Top 5

Who doesn't love a top # list?  I know I do.  Add to it that I am compulsive lister and you have a perfect storm of numbered happiness.  So, as I was getting up this morning, dragging a little under the darkness and coolness of this new fall weather, I got to thinking about why I didn't want to go to work.  For the most part, subbing is great. (see part 2 of this post). However, like anything else, it has some challenges that just need to be recognized.  So this compulsive lister came up with:

Top 5 Challenges of the Substitute Teacher

5.  You are a stranger.

...at least if you are new.  And if you are like most subs, you sign up for many schools in different districts, which makes you new all the time.  

4. You don't get to take part in the creative process of planning.

Yeah, yeah.  Some people would see this as a plus.  However, once you have been able to plan, execute, and evaluate an entire unit on anything, you miss the feeling of the "whole" and the accomplishment that goes along with it.

3.  You feel scrutinized. 

Ok, not always.  But just enough to put you on edge when you are with your temporary class around the other teachers in the building.  And this is especially true when you are trying to follow the dismissal procedures (which vary GREATLY from building to building) or trying to take your class on a group bathroom break and aren't sure of that building's bathroom break etiquette when there is already a class.  I realize that seems ridiculous as I type this, but believe me, there are teachers who are very protective of their bathroom break turf!

2.  Classroom management procedures....

I cannot tell you how many different card changing, pin changing, colored block moving, earning baseballs, warm and fuzzy/marble/penny jars, classroom dollars, happy helper lists....I have encountered.  And to the kids, these are SACRED.  Which is a good thing, but if you plan on subbing, be sure to familiarize yourself quickly with whatever system that teacher uses.  Even worse are the classrooms that have none, but that's a whole other blog post....

1. You really want your own classroom home and students.

This might not be top for everyone, but is for me.  You know that one day, the stars will align just right and it will happen, so you are subbing and learning as much as you can in the meantime.  

Well, now that I have just gotten all my negativity out of my system, I will satisfy my other compulsive side, which is always to find the silver lining.  So, part two of this post:

Top 5 Reasons Why Substitute Teaching is Great!

5.  You get to "try before you buy."

This is fantastic!  You get to visit different school districts and buildings and get to see the different cultures.  And if you find you don't like a particular one, you can rule that out.  After all, most teachers get into a district and stay for life.  You better like the one you pick!

4. Flexibility and family time.

Teaching is demanding.  It requires a lot of outside time planning and grading papers, after school activities, and general worrying about the well being of your students.  Although, this is wonderful and rewarding, there is a trade off.  As a sub, you have a lot more time.

3. Exposure to all sorts of classroom environments, instructional methods, and materials.

There is more than one way to skin a cat.  If you pay close attention while you are in another teachers classroom, you can pick up lots of great ideas. 

2. Meeting all sorts of cool kids.

Even when you work with the difficult ones, you learn a lot about different personalities.  Since teaching is very much about making connections with people, subbing provides daily practice in this.

1. It's networking and good practice for your OWN classroom one day!

'Cause it's going to happen!  

:)