Effective professional development (PD) can be a powerful tool in school success and teacher satisfaction; however, teachers often report their PD experiences as lackluster or not responsive to their immediate needs (Desimone, 2011; Guskey, 2009; Lutrick & Szabo, 2012). Teachers need professional support in today's educational environment to…

Although reasons for job satisfaction among permanent teachers are well known, timely studies to explore lack of job satisfaction among substitute teachers have been lacking. The purpose of this qualitative, multiple-case study was to explore job satisfaction among substitute teachers in K-12 public schools in the United States. The theoretical…

As K-12 teachers and administrators grow increasingly concerned with issues of accountability, research-based methods, and intervention strategies, little discussion exists on the impact of substitute teachers in the classroom. In the rush to analyze test scores, are the days covered by substitute teachers even considered? Though districts are…

In this article the author explores two aspects of his identity as an educator: (1) his identity as a classroom music teacher back teaching at Somerset Primary school; and (2) his identity as a music teacher educator upon his return to full-time university employment following six months of substitute teaching, including the block of teaching at…

This unique time-saving book is packed with tested techniques and materials to assist new and experienced English teachers with virtually every phase of their job from lesson planning to effective discipline techniques. The book includes 175 easy-to-understand strategies, lessons, checklists, and forms for effective classroom management and over…

This article dealt with methods for making substitute teaching more effective. The purpose was to articulate a sequential method for maximizing the effectiveness of substitute teaching while providing substitutes with a comprehensive method for diligently and flexibly earning respect and using reflection to continually improve substitute teaching.…

Tips for the substitute teacher. (CM)

Skillful substitute teachers are critical to student achievement, especially in today's high-stakes accountability environment. Because teachers are absent from duty, some for short periods of time and others for lengthy time frames, schools may find it difficult to meet high academic and accountability standards without prepared substitute…

In this article, the author introduces innovative activities designed for students to eliminate the teacher's stress of the last days of school. As an elementary teacher for many years and now a substitute teacher, the author states that she had always dreaded the last week of school. To minimize stress and to keep the children learning, she uses…

One hundred seventy five substitute teachers in West Virginia responded to a survey by listing three situations that substitutes feel least prepared to deal with. Content analysis established seven categories of responses, which are discussed. (MT)

Describes a Long Island (New York) high school district's concentrated effort to expand their pool of potential substitute teachers and offer them a comprehensive orientation program. The district used PTA newsletters, letters to staff, and newspaper notices to attract applicants. Training covered curriculum, teaching strategies, classroom…

Suggestions are made to help the substitute teacher successfully cope with problems that may arise in the classroom. Examined are techniques for retaining control in the classroom, dealing with specific "games" students commonly play with substitutes, and how to apply the permanent teacher's lesson plan. (JD)

Research suggests that current methods of obtaining and training substitute teachers benefit neither substitutes nor students. A staff development program that is continuous, addresses substitute teachers' expressed needs, creates lines of communication, and provides continuously accessible resources is needed. Includes three references. (MLH)

Suggests ways classroom teachers can prepare for absences and help make substitute teaching productive. Recommends forming a list of preferred substitutes at the beginning of the school year; clarifying with students expected behavior; and preparing a permanent substitute packet. (LS)