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 MARCH

2017

Newsletter
SUBSTITUTE
The “Problem” Student
District
Information
At this point in the school year most teachers
have established relationships with their students
and can often predict what a given student will do
in various situations. Sometimes in an effort to
help a substitute teacher they leave as part of
their lesson plans a note about “problem”
students or classes. While such a note can
serve as a heads-up, try not to let this information
create a negative predisposition towards any one
student or class.
Many student behaviors are motivated and
sustained by the attention they receive. An
“A” student will continue to do superior work
because of the positive reinforcement s/he receives. A student who behaves
inappropriately is likely to continue the behavior if it serves his purpose of getting
attention from the teacher. In situations involving “problem” students, your best
defense is a good offense.
Be proactive and positive. Don’t wait for the student or class to “act out” in order to
get your attention. At the beginning of class find something to compliment her on,
i.e. being to class on time, quietly taking their seat(s), remembering their
homework, a cool backpack, etc. Say something positive as quickly as possible
and continue to sincerely compliment them every chance you get.
If a specific student has been identified, request that s/he helps you with tasks in
the classroom, such as collecting papers, turning off the lights, or distributing
supplies. Thank him for their assistance and make an extra effort to acknowledge
his appropriate behavior and/or effort to complete assignments. Provide positive
reinforcement to the student both privately and in front of their peers.
Remember, student behavior will ultimately respond better to positive rather than
negative consequences. Just because a class or student has a history of
inappropriate behavior doesn’t mean you can’t have a positive and productive day.
Additional classroom management strategies can be found in the Substitute Teacher
Handbook and Classroom Management audio CD.
Greater Lawrence Technical School
Human Resources Department
Anne Marie Tucciarone-Mahan
Human Resources Director
Brought to you by
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it
away from you.”
– B.B. King
Emergencies and Evacuations
RING! RING! RING! The fire alarm is going off. Do you know what to
do? Drills and even real emergencies can happen at any time. One of
your many tasks at the beginning of each school day should be to
review the evacuation map and locate the emergency procedure
information that should be prominently displayed in every classroom.
Some teachers may have an emergency backpack hanging next to
the door that contains class lists, parent contact information, a first aid
kit, etc. In the event that you evacuate the building, take the pack with
you. At the very least you should always take a class list or seating
chart with you when you leave the room so you can account for the
students in your class once you are out of harm’s way.
Since different schools and geographical areas face different potential
emergencies it’s a good idea to ask for another copy of the Substitute
Guide, which includes information on the district’s emergency plan.
Do you know?
Beware The Ides of March…
We’ve all heard it uttered, but what does “beware the Ides of
March” actually mean? On the Roman calendar, the
midpoint of every month was known as the Ides. The Ides of
March fell on March 15th. This day was supposed to
correlate with the first full moon of the year (remember,
winter didn’t count then) and marked by religious
ceremonies, but thanks to Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar we
know it for another reason. Supposedly, in 44 BC, a seer told
Julius Caesar that his downfall would come no later than the
Ides of March. Caesar ignored him, and when the fated day
rolled around he joked with the seer, “The Ides of March
have come.” The seer replied, “aye, Caesar; but not gone.”
Caesar continued on to a senate meeting at the Theatre of
Pompey, and was summarily murdered by as many as 60
conspirators.