STEDI SubForums - General Discussion

Assessment grade

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:47:29 GMT

If you are with Loudoun County Public Schools, you will need to contact SubCentral and they direct you to what needs to happen since you are so close.

Assessment grade

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:49:07 GMT

I took the sub assessment and ended up with an 82 when they want an 85 to move forward into subbing. Is there a retake? Can I retake it in a week, month, year, etc?

First Day Substitute Teaching

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:41:14 GMT

Be prepared but realize that every class is not like that class those students acted out only because the teacher stayed in the class room longer than neccessary and they wanted to prove a point. Stop being soft spoken and start taking names, depending on age sit the unruly student in a corner for time out, and if possible seperate the talkers.

Last SubAssessment

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:34:36 GMT

There is not a final assessment, you have completed the requirements. Congratulations on getting a great score!

Last SubAssessment

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:21:44 GMT

I have taken the 5 SubAssessment and am now required to take an overall exam, but cannot get to it. Help?

test

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:09:14 GMT

As of August 1, 2009 the practice test is no longer available. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

timed out

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:20:40 GMT

If you experience this problem again, please call our offices at 1-800-922-4693 and we can reset that score for you.

Taking Assessments

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:19:48 GMT

If you are still experiencing the problem, please email me at: Jessica@STEDI.org and I can take care of it for you. Best Wishes.

This test is flawed

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:18:38 GMT

I'm sorry for the frustration the SubAssessment has caused you. If you have specific feedback on questions, please feel free to email them to me: Jessica@STEDI.org. Thanks.

Any people unfairly treated by Kelly Educational Services/Staffing?

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:10:16 GMT

The biggest problem I've noticed is seeing messages posted on the log in page of the web site that says it is their policy... (fill in the blank) and it is things that I have never heard of before. I transferred over from the school district so I have been with them for a while and still haven't heard of these policies. They should distribute a policy manual if they want to make rules and distribute it every year.

Subs get AESOP job automatically

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:02:48 GMT

I installed this program and then it just disappeared. It doesn't work well. I kept telling me to reenter the information at the top of the page and no matter how many times I did it still didn't work right. I even tried reinstalling it several times.

This test is flawed

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:36:24 GMT

On a lot of the questions the information provided doesn't not cover the very technical points of the questions themselves. There are even questions that ask particular points of a syntax and are still wrong when answered in the correct order. There is no way for the test-taker to evaluate themself other than being wrong. This test and the person or people that wrote it suck. This is what happens when an overly intellectual person tries to show his/her academic prowess amongst common folk.

no jobs

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:23:29 GMT

Make business cards to leave behind after an assignment. Post fliers in the teacher's workrooms of your qualifications and then leave business cards attached (somehow). Talk to your children's teachers. Even teachers I subbed for a week before and post another assignment don't request me. They just get too busy, put the need in and don't care who takes it. I've even had teachers tell me that.

Complaint filed about you that did not happen (How do you handle it?)

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:07:43 GMT

I got a phone call from Kelly Services who manages our local substitute teachers. One of the teachers I subbed for at my sons' school made a complaint about me. I was only there a half day afternoon. I arrived and reported to her classroom. She finished her lecture then explained to me that her student teacher would be in charge. (The student teacher had finished her hours but had a few to make up and came back to fill in that day.) I sat down at the teacher's desk. She explained everything I needed to know (which wasn't much since the student teacher would be conducting class), took attendance for that class and left. I said very little to the teacher. She reported to the school secretary that I said something to the extent that she was a bitch to her students. I sure don't remember saying that or anything close to it or even feeling that way. And if I was the teacher and had a sub say this to me or when I was within earshot I would have immediately gone to the office and reported it and asked for that sub to be removed from my classroom. This has been bothering me all day today since the woman at Kelly called me. This assignment was December 16, over 12 days ago. We had school the rest of that week and two days last week. In other words, why did it take almost two weeks to be reported? And why did the secretary at the school tell Kelly Services that they have had problems with this teacher and not to worry about it? The secretary has known me for over two years because my kids have attended school there and I have substitute taught there many times. I explained to the woman at Kelly Services that my kids attend school there and would never jeopardize a relationship with a teacher. All Kelly Services did was block me from subbing in that teacher's classroom not from the building based on the comments made by the secretary, I guess. However, this is really bugging me that I did not say anything close to the comments I am being accused of. Have you been accused of something that did not happen? If so, how did you handle it? Or is there anything I can do about it?

Is anyone else having difficulty getting to the assessments?

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:12:00 GMT

I also cannot take the test. What is the problem here?

Is anyone else having difficulty getting to the assessments?

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:52:42 GMT

I still can't access the Subassessment test

test is very very tricky and difficult. It does not test basic knowledge but is designed to illicit

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:29:12 GMT

I have read these comments and I agree with the logic of the comments. These test questions are poorly written, confusing, and tricky for no reason. The educational content is good, and insightful. However, the test questions need be less tricky and poorly worded.

test is very very tricky and difficult. It does not test basic knowledge but is designed to illicit

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:27:35 GMT

I have read these comments and I agree with the logic of the comments. These test questions are poorly written, cofusing, and tricky for no reason. The educational content is good, and insightful. However, the test questions need be less tricky and poorly worded.

no jobs

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:26:02 GMT

My husband and I both sucessfully finished the subtraining tests and have no jobs most of the time. We both have degrees also. I have been certified before and did not renew my certification due to raising my son,lack of transportation,etc. What I have seen is a lot of mothers are getting the jobs. We spoke to the district office about this, but they said there is nothing they can do, and we need to tell the secretaries, principals at the schools we are available. This is disheartening not to be supported! This is huge for us, because we need the work. Does anyone else have this issue.

Is anyone else having difficulty getting to the assessments?

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 11:53:03 GMT

I have having the same problem. This is very frustrating.

Is anyone else having difficulty getting to the assessments?

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 13:04:20 GMT

I'm having the same problem with the assessments. Any updates?

Is anyone else having difficulty getting to the assessments?

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:22:25 GMT

I am sorry for the inconvenience that the SubAssessment has caused. You will not need to purchase every time you take the assessment, I am unsure why your accounts are doing that. Anyway, I think I have solved the problem, please feel free to email me if you have any further questions at Jessica@STEDI.org.

Is anyone else having difficulty getting to the assessments?

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:07:05 GMT

Yes...it looks like I have to keep purchasing after every assessment. I cannot get to an assessment test. I have posted a comment also.

Taking Assessments

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:55:47 GMT

I purchased the package for $39.95, but when I go to take the assessments, it says I need to purchase for $19.95. I thought I had already purchased the whole thing. Someone please tell me what to do. Thank you.

Is anyone else having difficulty getting to the assessments?

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:14:02 GMT

I clearly remember purchasing the online courses, and I've been studying them for the past couple days, yet when I follow the link to take an assessment it tells me that I need to purchase it again. I do hope that I don't have to do that every time I want to take the assessment.

What should to do if you can't get 85% composition score after using all the attempts given?

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:26:31 GMT

P.S.: I really need the answer as soon as possible and I appreciate any of your feedback. By the way, I tried to reach Loudoun Subcentral several times through telephone but there was any operator available even I was calling during their office hour. Does someone know their email address or how to contact them? Once again, thanks for your assistance.

What should to do if you can't get 85% composition score after using all the attempts given?

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:22:23 GMT

I've just finished the assessment with all the attempts given and only gained 81%. I am applying for Loudoun County but I learned that Loudoun doesn't allow us to have 4 more chances even with $20 purchasing. I need at least 4% more in order to reach the requirement. So, what should I do now?

what composite score is needed for successful completion

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:16:48 GMT

It varies per school district. Each district has its own general requirements for becoming or continuing employment as a substitute in that district. The training found at this site, STEDI.org, will not be required by all districts in the state of PA. Though I have found this site's online training course enlightening and thus recommend the content, however I would definitely check with my local districts to find out their standards.

timed out

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:49:38 GMT

I just took the test and timeed out on the second question. I thought I would just lose one point but I lost the whole test and got only one right for the whole test. What gives?

test scores

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:33:05 GMT

i took my test third time yesterday and when i took 3rd section the score was 77 % and even after final it was 77% why did scores didnt change. so can u please look into it

Subs get AESOP job automatically

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:25:57 GMT

If you have any Substitute Teacher friends, tell them about this way of getting jobs from Aesop. I had a hard time getting Substitute Teacher assignments from Aesop until I starte using this program. It gets them for me automatically. http://www.AssignmentAssistant.com I use it all the time. I work almost every day.

How do you pass??

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:58:55 GMT

where do you take pretest?

test

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:57:12 GMT

hi can i take practice test before going back to finish?

Your site has disconnected me 3+ times and some questions asked at not in the guide.

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:05:47 GMT

I got my section that kept disconnecting reset. They also acknowledged that my guide was missing the ENTIRE sub orientation section. However I am still disconnecting when I finish my test so I don't get to see my wrong questions. However I just got an 85% so I guess it doesn't matter. Those questions are so much easier to answer when the answers are actually in the guide.

Your site has disconnected me 3+ times and some questions asked at not in the guide.

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:45:27 GMT

I have been cut off early. Ive hit "Accept" on an answer and it just sits there saying "connecting" and never connects. This is very unprofessional. I have lost 3+ attempts. I am sitting at an 84% and need an 85%. Also there are questions asked in the tests that do not appear in the online guide. This is a bit ludicrous if you ask me. For example. There are questions asking me what I do if a student is injured. Ranging from staying with the student, going to the office, sending the student to the office, and attempting to help the student myself. Yet none of these situations appear anywhere within the guide. Another question involving parental permission slips asking me wether I let the kid call his parent for permission, send them to the libary, send them to the office, or let them go to the office to see if they can get permission. Again NOTHING about permission slips of any kind is mentioned in your guide. Again this is overly frustrating. To be sitting at an 84% with a 16/18 in Classroom Management and a 13/15 in Teaching strategies and watch my chances of being able to apply dwindle because the answers to questions are not provided in the study guide and I am constantly disconnected and losing attempts...is infuriating to say the least.

