Teachers! I popped in on my class & long term sub today

thatgirlang

I planned to observe from the hall for a few minutes before walking in the room but when I got there, they were in the hall on a bathroom break and everyone saw me. Still, I noticed that they were not in a straight line, talking loudly, etc but figured they were just taking advantage of the sub.

But then two teachers approach me in the hall and say that my class has been a nightmare. One of my students has been suspended twice! (I teach first grade, btw. And I was only there for one week of school before I left for maternity leave.) Two suspensions for a first grader in 5 weeks is a very bad sign. A janitor walks by and says, "Oh my God! When are you coming back? You have got to come take control of things!"

Next, I walk in my room (while the sub and kids are still at the bathrooms) and my room is a MESS! I mean, totally trashed. Papers and books everywhere. Student desks totally out of order. I could not SEE my desk at all. I could barely breathe when I saw it! 

My original sub (whom I personally picked and worked with before leaving) has been moved to another classroom and the new sub claimed that this was how she found the room.

On top of that, our principal has been reassigned and the new principal just started today. No one knows what to expect next.

So... basically, I feel like I'm going back to work at a zoo in two weeks, not a school. I've been feeling pretty sick ever since I got home. I'm going to leave my baby for this?

Last year, my good friend who is also a teacher, took maternity leave during the school year and when she returned she vowed to never have a baby during the school year again. Now I know why!  

Mrs.C042807

I feel you.  My sub is a trainwreck.  He's more interested in socializing then teaching, IMO. 

I'm avoiding going in to visit like the plague.  But, I'm also not going back as early as you, so at least you'll have time to turn the behaviour around for the rest of the year. 

Just start as if its the first day of school for them again.  You could even have a "first day of school" theme your first week back and do all of the getting to know you activities with the kids.  It would be like a fresh start.

artsy_bride

I am sort of in the same boat, though I don't think I have it quite as bad as you (sorry!).  I just started back and my sub started the year with my kids.  It has quickly become apparent that they were allowed to get a little too comfortable!  It's tough missing the beginning of the year . . . such an important time to set your expectations.  Next time I will be shooting for a spring baby!

Aligracegirl

I'm really worried about going back too. It's so important to get off to a good, structured start.

I think this is going to be a rough year : (

thatgirlang

artsy_bride:

Next time I will be shooting for a spring baby!

I had my DS1 with 3 weeks left of school. It was perfect. I felt bad to leave at the end but not THAT bad. LOL. And then I had the whole summer at home plus those few weeks with the baby.

This time around suuucks.

thatgirlang

Mrs.C042807:

Just start as if its the first day of school for them again.  You could even have a "first day of school" theme your first week back and do all of the getting to know you activities with the kids.  It would be like a fresh start.

This is a great idea. I will do that! Thanks.

Still, I feel so anxious right now! ::taking deep breaths....::

thatgirlang

Aligracegirl:

I'm really worried about going back too. It's so important to get off to a good, structured start.

I think this is going to be a rough year : (

Yeah.. I'm going to have to resist going back and just spending the whole time counting down to breaks. When I get back we'll be X weeks away from Thanksgiving break, X weeks away from winter break, etc. LOL

Mrs.C042807

thatgirlang:

Mrs.C042807:

Just start as if its the first day of school for them again.  You could even have a "first day of school" theme your first week back and do all of the getting to know you activities with the kids.  It would be like a fresh start.

This is a great idea. I will do that! Thanks.

Still, I feel so anxious right now! ::taking deep breaths....::

If I were you, I'd even pretend you know nothing about the suspensions and previous behaviour.  Let the kids know the first day that it's their chance to do-over and start again. 

TeacherKelly

Ugh- how stressful!  I am sure you'll have the room and students back in order in no time, but I understand the stress.  It sems that my long-term sub has done a nice job, but I will still have my work cut out for me when I return!

Chrysallys

Mrs.C042807:

thatgirlang:

Mrs.C042807:

Just start as if its the first day of school for them again.  You could even have a "first day of school" theme your first week back and do all of the getting to know you activities with the kids.  It would be like a fresh start.

This is a great idea. I will do that! Thanks.

Still, I feel so anxious right now! ::taking deep breaths....::

If I were you, I'd even pretend you know nothing about the suspensions and previous behaviour.  Let the kids know the first day that it's their chance to do-over and start again. 

Wise advice.