A Day in the Life of a High School Substitute Teacher

It was a decision that I made, to become a substitute teacher. Why? There are several reasons why I decided to become a substitute. Since my divorce (well over this past year), I have had this desire to be around children. With saying that, I don't mean highschool kids. I decided to work with highschool kids only because I am able to and well I need the money.

Since that decision, I have been blessed in so many ways. Questions that I have wondering about for many years have been answered. I have learned many things about kids these days. Things that I have been overlooking during the blindness that my marriage had on me. I was trapped in a world that blacked everything else around me completely out.

Not to mention, I was robbed in many ways of my teenage years, so being a teacher at my own highschool, with the advantage of being an alumni, has been very rewarding. Many of the teachers and staff are here. Not to mention, some of my classmates are now teachers here as well.

I am glad that I made the decision to be a substitute at the highschool, so that I can learn the ways of the kids and how they interact. Today was especially a blessing as the Black History Month program was set. I got to witness the fact that prayer is still ok to be prayed in the name of Jesus. I was estatic to see that Gospel music could be played in a public school for the sake of freedom. It was a beautiful sight. Not all schools have this advantage anymore, but I am happy to know that it is still ok to pray in school, Highschool at that.

I have the rewarding advantage to read textbooks and learn things that I never comprehended when I was in highschool. I have learned about history that I would rather read in a textbook then online. It is more believable and real. There is just so many advantages to being a substitute teacher in a highschool.

Sub Tips:

Teachers need subs spontaneously, so there is rarely any assignments available. We are stuck with the stress of "what we should do the whole day". We have no way of knowing about any assignments that the teacher would be teaching if he were in the class. If we are lucky, there may be something wrote down on the board. If you think the kids will tell you... lol NOT!

Be prepared consciously. Have worksheets of some sort ready so that you will have something for them to do. Try to know ahead of time what type of class that you will be teaching and have something ready for all subjects. Math, History, English, etc. Even if it was a crossword puzzle. There is nothing more embarrassing then to be dumbfounded in front of a bunch of teenagers.

You can make it fun as well. Let them know who is boss, yet let them also have a little leway. Jive with them and loosen up. It is definitely different now and days then from when you were in highschool. It will bring back memories and although there are many days full of stress, it can be rewarding, just the same.