vlbrown-mzydt

 

Were any disciplinary issues reported?

None, I wish they were. I've had subs tell me exactly on the seating chart which students were off task, which were talking, and which we working very nicely. Those notes would have been very helpful as I have consequences for those students who misbehaved. I hope students were not disrespectful or rude to you. I would have liked to know if any were.

 

They weren't, because they didn't.

I didn't leave notes about disciplinary issues because there wasn't anything to say. None of the students were disrespectful. No one was rude. Some were talking. Many were talking to their neighbors about the math problems.

 

I'm worried now that she expected disciplinary problems in her classes.

 

I don't see the point of being an overly strict disciplinarian. Don't talk when I'm talking. Don't talk when another student is answering. Don't talk during the (grumble) movie if there's a movie. Don't throw things.

 

If you can talk about the cute boy in your English class while still doing the math worksheet, why should I care enough to make a note? If you need a spinner or a bowl of "slime" or some other fiddle toy while you're working, as long as your pencil is moving, why should I make a note?

If you need music and I can't hear it, go ahead. This isn't a test, it's a worksheet. If you don't finish it/ turn it in, it's your grade.

 

I think too many teachers worry about "consequences" and "misbehaving" than about whether the students understand how to do the problems.

I would rather spend 5 minutes one-on-one with a student who understands the math better when they leave the class than stand in the front of the room making notes about who is "off task".

 

I've seen notes from other subs. "Students A, B, and C had their phones out. D was doing science homework."

I saw a note like this for an orchestra class I covered. The students were supposed to "practice on their own". These are 6th graders. It was, effectively, a study hall with violins.

 

Some people never leave kindergarten behind. I don't believe in tattling.

When I sub, I walk over and say "No." or "Music yes, video no". Or "That is not math. Put it away, please." And they put it away.

I do not then ask "what is your name so I can make a note to tell your teacher you had your phone out."

 

Should I? Do I want to become that person?

 

Me: "The math worksheet is due at the end of the period".

Student" "I have a Science test next period".

Me: "The math is still due. It's your choice".

Student: "I have an 80% in math and a science test next period."

Me: "OK".

 

Me: "The math worksheet is due at the end of the period".

Student: "Do I have to do it?"

Me: "That's between you and your teacher. It's your grade."

Student, grudgingly starts to work.

 

I am not your parent. I am your temporary teacher. I will treat you like a responsible human until you give me a reason not to. I will allow you to sharpen a pencil or get a drink of water. I will allow you to visit the restroom without hunting up a special "if you've lost it you can't go" bathroom pass. I will not require you to stand for the pledge. (I've read this requirement in a sub plan. Does the teacher not know that's not allowable?)

 

Do not give me a reason to regret this and we'll get along fine.

 

I think I need to make cards.