Substitute Teachers Lounge

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What if your next teaching assignment was predicted by a humorous Instagram post? Join me on a fascinating journey as I recount my first day as a substitute teacher in an elementary school, filled with nerves, surprises, and delightful moments. I'll share how a seemingly random social media post added a layer of foreshadowing to my day, and why, despite initial reluctance, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the experience of teaching third graders. Reflecting on seven years and nearly 700 days of substitute teaching, this episode offers insights into how elementary students' chattiness contrasts with older grades and why this particular day stood out as one of my all-time favorites.

We'll also uncover the power of icebreakers and the art of connecting with students through their personal belongings. From prized shoe charms to shared TV show interests, you’ll hear how these small details can build rapport and make a significant impact. I’ll recount the joy of receiving heartfelt thank-you cards from the students and how a simple discussion about MasterChef turned into an engaging conversation. Finally, discover why I might have found my ideal teaching level in third grade and how this positive experience has reshaped my perspective on subbing for younger students. This episode is a testament to the rewarding moments and connections that make teaching such a fulfilling profession.

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Today, you'll walk away with practical tips and creative strategies to make your classroom more inclusive and engaging from the get-go. And it may require changing your principles.

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Ever wondered how some substitute teachers consistently land the best assignments while others struggle? Join us in this episode of Substitute Teachers Lounge as we reveal the secrets to securing substitute teaching jobs with lightning speed, using tools like Frontline, Jobulator, and SubAlert. I'll recount my own thrilling experience of nabbing a coveted position within seconds of it going live.  s and dive into practical solutions that can give you a competitive edge. 

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Ever wondered what essential items you might be missing in your substitute teacher’s bag? Join me this week on Substitute Teacher's Lounge, where I uncover practical and mindset-related essentials inspired by my wife's hiking and biking groups. 

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Ever wondered if short-term substitute teaching could actually offer more fulfillment than long-term assignments? Join me, Greg Collins, as I reflect on my substitute teaching journey since 2019 and share why I've had a change of heart when it comes to choosing assignments and grade levels. Through personal stories, like coaching younger kids in volleyball and attending high school events, I reveal the surprising reasons I now prefer the challenges of short-term gigs. This episode promises to give you fresh insights that might just inspire you to reassess your own teaching choices.

Life as a substitute teacher continuously evolves, and sometimes, so do our preferences. I'll discuss my shift towards elementary school teaching, driven in part by the pandemic's impact on student maturity levels and a personal connection to a school my grandkids will attend. Plus, I'll take you back to my early career in accounting to explore different perspectives on career contentment and advancement. Whether you're contemplating a switch to teaching younger kids or wondering if you should give older students another try, my experiences and strategies for growth could spark the change you’ve been waiting for.

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Ever had a day so rough it became memorable for all the wrong reasons? Join me, Greg Collins, as I break my summer hiatus to revisit the chaos of my worst day as a substitute teacher, inspired by the response to my February 6th episode.

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Have you ever thought Instagram could be your secret weapon in the classroom? Learn how this social media platform can transform your role as a substitute teacher, helping you earn the respect and admiration of your students. From my personal journey of building an engaged Instagram following, I'll share practical tips on setting up a public account and crafting posts that make your teaching presence unforgettable. Discover why Instagram offers a safer and more engaging way to connect with students compared to traditional methods like Facebook or text messaging.

Unlock the power of social media algorithms to maximize your reach and influence. Hear about my adventures, including a hilarious solo trip to Disney World and the surprising success of my rap videos, which helped grow my Instagram community. You'll also gain valuable insights on using hashtags effectively, managing comments, and the magic of cross-posting on Facebook. Whether you're a social media novice or a seasoned user looking to enhance your online presence, this episode is filled with actionable advice to make Instagram a vital part of your teaching toolkit.

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Ever wondered how the role of a substitute teacher is perceived through the eyes of today's high schoolers? Join me as I sit with Mya and Reese, two sophomores with plenty to say about the post-pandemic shifts in their academic world. They'll take you behind the scenes of classroom walls, revealing how the lingering effects of COVID-19 have not only modified their learning experience but also altered the social landscape of their school. Their candid accounts of 'busy work' and digital platforms like Google Classroom will offer you a real-time pulse on the current state of education through a student’s lens.

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As the school bells chime for the final time this academic year, I'm pausing to reflect on a rollercoaster ride of triumphs and trials from the substitute teacher's perspective. Wrapping up before our well-earned summer hiatus, I'm bringing you a candid ranking of the five most testing disciplinary issues in the classroom—from the mildly frustrating to the downright exhausting. Expect heart-to-heart insights as we unpack why a physical scuffle ranked surprisingly low and unveil the origins of the term 'discipline' itself—hint, it's all about learning!

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Remember the last time the classroom Wi-Fi went out, leaving you in a tech-free panic? I've been there, and in this episode, I'm sharing the teacher-tested tactics that saved the day. We're talking no-fail strategies for substitute teachers to keep the learning engine running, even when digital lesson plans are a no-go. You'll get a peek at how a stack of index cards can transform into an engaging review session, the clever use of personal data to bring online resources back to life, and the timeless effectiveness of a well-prepared PowerPoint presentation. Plus, I'm dishing out my own plans to spice up the usual Q&A with a random selection process that keeps students on their toes and ready to dive into the material.