How to Behave for a Guest Teacher

Sometimes I have to be out of my classroom, whether it be for a professional development (to help me become a better teacher), a sick day, or, as is the case for this weekend, to support the last group of students I taught in Kansas at their high school graduation this Sunday.

That’s right – my enthusiastic seventh graders from all those years ago, are graduating high school.  Pleasant Ridge Class of 2019 – Go Rams!

How the years fly!

My excitement is somewhat dampened by the sub report I received yesterday when I was not in class because I was at the ASC for a Restorative Practice PD.  I know my students HATE it when I am gone, exclaiming, “Yours in the only class I hate having a sub in!”

Be that as it may, there is still a sub, and there are certain expectations for your behavior.  It goes without saying, you should have these expectations for yourself, not because I expect them.

What expected behavior looks and sounds like when there is a guest teacher.	What “bad” behavior looks and sounds like when there is a guest teacher.
Students are on task. Students are seated. Students can be on their phones, as long as they are working. Students can be talking to each other, as long as they are working. Work is completed independently – with integrity.	Students are non-compliant to the guest teacher’s request(s). Students are off task. Students are disruptive. Students are disrespectful. Students are listening to music, but NOT working. Students are talking, but NOT working. Students are belligerent and confrontational with the guest speaker. Students are sleeping or have their heads down.

The last couple of times I was out, I returned to some pretty disappointing notes from the guest teacher.  I was mortified that MY students acted the way they did.  When I would approach them about their behavior, they would protest, “But Miss, that sub!” or “Miss, I was doing my work!”  or “Miss, you know I don’t do good with subs.” And then I would be disappointed all over again, because MY students were not taking any ownership for THEIR behavior.

Here’s the thing – there are things we can’t control, the fact that I am not here, who the sub is, which students are in the class.

There are things we CAN control – our actions, our words, and our behavior.

Please – it is business as usual on Monday – the only thing that is different is I am not going to be here in person.  I will be here in spirit, and I need you to be the students I know you can be – students that I am proud to call mine.