Student Teaching

Hey Pipe down up the back!


Now where have I heard that before.

I actually read all the comments, 53 at the time of my perusal. Molto interessante. Not that you should, I know you're busy and need a break/breaks.

Good one, dadpad...

I have a long time friend who was a substitute teacher for years and years, and then, rather late in the scheme of things, a full time teacher. (She'd had another quite long career before all that). She's a latina, and had a somewhat typical LA public school ethnic mix of kids, wherever she went. I was never in her classroom, of course, but I can just see her... she really loved the kids, and I'm doubting she was Ms. Disciplina. She was not my most brilliant friend, but she has a knack for understanding how people can struggle with getting something... and is a patient person. (One of the people I miss seeing more often than every five years.)

Wow, littlek! I can't believe you're so close to being finished! Time has flown!

Sometimes the time flies and sometimes it moves like molasses. But, almost done, yesss....

Yes, doesn't time fly, k?

It doesn't seem all that long ago that you were contemplating, weighing up the pros & cons, hesitating, considering a career in teaching .....

And hey, now you're almost there!

It's scary. I am still stressed out about Friday and it's Sunday after noon.

Have I missed a chapter? Are you stressed about this Friday or last Friday?

Noddy, two days ago. Possibly the worst day of the year. Teacher was away on professional development day and I had the class alone - not a single support staff was in the room with me. One reading specialist was there with a small reading group of kids from several different classrooms, and the class was great for that one half hour. I wanted to walk out of the classroom, and never go back, several times that day. I've been over and over the day in my head and have discussed it with people who know the kids and their dynamics. I don't think it was anything I did. Maybe it had to do with who I am: the not-really-a-real-teacher. But the class sort of spiraled out of control.

Just thinking that teachers here are always alone in classes, with any support/assistant teachers ...

Littlek--

Kids get pumped up about Christmas earlier and earlier. I'm betting you got caught up in Holiday Madness--through no fault of your own.

Did Real Authority have to come in from the Principal's Office to bail you out?

Cheer up. You've had your dose of the Absolute Worst and it will never happen again to that degree.

Hold your dominion.

Walter, this is a very special class and I am a student teachers. The veteran teacher of 11 years doesn't find the class easy even when The One is out of the room. One of her stipulations is that I have assistance when she's out of school (she's been out 3 days). And, as a student teacher, I am second on the chain of hierarchy even when she isn't in the room. Which isn't much of an issue for most of the kids, but for some I hold very little authority.

Noddy, I don't think it had much to do with Xmas. It may have had something to do with the previous day being pajama day with popcorn, soda and movies in the afternoon (a reward). I was able to send The One out for most of the day (this happens when the teacher is in the room as well). I was supposed to have a SpEd aid in the room for some time and an ELL teacher in as well. The SpEd teacher came and removed her pupil and the ELL teacher didn't show up.

There were many teachers out at this professional day. The principal was out for the day as well. We were understaffed and I think the kids knew it.

There's your reason, k.

As much as I have no doubt you have a great relationship with the class, they know you as a student teacher. Sadly, status is status as far as students go. When you have the status of a "proper" teacher, with your own class you will be amazed at how much more authority you possess! Have you ever wondered why a year level coordinator, or the principle or vice-principle have so much respect? Partly it's because they're terrific at their jobs (maybe?), but mostly it's because of their status ... stuff around with them & there will be consequences! They have the authority to make consequences happen! Students absolutely know this!

Trust me on this!

So don't be so hard on yourself. You've worked really well with that class. And I'm certain they appreciate your efforts.

Frankly, I think it wasn't quite the right or "professional" thing to do to leave you in charge of this class, at all. And most likely, you weren't being paid to be a "real teacher" for the day, either!

I completely agree with msolga. I know Walter was just musing, but a teacher who has been The Teacher from day one has far fewer issues to deal with than a student teacher who then takes over. It's like that thing that Swimpy said, "Don't smile until Christmas" -- first impressions are huge for students, and it works best to start out at full authority and then ease up from there. The students' first impression of littlek was of the subservient, student teacher, still learning. On day one she had little to no authority, and that impression sticks.

Don't worry about it, littlek. Sorry you had such a sucky day. (I had my share of those when I was student teaching... ugh.)

I was quite 'famous' for educating trainee teachers, btw.
(That was the only reason they mostly were accompanied by a 'real' teacher. Later.)

Today was better, but still not great. The teacher has been paying more attention to me and the relationship the kids have with me. She was "shocked" to see the way they were behaving with me (I was leading a reading group of several students) and assured me I was being quite clear and reasonable with them. Sigh. I start another take-over week next monday. Maybe I should come up with my own incentive program....?

Thanks ladies.....

I'm not sure what you mean here, k.

Serious or jokey (about the "incentive ptogram"?)

One German substitute teacher who tought me used a magic incantation when confronted with a hostile class. The incantation was "well, kids, your homework for today will be ..." <turns around to the blackboard with a wicked grin, piece of chalk in hand, starts writing a list of excercises.>

It's nasty, but effective. Our class always fell silent as soon as she turned around. Maybe it works for you too. It's a good stop-gap measure, but not to be overused.

[size=7]You should have asked me for some 'nachhilfe' [private tutoring] in "how to handle substitute teachers" ...[/size]


Well, that's certainly an idea.