Passed!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:22:15 GMT

To Stacy Thacker: I truly want to say Congratulation on your success of passing the test. I really wish I can experience your feeling now. It’s indeed so hard for me to reach my district’s required composition score, which is 85%. To Jczech: Your comment caught my attention: Loudoun won’t let you reset the score?? Is it for real? To Jlestes: Jlestes, Jlestes, wow, you are so smart with that score 76% without even studying. I need your help, please!!! Like you, I don’t want, or currently not affordable, for a new $20.00-$25.00 book. But I dearly need the book to pass the test. Would you mind to tell me where that used bookstore is? By the way, I am living in Loudoun County, VA. +.+!! Hope you too.

test scores

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:54:10 GMT

I took the assessment several times and now my composition score is just 74% +.+!! I just have only 2 chances left now for each category, except for the Legal/Educational/Special section, I just only have 1 last chance left. Therefore, I don't want to risk this last opportunity. However, during the last three times taking this category, there were some questions that didn't have the answer from Sub. Online Course, and I had no clue to answer them. Are these answers in the Substitute Teacher Handbook? The online source that I have in order to take the assessment now is only the online course (and for some reason I can be able to access it free). Now, when I learned about purchasing the Sub Handbook, there are two different prices, one is $24.95 and the other one is $19.95. Why is it?

Any people unfairly treated by Kelly Educational Services/Staffing?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 06:38:12 GMT

I am looking for any substitute teachers who may have been treated unfairly recently by the management & administration of Kelly Educational Staffing Services anywhere in the USA. Perhaps you either lost a position as a substitute because of KES giving the answer that they are using recently unemployed regular full time school teachers instead? Or perhaps they gave you impression you would be still able to use KES and do substitute teaching, but in the fall, you were deactivated from their systems. If you have had ANY troubles with their management or upper level management, drop me a line. I am looking to possibly ban together and do a class action suit against them, if more people have been treated unfairly.

test scores

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:55:42 GMT

Yeah I realize that I need a 15/18. So I have to pay $20 for that section to be reset for one question basically? This test is so frustrating.

Classroom management

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:54:52 GMT

Hi Scott. Managing a classroom is a difficult task to master. There are a lot of resources available, but most are for permanent teachers such as Harry Wong's First Days of School. If you are looking for material that is specific for substitute teachers we recommend the Substitute Teacher Handbook or the Classroom Management Audio CD, both can be found at STEDI.org. Some free resources are the monthly SubSuggestions Newsletters that are sent out and the blog: STEDI.org/blog. Best Wishes!

test scores

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:33:38 GMT

I'm sorry for the frustrations you are experiencing with the SubAssessment. The scores are calculated as a composite score not as an average because the classroom management section is weighed more heavily because it has the most questions. In order to get an 85% composite score, you will want to aim for 15/18 in the Classroom Management Assessment.

test scores

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:28:32 GMT

I totally agree with everyone. The first time I completed all the sections I got a composite score of 51%. In order to have my scores reset, I had to take this 3 hours substitute course. It was not helpful at all. I even had to pay $ 28 for the book. The questions to the test were poorly written and there could be multiple answers depending on what type of perspective you are looking at it from. After I took all 5 sections again, I got a composite score of 84% and I needed an 85% to pass. I have no more chances and now I have to pay $20 to reset my chances for 1 percent. Now, I am not a mathmetician but when I figured out the composite score it was an 88% not an 84%as it states. Does anyone know how they figure out the composite score? and is it possible for my chances for one of the sections be resetfor free since I am supposedly 1% away from passing.

Classroom management

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:05:18 GMT

What are some good things to do when you have a class that is constantly talking? What are some good ways to deal with the students after you tell them to quiet down? I subsitute kindergarten through fifth grade. What about a good website that I can look on for some good classroom management? Thanks a lot for all of your help in advance. Sincerely, Scott French

I'm not getting jobs on AESOP

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:32:11 GMT

So I tried a couple of services. The one that's getting me jobs is AssignmentAssistant.com -Good luck, ya'll

Writing on the Board

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:50:44 GMT

You could also purchase a poster size whiteboard (or go to home depot for some) and then you would have your own portable board. I used to do that when I was teaching and had to float room to room, my warm up activity was ready when I got there.

what composite score is needed for successful completion

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:24:30 GMT

What is the desired composite score for someone to get a sub position in Pennsylvania?

test is very very tricky and difficult. It does not test basic knowledge but is designed to illicit

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:04:22 GMT

I have a college degree and pride myself on being really smart....these tests however make me feel differently about myself! Alot of the questions don't make any sense and there are 2 possible answers for some of them. I only have a 77 and I have to have an 80 in order to start subing for my district...this is crazy! All that this program teaches is common sense stuff, but yet the questions and answers make your head spin and you wind up getting the question wrong and doubting yourself. I am at lose and don't know what to do...

How to get certfication to become a substitute teacher

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:14:20 GMT

Go to your state's DEPT. OF EDUCATION WEBSITE.

How to get certfication to become a substitute teacher

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:14:07 GMT

Go to your state's DEPT. OF EDUCATION WEBSITE.

True/false question WRONG for both answers..

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:06:05 GMT

Twice, I took the quiz where this question was asked: Other substitute teachers are a great resource for gathering fill-in activities. f false This was the answer I gave the second time only because the first time, I answered True. The first AND second time it was marked WRONG - THERE IS NO CORRECT ANSWER. Has anyone else experienced this type of problem???

Are Substitute Teachers Underpaid?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:19:29 GMT

They are poorly paid if they are expected to provide their own materials while also receiving no benefits and no job security. If the schools provide all materials then their pay starts looking better, but not at only $15-$20 per hour if they receive no benefits. If permanent teachers do not want to give anything up for subs and districts do not want to pay them more, then the schools should at least provide all materials, including fill-in activities and all forms. In fact, if classroom teachers had a supply left for subs, they would align well with the current lesson plans and goals of the classroom teachers.

test is very very tricky and difficult. It does not test basic knowledge but is designed to illicit

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:09:59 GMT

I agree with all of the complaints. The test uses poorly worded questions, multiple answers are sometimes correct but the test allows for only one, the results do not show the test taker what the correct answers are to missed questions, and finally, many of the strategies taught are not appropriate for high school students but the material does not differentiate or provide much for middle school and high school subs.

great learning - lousy test questions

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:25:33 GMT

The information in the handbook is useful (I did notice one misspelled word!), but the online sub-assessment is poorly written. Too many of the questions are awkward and difficult to understand just what is being asked. Some of them do not make any sense at all. It is difficult to choose a correct answer to a question that makes little to no sense. Additionally, it is not especially helpful to learn which answers were wrong without also knowing why and/or which answers were correct. If the correct answers were provided at least, the test taker could then understand what the question was and what the district wants us to know.

Quiz results: Are the correct answers shown?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:41:53 GMT

After completing a section of the SubAssessment Test, it will then show you a list of questions you got wrong and the answers you put. The intent is to use these as a guide of what to study before attempting the test again. I hope this is helpful for you.

Quiz results: Are the correct answers shown?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:35:02 GMT

Hi, Like alot of folks here, I'm a little concerned about the test questions. Do you know if the results page shows the answer you gave or the correct answer? Thanks!

great learning - lousy test questions

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:17:18 GMT

I am part of the way through the curriculum and have become very frustrated with the test questions. For example, there are a few questions that address information not covered in either the online or handbook materials. There are also answer sets in which none of the answers seem to be in the materials, thus making the correct answer pure guess work. I am finding the course itself informative and well presented, but the tests are very poor indeed.

Writing on the Board

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:27:45 GMT

You might try a large pad like the ones that are usually on a tripod for a class to see and read. Use the large pad flat on a table to write your lesson plans,then roll the page(s) or fold them and have a student hang them in each room you go to.

great learning - lousy test questions

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:29:03 GMT

I also agree that the training information presented is good, but the assessment questions are very poorly written and difficult to answer leading to possible incorrect answers. It would also be helpful to know the correct answers to the questions that you got wrong to understand why they are wrong.

great learning - lousy test questions

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:47:06 GMT

The current test questions were developed by a committee and are not easy for us to immediately change. We have monitored the test questions and have statistics for each question. New or revised questions are currently in committee and should be posted sometime in August.

How long does account last?

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:40:01 GMT

You have two years from the time you paid for the online course to review the information. You will have unlimited use to the website with the other resources as long as you keep your free registration.

great learning - lousy test questions

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:04:41 GMT

I agree with everyone saying these questions are poorly done! Even after looking back over the questions I get wrong, I don't understand why they were wrong. The LEAST wrong answer or the BEST right answer~ those questions aren't fair at all.

How long does account last?

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:29:21 GMT

for how long can I access the training program I paid for? Also, is access terminated if I print the subdiploma? I'd like to be able to access the info for a while even though I've got the required score now.

test scores

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:58:38 GMT

My computer kicked me out of the assesment twice on the management section and would not let me take it. It was telling me there was a popup blocker. I clicked on it to get ride of it and it kicked me out. Is there anything I can do? I need those scores to pass.

great learning - lousy test questions

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:32:34 GMT

I have learned a lot from the book and cd, but I think the test questions could be clearer and not double-talk.

