AuburnChick's Adventures

You have read that I subbed at Rooster’s high school last week.

I was fortunate to spend three ENTIRE days there!  It was like going back home.  I worked my behind off proofing English 1102 research papers (rough drafts).  I wanted the help those kids as much as I could since their final drafts are due tomorrow.  They LOVED getting their marked-up copies back.

Second period finished watching a movie, but 4th period was a real treat.

First of all, when I walked in after taking my lunch break, I saw the following on the board…

See the note under my name?

I love those kids…I really do.

The students in fourth period were fairly serious.  They split this class period, taking AP European History with Honors English.

They will be writing cause/effect essays next week, so it was my job to go over the basics.

Thursday, I was not prepared, so I winged it; however, I took the grammar book home that night and studied, as I would for my own classes.

I walked into class on Friday a lot happier with myself.

I actually felt like I helped the students get ready for Monday’s in-class assignment:  writing their rough drafts.

I was a little sad when I left school that day.

I knew that this would be the only chance I had to work with those kids this year.  The rest of my school year follows the public school’s schedule.

However, I walked out with my head held high.  I had come to a new self-awareness.

In the almost-four months that I’ve been teaching, I possess a self-confidence that was lacking last school year.

As I had proofed the 1102 rough drafts, I had made a list of the common mistakes the students had been making, and we went over them at the beginning of class on Friday.

The students listened attentively.  I presented the information with a tone in my voice that exuded confidence and genuine care for the students’ success.

As I stood in front of the Honors class later in the day and went over various points, I saw several heads nodding in understanding.

It was in those moments that I really FELT like a teacher…one who can transfer the teaching skills I am learning to different classrooms.

I realized what a gift God had given my by NOT giving me a job at that school.  If I had started off by facing 75 students every day, I am not sure that I would have been able to handle the pressure.

Although I am teaching five different grade levels…a HUGE undertaking for any teacher but incredibly more so for a first-year teacher…I feel like I am slowly being indoctrinated into the how-to’s of teaching.

Because I have fewer students, I am able to give them more individual attention…a goal I have for myself should I ever teach larger classes.

Because I AM teaching five grade levels, I think that my level of self-confidence is much higher than the average first-year teacher’s.

It can often be difficult to accept the path that God has us on.  It is so nice when you get a glimpse of a reason why He does what He does…why He says no sometimes.

I’m not sure if I’m the best sub, and I’m pretty sure that I’m not the prettiest.

What I am sure of is that being a high school teacher is what I was CREATED to do.  I have a deep love for the students who cross my path.  I am tough, but behind this strict exterior is a woman who has found her calling.

I am so grateful that God gave me those three days.  It was a wonderful week.

Filed under: Teaching | Tagged: substitute teaching, teaching |