One person's experiences and views of substitute teaching at the elementary level. (IRT)

One study indicates that learning loss occurs when substitute teachers are in classrooms, and the data gathered here indicate not only that virtually nothing is being done to prevent such loss but that the amount of time lost is increasing. (Author/IRT)

A civil engineer describes his first day as a substitute teacher. Despite detailed lesson plans and good intentions, maintaining an orderly class environment is far from a "piece of cake." Recess duty is an ordeal, and lunch in the shabby teacher's lounge is uninspiring. The biggest benefit is appreciation of what constitutes a full-time teacher's…

Describes two related programs, one in energy conservation and one for substitute teachers, that have created building-level incentives that have saved the district money and given 80 percent of the savings to the individual schools that made the saving. (Author/IRT)

Discusses a student discipline problem involving a substitute teacher and a student who used foul language in class. The teacher responded with a firm, but venomous, threat that provoked a response from the vice principal's office, but not from the boy's parents. Advocates on-the-spot ethical instruction to maintain credibility and an effective…

Describes a cooperative program between the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and the Houston (Texas) Independent School District to give additional training to substitute teachers. The program emphasizes specific, practical skills such as disciplinary techniques, communications skills, and lesson planning. (WD)

Describes a new approach to covering classrooms when teachers are absent. Paraprofessionals have been hired in place of substitutes to routinely handle supervisory, noninstructional assignments previously assigned to teachers. The teachers use their free time to staff resource rooms and to supervise classes of absent teachers. (WD)

Michigan State University and the Lansing (Michigan) school district are cooperating in a program that supplies the university with graduate teaching assistant positions and the school district with substitute teachers. (IRT)

A former substitute teacher explains how she won first-graders' attention and significantly improved deportment by pretending to be a Martian with different communication modes and hearing capabilities than terrestrials. Children painlessly learn tips on listening, communicating, and engaging in friendly behaviors. (MLH)