Substitute Teachers Lounge

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Join meas I recount my whirlwind adventure across third, fourth, and fifth-grade classrooms, topped with the unexpected joy of teaching my granddaughter’s class. Ever wondered which grade might just steal a teacher's heart, or what on earth happens when a scheduling mishap turns into a delightful twist? You're about to find out how these stories unfold and what they reveal about the unpredictable yet rewarding life of a substitute teacher.

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Can the words we use in the classroom echo louder than our intentions? Join me as I unravel the complex and sometimes uncomfortable topic of harsh words in teaching environments. 

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What happens when a seemingly ordinary day in the classroom turns into a lesson in responsibility and maturity for everyone involved? As I recount an unexpected incident from my experience as a substitute teacher, you'll uncover the critical moments that tested both my role and the students' readiness for high school. One poor decision led to a student getting injured, and with the sudden turn of events, I was left to reevaluate my approach to ensuring a safe and respectful environment. Listen as I share the emotional impact and the tough conversations that followed. 

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Join me, Greg Collins, as we embark on a journey through the intricate world of canceling substitute teaching jobs. In this eye-opening episode, we'll explore the decision-making process behind choosing or canceling assignments, uncovering the various scenarios that may necessitate such actions. Whether you're facing unexpected opportunities or managing challenging classroom environments, understanding when and how to cancel is paramount. Tune in as I share personal experiences from my time in elementary classrooms, where the rewards often balance the challenges, and provide practical advice on utilizing tools like Sub Alert and Frontline to efficiently manage your teaching schedule. Get ready to make informed decisions with confidence and integrity in this episode packed with insights for substitute teachers navigating the complexities of job cancellations.

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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.