How Can I Improve? Advice for Substitute Teachers

By Barbara PressmancloseAuthor: Barbara Pressman Name: Barbara Pressman
Site: http://www.substituteteachingatoz.com
About: Barbara Pressman is an adjunct professor at the College of Education, Florida Atlantic University. She has been a classroom teacher for more than 20 years, and a supervisor for student teachers for 10 years. She currently mentors Substitute Teachers as well. When asked how she came to be interested in writing for substitute teachers she responded: I have subbed for many years during my teaching career. When my children were small, I found subbing to be a wonderful "free lance" job. At that time, I took on a 6th grade long term subbing assignment, which led me back to full time teaching. Upon retirement, I went back to subbing once again. Barbara is the author of book Substitute Teaching from A to Z (McGraw-Hill, 2008), available in all major bookstores and Amazon.com. To find out more, visit: www.substituteteachingatoz.comSee Authors Posts (32)

How Can I Improve?

Dear Barbara,

I know that I can improve my teaching skills, but I’m really not sure how to go about it. Eventually I want to go back to college and obtain my education degree. For financial reasons, I can’t do that right now.

There are a few experienced teachers that I’ve seen while I’ve been subbing, and they look miserable! They’re always angry and they act “burnt out.” I never want to be like that. I’ve seen others who are happy and positive. Students love them. I want to get better as time goes on, not worse.

Please give me some suggestions for improvement.

*Courtney in Nevada

Dear Courtney,

It’s very admirable that you want to improve yourself. That tells me that you will be a fine teacher someday, and you’re probably a great sub already!

You’re right, as time passes, some teachers develop a negative approach to teaching. They look unhappy, and so do their students. By observing both good and bad teachers, you’ll start to understand what works and what doesn’t.

You’ll find that your skills will improve greatly by subbing. When something really works in a classroom  (a great teaching moment), repeat it until it becomes a natural part of your repertoire. Observe how the best classrooms are organized. Then borrow those great ideas and use them to make yourself a better teacher.

Find a teacher you admire and ask if you might observe him or her when you have a free period. Observe as many teachers as possible. Each has a unique teaching style.

Read books on teaching. You will always get inspiration and confidence from good reading materials.

Most of all, be yourself and be the very best that you can be. The more effort you put into subbing, the more you will get back in terms of fulfillment and personal satisfaction.

Barbara

Order Substitute Teaching from A – Z by Barbara Pressman