Adding School Districts

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:51:13 GMT

To add districts to your account, email Jessica@STEDI.org your name, username, and districts to be added and we'll see what we can do for you.

Adding School Districts

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:23:08 GMT

How do I go back into my account and add additional school districts?

Writing on the Board

Sat, 09 May 2009 09:05:49 GMT

Hi, I am in a quandry. I have an injured shoulder from a school accident that prevents me from writing on the board as an LAUSD secondary sub. I want an aide or device to project writing or typing that is easily portable and does not require plug in to use. The district insists that is reasonable to do my job relying on student volunteers for writing lesson plans on the board. Sometimes this works well, sometimes not. I want opinions and strategies about how to set the focus and order that lesson plans on the board when the students arrive provides. I may ask for those of you with experience to provide some strategies to LAUSD or others involved in my shoulder injury progress. Thanks and all the best, Craig--a wounded bird.

Summer Employment

Thu, 07 May 2009 08:37:43 GMT

I live in Burlington County and I very interested in a summer positions, any suggestions?

First Day Substitute Teaching

Fri, 01 May 2009 14:35:18 GMT

I wish I found this site before I started substitute teaching. Yesterday, I was called in to substitute a 2nd grade classroom. I arrived 15min. before class started and found there were no lesson plans. The teacher that called me in to substitute teach quickly wrote down a list of lessons to review with the students. Then, when the students arrived, the teacher stayed with me until the end of morning exercises. After she left, I had no control over the classroom. I tried using the verbal cues and signs the teacher taught me to quiet the students but nothing worked. The noise level grew out of control and another teacher had to quiet the students. When it was time to go to the bathroom, music, lunch and etc., I had no idea where to go. I couldn't even get the boys and girls to form a straight line to quietly walk down the hall. Now, after that experience, I realize I should have been more prepared. I am creating my own substitute teaching kit complete with lesson plans, disciplinary forms and hall passes. I also realize I need to work on my voice level because I am soft-spoken. I probably will not receive another opportunity to substitute teach in the same school but I hope to be better prepared for the next school.

Substitute teacher

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:20:46 GMT

When is the next substitute Academy for Loudoun County public shcools in Ashburn VA.

Where do I find my PID?

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:18:38 GMT

If you need any personal information, either call our offices 1-800-922-4693, or substitute offices at the school district you are applying for.

Where do I find my PID?

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:40:51 GMT

I need to register for the workshop that is coming up and it is asking for the PID that was received when I first signed up to take the STEDI course.

test scores

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:25:06 GMT

Nicole, I am sorry you had technical problems, I have cleared those scores for you. Good luck and let me know if there is anything else you need.

test scores

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:53:50 GMT

I was taking my test, Classroom Management section, and when I hit the "submit" button it re-directed me to a page and said that I shouldn't hit the back button. I clearly hit the submit button and NOT the back button. It made the computer think that I took the test fully - when I had not. It counted as one of my four tries. What can be done about this? Please get back to me as soon as possible -- I would like to finish this soon. I also emailed you all a question a number of days ago concerning the questions. I know that I answered a question right (I even looked in the book to make sure I wasn't mistaken) and it marked me wrong. This has happened numerous times. Thanks for your help, Nicole Underwood

Is There Any Way Possible To Re-Test Without Having to Purchase the Kit Again?

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:14:07 GMT

We can help you with this, call our offices at 1-800-922-4693.

Is There Any Way Possible To Re-Test Without Having to Purchase the Kit Again?

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 06:49:32 GMT

I reviewed the materials and would like to know if the assessments can be reset to re-test without having to go through additional training? Berkeley County BOE, in WV was able to do this.

How do you pass??

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:22:49 GMT

Here's the way I went from 74% to 94%. I took the first sub pretest. I picked my ego off the floor and studied the book, read it through, blah, boring. Took the pretest again, got high score in the 90's. Was confident now. Took the real test. Got horrible low score in the 70's again (noticed the questions were different than the pretest). Picked my ego up off the floor and went through the book with a yellow highlighter and made notes with a pen in the margins. Took the first section of the test again. Score not good enough for me. Decided to retake each section (Fill-in, Teaching Methods, etc.) separately until I was out of 4 chances. I only had to do this with one section. I then studied each of the other sections intensely before taking that sections test. I took my time. I had to re-log in repeatedly after studying. By this time the manual made perfectly good sense to me and I was quite fond of it. I also noticed I could take my time and carefully read through the sometimes trickily-worded questions ("what is not a good way to use non-coercive methods..."), while at the same time referring to the yellow-highlighted glossary in which I had noted the page numbers of more detailed information in the main chapters. You can do it if you want it enough. I had to set aside a weekend for it. I also got burned out a bit (too much information overload), and had to often get out of the room and do other things for a few minutes. Sometimes I was springing in and out of the room like a yo-yo. But I had a goal to achieve it within the weekend and I kept at it until I did. This is what worked for me. Good luck. Keep trying.

Poetry Database

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:41:59 GMT

POETRY LESSON PLAN DATABASE Creative Communication, a company that sponsors writing contests for students, has created a online database with over 1000 lesson plans on how to teach poetry. Broken down into grades K-6 and 7-12, we invite you to check it out at www.poeticpower.com FREE FLIGHT FOR TWO ANYWHERE: Creative Communication is also sponsoring a contest for teachers in which the Grand Prize is a flight for two anywhere in the world. To enter the educator contest go to www.poeticpower.net/contest.php. If you have any questions then contact: Tom Worthen, Ph.D. Editor Creative Communication 1488 N 200 W Logan, UT 84335 435-713-4411 drtom@poeticpower.com

i need one more attampt to get the 80% my score infill in activicty

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:13:56 GMT

Hi huma, If you need to reset some scores in the testing area please Contact STEDI and we'll be happy to work with you. Thanks, - Chris Schofield

i need one more attampt to get the 80% my score infill in activicty

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 14:36:24 GMT

hi this is huma i need one more attampt in fill in activity please

How do I print the certificate after passing the test?

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:34:09 GMT

To print your diploma:

Login to your STEDI account
Under the "SubMastery" >> "SubAssessment" menu click "SubDiploma"
Your diploma should show up as an image and you can print it directly from there

If you continue to have problems printing your SubDipoloma, please Contact STEDI and we'll be happy to help you!

How do I print the certificate after passing the test?

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:29:25 GMT

In order to print the diploma, log in to your account at STEDI.org, then at the bottom of the web page it should say SubDiploma. Click on that and it will pull up the diploma. You then will print that page. If you have any further questions, please call our offices at 1-800-922-4693.

How do I print the certificate after passing the test?

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 21:25:55 GMT

I passed all areas of the test but I cannot print the diploma. What Iam I doing wrong?

How do you pass??

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:12:54 GMT

I read the handbook over and over and I still only got a 71%. Any of you who did pass can you please give the rest of us some hints or advice?? Thank you!

test scores

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:26:09 GMT

Marcus, Sorry for the frustration about the test. I saw where you had technical difficulties you had while taking the test. I have reset those scores and you should have two additional chances. Good luck!

Help Scoring glitch

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:13:15 GMT

I find it odd that an admin refuses to post a comment on this forum. I am livid at how poorly run this test is. I was booted twice from the test for "double clicking" and they counted as test attempts. ADMIN PLEASE RESPOND ASAP.

test scores

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:05:09 GMT

^^^ *have not been able to improve my score* ^^^

test scores

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:03:35 GMT

I am very frustrated at this point. I have take the test three times on each section and currently have a 79. Thing is more than once I was booted from my test for "double clicking" and having it count as one of my tests. Therefore I have been able to improve my score. I have one chance left when I should have at least two if not three. I sent an email on the contact page and am waiting to hear back. The book and CD give pretty decent advice for the class room but NOT FOR PASSING THIS OUTRAGEOUS TEST. Some questions are worded so poorly, and the answers often overlap. ADMIN PLEASE RESPOND ASAP.

How to get certfication to become a substitute teacher

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:46:34 GMT

Our training is mandated by some school districts in Georgia, however to know the requirements of the district you wish to work for, you will need to contact their substitute teacher offices. Thank you for your interest in the Substitute Teaching Division of STEDI.

How to get certfication to become a substitute teacher

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:02:06 GMT

I live in Georgia and I have been all over the websites trying to get started with getting the certification I need to be a substitute teacher. I would appreciate any help. Thanks

practice tests

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:39:38 GMT

The SubStrength Finder is meant as a pre-assessment, not a practice test. It is a tool to help you know where your strengths and weaknesses are so you can study more efficiently.

practice tests

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:07:59 GMT

What is the point of a practice test if it does not supply you with the correct answers at the end? I took and passed 3 MTELs (Massachusetts teacher exams), all of which had practice tests that supplied the test taker with the correct answers to check at the end of the test.

test scores

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:07:57 GMT

If you just log on to your account and click on SubStrength Finder, you should be all set. You have two tries on SubStrength to get your best score. Good luck!

test is very very tricky and difficult. It does not test basic knowledge but is designed to illicit

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 06:09:27 GMT

I agree each district is different and things are handled differently.

test scores

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:04:15 GMT

FROM L.M.JOHNSON 12-26-08 AS I WAS TAKING MY TEST MY POWER WENT OUT AND MY COMPUTER WENT DEAD AND WHEN I DID GET THE COMPUTER TO GET STARTED AGAIN MY SCORE WAS ALREADY POSTED BUT I DIDN'T FINISH THE TEST DUE THE WEATHER AND MY POWER SO WHAT IS IT THAT I CAN DO TO TAKE THE TEST AGAIN?

Where's Everbody?

