Attn: Teachers Re: Long Term Subs

jarethinafrock · April 2014

Today I met with my long term sub for the beginning of next school year and I was curious if anyone had already started to think about what next year is going to be like. I'm also hoping to hear from any STM teachers who have had a long term sub in the past.

I am just not sure how much I need to do for the sub and how much I should expect her to figure out on her own. I was under the impression that you carefully planned out the first few weeks and that the sub would be able to pick up and start planning stuff on his or her own based on whatever long term plan you gave them. I know that the beginning of the year is going to be a difficult time because of all the new procedures to teach the kids and I expect to have to give her super explicit details on that, but I just don't know if I should also be expected to tell her exactly how I want each lesson to be taught (that's what it sounded like she wanted). Ugh. Anyways, I appreciate any input you might have.

Edit: I realize how jumbled this sounds and I apologize - I had a really crazy day yesterday and I am exhausted.

jendem8 · April 2014

I was a long-term sub for someone on maternity leave, and I'll have a sub in the fall. Honestly, I didn't even meet the teacher I filled in for until after the leave was over; her colleagues were the ones who guided me. I plan to leave all of my worksheets/activities and explain how I manage the classroom (in HOPES that s/he will maintain some of my methods to make my transition back a little smoother). Other than that, I think my colleagues will help from there.

*I teach secondary, so if you have elementary I would imagine that there may be different expectations.

jarethinafrock · April 2014

jendem8 said:

I was a long-term sub for someone on maternity leave, and I'll have a sub in the fall. Honestly, I didn't even meet the teacher I filled in for until after the leave was over; her colleagues were the ones who guided me. I plan to leave all of my worksheets/activities and explain how I manage the classroom (in HOPES that s/he will maintain some of my methods to make my transition back a little smoother). Other than that, I think my colleagues will help from there.

*I teach secondary, so if you have elementary I would imagine that there may be different expectations.

Yea, I teach elementary (2nd grade) and I feel totally clueless about how to organize all of the material. Further, this is my first year of teaching so I feel like I am still learning the ropes...

jendem8 · April 2014

Do you get along well with your colleagues and/or have any co-teachers? That's who I'll be depending on mostly.

If I had elementary, I would probably create a binder or something for the substitute to use and maybe provide different sections for each subject area with some lessons and worksheets. I wouldn't worry about tediously planning lessons, but giving the sub some overview will definitely be helpful. I plan to have my room "set up" like I like it before the year starts and just give an outline as to how I run things.

[Deleted User] · April 2014

Edited to say - I teach 1st grade.

I think it also depends on how long you will be out. I am going to need to head back to school during the last week of September, since I've only been teaching in this district for two years and don't have enough time saved up to do any longer (and can't afford FMLA with no pay).

You are VERY lucky that you already know who your sub will be! Do you think she will stay if she is offered a full-time job over the summer? I've worried a little bit about that...that even if they hire someone now, that person could change their mind over the summer.

Anyway, so far I have started creating what I call my "Guest Teacher Guide" in hopes of making the beginning of the year as smooth as possible. As you know, there are SO MANY things we do at the beginning of the year that we don't even have to think twice about when WE do them, but that will be somewhat complicated to explain to someone else. So, I've created 1 page documents explaining pretty much EVERYTHING. I did everything in a separate document so that my sub can look at the names of the files and find whatever topic they need at that moment. For example, I have a BIRTHDAYS file that explains my birthday book process, how I give out a pencil and a certificate (and where they're located....in a baggie, labeled, etc.) and also what to do if a child brings a snack. I have a DATA BINDER file that explains grading and my data binder and how much I expect her to collect before I return. I have a LABELING file that explains everything that will need labeled - name tags, book boxes, folders, notebooks, tool kits, the door, the hallway display, the reading chart, etc. I have a whole bunch of files...

I'm not sure if this is the best way to do it....my sub will need to open up various files. But, I figure, it's best to focus on one thing at a time, and that way if they aren't interested in how I do something (which I hope they are, but I also understand that they will have their own experience and expertise to use), then they don't have to bother, but when they specifically want to work on something, they can go to that file and find out what I do.

