I officially passed my Praxis Elementary Education: Content Knowledge test - which means I'M noW OFFICIALLY ABLE TO BE LICENSED TO TEACH 4TH & 5TH GRADE!!! I am so, so excited and I could not be more thankful for the way everything is turning out in my life. Next step: JOB.
Today's also my baby sister's 20th birthday - Happy Birthday, Samantha! Love you lots!
Now, my questions for you all...
1) What would you like to see me post about? I'm losing sight of what to write about... sad, I know. But it's true! I'm tired of rambling on about myself (and if you know me... that's a big deal), so I need something new. Do you want to see websites I've used in the classroom and how to use them? Ideas for the classroom? Ways to keep the classroom dynamic going? How to get your students engaged in what you're doing? I dunno... what do y'all like?!
2) Have any of you all subbed before you got your own classrooms? What did you like and dislike? How did you prepare for each day? Did you have a bag of tricks that you swore by (or still do swear by)? Did you have something prepared for each grade level? I'm soo scared of going into this because I'm not sure what all to expect, being that it's not my own classroom and I don't know the children all that well!
3) How long did it take for you to be comfortable in the field of teaching? Do you have any thing that you absolutely teach each and every year, because it's just that good? How do you find your resources, and how do you afford them?!
Thanks for those who respond - I truly appreciate your help & your support!! :) I'll be back tomorrow with actual content - I'm just too tired at the moment to write anything content related... interviews/appointments/etc are WEARING me out!!
Have a good day, y'all!
Hi Sara :) Congrats on passing your Praxis. That is such wonderful news. I know from experience with subbing, the one thing I did not like was not knowing whether there was going to be a job lined up for the day or not or if you were going to be called at 5 in the morning. Always make sure you get to know the people you are working alongside. Many times they will be so willing to help you. You most definitely should go prepared with things like classroom management techniques that have worked for you. This is in the instance you are not left with any information by the classroom teacher. Most students will be accustomed to what their teacher does and boy will they let you know it, but even with this you will want to make sure you know what you would do in the instance that there are not any notes left for you.
ReplyDeleteIt is always a great idea to have some different activities on hand when you go in or ideas of activities you could do in the case that you finish something early or there are no plans present. The Sub Hub: http://subhubonline.blogspot.com/ has great ideas to help you and she also has a lot of great lesson plans for each grade level that you can use as emergency sub plans in the case that you are left with none. I have her first grade ones so that I can leave them in the case I am out for a day without having laid out my plans for the sub. Her sub plans are great. Taking along a read aloud book in your bag is a good idea too and maybe having some ideas of how you could incorporate that into the different subjects will be helpful for those filler times. Always make sure you are familiar with your extras you take in case you do actually have to use them.
I know this is getting long, but once you sub in a classroom a couple times and get to know the routine and it helps things greatly. Each new grade for me was like my first day all over again. Once I had my first day in each classroom going back was so much easier.
Make sure you take a notebook with you and jot down your reflections on yourself as a teacher in the classroom so that you are able to take that and learn from it. What worked for you? What didn't work for you? What could you do differently if that situation presented itself again? I found this to be the best thing I ever did as a sub. It also helped me to see what things I would make better when I had a classroom of my own and I have implemented many of them in my classroom.
I hope these things help you. If you want any more insight I am here. It is hard to get used to the fact that it is not always consistent, seeing as though you are bouncing around so much, but you will get in the groove and find different things that help you to cope with this. Good luck and sorry it was so long.
Heidi
My (Not So) Elementary Life
mynotsoelementarylife@yahoo.com
Heidi, you are the reason I absolutely LOVE this blogging world. You all are so incredibly helpful and positive about everything. Your post was just what I needed to hear, as it's the truth. I totally appreciate this and I have definitely taken note of everything you said for when I do become a teacher/have a sub job lined up. I actually just bought a journal today, too, from the Christmas Tree Shops to do just that - reflect! So, thank you, thank you, thank you SOOO much, Heidi!! :)
DeleteSara
Congrats! What an awesome feeling.
ReplyDeleteI never subbed, but I do have subs throughout the year. I would suggest 2 things. First, I would get my own plans together (something for a group of grades ie: K/1st, 2nd/3rd, etc...). Some teachers want you to do their work by the book - I'm not one of those. My goal is that the room is clean, my things are intact (it never fails something is always broken when I return) and all kids are okay and go home safe! I don't grade anything a sub does b/c I've seen subs who sit in a chair and let the kids do as they please.
Second, I'd look for long-term sub positions (teachers on maternity leave) b/c you'll get a lot of experience working on a team, working with the same kids and you'll possibly earn a position:) Good Luck!
ThatNewCrayonSmell
Like I told Heidi, THANK YOU, Deniece!! I truly appreciate your comments and I've got them written down for future reference :) I'm going to make sure I'm NOT the sub that sits back and relaxes while the kids run wild... that's definitely out of the question!
DeleteSara
Woo Hoo! So happy for you! You will find a job in no time!
ReplyDeleteSubbing is a great way to get into a school. There is nothing like a good, reliable sub! sometimes it can lead into a long-term sub position. Either way, the staff and administration get to know you and when a job comes up, you go to the top of the list! I loved subbing I got to try different grade levels and schools. I eliminated some schools because they weren't for me. After subbing, I got a Reading/Math Invention Tutoring position, then got my own classroom. Follow the teachers plan. Most teachers over-plan. Be flexible and confident. The most important thing is to keep the kids safe and under control.
For me, I had to get two years under my belt before I really started feeling comfortable. I stayed home with my kids for 11 years and felt like a new teacher all over again when I went back to work. Every year is different, but I'm confident knowing that I have the skills to teach and manage a classroom not matter what grade or subject I teach.