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:02:05 GMT

Yes, the forum has not been very active because we've been making a few updates to make it work a little better. However, substitute teachers and others do read the forums often so don't hesitate to continue posting! Chris Schofield Director of IT STEDI, LLC

STEDI Web Site Updates...

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:58:28 GMT

As you may have already noticed, we at STEDI have been making improvements to the STEDI web site. We've tried to make the site easier to navigate, a little more organized (with a lot more organizing to do!) and even added some new features, like the Substitute Teacher Blog. Hopefully, these changes will make it easier for you, as substitute teachers, to easily find information and resource to improve your substitute teacher skills. As new features and updates are added to the web site, I'll highlight them here and in the substitute teacher blog. Some new features and updates that you can expect to see in the near future are: - Photo highlights of REAL substitute teachers and their success stories right on our web site. - A new chat system that will rival the current buggy and less usable chat feature. Yeah, I know it needs work! :) - A searchable online database of the best fill-in-activities and other resources to aid you in your substitute teacher experience. - For those who use Feedburner or other RSS feed services: RSS feeds to the forums so you can receive updates automatically. ALSO, be sure to visit and subscribe to the Substitute Teacher Blog! Finally, I'll also announce that we'll be creating online versions of ALL of our training materials and delivering them in ONE PLACE through a NEW ONLINE TRAINING TOOL! This will enhance our current online versions by providing a one-stop training system where you can get access to all of the training materials you've purchased and even track your progress through the training. The SubStrength Finder and SubAssessment tools will also be delivered through this new system! Expect to see this great tool around February or March 2009! Please reply to this discussion with your comments and suggestions about any other changes you'd like to see on the STEDI web site! All of us at STEDI would like to wish all of you a Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Chris Schofield Director of IT STEDI, LLC

Please fill in a topic

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 07:49:50 GMT

Please write a message

Where's Everbody?

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:45:23 GMT

This forum...isn't as active, as I thought it would be. I've only be a substitute since September and I have scores of stories to tell regarding the school systems, parents and students. Substitutes should be paid at the same rate permanent teachers make per day!

Where is the results page?

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:54:22 GMT

That makes three of us. This site is terrible and should not be mandatory.

test scores

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:30:49 GMT

As far as we understand, Loudoun Co. Public Schools is requiring an 85% composite score. They have also asked us not to reset any individual scores.

test scores

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:13:25 GMT

Does any one know whether loudoun county require the composite score of 85% or is it 85% in each and every section of the test.Can we just have the scores adjusted for only one section?

test is very very tricky and difficult. It does not test basic knowledge but is designed to illicit

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:38:20 GMT

I completely agree. Also, too many of the questions are poorly worded--some so poorly that I couldn't understand precisely what was being asked.

TRICKY TEST

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:19:55 GMT

There are two assessment "tests" on the web - one does not involve a cost and one does. SubStrength Finder is designed as a pre-training assessment. Some districts, like Austin ISD - make it mandatory so data can be collected as to what type of training should be offered to substitute teacher applicants - classroom management, teaching strategies, etc. This is available twice - if you should need more attempts, call the main office at 1-800-922-4693 SubAssessment is designed to "assess" how well someone has learned the material in the Substitute Teacher Handbook and the online training called SubInstructor. SubAssessment is divided in 5 separate areas and allows four attempts in each of those areas to achieve the best score. There is a payment associated with this test

Passed!

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:40:49 GMT

I took the test right off the street with no studying and got 76%.... I did not want to spend money on a new book, so I went to a used bookstore and found a "new" Sub Handbook...Studied it for an hour or so and re-took the test...85%....I was hoping for 95%-100%.....Should've studied longer.....

TRICKY TEST

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:33:14 GMT

How were you able to take the test 4 times?? I thought you could only take it twice...??

Ordering Materials

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:24:17 GMT

You are more than welcome to send a check or money order. You can send it to PO Box 3470 Logan, UT 84323-3470

Ordering Materials

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:43:35 GMT

Why can't I send a check or money order for my materials?

Passed!

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:37:19 GMT

loudoun wont let you reset the scores either, unless there was some technical difficulties involved...

Ordering Materials

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:10:23 GMT

This website is secure. If you are still concerned, you are welcome to call our offices at 1-800-922-4693 and place your order.

Ordering Materials

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:02:55 GMT

Hi all. I would like to make sure that this is a secure site before I place my first order. Can anyone here advise me on that? Thank you. Sharon

Substitute Teacher Magazine

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:41:47 GMT

Do substitute teachers have accountability standards? If so, are they national such as NCLB or state by state? Thank you. Victoria Heinsen

test is very very tricky and difficult. It does not test basic knowledge but is designed to illicit

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:28:40 GMT

I totally agree. I was soo confused on some of these questions. I noticed that some of the answers were right and you only got to choose ONE. It didnt make any sense.

Welcome to our General Discussion Forum!

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 20:24:28 GMT

Desperately needed to support subs!!!!

Looking for Substitute Teachers with Professional Backgrounds

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:02:20 GMT

I don't think there are real discussions here. This whole thing is a money making scam.

test is very very tricky and difficult. It does not test basic knowledge but is designed to illicit

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:18:39 GMT

This whole program is a total racket

Resume

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:01:03 GMT

write how many years you had been substituting and that you have been trained by the substitute teaching institute.

Retaking SubAssessment Test and SubStrenth Finder pre-test

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:54:50 GMT

How do you register at your local disrict for sub.

Fill-ins

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:06:05 GMT

It is extremely obvious how to handle fill-in activities. Always be prepared for the time when the lesson plan does not fill the entire period. Use your skills and expertise to prepare fill-in activities that are part of the subject of the class. The purpose of fill-in activities is not to merely keep students busy, but to actually teach them something. This usually supplements what the students are learning that day, though new material may be used as well. In my field of history, I draw upon a wide variety of scholarly books and journal articles as well as documents, and prepare fill-in activities from those. My fill-in activities are just like regular lesson plans. I will even leave a note for a teacher that cites some of the books and articles that I have used in my own research. This only works in a class that is your subject area. Kevin R. Fish San Jose, California

test is very very tricky and difficult. It does not test basic knowledge but is designed to illicit

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:11:50 GMT

I agree completely! The info on the video that come w/ the cd DO NOT support the the main ideas in a manner that they are trying to get across. I've been a teacher for 6 years in another state and find this whole test to be silly because I'm looking at it from a teacher's perspective. By the way, it really depends how a teacher would handle a situation given a specific grade level. The test will never state what age the question is referring to!

Looking for Substitute Teachers with Professional Backgrounds

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:41:57 GMT

Is this just another site whereby people vent or do real human beings respond to some of the concerns? Mac

Looking for Substitute Teachers with Professional Backgrounds

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:00:45 GMT

Hello everyone, my name is JD. I work for a online English Tutoring site called www.teacherjames.com and we're doing something a little different in the online English Tutoring space. While Teacherjames.com does most of the typical private online E-Learning tutoring, I'm working on launching a new division called "Teacherjames Professionals". Basically, our belief is that if you are a substitute teacher, then you have the best combination of Teaching Skills and also most likely some other education background or training (like nursing, engineering, law, etc). Substitute teachers are wide and varied in where they come from and where they want to go. With Teacherjames.com Professionals, you can make some good part-time money and also meet associates and people from China and Taiwan. Here's the idea: 1. You're a substitute teacher with a Professional background (say nursing). 2. We work with you to create a series of 15-20 Pre-Recorded Courses on Nursing which are streamed to our students online 24/7. The topic for your course could be: "Simple English for Nurses and Hospital Staff" This course covers simple vocabulary that Asian hospitals and clinics need to teach their hospital staff. Everything is pre-recorded but you assign homework. The student or staff member has the option to do this homework, but they CAN get feedback from you on your course (different from CDs and DVDs). We (Teacherjames Professionals) will market your recorded course and target Asian hospitals and clinics to buy it. Then we split the profits. Once you record this course once, then you don't ever have to do it again. THIS IS STAGE ONE...which we say is Passive Income. STAGE TWO: Say a hospital or a clinic watches your course and wants to hire you as their weekly teacher for helping their hospital staff. You can imagine how in demand your Nursing English skills might be to people in China (most of the "English Teachers" overseas or abroad don't happen to have a background in Nursing). Now, you can teach this clinic online using the regular Teacherjames.com online tutoring interfaces. We would set up the equipment for the clinic and all you need is a computer, internet connection, and webcam. Now, you are making residual money (from your recordings) and part time money (sometimes up to $30US-$50US an hour for very specialized English) and then you are meeting some new associates from around the world. If you have a background in something like International Finance or Law, then this might be even better for you. Our idea is to find good teachers (subs) with Professional Backgrounds to match them with Asian companies in their field. We start with these recordings that we can show companies what the teacher is like, what a course would be like, and then the teacher can also make money off the recordings. Then, our staff in Asia (based in Taipei and offices in Bejing) will match up teachers and companies. This is a pretty new idea in this eLearning / Corporate space, and I'm really excited about it. Check out our website to see that we're not a "fly by night" company (www.teacherjames.com) and if you are interested in learning more, please email me: info@teacherjames.com I can show you other teachers who have participated in this program in topics like "Business English for Travelers" "Banking Vocabulary and Practices", etc. Also, we are looking to partner with some substitute teacher organizations or associations to get our message out. We think this is a really good opportunity that some subs (not all) but some subs would really like. Thanks in advance!

??

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:55:42 GMT

How do you know if you passed?

Passed!

