Week Five-The Week of Substitutes

     This week has consisted of a lot of substitutes. Our teachers are out for PLC or Professional Development, so there are many substitutes in our building. I always appreciate having a substitute that I know has been at the school before, known the procedures, and can not be "duped" by the students who try to trick them. Often times, it takes multiple encounters with students to know what they're really like and how to best meet their needs.
     So, what is it, then, that whenever there's a substitute, no matter whether it's someone from related arts or an outside person as a substitute, do students make poor choices and consequently, show poor behavior to the guest teacher and peers? Last semester, the students I had always were off balanced when we had a guest teacher. They would do things they knew were inappropriate. But why? To see what's it's like to actually do them? To see how far they could go without being made to stop? And how, exactly, are you supposed to stop them?
     In no way should a teacher ever touch or grab a student, which is understandable. So how could you get a student, who is completely and totally defiant, to listen to you? Substitutes, and even myself in the current situation, often feel inferior or a "bad teacher" if you need to call for help. To me, that means that I am unable to control the classroom that was left to me, and need someone else with more authority to do it for me. How do you, the substitute, intern, or other guest in the classroom demand respect from the students?
     I really do believe that all students can learn, but that it all depends on how to make that information available to them. Is it then, that substitutes or guests, do not know the culture of the classroom, or the way things are "usually" ran, so they do not expect as much as of students because they are not familiar with what they are capable of? What about the students who are special needs and need routine? Wouldn't this change or normal plan disrupt their potential learning? I believe it does. I've noticed that when things are out of order or not the "norm" of the classroom, students become easily distracted and even anxious about the change.
     In this way, I can see how some students do react poorly. I now see the importance of the "sub binders" that give guest teachers the "lay of the land" so that the day may go smoothly. It is also important that when at a school, you know who to contact for help. Just because you ask for help, doesn't mean that we are "bad teachers", it just means it can serve as a time for us to learn. One thing I've learned in order to ease my fears about "What Should I Do" scenarios that could occur in the classroom, ask a colleague or administrator. This not only alleviates any worry, but it also makes you more aware of what to do in new situations.