STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

jen · Kate Spade

Calling all teachers!

Alegria · Kate Spade

I wish I could help, but with high school kids I have no idea??? When I subbed it was for elementary. I just know that it can be intimidating. Don't be wishy washy. I think what you wear at a high school can make a difference. If you dress like them they may not respect you as the authority person. Hopefully Halleybird has some good advice for you. Best of luck, I'm sure you'll do fine.

Cortney1982 · Chanel

I remember in high school there was a few younger teachers and all I can say is that you should probably dress conservatively (maybe it has to be suits so you don't blend in with students) and don't be too nice to students or talk anything other than schoolwork with them. I guess being a sub just plain sucks because even in elementary we had full control of them!

poptart · Coach

Jen,
Feel free to PM me if you want more advice, but the main things that helped me as a 22 year old high school teacher were:

wearing super high heels
dressing professionally
reminding myself constantly that I was not "friends" with my students
starting out the school year (or in your case, each class) with extremely strict discipline/rules

ranchera20 · Marc Jacobs

Well I am not a teacher but I am a high school student

My opinions are don't be too strict! I know that when a sub is known as a strict one or mean the majority of the students wont respect them and they begin to act up. I dont mean to say that you should be really nice but just let the students see that you are the type of sub who can be strict when you need to be.

I am pretty sure that once you arrive on campus you will have to go to the front office and they will probably tell you the basic school policies. And if not that should be your oppurtunity to ask.

As far as what to wear, I agree with the other girls, suits or some nice pants with a conservative top.

Dont worry I am sure you will be great! Let us know how your first day goes!

theotherjess · Chanel

ranchera20 wrote:

Well I am not a teacher but I am a high school student My opinions are don't be too strict! I know that when a sub is known as a strict one or mean the majority of the students wont respect them and they begin to act up. I dont mean to say that you should be really nice but just let the students see that you are the type of sub who can be strict when you need to be. I am pretty sure that once you arrive on campus you will have to go to the front office and they will probably tell you the basic school policies. And if not that should be your oppurtunity to ask. As far as what to wear, I agree with the other girls, suits or some nice pants with a conservative top. Dont worry I am sure you will be great! Let us know how your first day goes!

I agree. We have this one sub who is pretty young, but she is great. She is very nice and helpful but she also does not take crap. Just let the kids know that you take your job seriously and won't put up with their shenanigans

.

jen · Kate Spade

Thanks girl. But HB-I'm disappointed, where is your advice?!

halleybird · Hermes

jen wrote:

Thanks girl. But HB-I'm disappointed, where is your advice?!

Sorry, girl! It's been a busy weekend.

I don't have much to add besides what's already been said. If I'd gotten here earlier, I'd have said exactly what Lisa did (I swear, Lisa! It's like you're in my brain sometimes! LOL )

In some cases, being young can work to your advantage. I think I have an easier time as a young teacher than I would if I was in my 40s. I keep a clear student/teacher line, but I don't talk down to them. It also helps if you explain any disciplinary action you take, i.e. "I am sending you outside because your behavior is keeping the rest of the class from concentrating." . I sort of think of it as a "big sister" role -- I know the rules and am in charge, but I don't need to parent them.

Finally, make sure they know when they're crossing the line, even if it's not a big deal. If they ask you to hang out after class or something, be sure to say more than just "no, thanks" -- tell them why that's not cool.

Feel free to let me know if you have more questions. Good luck!