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:33:59 GMT

You need to make sure that score is passing with your school system. Loudoun County VA wants a 85%!

test is very very tricky and difficult. It does not test basic knowledge but is designed to illicit

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:58:07 GMT

I agree!

test is very very tricky and difficult. It does not test basic knowledge but is designed to illicit

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:00:37 GMT

I don't understand some of the logic behind the questions. for instance what does the procedueral rather than teaching expectations have on anything relating what is needed as a substitute teacher. The IDEA question is equally a trick question. It in my opoinion does not test subject matter. Likewise I for the life of me cannot distinquish what is the noncoersive appropriate response as all seem so similar. I have taken the test four times. It is incredible that the answers are so similar and no credit is given for answers that are just as appropriate as the right answers. I do not think that the test is in any way fair. I was told that nobody ever fails this test well the best I could do was 73%. I really am at a los to explain this as I have studied these materials for two days and took the test four times and cannot seem to get a better score.

Retake the test again

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:30:29 GMT

You are welcome to call our offices and have your scores reset for $20. Our number is (435) 755-7800.

Retake the test again

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 20:43:57 GMT

I exhausted 3 trys on classroom management, I would like to know if I don't get 85% on it, can I take this part a gain ? I know I need at least a 85% to apply for sub. teaching. CB

test

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:42:07 GMT

I have taken the test now 2 times. I have studied and studied the book inside and out! I feel confident that I know the materials. I take the test and feel like a loser because I can't pass! Any advice?

Accessing the Online Sub Manual

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:34:23 GMT

I've tried to access the online sub manual, but even though I am signed in it's telling me that I'm not. I need help to figure out how to access it so that I can retake my skills test.

Passed!

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:18:01 GMT

I passed, but I only got a 76%. This seems kind of low to me. Does it seem low to anyone else too? I still have one more attempt, but I do not have the materials because I can not afford them at this time, and as far as I know my district does not provide them. Any help on this matter is greatly appreciated.

Retake the Assessment Test

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:32:23 GMT

You can call our main offices and for $20 have your scores cleared so you can keep trying. Call (435) 755-7800.

Where is the results page?

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:00:50 GMT

I did the same thing. I don't think you can go back.

Where is the results page?

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:55:20 GMT

I got the results page when I completed the test... and now I can't pull it up... just the final score... how do i get the results page again?

Passed!

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:41:18 GMT

I passed! Everyone needs to make sure they do not double click and do not allow time to run out...you will loss one of your attempts. The question are very tricky. You need to review a lot for the class management part!!!!! I'm sooo glad I'm done.

Juris Doctor would like to substitute teach!!!

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:54:19 GMT

You want to be a Substitute Professor? I know your not applying for K-12, with your level of education? I have lawyers in the family making up to $250K, why would you want to substitute? I'm just curious. It may be very hard for you to get call backs because your education is intimidating. School administrators, may feel you're trying to infiltrate a placing in head administration. I know that sounds crazy. However, I have friends with Masters degrees and they're not getting calls and are being treated horrifically.

Juris Doctor would like to substitute teach!!!

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:02:48 GMT

Hello, I have already filled out the online application, uploaded a resume, taken and passed the sub-assessment training and applied to several positions, but have not heard anything from Human Resources? Do you know if there is a standard wait time or what steps can I take to find out any information regarding the status of my application? Thank you

Retaking SubAssessment Test and SubStrenth Finder pre-test

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 01:23:12 GMT

None, of my peers who have changed careers toward education, mentioned these testing nor this site. I believe most of them, just purchased their certificate for $50-$60 bucks, registered at their local school districts, took their TB shot...and waited to be called. Many of them...got full-time/permanent substitute positions and they were thrown straight into the fire, with no instruction/guidelines/curriculum. It was basically sink or swim!

Are Substitute Teachers Underpaid?

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 01:16:58 GMT

Well...I heard from other substitutes in my area...they were making $15-$20 an hour. I thought was excellent....since I worked in Corporate for nearly two-decades and didn't make $20 per hour. My associate who makes $20 per hour, stated the permanent teachers were livid, and went before the board and they deducted $50.00 per day from their salary...which is ludacris! The money wasn't coming from their pockets and they make up to 60K per year.

STI's SubStrength smells like a racket

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:30:54 GMT

works and lack the common sense to understand how this scam works. They are just looking for an easy way to show that they tried to get the best possible people to sub. However, how can someone like myself that has a college degree in education, has a teaching certificate from the stat department of education as a highly qualified teacher, have taught in public education for 8 years, have to pass some bogus test to be qualified to substitute teach? Just because some people in Utah have a money making racket that really does not mean anything? By the way, has anyone checked the credentials of the people that put this together? An education economist, an elementary teacher, and a marketing person that is rarely available because she is trying to save the world. Enough said.

Help Scoring glitch

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:59:20 GMT

All you need to know about how bogus this whole procedure is, is to look at the people that run this program and their backgrounds. Enough said.

Retake the Assessment Test

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:45:58 GMT

I can't get higher than a 70% on the Classroom Mgnt. I have exhausted all of my trys and would like to take that part over again. My total score is 83% and I know I need at least a 85% to apply for sub. teaching. CB

Retaking SubAssessment Test and SubStrenth Finder pre-test

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:02:33 GMT

You will not need to purchase materials again.

Are Substitute Teachers Underpaid?

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:51:42 GMT

Currently, substitutes, even with a teaching credential, are paid below 50% of what certified teachers are. Currently, the substitute teaching profession doesn't have a national union. I believe the answer for substitute teachers' rights would to have our local unions combine into a national union organization. Imagine over 100,000 substitutes joined together!

Retaking SubAssessment Test and SubStrenth Finder pre-test

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:36:40 GMT

I took my SubAssessment test last year but i did not get 86 percent which is required by IL state. If i want to take again subassessment test this year. Do I need open my new account and purchase materials again ?

Are Substitute Teachers Underpaid?

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:31:53 GMT

Are substitute teachers underpaid? Yes!!!! What are you willing to do about it? Voice my opinion to Kelly How long will you voice your opinion? As long as it takes to get a salary increase Are you willing to sign a petition? Yes!!! Are you willing to write an email? Yes!!! Are subs very valuable to Kelly? Yes!!! Will you stay tuned to hear of what you can do? yes!!! Your thoughts----------

Criminal History

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:26:00 GMT

one of my concernes that have come up is that I have heard from a sub that got in some trouble 12 years prior to him applying as a sub teacher!! He's 31 and got into the trouble at 19. What kinda advice can I give him? Has anyone experienced this or know of someone who has??

testing

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:54:10 GMT

Iam looking for the link to take the online test..

testing

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:53:15 GMT

Iam looking for the link to find to take the online text...

Resume

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:34:51 GMT

Hello. Does anyone have any ideas as to what to put down on a resume for a subsitute teacher???

Retaking the Test??

Fri, 02 May 2008 13:30:53 GMT

I took the test one time and passed with an 83% is there a good reason to take the test again for a higher score?

Help Scoring glitch

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:05:40 GMT

I have noticed this as well, swore I chose that answer and still comes up incorrect or an answer was answered exactly as it stated in the book and was incorrect. What's up with this? Debby

Substitute Teacher Magazine

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:47:41 GMT

www.substituteteachermagazine.com is a new website for substitute teachers. Each month features new content. Everything from silly stories from the classroom, to the latest news about substitute teachers. Submissions are welcome and encouraged; content can be posted anonymously. There are forums, tips, and product suggestions. Since it is a new website, Substitute Teacher Magazine is taking any suggestions or comments. Thank-you in advance for visiting www.substituteteachermagazine.com !

Fired!

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:10:54 GMT

Interesting! Be Patient!\ The burden is always on the adult.

Sub strength finder

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:13:44 GMT

Many questions (espessially about dress code and sexual harrasment) are incorrect. There is more then one wright answer or none of them. I agree that it would bi nice to know which answers are incorrect. This test also has much burocracy in it rather then real things.

Help Scoring glitch

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:02:26 GMT

I promise you, I have taken the CRM test 4 times and have answered the same questions the same way and have received different scores each time. NO WAY! And I had the book in front of me!

Welcome to our General Discussion Forum!

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:11:03 GMT

I vote for this nationwide.

summer break

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 07:35:29 GMT

I want to get a job as a teacher in the summer school. Now I am a substitude teacher, working towards my certification. How can I apply for a job for the summer?

Fired!

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:41:58 GMT

Substitute teacher fired for allegedly taping girl's mouth shut District officials fired a substitute teacher who allegedly duct taped a first-grade girl's mouth shut then threatened to tie her up. Theresa Rodriguez said her daughter, Katie, did not want to return to class Monday because she said a man taped her mouth Friday for being disruptive in class and warned her that he might tie her up. "I want this man to be punished for what he did," Rodriguez said Tuesday. Tustin Unified School District officials fired the unidentified teacher Monday. The matter is being investigated by police, said police Lt. Michael Shanahan. District officials, who withheld the teacher's name, notified the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which will decide whether to revoke, suspend or take other action on his license after conducting an investigation. "We take these matters very seriously, and we will not tolerate that type of behavior," said district spokesman Mark Eliot. "We want to make sure this person will not be returning to Tustin." The teacher had worked in the district since January with no complaints. Teachers can continue working while an investigation is ongoing. The commission can revoke a certificate immediately only if a teacher is charged with a sex crime or drug offenses involving minors. Source: http://www.healthguidance.org/categories/Family/Kids-Teens/

Substitute Teachers United ----> VERY ACTIVE Message Board For Subs!

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:35:10 GMT

thanks for it

Welcome to our General Discussion Forum!

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 10:34:46 GMT

There is a chat line by the Teachernet.com

Substitute Teachers United ----> VERY ACTIVE Message Board For Subs!

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:18:38 GMT

Go to http://www.substituteteachersunited.net to join today!

