Schools redefine role of subsMany public school districts across the U.S. are making the decision to set new standards for substitute teaching. Currently, fewer than 10 percent of substitute teachers get any skills training. Only 42 percent go through an orientation. But that is changing.
The demands of the school day are altering the role of substitute teachers as placeholders or babysitters. More districts are training their subs in classroom management and instructional skills so a teacher's absence does not mean a lost day of learning. Education World explores substitute training programs.
Tags: Substitute Teachers, Teacher Training, K-12, Education, Education by Sistrunk
7 comments:
Hey Deb, how you doin'? :-)
You recently made a request on my blog and my answer is an enthusiastic YES!
When you are ready ;-)
That is a great thing....should have done this years ago...
Standards? You mean some places actually have some? Wow! When I first subbed, back in 1965, the qualification was that I had graduated from college. I think now, where I currently live, it's that I have a master's.
Ruben: Hopefully, things are much better now at your alma mater.
Teh Blogfather: I emailed you. Thanks.
Rose: I agree.
Georganne: As you know, standards vary from state to state, from school district to school district. Where I live, one can become a substitute teacher with 60 hours of college credit (that is, two years of college coursework).
It is a great concept but will it actually happen? I teach in NY and some of the subs can not speak Englsh. The students do busy work, and yes I agree that there should be some form of training. Teachers get sick, we are human. Why should the students lose a day of learning.Does anyone know where subs are actually recieiving formal traning.
Well, it is just my opinion on the topic.
Maryann
I used to sub and a note from the teacher was all the help I got. Fortunately I had a lot of instructional experience with childern. But still - they really just throw you in there!
Maryann: Thanks for stopping by and weighing in on this topic. It's always good to hear from classroom teachers. I used to work for an education consortium that offered substitute training each year. Dozens of school districts in our area flocked to the workship to interview potential substitute teachers.
For reasons unclear to me, the training was discontinued. Perhaps the reason is that it was not cost effective. If I get an answer, I'll share it with everyone.
Because of your comment and those of others, I think I'll contact the person who directed the program and ask her why it was discontinued.
Brea: Thanks for sharing your personal experience with being a substitute. It's too bad the schools just "throw you in there."
Let's hope that more school districts put together training programs so that students don't miss a day of learning and substitute teachers can optimize their skills.
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