Substitute Teacher Training

Substitute Teacher Training WINSTON COUNTY SCHOOLS Striving For Excellence

Mission The mission of the Winston County School Systemis to empower all students for the choices and challenges of the twenty-first century.

Philosophy We believe that all children can learn and that education should enable students to fulfill their unique potential. We believe that we should teach students to respect themselves, others, and the environment.

Philosophy (continued) We believe that the mission is best accomplished in a school environment which is characterized by: High expectations for all students Safe and orderly schools Definitive outcomes and frequent monitoring of progress Productive community, home, and school relationships, Effective school improvement focusing on personnel and resources

Basic Information Procedures for Employment The following items must be completed before a prospective substitute teacher can be approved for placement of his/her name on the substitute teacher roster: • Application for a Substitute Teacher’s License/Background (Blue form-front and back.) • Copies of your Social Security Card, Drivers License, and Diploma or GED

Procedures for Employment(continued) • TB Test Results • I-9 Form (section 1 only) • New Hire Reporting Form • Tax Withholding Information (State & Federal) • Two (2) Finger Print Cards (This may be done by our local Sheriff’s Office—Call Charlie Thompson at 489-8515 or 489-2115.) • Release form for Fingerprint Processing (Please be sure to get two witness to sign form or get it notarized.)

Procedures for Employment(continued) • Thirty dollar ($30.00) money order or cashier’s check and a forty-nine dollar ($49.00) money order or cashier’s check, both made payable to the State Department of Education (personal checks cannot be accepted.) This must be two (2) separate checks. These funds will cover the cost of your certificate and fingerprint clearance through the ABI and FBI. If you have a regular Alabama Teaching Certificate, or have applied for one, this may not be necessary. You will need to furnish the Personnel Office a copy of your regular Alabama Teaching Certificate.

School Contact Information • As soon as you arrive on the school campus please contact the principal/assistant principal in the main office: • Addison Elementary: Ellan Oliver • Addison High: Bo Bolzle/ Micah Smothers • Double Springs Elementary: Bobby Daniels • Double Springs Middle: Ben Aderholt/ Yvonne McCullar • Lynn Elementary: Sara Ritter • Lynn High: Greg Pendley • Meek Elementary: Amy Hiller • Meek High: Danny Stallings/Marla Murrah • Winston County High: Jeff Cole/ Yvonne McCullar

School Information • You are required to work full days (7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 3:15 p.m. for HS) or for half days (7:30 a.m. to 11:29 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 or 3:15 p.m.). Do not consult the teacher’s schedule to determine your work times. The schools expect substitutes to work full days or half days. • Each day you have a substitute teaching assignment you must sign the teacher sign in sheet in order to receive pay.

Housekeeping Issues • Report to the Main Office to sign in using School Check-In, get a name tag, and sign the teacher sign-in sheet • Check for the teacher’s substitute folder in the teacher’s mailbox, desk, or the workroom. • Report to the classroom by 7:35 a.m. • Read over the information left by the teacher regarding taking attendance, seating charts, and lesson plans. • Read over the Classroom Emergency Folder and locate your emergency exit.

Professionalism • One of the most important aspects of being an effective substitute teacher is viewing yourself as a professional. Students will encounter substitutes on a regular basis, so you are a very important part of the educational process. You help our students continue learning by ensuring that students complete the assignments left by the classroom teacher.

Confidentiality • Confidentiality - It is unprofessional and illegal to disclose confidential information about students. You should avoid comments about individual students that convey private information: grades, medical conditions, learning or discipline problems, etc.

Confidentiality Continued • Do not gossip or discuss incidents about classes or students. This applies in the teachers' lounge at school and in the community. Please ask advice of school personnel about how to deal with certain students or classes, but do not let the conversation develop into one of complaining, ridiculing or spreading rumors about students or staff.

Computer Use • Please check with each school Substitute Coordinator about student usage. • You should avoid the use of personal technology devices at all times. This includes but is not limited to personal cell phones, IPODs, MP3 players, PDAs, PDA cell phones, personal laptops, beepers, etc.

