Tuesday, August 31, 2010

How DOES one score a long term sub job?

I received a call a few week ago from a principal asking if I would be interested in a six week sub assignment.  YOU BETCHA was what I thought.  However, I managed to make it come out as a sedate "I sure would be interested". 

I think this is what happened.  When I subbed in his school last spring, he walked in unexpectedly to observe.  I was doing a readaloud of my report to the kids' teacher - something I do when I feel I need something really interesting to claim their attention and calm them down.   The kindergarteners were riveted despite the fact DEFCON 3 was going on inside me and I was in a cold sweat.  In other classes, I would try to have some fun with the kids and parents during pick up time.  Instead of asking the parent tp pick up their child, I would ask the kid which parent belonged to him/her.  The role reversal always bring smiles to all the parties.  I received some positive reviews from the parents and they let the principal know.

Nothing beats doing a good job in getting subbing referrals and opportunities.  Of course, it helps if the principal walks in at a good moment.  Sometimes I think we forget the power of parents as a substitute.  They get feedback from their kids and as I found out, it can make a difference.

Other colleagues I know who scored long term sub jobs succeeded because they impressed someone.  However, these are just my single person impression.  I would love to hear about other perspectives.

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