This guidebook contains materials from "NOTES Plus," the National Council of Teachers of English's (NCTE's) journal for the exchange of ideas by teachers and other English professionals. The suggestions presented here are meant for use by substitute teachers. The activities are divided into five categories: "Thinking and Writing with…

This book of mini-lessons is designed to aid substitute teachers teaching high school students on short notice. Fifty lessons are grouped into 10 subject areas: English, science, mathematics, history, government, art, music, foreign languages, sports, and achievers and achievements. These mini-lessons are designed to require no preparation or…

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)

Informally surveyed 25 U.S. school districts to see how districts believed the economy affected the number of substitute teachers in their pools and the number of new substitute applicants. Most districts reported increases in substitute teacher applicants, with some reporting twice as many as in previous years. Most attributed this increase to…

Nationwide, there are several innovative approaches to substitute teacher staffing issues, including: increased substitute teacher pay and enlistment of local college students to substitute at least 3 days per week in exchange for tuition help and a guaranteed job after graduation. Incentive programs for low absenteeism rates are a good way to…

Surveyed 58 replacement teachers (RTs) in Victoria, Australia, concerning (1) their qualification; (2) number of days worked; (3) membership in professional associations; (4) involvement in in-service programs; and (5) preferences for in-service activities. Found that RTs who obtain most of the work were not fully qualified and that RTs as a group…

In summer 1999, a group of Park City, Utah, school administrators, personnel directors, human-resource specialists, and substitute teacher coordinators brainstormed on improving the recruitment, training, and retention of substitute teachers. Providing effective preservice and on-the-job training and professional recognition are key suggestions.…

Many substitute teachers are underpaid, undertrained, and "invisible" employees lacking health benefits and respect from regular colleagues. Grass-roots organizing efforts have improved working conditions for subs in two Florida and California districts. Districts' improvement initiatives should be guided by concerns for student…

Advises new substitute teachers to be prepared, tote emergency activity folders, dress professionally (but wear flamingo earrings), be early, figure out the game plan, communicate expectations to students, enforce consequences, have a gimmick to reward cooperation, relish the teachable moment, leave the room tidy, and believe in themselves. (MLH)

In a survey of 35 teachers in a large elementary school, 91% of respondents believed a handbook would improve substitute teachers' effectiveness; 88% wanted substitutes to receive formal evaluation; 91% agreed that substitutes needed more training and should be informed of daily routines. Only 42% said substitutes met expectations. (10 references)…

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)

School leaders are trying pay incentives, consortia, and temp firms to assuage their need for qualified substitute teachers. Five coping strategies include making the job more attractive, increasing the candidate pool, hiring some permanent subs, using automated calling systems, and examining systemic issues. Substitutes are unionizing in some…

Responding to the mandates of the Educational Reform Bill in Texas, new emphasis has been placed on the role and responsibilities of substitute teachers. This paper describes a 5-hour substitute teacher seminar that all substitute teachers and aide applicants are required to attend. The 2-day seminar focuses on the contents of the "Substitute…