tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953162548234826111.post7675971707623164613..comments2010-10-30T12:28:07.598-07:00Comments on Into the Woods: Whatever You Do, Don't Tell the Boss!Vagabond Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01338053109988018465noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953162548234826111.post-6210807445862770972010-08-21T16:09:57.935-07:002010-08-21T16:09:57.935-07:00Just putting myself in an administrator's shoe...Just putting myself in an administrator's shoes: I'd reach out to help substitutes when there's a huge instructional issue like not having plans, have the students do something substantive, and then later address the issue with teachers in order to not have the problem again. It ensures that substitutes will have a smoother time, and be more willing to come back and fill in when we have a need.<br /><br />I think it's just a disservice to the students, the sub and the other staff members when there are no lesson plans.<br /><br />Regarding the situation with the grumbling teacher, it wasn't your fault! The only other option you had was to not mention the elusive worksheets, but then what? Have the kids simply not do the assignment? Fill-in time doing something else? The teacher was unprepared, but I don't think it reflects negatively on you. Perhaps if the issue is addressed by the grumbling teacher (but preferably by you in a note), it would help the teacher be a bit more organized and prepared for the next sub.<br /><br />Whatever the case, I do agree that it's just the nature of the job to expect the unexpected. Always be prepared!Veronica Chasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09847315278859040483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953162548234826111.post-52687602157156716192010-08-21T16:08:51.667-07:002010-08-21T16:08:51.667-07:00Just wanted to chime in here:
The bane of my exis...Just wanted to chime in here:<br /><br />The bane of my existence is incomplete or nonexistent plans. I've become quite adept at creating lessons on the fly!<br /><br />I must disagree with you on this issue, though. In my opinion, the teacher is always at fault for not having lesson plans. Emergencies come up, to be sure. But that's why they have these wonderful things called "emergency plans." I think every teacher should be prepared in case the unexpected happens, and that includes making generic lesson plans. I really appreciate going into a class for a last-minute assignment and seeing emergency plans. It's thoughtful, and I wouldn't want to be a teacher who left a sub out to dry. Leading a classroom for seven hours without plans is a hard position for anyone to be in.<br /><br />Also, when I have had those occasions that there were no plans, other teachers are a great help. Usually, the absent teacher has emailed them to a neighboring teacher, or the other teacher can at least come in and help get some plans going for the class. When that happens, the other teacher has to take time away from their class to help out and, again, it could all be avoided by a few proactive measures from the absent teacher.<br /><br />Asking for help isn't really because I "need" it, since I always have my own extras. I do it because it has so often been the case that the other teachers have the lesson plans. Just in case the absent teacher has made the effort to send in plans, I ask. If not, teachers usually jump up to help me, even though I tell them not to worry since I have a lot of stuff with me, anyway. <br /><br />I've never been to a school where I don't have plans and I'm frowned upon for asking for help. Sometimes, I automatically ask the office for help because they sometimes keep the plans in the office (this has happened when I'm new to a school and I'm unaware about how they handle subs), and teachers sometimes send their plans via email to the administrators. I remember once being helped by an asst. principal digging around a classroom looking for a teacher's plans. After finding them in the oddest place (under an overhead projector), he told me, "If you need anything, just ask!"<br /><br />I just can't see a school being mad because THEIR employee was unprepared and didn't leave sub plans. I wish emergency planning was emphasized more, like in one school where I sub where teachers are required to have a few days of emergency lessons. It at least gives other staff members breathing room for awhile in case an emergency because a long-term absence (when teachers have to come up with several days or weeks of lessons for the absent teacher).<br /><br />All of that said, I come prepared everyday with activities and work I can give to classes in case I have nothing. I just expect to have time to fill, and I prepare for that. I agree, subs should never panic. I disagree, however, that the right thing for a sub to do is not ask for help. I think kids should do substantive work, even with a sub. In most cases, the time-filling activities subs use are only appropriate for a few minutes, not hours. A teachers' lesson would be the most appropriate. Instructional time is wasted when you're forced to extend a "time filler" to over an hour.Veronica Chasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09847315278859040483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953162548234826111.post-47139880542210210502010-03-06T06:52:18.082-08:002010-03-06T06:52:18.082-08:00I've had a rough experience that began with a ...I've had a rough experience that began with a one-sentence lesson plan: "The kids know what they're working on."<br /><br />Oh, sweet lord.frater jasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07792539735982495274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953162548234826111.post-73562367651114223362010-02-28T16:07:20.486-08:002010-02-28T16:07:20.486-08:00I agree Sarah. My preference is to have the day m...I agree Sarah. My preference is to have the day mapped out for me, but even generic sub plans are better than nothing.Vagabond Teacherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01338053109988018465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953162548234826111.post-91769860912053978652010-02-28T13:47:36.925-08:002010-02-28T13:47:36.925-08:00Interesting post. I have heard of some subs that ...Interesting post. I have heard of some subs that don't follow the teacher's plans at all and do their own thing, which is usually chaotic. I would much rather have minute by minute plans that the teacher would be doing if she was there anyway. Makes for a smoother day for the kids and for me too. "Sub plans" seem to make the kids go nuts.Sarah https://www.blogger.com/profile/14091395645226862871noreply@blogger.com