Evaluation

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:31:39 GMT

As a district we have a standard evaluation form dispersed to all our school sites. The evaluation form is shared among Substitutes, Teachers, Administration, and HR.

Evaluation

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:37:32 GMT

Hi Euroclydon - When I subbed several years ago, there was precious little feedback. The district was in such need of subs, if a warm body showed up, they were grateful. At the same time, when I worked in accounting at a hospital, there wasn't much feedback either unless there was a problem. So since I have retired from the hospital, I will be starting to sub again. I think of myself as self-employed and do my own evaluation. A university instructor I once had gave me the best advice to help myself improve. After each day of subbing, do a three column sheet, labeling one column "Things that went well" and the second, "Things that could have gone better", and the last, "Things I can do to make them better." This has been so valuable to more or less do my own feedback. The STI book is loaded with good ideas for making things better. Good luck to you.

STI's SubStrength smells like a racket

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:13:30 GMT

Coming from a former teacher who knows all of the catch phrases and the laws surrounding the classroom, this is foolish. The Praxis is a standardized test, based on actual teaching strategies that work. This is a test of how well someone knows someone's book that they are using a test to sell. How do I know this? The Praxis provides practice questions free of charge and detail into what questions the person missed. This test will not tell you anything. All districts that rely on a scam like this one to test their Subs are being taken in due to their own laziness. This is a scam.

Touching Students

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:03:00 GMT

On last week I touched my learners with the Teacher's sub plans, my interest in the teachers plans for the day and at the end of the day I rewarded them with balloons and a story about my dad and how he loved his children into obeying him. Touching. Euroclydon 10/30/07

Evaluation

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:53:49 GMT

Hi, Has anyone had any problem with feedback from teachers, learners and or adm support help? What about parents? When I ask for feedback its always, 'If we need you we'll call you.' 'We call you, we need you so that's your feedback.' ...at the end of the day though I am required of. The staff wants to know what I thought of my day. The staff wants to know if I have had any problems with their youth that day. I'm always professional, of winning more sub-teaching opportunities and its me that is always trying to look good in their eyes for asking me back and soon. What am I doing that can be better about winning and influencing the feedback that I need in order to make my practice better? Euroclydon 10/30/07

Fired!

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:51:16 GMT

Hi. Let's share some "humourous" moments regarding being fired because your're too...

Total Substitutes in the United States?

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:37:17 GMT

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/04/nyregion/04teacher.html

STI's SubStrength smells like a racket

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:18:44 GMT

I have always felt education and training brings wisdom. I am willing to bet a school district would hire an "educated/trained" sub over someone who is not. Trained/educated sub or babysitter. Your choice.

Some Issues

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 11:50:57 GMT

Correction: The errors were found in the SubInstructor, not in the Subskills.

Some Issues

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 11:46:12 GMT

I am new to STI (just paid and started last night) and have so far found many typos (actually, grammatical errors) in the online portion of the SubSkills lessons. I also found some in the SubStrength Finder pretest. I don't claim to be a grammar whiz, but some of these errors were very basic and, on the pretest, annoying. I find this unacceptable and somewhat careless. But on a positive note, I found that, although I already "knew" some of what the lessons were teaching (e.g. importance of positive feedback and promoting higher level thinking), it was interesting to see a bit of the scholarship behind those ideas, such as Bloom's taxonomy. Supposing this sort of scholarship is commonly known among professional teachers, I feel it is an advantage to be familiar with the industry's vocabulary (even if only somewhat).

Total Substitutes in the United States?

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 11:34:55 GMT

Does anyone know how many subs there are in the United States?

STI's SubStrength smells like a racket

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:19:13 GMT

I have to find work if I am not to live under a bridge. I have a decent education in the arts and mathematics. However, I am of an age which precludes long term contracts such as those required by Transitions to Teaching programs. Full time substitute teaching is a viable option for an older person. The Philadelphia School District requires the STI diploma for those with no formal preparation or experience, and they give a link to this site. You have to trust somebody! At worst you loose $50! If I wanted to be cynical I might agree with some of these negative assessments. But it is the only way for one to get the needed credentials here. The STI program costs one hell of lot less than the all the ETS Praxis exams in addition to a long term contract and years night school. (Talk about rackets - over $300 for tests alone in addition to a $150 graphing calculator AND all the ETS exam preparation books.) Substitute Teaching may pay less, but there is time and freedom. And maybe, just maybe I might have a positive effect on some child. On balance, then, it would seem that STI program is positive. I certainly wish it had been around the first time I substituted. I would have had far less difficulty.

Thanks!

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:16:58 GMT

Package received pronto! Passed test today! The Substitute Training Kit manual and CDs are excellent tools for substitute teachers -- actually any field dealing with school-age children. Wish these were available prior to my first subbing job. It is really kind of nice to be informed of possible occurrences and resolutions as well as fill-in activities. But probably would not have bought manual or CDs if not mandatory. But now I am glad I did. Wonderful investment! Thank you.

Sub strength finder

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 11:31:06 GMT

I'd like to know specifically which questions I got wrong so I can target those areas for further study and understanding. Also the question about actions constituting sexual harassment appears to give four answers that could all be interpreted as wrong in a particular context. Are you looking for "Least Likely"? Perhaps a new type of question should be constructed that better tests our understanding.

Teaching Strategies

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 11:17:53 GMT

I was also disconnected in the middle of testing. I have since gone to using a wired computer during the test rather than relying on my wireless laptop connection. This should be suggested in the instructions.

STI's SubStrength smells like a racket

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 08:01:18 GMT

Purchased my Substitute Teaching Institute Kit plus CDs yesterday! Cannot wait to ace this test! How will passing this test guarantee me a Sub job opportunity? Upon passing the test, how will passing this test or printing out my SubDiploma truly determine that my reputation and character is more than sufficient to be a Substitute Teacher, working with children? Is passing this worthy, state approved test suppose to be more reliable than on-the-job training? Please rush my kit, there were subjects that were very interesting and informative. Thank you in advance.

summer break

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:12:17 GMT

If you are looking for a permanent job with a school or district summer is the time to be checking with them on a regular basis to see if they have had any last minute positions become available for the next school year that you can apply for.

STI's SubStrength smells like a racket

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:05:27 GMT

I agree and am very thankful others are feeling the same. Who cares which one is the BEST to keep a written record of? Or if I greet the students at the door, should I direct them to the textbook or the black board? Well, that just depends on what the teacher left for students to do. This test was designed to make people buy their material so subs would know how to answer the questions. Many of these questions have little to do with a substitutes effectiveness and the correct answer will only be correct for this test. Besides each school should be able to provide their subs with appropriate material to answer the important questions, like school policy and legal matters. Then, if an ISD wants me to sit at the desk or smile at the students when they come into the classroom, they can tell me. Alas, I guess there's no way to get around this. Good luck all!

Help Scoring glitch

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 18:09:00 GMT

I am pleased to read about others scoring problems because some errors exist with mine. I just signed up yesterday and cannot get pass 80. But think some of my test must may not be at 4 taken already. I wish I had read the forum first. jsercye

Touching Students

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:30:55 GMT

I feel the same way you do. Especially in the lower elementary grades, students come up to give hugs all during the day. It is obviously something they need and a way they express their emotions. Unfortunately, this behavior is forbidden now, but I think the subject needs to be addressed at their homes.

Touching Students

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 10:32:50 GMT

Exactly what is meant by "touching a student" It is never explained in the substitute handbooks.We cannot function in life without touching in one way or another. We touch students unintentially when we retrieve or pass out items. We touch each other in the very basic process of going through life, yet if a student claims you touched then on the hand, wrist, finger, a substitute is fired. What goes on here?

Thanks!

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:53:16 GMT

Hi! We're so glad to hear from you. You can still get the Classroom Management Audio CD for the add-on Discount price, but there are also things on the website under SubResources. One is links to other sites where you can get materials to add to your subpack. Another is Newsletter archives, where you can find other ideas for the classroom and information. If you're looking for special deals, just call us up. We'll see what we can do.

summer break

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:20:58 GMT

All the reading and vacation talk sounds great, but I needed to earn some money so I went to a temp agency and I'm working in an office. It's not great, but I'm keeping my typing skills honed, brushing up on business English, and I'm earning a decent salary. The worst thing about the situation is working until 6:00 p.m. I was exhausted the first week or so until I adjusted. I'm ready to go back into a classroom in September!

Thanks!

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:53:28 GMT

I just got my substitute teacher handbook in the mail yesterday and I LOVE it! I didn't realize that most of the book is lesson plans I can use when I sub. I can't wait to use it. Do you guys have anything else for subs? Maybe something free?? :-)

Substitute Teachers United - A Message Board (Online Posting Community) JUST For Subs!

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:48:52 GMT

how is your message board different from this one?

Ideas

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:47:51 GMT

I asked my district, and they said only administrators have access to the online archives...then they can copy it off for their subs. Ask you district if they get the "SubExchange" from STI - that's where the substuffers come from.

Substitute Teachers United - A Message Board (Online Posting Community) JUST For Subs!

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 21:09:02 GMT

We’re a group of substitute teachers who’ve come together to form our own online community. We share our experiences with each other and gain valuable information and advice in the process. In addition, we’re constantly providing one another with the support needed to make it through our long and stressful days in the classroom. (And believe me!... Many of us have extremely long and stressful days as subs. So long and stressful that we wonder when it’s going to end!) Please join us at ... STU is made up of a very diverse group of substitute teachers both male and female. We have subs of all ages, races, nationalities, and religion. Some of our members are just starting out while others have been subbing for 7 or more years and are considered “veterans” in their given profession. Regardless of why you’re subbing or how long you’ve been doing it, STU is for you!... http://www.substituteteachersunited.net/forum/ to view the community or http://www.substituteteachersunited.net/forum/register.php to join!

