Substitute Teaching: Everything You Need for Success

What does one need to be a substitute teacher -- particularly to be successful as a substitute teacher? This book has been written to be a resource to those who are new to substitute teaching or are seasoned teachers considering substitute teaching. From the role of a substitute teacher to hints for getting assignments, from a typical day to being considered for a full-time position, from lesson plans to classroom management, from the Sub Pack to sample ground rules, this book has something for everyone. In addition to original filler activities labeled by grade and subject, Substitute Teaching: Everything You Need for Success includes practical teaching strategies, hands-on activities to use in classrooms with students at various learning levels, checklists, a glossary, and a list of resources to guide you along the path toward being a successful substitute teacher.

Table of Contents:
Introduction New Experiences Where to Find Work How to Use This Book How the Book is Organized Stand Alone Resource vs. Training Book Purpose and Ultimate Outcome Part I. Substitute Teaching and You Chapter 1: The Importance of Substitute Teaching Why Substitute Teaching is Important Adding Value No Empty Classroom Quality Education and Learning Opportunities Continuity Professional Development for Teachers Seamlessness Exposure to New People Chapter 2: Your Role as a Substitute Teacher: Responsibilities and Boundaries Responsibilities Boundaries Observe and Report / Diagnose and Decide Chapter 3: Know Yourself, Confidence is the Goal Strengths and Weaknesses Fear Factor A Key to Success Chapter 4: What Grades and Days do You Prefer? Comfort Level: Grades / Ages Availability: Days of the Week A Note about Being Flexible Chapter 5: Flexibility: A Key to Getting Assignments Being Flexible Flexibility: the Key and the Warning General Categories When to Say No Being Proactive Part II. Before and at the School. In the Classroom Chapter 6: Being Prepared to Get “The Call” Being Prepared What to Have Ready Getting “The Call” Automated Phone Systems Web-Based Systems “Preferred” Lists If Your Availability Changes Chapter 7: What to Expect: A Typical Day Preschool, Elementary, Middle and High School Activities Throughout the Day A Day with Ms. Jones Prior to the Classroom In the Classroom: Before Students Arrive Students Enter the Classroom During the Day End of the Day After Students Leave Chapter 8: The End of the Day and the Next Day Classroom Clean Up Mini-Checklist Note for the Regular Teacher Pause and Reflect Leaving the School The Next Day Chapter 9: Some Tips and Reminders for Your Day in the Classroom Nervous is Normal Arriving at the School What to Take with You Sub Pack Assert Your Command of the Class Early On Classroom Instruction Who Else is in the Classroom? You’re Not Alone at the School Safety First Get Invited Back Part III. Tools, Tips, and Teaching Chapter 10: Lesson Plans What is in a Lesson Plan? How to Use Lesson Plans Objectives Instructional Procedures Materials Assessment What if There is No Lesson Plan? Chapter 11: The Balancing Act: Teaching Strategies vs. Classroom Management Interrelationship of Strategies and Management Need for Corrective Classroom Management Tipping the Balance Chapter 12: Teaching Strategies Factors That Affect Learning Learning Conditions and Situations Communication Teaching for Learning Ground Rules for Group Exercises and Activities Teaching Styles Teacher-Centered Student-Centered Teaching Strategies and Exercises Small Group DiscussionWhat Is It? Some Advantages of Small Group Discussion Small Group Discussion Exercise BrainstormingWhat Is It? Some Advantages of Brainstorming Brainstorming Exercise Pros and Cons ChartWhat Is It? Some Advantages of Pros and Cons Chart Pros and Cons Chart Exercise Cooperative LearningWhat Is It? Some Advantages of Pros and Cons Chart Pros and Cons Chart Exercise Guided DiscoveryWhat Is It? Some Advantages of Guided Discovery Guided Discovery Exercise Mind MappingWhat Is It? Some Advantages of Mind Mapping Mind Mapping Exercise Concept MappingWhat Is It? Some Advantages of Concept Mapping Differences between Concept Mapping and Mind Mapping Concept Mapping Exercise Interactive Multimedia (Audio-Visual).What Is It? Some Advantages of Interactive Multimedia Interactive Multimedia Exercise Chapter 13: Classroom Management What is Classroom Management? Who’s in Charge? Classroom Management Techniques A Word about Kids A Reminder about Your Role and Boundaries Chapter 14: Special Education Definitions Special Education Mainstreaming Inclusion Full Inclusion Self-Contained Classroom Collaborative, Team Teaching Least Restrictive Environment Controversy Mainstreaming Advantages Special Education Students Non-Special Education Students Costs Mainstreaming Disadvantages Special Education Students Non-Special Education Students Costs Special Education and Substitute Teaching In a Regular (Non-Special Education) Classroom Some Additional Tips In a Self-Contained Special Education Classroom Chapter 15: Drills and Emergencies Emergency and Crisis Response Plans Types of Emergencies and Crises Drills A Note on Drills What to do During a Drill or Emergency Lockdowns What to do During a Lockdown or a Lockdown Drill Some Additional Lockdown Tips: Simulations Reporting Emergencies Chapter 16: Teaching Assistants, Student Teachers, and Non-Classroom Activities Non-Classroom Activities Teaching Assistants and Teacher Aids Student Teachers Chapter 17: The Effective Teacher A Reminder about Learning Styles Attributes of an Effective Teacher Classroom management Instruction Self-Improvement Chapter 18: Do’s and Don’ts Do’s General Instruction Materials Classroom Management Safety and Emergencies Professional Development and Growth Availability Don’ts General Personal Control Professionalism Instruction Classroom Management Health and Safety Professional Development and Growth Part IV. The Future Chapter 19: Your Future Trying Other Grades Second Nature Getting Called Back to a School or District Long-Term Assignments Full-Time, Permanent Teaching Positions A Final Note Part V. Some Notes for Trainers Chapter 20: Some Notes for Trainers of Substitute Teachers Goal and Training Objectives Goal Training Objectives About Trainees Assorted Backgrounds Learning Styles Bring Out the Strengths Getting Started Ice Breaker: Trainee Introductions Staying Up-to-Date Training by Example Some Training Tips Before the Training Session During the Training Session At the End of the Training Session After the Training Session Assessment and Evaluation “Pop Quiz” Appendix A: Filler Activities Appendix B: Resources Appendix C: Sample End of the Day Letter for the Regular Teacher Appendix D: Sample Ground Rules for Group Activities and Exercises Appendix E: Sample Lesson Plan Appendix F: Sub Pack Appendix G: What to Take with You Checklist Appendix H: End of the Day Checklist

