I have entered the working world, again. I was a substitute teacher this past week for the first time. I am doing it only on Mondays and Tuesdays because that's when my mom-in-law can watch Ellie, and I really don't want to do it more than twice a week anyways.
On Monday I was at a Middle School. I started out helping with Band tryouts for about 15 minutes before the office realized one class didn't have a sub that needed one. So I taught 7th grade Social Studies all day (and right across the hall from me was another Mrs. Moser!!!). I read out loud a lot of the day and sort of lost my voice at the end. I turned some parts of their lesson into a game to make it more fun for me and for them. Then as the last period, which was my free period, was about to come, they asked if I could go help in the Special Ed classroom for one period. I said okay! So with those kids, we went out to recess and watched Love Bug. Pretty easy.
Then Tuesday I taught 4th grade. I am so not an elementary school teacher, let me tell you! You know in Kindergarten Cop how all the kids are running around like crazy? Yeah, that's pretty much how it was at the start. At like 8:30 in the morning my kids switch with my neighbor teacher's kids and by the time we were ready to switch, I looked out my door and her kids are all standing in a row, quietly waiting for my class, who, by the way, loudly stumbled from one classroom to the other in no particular line or formation whatsoever. I did get better by the end of the day. It is definitely an adjustment from secondary education! I was a grammar, writing, math, science, recess, game playing maniac! I mean, teacher!
I did enjoy substitute teaching much more than I thought I would. How much easier could it get - some one else makes the lesson plan, you just execute it. And I love that I can say no when I want to and that I'm done by 3 o'clock. I did miss Ellie terribly, though. She was so cute and was waiting at the door when I walked in after my first day of it. It pays $70/day and I can live with that. I will continue to sub each week and if there's more funny stories, I'll definitely let all of you know!
10 comments:
So of course I HAVE to comment on this post. :)
I'm glad that one day was really good for you! It's always nice when things go smoothly.
As far as the elementary day...so now I bet you have a much greater understanding of what our job is like. :) Now, you can REALLY appreciate Ellie's teachers when she starts school. It really is one of the toughest jobs because you have to balance wearing so MANY hats at one time.
Definitely continue to post more stories. I hope you really do like it.
PS: Wait till you try Kindergarten, First or Second grade! Although, 2nd grade really is the best! I'm not partial or anything.
I'm impressed with you Claire. I substitute taught once and it was a joke. I was in a special ed class, I was 23 and the 4 40ish women who helped out with the class did everything. I felt like such wasted space. Thankfully I got the job at BYU that week, so got to say good bye to a profession I was not meant for.:) Glad they were both positive experiences!
That's pretty good pay! And I really like that idea of somebody else making the lesson plan. That's the part I hate the most.
i feel your pain on the elementary stuff. i remember when i was taking the first education class at byu where you go to different schools for a week. i did a 2nd grade class w/the teacher for 3 days and thought "this is so fun! i should switch to elementary ed!" then i had the class for 2 days by myself. i'm just not equipped to try and get children out from under couches. i like my students at eye level, thank you very much!
I feel kind of unqualified posting on here without any teaching experience. But I wanted to say congratulations on your first subbing job! I'm sorry, I don't have anything else useful to say. If you ever want to talk about teaching which animal makes what noise, I'm here for you.
I am with you about being an elementary school teacher, I would way rather teach older kids!
I just found your blog, Ellie has grown up so much! What a cute family you have. Good luck with your substitute teaching and all.
-Jessica
You are very brave! It is hard enough being a elementary teacher with training. I always feel bad for my subs because they are walking into so much. Good for you for getting your feet wet with teaching again. I am sure it is fun for you to kind of being your own person again. Not just mommy.
Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my blog, it is about the Plotter, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://plotter-brasil.blogspot.com. A hug.
I just found your blog- yeah! I can't believe how grown-up Elli is! I will be fun to see updates of your family. I hope you remember us- Michelle is from Brad's mission. If you want you can check out our blog at kmjgilbert.blogspot.com. Wish you guys the best!
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