Ideas

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:08:56 GMT

Thanks for your idea. That would be a great start. Are those activities under "SubResources/Newsletter Archives" because I didn't see any in there. Or do you have to register for something online?

Ideas

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:07:11 GMT

My district in broward co, FL copies off the SubStuffer from the STI newsletter for all us subs - all those activities would be great for the last days of school or any other time. I've collected like 15 of them for my sub pack.

unions for subs

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:02:41 GMT

Maybe you could ask NSTA (National Substitute Teachers Alliance nstasubs.org)...they might be able to point you in the right direction.

Welcome to our General Discussion Forum!

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 20:36:39 GMT

Posting a vote for the chat-line here!

Management tricks

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 20:34:41 GMT

I observed a teacher teaching in an inner city school classroom who sat on his situation in an awesome way. Me, I struggle but am progressing from novice-passionate to a beginner-advanced level of classroom management ability. I like the sign idea. There are some inner city classrooms that need the call to attention, a reference for when the principal and or security removes them from classrooms, and an answer when they are made to adhere to classroom rules in the absence of their regular teacher. Thanks for the post. Euroclydon/ lad/ 2007

unions for subs

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 20:20:42 GMT

Here in the city where I sub we are welcome and have access to union resources. They are a big help to us. Euroclydon. 6/23/2007

unions for subs

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 10:24:36 GMT

In our District, substitute teachers cannot join the teacher's union. And, we cannot apply for "internal" positions in this District because we're considered "external." I would like to know whether your Districts have this exclusion for subs. We are trying to organize subs in this District and set up a union. What have you experienced? And, do you have any suggestions for us?

Ideas

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 09:17:07 GMT

Hey, I read the idea about using a word or picture sort. Don't you think that would be a little difficult to do as a sub? You don't even know what you're going to be teaching until you go into the classroom. I think it would be better to just have a more general, easy game for the kids to play, like simon says or bingo, which can be used for a number of different things right on the spot. In fact, I'd like to make a list of games that are similar in nature to take into the classroom so I can be prepared for anything. Any ideas?

what the world?

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:35:01 GMT

This test is a little tricky, but I know it can be passed since I finally passed it this past week. I like the fact that the answers aren't all completely obvious since the answers of what do to in the classroom aren't completely obvious either. It made me think a little bit. Anyway, I'm glad I had four tries on it.

test scores

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 12:29:10 GMT

For a small fee you can retake the SubAssessment test. You only need to call in and talk to an STI employee.

test scores

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:29:13 GMT

I still want to know what happens if a sub did not pass the test after taking it four times?

last days of school

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 13:43:30 GMT

I like to do picture or word sorts. It's a little bit athletic, so they can get out and enjoy the sun a little. Plus, they are learning. You can use it to teach anything you can categorize. You just put the general topics on a bucket and then make cards with the pieces that go in each topic. Make it a relay race with two teams and have them try and sort their teams' cards first. I've found it very helpful for learning and for a fun activity at the end of a long year.

New to Subbing

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 11:35:30 GMT

As far as educating myself, what journals can I keep up on? Or maybe I can get something online?

New to Subbing

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 11:32:34 GMT

Thanks for all the advice. Substitutes are in high demand here, and so sometimes the expectations are lowered just to find subs. But I think you're right--if I dress professionally, they'll start to take notice.

Just curious!!!

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:45:57 GMT

The SubInstructor, SubAssessment (the tests), and SubDiploma are all included together. If you have already purchased the tests, the SubDiploma is also included.

New to Subbing

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:51:19 GMT

Educate yourself - that's the best way to be seen as a professional. If you dress nicely, be responsible, and come prepared your district will take notice.

last days of school

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:49:15 GMT

I know most schools are out already for summer, but my district still has 2 more weeks. I have several more substitute jobs before the school year is out. Does anyone have some good activities to do with elementary/middle school for this time of year? Please help!

Sub Pack stuffers

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 02:03:12 GMT

wal-mart, target, it's all tax deductible, right?

STI's SubStrength smells like a racket

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 01:58:26 GMT

I agree with anthonyray. For some disrists, this is the best they can do. Of course live training is better, but isn't computer training/testing better than nothing at all? Plus, from the few education classes I've taken, the answers to the STI test don't just come from their handbooks - they're standard education practices.

PE activities

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 01:53:21 GMT

what age group do you need activities for?

summer break

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 01:49:32 GMT

take a break!! recharge by going to hawaii. :-)

SubTalk - A New Forum (Message Board) For Substitute Teachers - Come Join Us!

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 06:50:34 GMT

I'm a part of that group and enjoy it very much.

Substitute Teachers United: Come Join Us!

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 06:47:19 GMT

This is a cool group. I recommend it. I taught under contract for 20 years before subbing and enjoy being able to share ideas with other subs (guest teachers).

summer break

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 18:40:42 GMT

I always like to catch up on children't books. If you sub in middle school, pick up a few of the most recent releases so you know what the kids are talking about. It always make you more credible in the classroom. Good luck!

summer break

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 18:36:48 GMT

this is my first year subbing - what is a substitute supposed to do over the summer? i'm taking a couple classes through my community college, but is there something else I should be doing besides enjoying my time off?

summer break

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 18:36:09 GMT

what is a substitute supposed to do over the summer? i'm taking a couple classes, but is there something else I should be doing besides enjoying my time off?

New to Subbing

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 18:34:15 GMT

scaroll, just hang in there. You need to find the right districts that will treat you with respect. That's the nice thing about being a sub (especially in an urban area) is that you can "shop around" for the districts you like. Good luck!

New to Subbing

Tue, 29 May 2007 10:39:33 GMT

Hi. I'm new to substitute teaching and I'm from a small district. Substitute teaching doesn't have the professional status I would like in my district, but I want to change that. I think this is a good place to start. I know there are other subs who have become very professional, and I was hoping to get a few insights and suggestions. If you have any, please post them. Thanks.

Substitute Teachers United: Come Join Us!

Sun, 06 May 2007 02:36:27 GMT

We’re a group of substitute teachers who’ve come together to form our own online community. We share our experiences with each other and gain valuable information and advice in the process. In addition, we’re constantly providing one another with the support needed to make it through our long and stressful days in the classroom. (And believe me!... Many of us have extremely long and stressful days as subs. So long and stressful that we wonder when it’s going to end!) Please join us at ...

STU is made up of a very diverse group of substitute teachers both male and female. We have subs of all ages, races, nationalities, and religion. Some of our members are just starting out while others have been subbing for 7 or more years and are considered “veterans” in their given profession.

Regardless of why you’re subbing or how long you’ve been doing it, STU is for you!...

http://www.substituteteachersunited.net/forum/ to view the community or http://www.substituteteachersunited.net/forum/register.php to join!

Management tricks

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 21:40:07 GMT

Why not just beg,plead,explain or give a choice; be quiet and attentive facing the wall {seated] or take a trip to council. [only age 14+]

what the world?

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:58:05 GMT

Hmm. Not sure what they consider a passing score, but I got 87% on the first try. I read somewhere in the other posted comments that your school district might have a designated passing score and you should contact them. My district does not require this test, however I have attended 1 of the 2 live lectures and it has been very informative. The 2nd lecture is next week and I'm looking forward to it.

PE activities

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:44:03 GMT

That is a great question. I will have to look up some activities as back up. Too bad you missed the job. I'm sure that P.E. (think it is still called that)teachers are require to have a lesson plan as well.

what the world?

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:12:38 GMT

Has anyone passed this exam?

SubTalk - A New Forum (Message Board) For Substitute Teachers - Come Join Us!

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 04:20:26 GMT

I'm just trying to help folks out a bit. I just created a discussion forum called SubTalk. It's a forum for Substitute Teachers, by Substitute Teachers. The address is http://subtalk.forumco.com/default.asp in case your interested.

There's no pressure to join, but I guarantee you we will be focusing 100% on the Substitute Teacher and how we can help him or her reach their best potential.

Registration is in the top right-hand corner across from the SubTalk header.

I hope to see you hop aboard SubTalk.

Please note: Since we are very new yet, it's going to take time to establish a good membership and to really get good dialouge going. So if you join, be patient when seeking responses.

-Elizabeth

help

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:56:31 GMT

I only took the classroom management test twice, its showing I took it 4 times, can you give me back those two chances?

thanx

Classroom Management

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:16:58 GMT

Prior to taking the 'Classroom Management' test, the website showed me as having already taken it once (with no score). Also, in the SubEvaluation area, it shows that I took the test on 4/13/07 (took it on 2/26/07) and there was a difference between the scores of about 20 points.

I'm (potentially)coming back to teaching after many years in the computer industry. Computer certification's are a 'test scam' INDUSTRY (particularly Microsoft). By comparison, STI is a great deal...

Sub Pack stuffers

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 18:24:24 GMT

The clearance section of office supply stores like Office Depot is also a good place. I also go to Dollar Tree.

val

Classroom Management

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 18:21:01 GMT

This seems to be common. The same thing happened to me.
What can be done about it?

Classroom Management

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 17:01:15 GMT

I have only taken this portion of the exam once. It states I have taken this quiz twice. Please reset this inaccurate posting.

STI's SubStrength smells like a racket

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 11:49:25 GMT

You have some good points, but if you apply that to all degrees, you will find most degrees are a sham. Do you really think that employers respect most gdegrees given by accredited colleges? I think you are wasting valuable time criticizing USU for "playing the game" by the established rules.