I'm including LOTS of pictures from my classroom this year in each file so that there is a visual reference for everything.

This is TIME CONSUMING. I've been working on it already for a month or two, just so it doesn't feel like I have so much to do That said, I've only worked on it sporadically...it's totally doable if you just sit down and do it all. It helps to me to do it in my room so I can look around and see what I need to share with my sub.

Also, I am leaving binders with hard copies as well as files with the way I run my first month of school. I hope the teacher will follow what I do, but I also am trying to look at things and see the good in it - I am bound to learn something new from the way this teacher comes in and does things!

I'm excited about this thread because I really would like to see what others are doing...being out at the beginning of the year feels like a whole 'nutha thing to me!!!!! :-) I'm nervous, but, I know I will cherish this time with my baby!

BumbleBrandi · April 2014

I teach Pre-K, but I'm lucky in that the OWL curriculum we use literally has each lesson planned out word for word. So as long as the sub uses that, things should be fine. I plan on having the room all set up for him/her, and a folder with detailed information on classroom rules, routines, and procedures. I'm NOT looking forward to missing the crucial first part of the year, especially at that age, but it is what it is.

jarethinafrock · April 2014

CapsFan52 said:

Edited to say - I teach 1st grade.

I think it also depends on how long you will be out. I am going to need to head back to school during the last week of September, since I've only been teaching in this district for two years and don't have enough time saved up to do any longer (and can't afford FMLA with no pay).

You are VERY lucky that you already know who your sub will be! Do you think she will stay if she is offered a full-time job over the summer? I've worried a little bit about that...that even if they hire someone now, that person could change their mind over the summer.

Anyway, so far I have started creating what I call my "Guest Teacher Guide" in hopes of making the beginning of the year as smooth as possible. As you know, there are SO MANY things we do at the beginning of the year that we don't even have to think twice about when WE do them, but that will be somewhat complicated to explain to someone else. So, I've created 1 page documents explaining pretty much EVERYTHING. I did everything in a separate document so that my sub can look at the names of the files and find whatever topic they need at that moment. For example, I have a BIRTHDAYS file that explains my birthday book process, how I give out a pencil and a certificate (and where they're located....in a baggie, labeled, etc.) and also what to do if a child brings a snack. I have a DATA BINDER file that explains grading and my data binder and how much I expect her to collect before I return. I have a LABELING file that explains everything that will need labeled - name tags, book boxes, folders, notebooks, tool kits, the door, the hallway display, the reading chart, etc. I have a whole bunch of files...

I'm not sure if this is the best way to do it....my sub will need to open up various files. But, I figure, it's best to focus on one thing at a time, and that way if they aren't interested in how I do something (which I hope they are, but I also understand that they will have their own experience and expertise to use), then they don't have to bother, but when they specifically want to work on something, they can go to that file and find out what I do.

I'm including LOTS of pictures from my classroom this year in each file so that there is a visual reference for everything.

This is TIME CONSUMING. I've been working on it already for a month or two, just so it doesn't feel like I have so much to do That said, I've only worked on it sporadically...it's totally doable if you just sit down and do it all. It helps to me to do it in my room so I can look around and see what I need to share with my sub.

Also, I am leaving binders with hard copies as well as files with the way I run my first month of school. I hope the teacher will follow what I do, but I also am trying to look at things and see the good in it - I am bound to learn something new from the way this teacher comes in and does things!

I'm excited about this thread because I really would like to see what others are doing...being out at the beginning of the year feels like a whole 'nutha thing to me!!!!! :-) I'm nervous, but, I know I will cherish this time with my baby!

Wow, that's amazing advice! Thanks for all the tips!

Edit: I hadn't even thought about the sub finding a job over the summer. In my case, I don't think I have to worry because this lady does not appear to be looking for a full-time job.

shutaff · April 2014

I long-term subbed several years ago for my partnership teacher the semester after my student teaching. I planned all of my own lessons, did all of the grading, etc. I will say that I felt a little cheated. I'm not sure what your state/county pays long term subs, but my wages were very low, and I got no benefits. It just seemed a bit unfair to me to be doing all of the prep work for classes, but then only receiving the pay of a sub. (If your sub is not a certified teacher in your subject area, you will definitely need to have very thorough lessons for her.)

