Substitue School Teaching

September 20, 2009 — I started planning during the summer to apply in school districts around the Austin area to work as a substitute school teacher. Fortunately I was accepted to sub in two districts and it is something that could keep me busy everyday school day. There are some differences between the two districts that I shall attempt to point out that I think are relevant, but more on that in a moment.

When I talked with family and friends about this endeavor, the natural question asked was what age or grade would I want to sub for. I have pretty much made the conscientious decision not to sub below the 4th grade. I just don't think I have much to offer below that grade level.

So far the experience has been very good. I believe that a good measure of the youth of today can be observed in a classroom. This is true of any learning or training situation. I have done plenty of adult technical training in my professional life and it is very easy to determine how interested a student or trainee is by spending time with them in the learning environment.

I mentioned that there are some differences in the two districts where I am working. Both are comparable in size as far as student population, but their are some very distinct social and economic differences between the student populations and their attitudes that are reflected in the classroom. One district is composed of young people that are generally from upper middle class families. These students are attentive and respectful in the classroom. They display the same aspirations that the youth of today in America present. It is important for them to be accepted and to belong. They do know about respect and that when it is time to apply themselves to their work they do so. In the 2008 graduating class from the one high school in this district only two graduates did not apply and enter an institution of higher learning this fall. One of the two that did not got a full-time job and the other joined the military.

The student population in the other district are from low to middle income families. The Hispanic population is far greater in this district than the other. Here I find the student more interested in the social aspects of going to school. While some of the students are eager to learn, their demeanor in the classroom is one of I could care less. Some students are downright disrespectful and could care less about going to school. Is this observation harsh? Maybe so, but I do know it is an accurate assessment from my viewpoint.

So why is this important to me. To any teacher these differences present the need to develop and use varying teaching techniques. While I am presented a lesson plan for every class where I sub, I have noted that my attitude goes a long way in determining how effective I am and it is important to me to be effective and not just be filling a space. Young people today will generally accept a challenge to learn if they can be shown that it is worthwhile. This is true in the adult world also. If it is not relevant then why do it. That is a reasonable attitude to have. Most people respond positively when a challenge is presented especially when the value of that challenge is clearly presented. There are the 10% that will never respond. These are the ones that require a teacher to work hard and seek a way that will help that student respond in a positive manner.

I believe teaching is in my blood. It comes from my Mother's side of our family. She was schooled as a teacher although she did not practice the profession. She had two sisters that were life long school teachers and dedicated to their profession. They were very good at what they did and it is no surprise that it's because they cared about their students. Caring is essential in this profession. Without it you are just filling a space. It is my hope that I care each time I am in a classroom and that my students see that in me...it's what really matters!