Faaaaaaaabulous! Especially the not getting mad thing-- vital!
I guess I need to repost something....
I love it! When I first stated (no ed background, just a dusty science degree and 40 days of subbing), I was handed a pile of textbooks and told, "good luck". Wish I had your column back then.
Have a peaceful first day back!
this is great! thanks for re-posting it again. it's always great to have knowledgeable advice and tested strategies! thank you!
I'm going to print out that script and use it when I call homes. And I LOVE the idea about calling from the classroom on test days!
"It’s hard not to lose your temper, but it’s a terrible loss for you if you do"
So true, on both counts. The administration never cares who started it. All they care about is who went off on the profanity-laced tirade. Bastards.
I was hoping for some classroom control tips I could use while substituting.
While I can't call parents, I do let the kids know that I DO leave a report for the regular teacher to follow up.
Doesn't work when the kids know the regular teacher doesn't have much classroom control to begin with.
...Mark
Subbing is a very tough thing. When I sub, I throw kids out at the drop of a hat because I don't expect to have to deal with them again.
I never throw out my own students. But with no longterm relationship in view, throwing them out resolves all conflict instantly. And never, ever let anyone talk you into taking them back again.
I'm glad some of you found this helpful.
Niiiiice.
Excellent advice. I copied and pasted your phone scripts. My main goal this year is to send fewer students to the dean/other rooms
Nothing on school in August NYC educator? Today was a miserable day to be working.
I think that column was how I found you in the first place. I've had it bookmarked ever since, and I'm not anywhere near to teaching yet!
As a teacher begining her first year, I think it's very important to make early contact with parents...but what about school policies that need letters home to be read by APs, and parent-teacher calls to be logged in?
Great post.
It's always a good idea to have any form letters approved by your admin if that is the policy. Also, keeping of log of these phone calls will work to your benefit. Just remember to keep them short, polite and to the point. A teacher at my school had a bad experience. The parent thought she was rude and taped the call. If the parent is rude, just be polite and get off the phone as soon as possible.
Off the topic again:
I can't believe that we have to work extended time tomorrow, the Friday before Labor Day. We never work extended time on Fridays. It seems Randi signed off on that too.
Great Post ! I am printing it out to distribute to our new teachers and a student teacher that is currently interning @ my school! THANKS and have a great start to your school year!
To all,
Thanks for the kind words.
Ms. C.,
If you're required to do those things, do them. That doesn't mean you can't call.
I don't think letters home are nearly as effective as direct contact. Kids get home first and your chances of contact are less than excellent. Calls are more personal and proactive.
However, the log is a good idea. When parents or administration ask what you've done, you open your book and show them.
Great advice on lessons some of us learn as we go along. No matter how long you have taught a refresher is nice.
Awesome. Will you please transfer to my school?
I especially love the script. Seriously, I think I'm going to use it, as I have a tendency to babble in all my parent interactions.
Thanks for the kind words, and please don't babble. You need to get what you want here, which is a manageable classroom.
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