Teaching Strategies

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:07:12 GMT

Hello, I was just disconnected from a Teaching Strategies quiz prior to completing. Please reset it back to 1 time taken. Also, this is at least the 2nd time this has taken place. Please check my other quizes also.

Thanks,
Veronica

STI's SubStrength smells like a racket

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 13:48:48 GMT

Go ahead and tell me that my attitude determines the outcome, but I have worked with high school kids for 8 years in three different educational capacities (one as a professional swim coach, two different jobs as a sub). The district I worked for used the STI book (provided free of charge) as a supportive reference rather than having the exam as a prerequisite for employment.

If Utah State and this puppet certification exam really want to accredit subs, they should formalize a 'suggested use' section for districts so every district is informed of its intent.

Maybe I'll write that up, and then sell USU a $25 manual on how it should best be done.

STI's SubStrength smells like a racket

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 13:48:30 GMT

My reaction to this whole process is decidedly negative. I believe in the value of quality teacher training and certification - for full-time teachers. But the reality is that I'm not a certified, full-time teacher and I don't want to be one. I'm a sub. I'm JUST a sub. I provide little value added to the education process. I'm a warm body in the front of a class to keep kids from going berserk an hour at a time. I know it, the kids know it, and the administration knows it. That doesn't mean my job isn't important or admirable or that I am unprofessional or careless. But I know that as soon as kids leave the room, they forget me, and I'm OK with that.

Some days I find techniques that work, some days I don't. I believe it has to do with establishing a presence that conveys confident, approachable authority and command of the subject. You introduce yourself and talk for a minute about who you are and why you're there. Then you follow that up with a solid presentation of the lesson. You ask some questions and send the kids off to the next class. It doesn't have to be so involved. But maybe I get by gut what some people need to label: K-W-L, brainstorming, blah blah blah. You fill up 45-60 minutes, partly with content, partly with empathy. That's not hard.

STI's SubStrength smells like a racket

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 13:47:36 GMT

Here's a profitable business idea:
1. set up a website offering a sub certification exam
2. make the test inaccessible to non-certified individuals or anyone who hasn't purchased support materials
3. sell collateral support books, CD's, DVD's and other materials that provide answers to the exam at $20 each
4. the assessment test provides an appearance of credibility
5. make a boatload of money

testing

Sat, 17 Mar 2007 15:12:35 GMT

what happens if you take a section 4 times and do not get an 85 % - when can you retake the test ? what happens to the sections that I passed- will have to retake them ?

PE activities

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 11:44:23 GMT

I am a new sub and I missed a job with PE because I didn't have ideas for activities...
And what do we call PE nowadays?

Management tricks

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 11:34:49 GMT

Signs are cool but don't you need to say something too? I think they need to hear your voice in order to get the urgency of your message. Without the voice, it sounds cold and distant-.

classroom management

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 11:28:53 GMT

I use number codes to signal feet on floor, eyes forward, hands out in front, and quiet.! eg. 33 is the number, write it on the board and point to it when needed, and mark off one time. If you have to point to it ten times in a day, they don't get to do their fun activity etc.
Also any student who 'shows up on the radar' more than twice in an hour, gets a question from me and a probable blue slip, ie.trip to the office. Also, as an interim, put their desk in a corner against the wall for ten minutes and read their book, but that is totally optional.

classroom management

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 11:25:19 GMT

When I sub, I always tell the class that if I have to speak to one of them personally more than once about inappropriate behavior, I will then write their name in a report to their teacher. After one warning, I then follow through and write their name down. Then I tell them that if they are "perfect" until the end of the class, I will erase their name. This usually works!

classroom management

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:58:23 GMT

What is the correct way to deal with students who persist in
inappropriate disruptive behavior?

Sub Pack stuffers

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 05:18:15 GMT

I just go around to different stores and buy what I need and what I don't have. The Dollar Tree is a wonderful place to buy a lot of what you need.

anna

Sub Pack stuffers

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 12:45:15 GMT

Does anybody know where I can find these

David

Welcome to our General Discussion Forum!

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 18:44:17 GMT

It would be nice if Utah State Univesity Substitute Teaching Institute would have a Substitute Teacher Chat line for Substitute teachers to have a support group.

At times we feel alone in the Education world.

Welcome to our General Discussion Forum!

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 18:41:51 GMT

All school districts nation wide should know about this Substitute Teaching Institute from Utah State University.

Alot of Substitute teachers I know do not know about anything about this Institute or about the National Substitute Teacher Alliance or with the NEA.

Management tricks

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 18:33:33 GMT

Most schools have their own class managment signs up in the class rooms. Most Substitute teachers need to reinforce them to gain respect in the classroom

Substitute Teacher Dispatch

Sun, 28 Jan 2007 14:05:36 GMT

Academic Management provides prompt, professional substitute dispatch services via the PATPlus+ System. This automated system eliminsates the daunting administrative task involved with receiving teacher callouts and reserving a qualifiable replacement.

No wiring, additional phone line or software purchases are required. To learn more email your contact information to: Kelly at dispatch@k12staffing.com or call toll free 1.888.59.TEACH 7 days for an information packet or live demo.

Respectfully,

Elizabeth Schulze, M.Ed.
Director of School Services

classroom management

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 19:11:34 GMT

What are the best 3 methods of keeping a group of energetic,
talkative and impatient (and bright) eighth grade boys on track?

Just curious!!!

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 09:35:28 GMT

I wanted to know if the sub diploma had to be purchased after the test were taken.

Just curious!!!

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 11:43:10 GMT

Masterd portions of the exam do not need to be retaken.

SubInstructor eTraining CD vs SubInstructor Kit

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 17:47:09 GMT

The kit comes with a workbook/resource book,
There's access to the same material as the cd,
online, although the cd-rom ("web"-style pages with short quicktime videos embedded in the pages) is much more convenient.
Boston schools (and perhaps others?) require a test based on the material.

Management tricks

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:50:20 GMT

I am a new substitute in a large, urban east coast district.
The post concerns a non-verbal management trick I developed after my first day subbing. The tactic involves a set of laminated signs in large black lettering visible to the entire class. The signs read:

1 Please quickly and quietly take your seats.
2 Please be seated and direct your attention to me.
3 You have 5 seconds to be seated before I call the office...
8 I will now call the office for staff to come and restore order.
9. Thank you for being seated and attentive.

I have only used the signs once. The situation in which I make use of the signs must be one in which a. Many different students are enaged in consequential of-task behavior (the vast majority in the class). b. Several other less heavy-handed strategies have been attempted. c. The learning environment faces immediate threat of disintegration or there is an emerging physical risk to students. Finally, I will not use these signs with students below grade 5.

I would love to hear people's thoughts about these tactics. Are they good, bad indifferent? Or can I modify them to be more effective? Am I using a coercive method and not realizing it? Thanks.

Site changes

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 10:17:21 GMT

Thank you for your reply. And sorry it has taken so long for me to respond. You're right, I should remove text underline for text that is not a link. I will look for those.

As for letting substitute teachers know where to get training when they click on the SubSkills link, what would you recommend? We could put a little note at the top of the pages.

SubInstructor eTraining CD vs SubInstructor Kit

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 07:55:40 GMT

What is the difference between SubInstructor eTraining CD and the SubInstructor Instructor kit? I want to purchase the kit required by the MA public school systems. I want to take the certification program online.

Sub strength finder

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 13:01:30 GMT

I don't understand why people with teaching experience need to go through this. Then again, I do understand because some teachers are not good at what they do, and shouldn't be in the classroom anyway.

Just because you earned a degree doesn't mean you can teach.

I took the strength finder test before I recieved my review book/materials, and scored a little lower than I thought I would. While I've been rather successfull in the classroom, there's always tips and tricks one can review/use to better their performance.

I'm still upset with the no child left behind act, as that took many jobs from many people - many of whom did not have certification in the subject they were teaching, but mastered it over the years and their students met AYP in the said subject - that should have some weight in the decision to let you teach your preferred subject.

Site changes

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 08:11:22 GMT

When substitutes are signing onto site for the first time and they click on SubSkills - they may not realize that the training for these skills is only available through the workbook . . . Trying to click on the highlighted blue sentences and not finding a link could be off-putting.

Site changes

Sat, 30 Sep 2006 22:40:53 GMT

Since I started my job at the Substitute Teaching Institute in March, we have made quite a few changes to this website. Some changes have been apparent; many others you may not even realize. As we get ready to make another major change, we would like to get your input on improvements that we can make to our website that would be most beneficial. Please reply to this post with any comments or suggestions that you have.

Thanks,
Jason
STI Webmaster

Sub strength finder

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 07:40:39 GMT

My initial reaction is negative. I have registered- started and then stopped this test and cannot return after 26 questions. Obviously this is a problem, because I see a similar e-mail in early August. Why do I have to deal with technical problems?
I am a 31 year veteran teacher, now forced to take this course. I would say this is not a very positive introduction to a returning teacher.

Just curious!!!

Tue, 05 Sep 2006 16:11:49 GMT

Why do the examer have to re-take the portion of the exam that they have already mastered?

Fill-ins

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 10:15:24 GMT

Hello,

If you navigate to the SubResources -> SubLinks page, there should be several links you can go to with Fill In activities.

Hope this helps.

Fill-ins

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 16:03:52 GMT

Please advise where to download more material on fill-ins: The coverage in the Substitute Teacher Handbook on pp 115-120 is very little help.

Kingsport City Schools Required Score

Fri, 19 May 2006 10:41:58 GMT

Since each district has their own I would contact the a SubManager for Kingsport School District.

Kingsport City Schools Required Score

Thu, 18 May 2006 19:46:52 GMT

Des anybody know the required scrre to substitute for KSC

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Tue, 16 May 2006 15:49:15 GMT

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