Substitute Teaching?

Called in at very short notice to primary/junior classrooms, substi­tute teachers are often at a loss for how and where to begin teaching a classroom of sometimes unruly and certainly unknown students. In this enthusiastic combination tool kit/ instruction manual, Yuill explores how substitute teachers can re-engage their original passion for making a difference in students’ lives and actually teach.

To help set the stage, this highly readable guide for new or experienced teachers begins with relationship-building activ­ities. It moves on to ready-to-use ideas for lessons (with companion reproducibles), along with a collection of strategies for managing your attitude and expectations, and dealing with typical problems. Solid classroom management techniques are examined as are practical curriculum plans. A unique component of the book is a brief description of typical student development, which takes a quick look at physical, social, emotional and academic characteristics at every primary grade level. Organized by grade, it is a helpful snapshot for teachers who are parachuted into teaching students with whom they have little or no experience and few reference points.

Yuill outlines proactive job-finding techniques for the substitute teacher seeking a full-time position, the ca­reer-substitute teacher looking for the next assignment, or the retired teacher who may be seeking a different perspec­tive on the classroom experience.

Nadira Baksh, OCT, has recently complet­ed a combined honours specialist in English and history and is a classroom volunteer with the Peel District School Board.

Professionally Speaking (the official magazine of the Ontario College of Teachers)

June 2017