Hope this helps!
Diane
Teaching with Moxie
Thank you, Diane!!! :) And thank you for your advice. I truly, truly appreciate it - you don't know how much it means to me! As for the subbing... I've heard it's probably one of the best ways to get your foot in the door and explore the different grades - which goes right along with your advice! Thank you again!!
DeleteSara
Not only do we both have the same layout {for a couple of days - I have a new one being designed as we type}, the same name, AND the same amazing spelling of said name, but we share the love of teaching! I was a 3rd grade classroom teacher but am now in the process of applying to nursing school. They're more closely related careers than you would expect :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have found out, I'm your newest follower!
Sara @ You.And.Me.Are.We
Hahaha ohhhh my gosh. How crazy!! I've heard of a lot of teachers going into nursing and a lot of nurses going into teaching, so I definitely know what you mean about the relation! Good luck with it :)
DeleteSara
Congrats, congrats, congrats! Another thing to check off of your list. I'm sending you lots of good vibes and hoping you find a teaching position soon. Remember, whatever you choose to do between now and then will prepare you and help you to be a better teacher in the future. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julia! Such a sweet comment makes me feel lots and lots better & the vibes help, too!! :)
DeleteSara
Congrats on passing your test! I found your blog because you commented on my guest post for Technology Tailgate...boy, and I glad I followed that link! Your site looks great, and it looks like you have some really neat information to share. I can't wait to read more! :)
ReplyDelete1) All of those ideas sound good! In particular, I enjoy reading about something innovative and interesting to use in the classroom -- technology based or not. I love ideas that get kids out of their seats, use materials in an unconventional way, and make the learning process fun.
2) I subbed for 1 year while I was in college, and then I subbed for 1 more year (last year) when I moved to a new state and was unable to get my teaching certifications transferred in time to get a job. I loved getting experience, setting my own schedule, and seeing all the various teaching methods/decor. I hated the disrespect from older students/adults in the building (I was "just" the sub...arrgg!!), the uncertainty ("When is the phone going to ring?!"), and the lack of structure (I might teach senior chemistry one day and then bilingual kinder the next...what a mess!). I went into each job, knowing that I never had to come back if I didn't want to, and I knew that I could handle anything for 7 hours. It IS best to go in with time-filling games that can be applied to any subject/grade level, and coming with your sense of humor and some flexibility is a must. There is a blog called Sub Hub that you should definitely check out! She has sub plans that are fantastic and reasonably priced. I loved subbing when I was in college and hadn't yet had my own classroom. After I'd taught on my own and had to go back to subbing again, I despised it. But that's just my two cents.
3) I think I am comfortable as a teacher when I know my area of study and feel confident that the lesson I've planned is a good one, so I can't really give you a time frame. I student taught in kinder and 2nd grade, and I felt somewhat comfortable there. Mostly, I just wanted the teacher to leave so that I could feel like a "real teacher" and plan things on my own! haha. But I loved every second of my student teaching. I taught 8th and 9th grade English for the next two years. I felt comfortable with that because I knew the subject area very well, but some days were better than others. I'll be teaching K-4 science this year, and I am comfortable with the students but uncomfortable with the content (both because it's science and because I'm teaching for the first time in a new state with different standards). So I guess it depends on where you are and what you're teaching. Obviously, I don't have something I teach every year because I've yet to be in the same grade/subject area for two years in a row! :) Although I certainly gave my students 110% at every position, I do wish I could go back to my first years' students and apologize for not being a better teacher. I think we all get better with time, and I am no exception. I find a ton of my resources on Teachers Pay Teachers and on teaching blogs. A lot of blogs have freebies, and then I wait until TpT has a sale to purchase on there. I also make the majority of my class's things, so not only do I save by not purchasing items, but I make money from them because I post them on TpT. :) Don't feel pressured to buy all the cutesy, teaching-store stuff your first year...I think every teacher understands that that stuff is expensive!!
Sorry for the mega-long comment! :)
~Mrs. K. from The Teacher Garden Blog
No apology necessary for the long comment - I LOVE that it's long because it's full of great information! Thank you for your honest feedback, Mrs. K. I have written it all down and I especially like that you pointed out the negatives & positives of subbing. That's helpful to me because then I can see the ups and downs! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your advice, kind words, & wisdom! I truly, truly appreciate it :) And thank you for coming by - I love Technology Tailgate and I'm still looking forward to using Vocaroo at some point!
DeleteSara
Sara, congrats on passing praxis. That is always such a relief. I did not sub before getting my first job but I know you'll be great!! I think no matter how long you've been teaching you are always uncomfortable at the beginning of every year. This will be my third year and I am always anxious at the beginning. I think the most impritant thing to remember is to stay positive, find something that relaxes you outside of school. Teaching is hard work and can be stressful but also exciting and rewarding. I would definitely suggest getting some free business cards from vistaprint if you haven't already. I know teachers say that is always nice to have as well as a dorm that let's them know how the day went! Communication is the best thing you can do in a school setting in my opinion!!!
ReplyDeleteHope that helped!!
Taylor
Bakingcraftingteaching oh my!!
Hiya, Taylor! Thank you for the congrats & thank you for all the advice! I've heard before that it's exciting and fun, but that it's stressful, so I need to find an outlet. That's why I think blogging will be my outlet! :) As for Vistaprint, I have checked it out and I'm ADDICTED. Thanks for suggesting that communication is a very high priority because I, too, believe that communication is important so I will definitely keep your thoughts in mind (and have written them down)! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Taylor!
DeleteSara