Unknown · April 2014

This content has been removed.

jarethinafrock · April 2014

redhorizon343 said:

You're so lucky you already have a sub! My district hasn't even posted my leave yet, and they'll probably hire over the summer. They're terrible about this stuff.

I teach elementary school band in two buildings. We have a teacher common drive on our network, so I put some documents up there today and drew up an outline of special responsibilities month by month (when to assess, when to send home concert information etc.)

I'll probably make next year's parent handbook and lesson schedules for the first couple weeks and set up a grade book, but I don't want to micro manage. I just have a feeling that my district is going to hire at the last second and some poor sucker is going to come in two days before the school year starts, totally overwhelmed.

One of my schools is closing/moving to a new facility so that's going to be a mess basically no matter what.

Wow that sounds pretty wild! I do feel fortunate to have my sub lined up, though I don't think she is certified.

On a side note, one thing that I am a little self-conscious about is parents not wanting me to teach their children because they know that I won't be starting off the year. I work at a private school and I am worried that there will be a lot of complaining when the parents get their child's placement... :-/

[Deleted User] · April 2014

ewersin said:

On a side note, one thing that I am a little self-conscious about is parents not wanting me to teach their children because they know that I won't be starting off the year. I work at a private school and I am worried that there will be a lot of complaining when the parents get their child's placement... :-/

I wouldn't worry too much about this (although I do just a little, too). At my school there are two K teachers...one teaches only in the morning and the other teaches morning and afternoon (so she has 2/3 of the kids). She is currently on child rearing leave (since the end of March) so 2/3 of our upcoming first graders are ending the year with a LTS. Then, whoever from that bunch gets ME (we have 4 1st grade teachers, so I don't know what the percentage will be), they'll START the year with one, too. I just can't let myself worry about it...I totally understand that parents will want their children to have the best teacher possible, but I hope they also understand that being a new mom is an important time...they were all new moms at some point, too!!

I wish the timing would work out that I could come in and set up the room, maybe even come to orientation, but, if baby comes when he's due (or late), I'll only be 3 weeks postpartum, and I just can't imagine trying to do any of that! So, when I get back, I'll have my own "Back to School Night". I also always call parents before school starts (I love doing that every year, even though it takes a lot of time) and so I'm hoping to still do that before the school year starts.

jarethinafrock · April 2014

CapsFan52 said:

ewersin said:

On a side note, one thing that I am a little self-conscious about is parents not wanting me to teach their children because they know that I won't be starting off the year. I work at a private school and I am worried that there will be a lot of complaining when the parents get their child's placement... :-/

I wouldn't worry too much about this (although I do just a little, too). At my school there are two K teachers...one teaches only in the morning and the other teaches morning and afternoon (so she has 2/3 of the kids). She is currently on child rearing leave (since the end of March) so 2/3 of our upcoming first graders are ending the year with a LTS. Then, whoever from that bunch gets ME (we have 4 1st grade teachers, so I don't know what the percentage will be), they'll START the year with one, too. I just can't let myself worry about it...I totally understand that parents will want their children to have the best teacher possible, but I hope they also understand that being a new mom is an important time...they were all new moms at some point, too!!

I wish the timing would work out that I could come in and set up the room, maybe even come to orientation, but, if baby comes when he's due (or late), I'll only be 3 weeks postpartum, and I just can't imagine trying to do any of that! So, when I get back, I'll have my own "Back to School Night". I also always call parents before school starts (I love doing that every year, even though it takes a lot of time) and so I'm hoping to still do that before the school year starts.

What a great outlook! You are right - hopefully most of those mothers will be understanding.

How interesting that you call the parents at the beginning of the year. What exactly do you say to them during these conversations?

absterboss · April 2014

I just met with my admin. Today to talk about this! I teach 2nd grade...and very plan oriented, so this has been on my mind!

In my district we can request/ basically choose if they are available our own sub which is nice! I chose a seasoned LTS that knows the ropes that will help.

