Lecture Notes: Substitute Teacher Experiences

Introduction

• Mr. Subon is the substitute teacher for the day.
• Establishes classroom rules: no horseplay, no phones, no WWE moves from desks.

Challenges Faced by Substitute Teachers

• Substitute teachers often face unpredictable scenarios:
  • One day a class of well-behaved students, the next day a chaotic environment.
• Confidence is key:
  • Students analyze a substitute's demeanor, attire, and speech.
  • Lack of confidence leads to chaos.

Importance of Confidence

• Confident substitutes command more respect and control the classroom better.
• Example of a confident sub: Mr. Pinson, who handles class disruptors effectively.

Memorable Substitutes

• Mr. G (G Dog)
  • 68-year-old substitute with energy and style.
  • Enforces rules by humorously roasting rule-breakers.
• Ms. Hutchinson
  • Identifies as a mermaid, struggles with middle schoolers taking her seriously.

Unusual Substitute Experiences

• Example of an unprepared substitute who misunderstands lesson topics:
  • Misinterpretation of 'agriculture' as 'anger culture'.
• Substitutes often mispronounce names, leading to confusion and humor.

Bizarre Rules and Situations

• Some substitutes enforce strange rules about bathroom usage.
• Substitutes can become the target of elaborate student schemes:
  • Example of a class gaslighting a substitute for leniency on a test.

Conclusion

• Substitute teaching is unpredictable and requires adaptability.
• Students often bond over shared experiences with substitutes.