More About Professionalism

Record Keeping

I track my assignments worked including the name of the school, name of the teacher, grade and subject. I also make notes about the student population, administration and other teachers. I also consult with teachers and staff who give me an idea of what the student body is like. I make notes about my preferred grades to supervise at a given school. Also, I note if the administration is supportive, the teachers congenial and helpful or vise versa. I have worked at places where teachers were not very nice to subs. But, as I returned to the school and proved myself, the attitudes changed. I have also worked at schools where the principal offered little or no support.

This becomes a critical issue for lengthy assignments. In one instance I found myself constantly chasing down the administration and lead teacher in search of the rudimentary materials needed to set up a room in preparation for the school. year. Needless to say, I resolved not to return to that school. The administration did not follow up on anything and in addition misdirected me concerning critical issues. I resolve that as a substitute teacher, I do not have to deal with such situations, because there are too many other opportunities, so I move on quickly.

I am glad that I have learned this important lesson, because now I am zeroing in on assignments at places where the staff are professional, supportive and administration acts quickly and decisively in dealing with situations. They are readily available and supportive when it comes to answering questions. These are the places were I want to work. Keeping accurate records help me when it is time to decide where and when I want to work. I also update my records on a regular basis. I At the beginning of each school year, I review my notes from the previous year.

Communication

I have mentioned reporting before, it is worth repeating. Leaving a detailed report of what happen can distinguish you from other substitute teachers. A teacher appreciates a detailed description of what occurred, behaviors of concern and a compilation of student work. The teachers need to know if lessons were completed or not.  They need to know if a given student was misbehaving and which students were helpful or exemplary. They need to return to a room that is as orderly as it was found if not more so. It is also important to be prepared to report to the administrator if you are working as an extra help teacher. If you are on a long term assignment, communication is key. Being explicit and upfront about what you can and cannot do is important. Reporting to your agency is also critical, as well as following their rules about canceling bookings and availability.

Attendance

You do not want to be put on warning because of no shows and call outs, leaving an assignment open that cannot be filled. It makes the agency look bad, and it can cause you to loose your job with the agency. Temporary workers are expected to be exemplary professionals, even more than permanent full time teachers. Agency workers must constantly prove themselves each time they go to an assignment. 

A substitute teacher that works for an agency is not just representing himself or herself, they are representing the agency. So no shows are a no no! I have cancelled job bookings weeks in advance. If you think you will not be able to make it to an assignment, let your agency know as soon as possible. 

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