The plan is to plan for 2 weeks. Then she will take over for the rest. I will have the school rule procedures, emergency procedures, and all in a binder for her. I will also have a lot of "craftivities" planned to start the year (like normal) and the like. I was concerned because I do all center/ game work and was overwhelmed with how to plan to set my kids up for the entire year! My admin urged me to do whole group lessons instead (she is normally against this for regular teachers), because it's the beginning of the year.

I will also be going in this July to set up my classroom for the start of the year for my LTS and for me so it's set how I want it!

It's so overwhelming. I'm glad I'm already thinking of my game plan for this, and that I'm not the only one!

jarethinafrock · April 2014

absterboss said:

I just met with my admin. Today to talk about this! I teach 2nd grade...and very plan oriented, so this has been on my mind! In my district we can request/ basically choose if they are available our own sub which is nice! I chose a seasoned LTS that knows the ropes that will help. The plan is to plan for 2 weeks. Then she will take over for the rest. I will have the school rule procedures, emergency procedures, and all in a binder for her. I will also have a lot of "craftivities" planned to start the year (like normal) and the like. I was concerned because I do all center/ game work and was overwhelmed with how to plan to set my kids up for the entire year! My admin urged me to do whole group lessons instead (she is normally against this for regular teachers), because it's the beginning of the year. I will also be going in this July to set up my classroom for the start of the year for my LTS and for me so it's set how I want it! It's so overwhelming. I'm glad I'm already thinking of my game plan for this, and that I'm not the only one!

I agree - it's never too early to start planning for this stuff. I too am planning on having everything set up in July.

I really like how lots of you are suggesting putting everything into binders. Hopefully I can get motivated to get started on mine soon so it doesn't feel so daunting...

ashleylucke · April 2014

I teach pre-k and next year might teach kinder. I plan on having my room and everything as ready as I can. I will also leave detailed sub notes but my team of wonderful teachers said they will step in and help my sub the best they can. Lucky to have such a wonderful team!

[Deleted User] · April 2014

ewersin said:

How interesting that you call the parents at the beginning of the year. What exactly do you say to them during these conversations?

When I call I always introduce myself and I let them do most of the talking. I ask how to pronounce their child's name, just to be sure I'm greeting them properly. I ask if there's anything they think it's important for me to know before the first day of school - usually I let them guide where that conversation goes. Often they'll share about their child's likes and dislikes, but they'll also share if there's anything that has happened in K that I should be aware of, any students their child doesn't get along with (so they don't sit together!), etc. I also check if their child has any glasses, allergies, etc....so I can choose the best seat for them and also because I do lots of activities in the first couple weeks that involve food, and while the nurse always provides us with allergy info, I like to have it even before then and make sure there's nothing that was missing. I think it's a nice way to start out the year.....parents really like that I'm interested. That way if I have to call with something bad in the first weeks, they've already had at least one positive experience. Oh, I also invite them to the 1st grade orientation, which is the week before school starts - they can come in and see the classroom and meet me so they're not as nervous the first day. :-)

This year, I'll explain to them who our LTS will be and when I'll be back...hopefully they'll be reassured because I won't be gone very long! (Of course, I have to run this all by my principal first, in case there's a small chance that that will somehow do more harm than good!)

Also, I may just try going in in July to see what I can do as far as setting up the room (like some of you have mentioned)....the problem is they do all the cleaning, etc. then and we're normally not allowed in to set things up before a week or two before school starts. I want everything to be cleaned (it's yucky in there!) so I don't want thing to be out and in the way!

How long have you all been teaching? How long will you be out with baby? :-) And what grade do you teach?

This was my 11th year of teaching. I've taught 1st, 5th, 1st again, computer lab, Kindergarten, and now 1st again. (I've been in 5 schools total, in 3 different school districts, in 2 different states.) I'm only going to be out until the end of September because I haven't accumulated many sick days with my new district (started last year).

raquelynn714 · April 2014

Ugh, just asked my principal about this because I don't know what my teaching assignment will be for next year yet... It could be interventionist, primary classroom teacher, or special education teacher. I'm a little worried if my principal places me in special education as that will require someone to manage the paperwork of a caseload.

