Unexpected sub days can really be a pain especially when classes are in the middle of projects that substitutes can't easily supervise or help students complete. My communications technology class was in the middle of completing their first major film project. Having students out in the hallway filming with a substitute was not a good idea, so they were grounded to the classroom. My pre-engineering classes just completed learning about the design process, and were about ready to start designing a major project. The beginning industrial technology class was poised to start designing bridges for their structural unit/activity. And then I had to get sick.
I scrambled to find a sub on Friday but couldn't find anybody among my first choices of contacts. In fact, I couldn't get a hold of anybody, someone eventually picked up the job. As far as I know things went ok, but then on Monday I just called in the absence on Sunday night and had to trust somebody would pick it up. As an educator, especially one who struggles at times with classroom management, you hold your breath when subs come to take care of your class. Will the students behave? Will the sub ever cover my class again? (I have had a sub tell me flat out he will never cover my classes again) Will the material I leave get covered? And perhaps the most interesting question of all- will the students prefer having a sub over having me there?
I think I am finally get a hold of things, because check out a comment one of my students left when I returned:
"HI MR. TWINING!!! YOUR BACK!!! YEAH, YOUR NOT SICK ANYMORE!!! HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER!!!"
Any comments on how things go when you're away?
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Being out is always difficult especially if you do not plan for it. I will be out tomorrow and Tuesday for curriculum writing. I spent a lot of time preparing for the sub, but it is really easier to be at school. I am grateful to have a sub who taught math and can help them with their work.
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