May 7, 2003
'Art and Science of Substitute Teaching' provides classroom skills
Subs learn valuable lesson
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Reading magazines, talking on the phone, eating. Leaving the classroom, crying or yelling at students.
Joyce Battle has heard the substitute teacher horror stories, ranging from the apocryphal to the actual.
While tormenting subs may be a cultural touchstone, Battle was determined to help prepare current and future subs for life in the classroom. She envisions a win-win situation for everyone - students, teaches, parents and administrators.
The 12-year veteran teacher said that over the course of her four maternity leaves, she has drawn up a list basic sub skills, tricks and approaches. From keeping track of names and bringing pre-made hall passes to disciplining with dignity and having activities prepared "just in case," Battle's philosophy covers all the bases.
Tonight, Battle winds up a three-week course called The Art and Science of Substitute Teaching, offered through Northwestern Michigan College's Extended Education Services. She has guided her five students by drawing up a life map to spelling out their dream job. These exercises will help them focus on the unique talents and contributions they bring to a classroom.
Battle also spelled out a typical day at elementary, junior high and high school levels, going over practical information on classroom management, lesson plans and rules. She also advised students to bring a bag of tricks, including stories, a video and a newspaper, with them that contained a variety of activities to pull out when needed.
"Even if you have a teaching background, subbing is a whole different animal," Battle said. "Substitute teachers are always at a disadvantage from the minute they walk into the classroom."
Michelle Weatherholt is studying to be a teacher at Grand Valley State University program at the University Center. Teaching is a career change and Weatherholt already has a bachelor's degree and the necessary 90 credits required to sub. She said the course has given her a boost in confidence that will help her both as a substitute and as a future full-time teacher.
"I've been dragging my feet about subbing, really nervous about it because of the unknown," Weatherholt said. "Just talking to her and hearing about possibilities of what could happen and solutions helped a lot. She's so practical and down to earth, she doesn't have any illusions about making herself look good."
Stepping into someone else's routines and lesson plans is a difficult and challenging task, acknowledges Battle. Students of all ages are inclined to test a new or temporary teacher, but subs can transcend the challenges by being calm, prepared and professional.
Sharing themselves with their classroom is one way they can make connect with their students and make a day go smoothly.
"I had a sub who was a Vietnam vet and he changes those kids' lives in one day," said Battle. "You're just going to have to inject yourself wherever you can."
Battle believes firmly that life experience is the ultimate education and that when all else fails - lesson plans go awry, students get restless - a good story will save the day.
"Maybe you don't know the math problem, just don't sit there behind the desk, tell them something that you have done that nobody else has done," she said. "Teach the students something that you know, that is lifelong learning."
"It is hard for students to be obnoxious to someone they've connected with," she added. "I think a substitute teacher can get by on that, the connection, they don't have to know everything academically."
Mike Bailey is a retired accountant whose wife is a teacher at Silver Lake Elementary School. He is planning to begin substitute teaching either this spring or next fall and is drawn to working with high school age students.
The Art and Science of Substitute Teaching has helped him prepare for life behind the podium.
"The course helped me a lot, she gave ideas like putting quotes on the board and having things available such as books and hall passes," said Bailey, who has previously taught adults. "This class will definitely make me a better sub and I think it is a good idea to share yourself, so the class just doesn't walk in and I say, 'Here I am, just do it.'"