Rileypie · April 2014

Crazy bored lurker from April...who is still waiting on a baby to arrive. Anyway I took the last six weeks off the school year since I had the days and my district only allows a maximum of 6 weeks paid. So my sub has been in my room for 7 days now. I am lucky and she was able to work with me my last week so she could learn the ropes! I am a bit OCD so I had explicit plans and copies laid out for 3 weeks, then guided plans for the last 3 weeks. I teach middle school science if it makes a difference. I have also done 4 long term subs for middle school in the past. I was only give the bare minimum such as safety procedures and 3 days of emergency plans and then left totally on my own. And these were in 3 different districts. And I didn't get any extra pay, but I don't feel bad because if you long term sub then you get a routine, your own class, guaranteed work. My advice is ask your principal, union rep(if applicable) and see what they expect from you. I would say the more support you give the sub the easier your transition will be. Like another pp I have binders/files for each unit I left, classroom management plans, etc. I thought I would be obsessed with my classes after I left and be checking in constantly, but honestly it's been great to be done. I have promised myself I will not check email or do anything unless my principal calls my cell for an emergency and enjoy my days off! Good luck to all your teachers and I hope your transitions back into school this fall are smooth and painless. And happy baby dust to all!

aelhunt · April 2014

I teach from home now so it's a whole different game plan, but when I was out for DD in high school it really depended on the sub that you got. I asked for my sub when I was only 10 weeks pregnant to lock her in. She was AMAZING and all I had to do was tell her what we were were working on in what order and hand her my flash drive and she did it all!

Since HS schedules can flex for testing dates, assemblies and other events it's hard to plan a day-to-day lesson schedule for someone since things can get shifted by class and day.

This time, since I teach online, they will get a sub from our contracted platform to work for me for three months that has taught the classes before so it'll all be done behind the scenes and a teacher will work from another city in the state to grade and help students.

teachermommy2014 · April 2014

Great post! I approached my admin about a month ago asking to recommend a certain sub. I spoke with him again yesterday and asked when I might know by that way I can meet with the sub before the end of the year.

I plan to take pictures of EVERYTHING before I take my room down so just in case I can't set it up again I will have pictures to help someone else do it.

I will be going through all files necessary to help the sub make it through my leave. If I can't get it done before the end of the year, I have had permission to stay after school gets out to get organized. I will also come in at the beginning of August to set up my room as long as everything is going well.

Sarafar4 · April 2014

I'm going to echo some others ideas... I taught elementary art for a decade and plan to be out the first 12 weeks, which is conveniently the length of our grading period. My principal said they'd most likely hire in July and I could be on the interview team so at least i,ll have some say. My plan is to set up as much of the room in the summer so that us ready. Because the success of my lessons are so reliant on procedural consistency, (I see over 100 kids a day) I've been preparing detailed notes about each procedure, like distribution of supplies, cleaning up paint, grading and classroom behaviors. I've also been slowly going through my lessons for the fall and creating folders with all the necessary materials, examples, worksheets etc. I've also been cleaning and reorganizing the supply closets. It's been a lot of work, but after being in the same room for ten years, it was time for a good spring cleaning! And since I plan on having more kids eventually, the bulk of the prep work will be done. If I were due in the spring and just having the sub end out the year, I don't think I'd care so much, but I'll have to pick up where she left off so I like to think things will go my way at least a little while I'm gone. We'll see!

HeatherHam10 · April 2014

I am a 2nd grade teacher and am also wondering how to go about planning things for the beginning of the yr. This is also my first yr and Im def still learning. Luckily i have some amazing veteran teacher partners that I know will help my sub.

I was just curious if I should get into detail about structure or let my sub plan how they would like. Its also difficult with all of the testing and procedural things in the first few weeks!

aelhunt · April 2014

@MorganElise511 I work for our school district for the online school we created two years ago. It's a state law (in FL) that students of school districts of certain sizes have a certain number of online learning options. We are full time only so we are a small school but I LOVE my job! I can't say how much it has done for me. It's the main reason we got pg we we did bc of the flexibility in schedule I have.

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