About the Author :
Sid Gilford, Ed.D. has more than 20 years experience in education and with nonprofit organizations. He has worked with teachers, subject specialists, and school and district administrators. He is adjunct faculty in undergraduate and graduate education and conducts workshops at state and national education conferences. Sid was a substitute teacher in California and in Connecticut.

Review :
Substitute teaching is hard work deep in the trenches of school. Gilford’s outstanding manual covers all the bases of how to be an effective sub because it will generate the confidence and communicationskills necessary to teach and control all grade levels of students. For new and experienced subs, the book provides attention-grabbing lessons and strategies that are creative, entertaining, and educational along with key managementskills that should be required reading before walking into any classroom: newbie and veteran substitute teachers alike will be better for reading it. Sid Gilford has done it! He has put together a masterful work for those who step into the mix as substitute teachers. Theirs is a difficult job, but Gilford's work is comprehensive and includes everything necessary for substitute teacher success. The author's detailed approach covers 'taking the phone call' from a district, to 'filler activities' at all grade levels – and everything in-between. Gilford has thought through the 'what-ifs' of classroom management and has answered them with practical and tangible applications. His work deals with both the professional and personal sides of substitute teaching. Lo-and-behold: Substitute teachers are humans too! As a lifelong educator, adjunct university professor, and district-level professional development leader, I am thrilled that someone has provided the requisite tools for substitutes to continue to advance learning. I highly recommend Gilford's book. This is book provides an excellent resource for professionals who wish to become substitute teachers, regardless of the grade level or discipline of interest. Unlike so many other sources in the field of education that devote little attention to this topic, the author has rightfully identified the important role that substitute teachers play in schools and has provided a roadmap to assist them with understanding their interests and preferences as well as the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. Practical exercises are also included to assist with ensuring that all class time is committed to important learning activities. Given the useful and practical nature of the subjects covered, this book is a must-have reference for not only aspiring and current substitute teachers but experienced teachers and administrators who are responsible for assisting them. This book skillfully links the social and academic responsibilities of the substitute teacher and makes a solid connection to the student learners' needs and opportunities for experiencing enjoyment of learning. This is regardless of grade level. The foundational relationship between teacher and student is clearly examined for effective educating that's meaningful for all present. Materials and attitudes are aptly addressed, and the eight Appendices round-out this book's comprehensive attention to 'best practices' for successful substitute teaching. The author has left 'No stone unturned,' with a plethora of teaching styles, differentiation of instruction ideas, and application of varied modalities/activities/methodologies.