Regular teachers coming into the room?

[esa98g]

I was just wondering if it bothers anyone else when the regular teacher comes into the room while you are there teaching? This doesn't happen very often, but when it does it bugs me to death. I guess the regular teachers don't understand how disruptive it is when they come in. All the students say hi to their teacher and completely ignore you. Anyway I was just wondering if this happens to anyone else or not?

 

[viktoriag]

regular teachers

Hi

Yes, it does bother me even though I think it shouldn't. I always feel like they're 'checking up' but that's probably just my insecurity. I tend to sub at one school only so I feel pretty comfortable there and don't feel I need to be "checked on" so that's part of it too.

When I do go to different schools, if that happens it makes me feel nervous, as if I'm being judged. So as I said I think it's more my insecurity when that happens. I'm sure they only do it to be helpful and it really doesn't happen all that often.

Often lately there's another teacher in the classroom for in-class support, so I've learned to look to them for guidance in exactly how the regular teacher usually presents the work. Not being a certified teacher myself, I always feel inadequate when the real thing is in the room with me, even though in all these years I've never had a problem.

 

[Gatorman]

Regular teachers

I subbed at a middle school where the teacher came in 4-5 times throughout the day, and I wasn't greatly annoyed by it because the class was on task and behaving, and he did not spend more than 1 miinute in the classroom. He did not try to "take over" the class, which I guess some subs rightly fear (since it's their class for the day). Moreover, it actually served some good because the students were having a problem understanding a formula, which he quickly resolved during 1st hour (so after that, I knew all the answers).
However, I do agree with the fact that it partially undermines the sub's authority b/c when he came in, I basically took a back seat for that minute. Lastly, at end of the day, he came in 1 minute before bell rang. When the bell rang, the students said "can we go?" He said, "ask the sub," which I suppose is a good sign because iit meant it was still "my" class for the day. As long as the permanent teacher doesn't stay in there too long or doesn't disrupt the students AND THEN LEAVE, then I don't mind it.

 

[Nic]

depends on how things are going

I love it when they come in the room when things are going great - but HATE it when things are going otherwise. Last year I was subbing for a sixth grade class and had to teach a pre-algebra lesson without any prep. May I just say that math has never been my strong point. Anyway, the teacher walked into the room just as I was beginning (because of various circumstances I had had NO prep). She sat down at her computer and started working. The whole time though she was watching me out of the corner of her eye which made me extra nervous and I'm sure say extra stupid sounding things. I would have done a lot better if she hadn't been there. It was very humiliating.

 

[ChrisAnnette]

Bottom line..

The bottom line is regular teachers know most subs have not been educated to the level of regular teachers in eduction and have not had student teaching in college, etc.. They don't (or shouldn't) expect that we subs know everything, nor know exactly how things should be taught. They go to workshops and meetings on these things, subs do not have that luxury. So I wouldn't feel nervous. I think the main thing they look at IF they are "judging" you, is whether you are able to manage the classroom...keeping them on task and listening to you. They probably only think that their presence in your classroom may help keep the students in line and doing what they are supposed to.

 

[ChrisAnnette]

forgot the 'a'

OK, yes, I do know how to spell "education"...I thought that was pretty funny, considering...

 

[esa98g]

what I meant

When I wrote that post I wasn't feeling like I was an inadequate teacher by any means. In my state we have to be fully eduacted with the same license as a regular teacher. The particular day that this happened, the teacher was just coming in to get some materials for something that she was doing. The only problem was that whenever she came in, all the kids would make a huge commotion. I could tell that she felt bad because she kept saying sorry, but she still kept coming in. I guess thats what I had a beef with. If you know that it's disruptive, than why do you keep coming in?

 

[viktoriag]

teachers coming in

Ohh - well in that respect - no, it doesn't bother me. I always welcome a little diversion myself :-) We do not have to be certified teachers to sub in our district; in fact I never even TOOK a class in education when I was in college about 100 years ago.

 

[tuffypaint]

I know how you feel...

I know how you feel about the disruptions by the regular teacher coming in. It also irritates me when they come in when I am doing whole group instruction on something and then the whole class gets side-tracked and off-task. It happens to me alot; however, I have just learned to deal with it and do my best to keep the kids focused.

Sometimes, I really think they are "checking up" on you to see how you are interacting with the class and whether or not you have everything under control without realizing that their "little interupttions" make your job a lot harder. I have been at a lot of schools where it is a wonder that you can get anything done between other teachers, administrators, parents, other students, announcements, and the ringing telephone are constantly taking away from instructional effectiveness.

I don't say anything because I don't want to make waves; however, now that I have been a sub, I see it in a whole new light. If I ever get a permanent teaching position, I will try to make sure that my guest teachers know they have access to help if they need it, but that otherwise, they need to be trusted to do their job.

 

[*Annie*]

parents coming in too..

Yesterday, not only did the regular teacher come back in at one point and everyone starts saying "Hi Mr. S." etc etc...but a parent just came right in (5th grade) right at the point where the class was challenging me on what they were supposed to do. He originally told them a writing assignment was for homework, but he changed it. I guess I was the bearer of this news and was at a stand off with them when I noticed this woman standing next to me. I looked at her and said "hi", but she was waiting for them to finish I guess, and I could hear under her breath something like, "oh my..." I just wanted her to speak her business - I didn't know if she worked there, was taking a student for some reason or who she was! Well, finally I found out her son was absent and she was picking up a packet - in the middle of a class! I tell ya, being a sub, it's always something, isn't it?

 

[viktoriag]

parents?

Annie -

wow! In our school they'd never allow a parent to just walk into a classroom. It's like Fort Knox trying to get through the front door. How annoying for you!

 

[DANNYCA]

regular teacher

I use the regular teacher as a valuable resource for the class for that day. So far it works for me. They know exactly what you need to know so ask and watch her.

 

[Tounces]

another

I have sometimes come in the room to pick something up I needed for a meeting. I have never thought of it as checking up on the sub. They are the adult in charge. I have glanced over to my behavior problem kids to give them a look that means you better be behaving. I have been a substitute in the past so I know classes can be rough on them.
Here's a twist though. One day in the middle of teaching my class math, a stranger walks in unannounced. Comes up to the front of the room, has the nerve to interupt me and ask to speak to one of my kids. The first question I ask was "who are you"? She had no visitor's pass. She tells me she is a substitute for a teacher across the hall. Also, she says she is the aunt of one of my girls. But then she asks me if she is indeed in my class. Strange right? So she asks if she can speak to her and it will be real quick. I told her no because I was in the middle of teaching a class. Duh! So she asks, when would be a good time to talk to her. I tell her at the end of the day, AFTER class. So looks a little bewildered and says ok and leaves. No apology. So I asked the girl after class if she knew what she might have wanted that seemed so important that it couldn't wait. The girl said she didn't know that woman. I ask my team about the sub. She was legit but I still don't know what was going on.

Anyway, back to your subject. Thanks for letting me know that it bugs some subs. I had no idea that some would feel this way. I will keep it in mind in the future. Teachers have so many interruptions I think you become immune to them over time.