QUESTION:

As a grade 7-12 substitute teacher,  I was thinking of “travelling” with the ABCD poster and briefly explaining it, but I wondered if that would be too disruptive to kids if I’m only with them for a day or two.  I’m finding that getting good behavior as a sub is far more difficult than when I did student teaching.  I’m looking for some type of philosophy or system to proactively manage the classrooms I “visit” and also deal with issues that arise. For some students, they see a sub and think “anarchy!”

DR. MARSHALL’S RESPONSE:

As soon as you enter the classroom and have the students’ attention, say, “I am looking forward to being a guest in your classroom, and I am sure you will treat me as you would a guest in your own home.”

(You have just raised their expectations.)

Then show the poster of the levels located here.

Explain the levels to the students and then announce:

“We do not have anarchy in schools.

I am confident that you will all be on Level C or Level D today.

However, for those who are not capable of showing respect to a guest and have poor impulse control by choosing to act on Level B, then I feel obligated to leave a note with your regular teacher indicating how you treated me.

Now, let’s have good day!”

Print This Post Print This Post
For More Information on Disciplineand Learning Click Here
Posted In: K. For Guest Teachers
posted On: December 8, 2009: 3:27 pm: By Kerry Weisner
Comments: No Comments