and made last attempts to convince her of my innocence. I told her I would go anywhere she needed me to work. She put me back in the 7th grade class.
This was a good decision because when I opened the door to the class, revealing that I would indeed be subbing for them that day, I got a mildly enthusiastic applause that broke out among the students. I gained back some of my broken spirit by feeling that I somewhat belonged in this place.
Our day went really well, actually better than the previous day, probably because they sorta liked me and because I had developed my instincts on what each kid needed to get through the day. I was also able to bribe them with a short free time at the end of the day, providing that they follow a few simple rules as well as finish allll the work the teacher had left for them (which was a lot). They earned their free time and I left feeling a boost of confidence in my ability to do this thang. The teachers in the school kept telling me how well I had done, maybe they meant in comparison to other subs...either way. I made peace with the clerk lady by making yet another apology and plead for forgiveness in my mis-understanding (mmm hmmm). Another teacher in the office spoke up behind me telling her how well I did with the class, and she let me go with a , "I'm sure we will see you back here soon"....phewwwww
the freakin weekend, I turned 25
The next morning I was given a call a bit after 6am, by now I know that I will never be called at the time I was supposed to be called at.
This time I was at least told that I would be filling in for middle grades...ok, fair enough.
I show up at the time I was told to report at, and apparently the school expects the subs to be there a lot earlier than the time I was given, because the clerk that I checked in with at the office did not seem all that please with my performance thus far, it was only 8:20 am.
I guess she could tell by some of my questions that I was not as affluent a sub as she would have liked. She asked me how long I've been subbing and I straight up told her the truth, "to be honest it's my second day...", to which she replied, "I would have never had you come". I just apologized for the hatred she felt toward me, and tried to reassure her that I would do my best...
She greatly underestimated my ability to wing it, because I ended up having a great day with the 7th grade class I was assigned to. I mostly ruled with the Candy hand. They might act like they don't care about candy, but they do, oh they do. The other teachers on the middle grade floor that I was on assured me that I had done an excellent job and that I should not worry about the fact that the clerk lady sorta hated me.
When I left that day I was sure that my great performance was reason enough to show up the next day, as I had been assigned. Little did I know that the clerk was not expecting me showing up again. As I was getting set up in my classroom another man walked in, an older, more experienced African American man. Apparently he was assigned to this same class. We quickly became best friends and decided to go down to the office and sort this mis-understanding out. The clerk lady was pretty upset that I had shown up, and I think she thought I was trying to pull a fast one. I assured everyone that I would turn around and go home if they did not want me there and that this was an honest mis-communication. I am an honest person, and would have not have shown up somewhere had I known I was unwanted. After she called the sub center to tell them of my unwanted presence at her school, she calmed down and said that another sub they were expecting didn't show up and that we could both stay for today. I apologized profusely, and made last attempts to convince her of my innocence. I told her I would go anywhere she needed me to work. She put me back in the 7th grade class.
This was a good decision because when I opened the door to the class, revealing that I would indeed be subbing for them that day, I got a mildly enthusiastic applause that broke out among the students. I gained back some of my broken spirit by feeling that I somewhat belonged in this place.
Our day went really well, actually better than the previous day, probably because they sorta liked me and because I had developed my instincts on what each kid needed to get through the day. I was also able to bribe them with a short free time at the end of the day, providing that they follow a few simple rules as well as finish allll the work the teacher had left for them (which was a lot). They earned their free time and I left feeling a boost of confidence in my ability to do this thang. The teachers in the school kept telling me how well I had done, maybe they meant in comparison to other subs...either way. I made peace with the clerk lady by making yet another apology and plead for forgiveness in my mis-understanding (mmm hmmm). Another teacher in the office spoke up behind me telling her how well I did with the class, and she let me go with a , "I'm sure we will see you back here soon"....phewwwww
the freakin weekend, I turned 25
My life so far as a Substitute
Last week I began the journey of substitute teaching in Chicago Public Schools. I am a certified teacher and I earned my certification through the Chicago Teaching Fellows program. I was hoping to get a job based on the promises of the need for teachers in CPS. With the state of the economy as it is there were a lot of job cuts in CPS, and alas I have no teaching job along with the many others in the Sub pool.
After finding out my fate, I had a flash flood of the many times I had a substitute teacher over the years, and the many times that I had told myself, "I would never be a sub". I was nervous for my first day, but had some confidence that my experience working with youth in urban areas would pay off.
As a substitute you are told that as of day one you need to wake up at 5am and expect to be called by 6am. I woke up ready to go at 5am, 5am passed, then 6am, and by 6:30 I passed out in my bed with my mind made up that I would not be given a position this day.
8am I am awoken by the vibrations of my phone on my nightstand and I think, there is no way. Yes, there is a way, I was called to fill a sub position on the far SW side of Chicago. I almost declined it, but considering it was my first day subbing I didn't want to get a bad wrap...so I went. Now it is good to know that CPS starts at roughly 8:30, and that I currently live 45min-1hour NW of Chicago. I left immediately without information from the sub center on what grade or position I was filling.