Computer Use Continued • All technology users, including but not limited to computer users, are subject to the Winston County Schools Technology Usage Policy as well as accompanying guidelines. • The complete policy may be viewed at http://www.winstonk12.org/technology.html

Telephone Use • There is an intercom/telephone in each classroom. • Students are not allowed to use the intercom /telephone in the classroom. • Please check the teacher’s substitute folder for instructions on how to dial the school office in schools that have phones in the rooms. • You are asked not to make lengthy personal phone calls.

Medication • Administering Medication - Medication should only be administered by the school nurse or other appropriate health personnel, not in the classroom or by a substitute teacher. If you have a concern about a student receiving medication, contact the school nurse or the office.

Best Practices • Your most crucial responsibility in the classroom is to ensure safety. • Be attentive and present for the benefit of all students in the classroom. • Do not give an assignment and then sit down to read or use the computer for the remainder of the period. • Circulate the room frequently to monitor students’ behavior and work completion.

Best Practices • Never leave a class unattended. • Familiarize yourself with and enforce school rules. • Maintain classroom discipline. • Be friendly and positive with students in order to gain their cooperation. • Use verbal praise and reinforcement.

Best Practices • Show respect for the cultural backgrounds of all students. • Keep your political, religious, and social beliefs to yourself. • Use only proper humor (avoid sarcasm, sexual comments, racial jokes, and any other inappropriate comments). • Dress comfortably but professionally. • Remember to maintain confidentiality.

Documentation • Anecdotal Records - Documenting particular incidents in the classroom can protect you in problematic situations. Always note the date and time, the individuals involved and the actions taken. You may leave this information for the teacher or turn it into the principal or counselor.

Discipline Referrals • Usually our students are cooperative and well behaved. If you send a student to the principal or assistant principal due to discipline matters, please notify the principal that the child is on his/her way to the office. You remain with the class to provide supervision.

Classroom Management • FocusingBe sure you have the attention of everyone in your classroom before you start your lesson. Do not attempt to teach over the chatter of students who are not paying attention.

Classroom Management • Direct InstructionThe technique of direct instruction is to begin each class by telling the students what is expected and the goals of the class. You should outline/explain what the students will be doing during the period.

Classroom Management • MonitoringThe key to good classroom control is to circulate. While your students are working, make the rounds. Check on their progress. An effective teacher will make a pass through the whole room about two minutes after the students have started a written assignment and periodically during the remainder of the time.

Classroom management • Assertive “I”-Messages “I”-Messages are statements that the teacher uses when confronting a student who is misbehaving. They are intended to be clear descriptions of what the student is suppose to do. “I want you to complete your assignment” or “I need you to stop talking and do your work.” • Do not hesitate to send a disruptive student to the assistant principal if he/she has not complied within a reasonable time.

Emergency Plans • There are tornado and fire drill routes posted in each teacher’s classroom close to the door. Should there be a drill, please take the class to the designated spot. • Additionally, there is a crisis flip chart in each classroom. Take this with you on any drills and call roll once students are in place.

Daily Routines • When the bell rings, stand in the doorway and greet students as they enter the classroom. • Explain the assignment and carry out the lesson left by the teacher. • Discuss and write all homework assignments on the board. • At the end of the period, have students straighten and clean the area around their desks.

End of Day • Leave students’ work in an organized manner on the teacher’s desk. • At the end of the day, leave the substitute teacher’s folder on the teacher’s desk. Be sure to include any notes for the teacher on anything that the teacher should know. • Return your name badge to the front office and check out of School Check-In upon checking out for the day.

Sources • Class conduct - www.lkwdpl.org • 11 Techniques for Better Classroom Discipline - www.honorlevel.com • The Effective Substitute Teacher - www.teachers.net • Substitute Teacher Handbook 5th Edition - Utah State University • Substitute Teacher Guide -www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us • Substitute Professionalism-www.learning.weac.org • http://www.pcs.k12.va.us/substitutes/online-substitute-training • http://www.mtbrook.k12.al.us/substitutes

Substitute Teacher Training