I began substituting in the Lower Dauphin School District and the Northern Lebanon School District. This experience in both of these districts has broaden my horizons on teaching and instruction.
During my time substituting, I have gained an immense amount of knowledge on curriculum, classroom management, instruction, and building relationships with staff and students. I must learn to build relationships with students in an eight hour day.
When I think back to December and just graduating from college, I can't even fathom how much experience I have gained in the last four months. An administrator had told me soon after graduating to "not to put my eggs all in one basket at one school."
I began to wonder how I could really grasp the idea of day to day substituting in a different school every day.
It is not easy. I never know what the lesson plan may entail. I am unaware of the students in the classroom or how the day may flow. I never know what the day will bring and that is all part of the journey.
Honestly, this has been the best thing for me to experience. I enjoy having a set schedule and following a routine. But I have learned that so do the students that I have substituted. I encourage following the teachers lesson plans, classroom management styles, and routine to keep the students flowing throughout their day. I am a guest in their classroom. I want them to feel that and embrace their empowerment as a student.
The best and most funny part of being a substitute you might ask?? Try pronouncing my last name.
Those sweet students have called me close to every name in the book. Who could blame them?! My last name is hard to say! I always write my name on the board and explain to them it is pronounced (air) like the air we breathe, and (bock) like a chicken. I usually get lots of giggles after that. LOL
After four months of signing in and out of a new secretaries office sheet daily, meeting amazing teachers and staff, and also connecting with students across two different districts, I must say that becoming a full-time teacher is everything I want and more! Seeing new faces of student's every day has made me feel so loved, welcomed, needed, and my passion shines through to them.
To say I am ready to have my own classroom... is an understatement. 🙂
Comments
Post a Comment