I finally show up, after sitting through traffic (chugging a homemade green tea latte), and they quickly rush me down the hall to pick up my class (school had already started, obviously). Out files about 15 children who looked to be about 12 years old, and that was later confirmed to be true. The woman who ushered me to these children told me to bring them to room 312..(312? I think, I don't even know if I can find my way to the stairs in this place). As she starts to turn to leave I raise my voice to ask, "Can you tell me if their are any lesson plans for these students?", to which she responds, "Oh, yeaa...I think I can find you something...oh by the way...this class is LDBD (learning/behavior disorders...mostly behavior)". Ook
I quickly ask one of the students to lead us up to the class. We get up there and only a few moments later the woman from the office drops off a folder that read sub folder, hmmm. This folder contained a bunch of single copies of random worksheets, which means it would not be useful to me at all. I get the students to settle into their seats while I quickly try to rack my brain as to what I will do with these students. I decide to go with a get-to-know-you exercise, and it went seemingly ok, considering the students were unable to write or draw the basic boxes that I was trying to have them draw. Pretty quickly after this the students began to show their true colors. I let one student go to the bathroom and told them it would have to be one at a time. Another student immediately insisted that she needed to go to the bathroom and made it seem like if I didn't let her go there would be an accident. With all the other students beginning to instigate negative behavior, I just let her go....I didn't plan to clean up anything on top of keeping the boys in the back from fighting, and the boy in the front from running around the class room attempting to escape. Minutes after these two students were gone a third student demanded she go to the bathroom, and after I said no she said, "I Hate white people"...whattt.
This is about the time I knew everything was about to come falling down on me. There were moments that I had some control, but overall it was just mass chaos. During recess one boy took out his belt and whipped another boy in the back with the metal part of his belt...I took that belt after recess and I don't know if the boy has gotten it back yet. The boy who was the victim of the whipping made it his mission to get revenge on the other boy. It was my mission to not allow this to happen, and just so you know these kids were not small, and I am not very big. I have wished several times that I was a large African American man, because my life would be a lot easier, and people would respect me. Alas, I remain a runty white girl. Irish-Spanish-Mexican actually...
This is getting way too long for discussing a situation I don't even want to be thinking about. I will make it short by listing out a preview of how the day panned out.
-Students escaping through a secret door in the classroom closet, while other students point and yell, "I just saw (s. name) running through the hall out there" whattttt
-A student using his "computer time" inappropriately...I ended that computer time quickly
-A student from another class walking into our room only to throw sharp pencils at me and the students...whattttt
-and so on, use your imagination
I left feeling completely defeated, on the verge of a mental breakdown, and ready to quit...for good
Day 1 of substitution, I decided I would give it at least a week
Start the praying
After finding out my fate, I had a flash flood of the many times I had a substitute teacher over the years, and the many times that I had told myself, "I would never be a sub". I was nervous for my first day, but had some confidence that my experience working with youth in urban areas would pay off.
As a substitute you are told that as of day one you need to wake up at 5am and expect to be called by 6am. I woke up ready to go at 5am, 5am passed, then 6am, and by 6:30 I passed out in my bed with my mind made up that I would not be given a position this day.
8am I am awoken by the vibrations of my phone on my nightstand and I think, there is no way. Yes, there is a way, I was called to fill a sub position on the far SW side of Chicago. I almost declined it, but considering it was my first day subbing I didn't want to get a bad wrap...so I went. Now it is good to know that CPS starts at roughly 8:30, and that I currently live 45min-1hour NW of Chicago. I left immediately without information from the sub center on what grade or position I was filling.
I finally show up, after sitting through traffic (chugging a homemade green tea latte), and they quickly rush me down the hall to pick up my class (school had already started, obviously). Out files about 15 children who looked to be about 12 years old, and that was later confirmed to be true. The woman who ushered me to these children told me to bring them to room 312..(312? I think, I don't even know if I can find my way to the stairs in this place). As she starts to turn to leave I raise my voice to ask, "Can you tell me if their are any lesson plans for these students?", to which she responds, "Oh, yeaa...I think I can find you something...oh by the way...this class is LDBD (learning/behavior disorders...mostly behavior)". Ook
I quickly ask one of the students to lead us up to the class. We get up there and only a few moments later the woman from the office drops off a folder that read sub folder, hmmm. This folder contained a bunch of single copies of random worksheets, which means it would not be useful to me at all. I get the students to settle into their seats while I quickly try to rack my brain as to what I will do with these students. I decide to go with a get-to-know-you exercise, and it went seemingly ok, considering the students were unable to write or draw the basic boxes that I was trying to have them draw. Pretty quickly after this the students began to show their true colors. I let one student go to the bathroom and told them it would have to be one at a time. Another student immediately insisted that she needed to go to the bathroom and made it seem like if I didn't let her go there would be an accident. With all the other students beginning to instigate negative behavior, I just let her go....I didn't plan to clean up anything on top of keeping the boys in the back from fighting, and the boy in the front from running around the class room attempting to escape. Minutes after these two students were gone a third student demanded she go to the bathroom, and after I said no she said, "I Hate white people"...whattt.
This is about the time I knew everything was about to come falling down on me. There were moments that I had some control, but overall it was just mass chaos. During recess one boy took out his belt and whipped another boy in the back with the metal part of his belt...I took that belt after recess and I don't know if the boy has gotten it back yet. The boy who was the victim of the whipping made it his mission to get revenge on the other boy. It was my mission to not allow this to happen, and just so you know these kids were not small, and I am not very big. I have wished several times that I was a large African American man, because my life would be a lot easier, and people would respect me. Alas, I remain a runty white girl. Irish-Spanish-Mexican actually...
This is getting way too long for discussing a situation I don't even want to be thinking about. I will make it short by listing out a preview of how the day panned out.
-Students escaping through a secret door in the classroom closet, while other students point and yell, "I just saw (s. name) running through the hall out there" whattttt
-A student using his "computer time" inappropriately...I ended that computer time quickly
-A student from another class walking into our room only to throw sharp pencils at me and the students...whattttt
-and so on, use your imagination
I left feeling completely defeated, on the verge of a mental breakdown, and ready to quit...for good
Day 1 of substitution, I decided I would give it at least a week
Start the praying
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