Unglorified Life of a Substitute Teacher (U.S.) Quiz

Answer: No

Most school districts require some college-level work to qualify as a substitute teacher, but no degree is usually required. However, substitute teaching is an excellent way for those interested in teaching as a full-time career to validate their goal, test the waters, and decide which grade levels they work best with.

Answer: That you are eligible to work in the U.S.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-9 is titled "Employment Eligibility Verification" and, with appropriate additional proof, documents that you are eligible to work in the U.S. People so authorized can be natural-born citizens, naturalized citizens, a lawful permanent resident or an alien authorized to work.

Answer: Safety of your students

You are responsible for up to 30 (or more) students for the entire class period, and their safety has to be your first priority. Know the school procedures for fires, "lock-downs" and other emergencies. Determine and refine your classroom management style, especially how to handle issues and problems that may arise. Only after your students are safe and secure can you begin teaching.

Answer: Accommodations for a physical or mental condition

Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 permits certain accommodations for students that have a physical or mental health disability that limits one or more major life functions. Accommodations could include such things as more time on tests, frequent restroom visits, etc., and they MUST be followed by all educators, including substitutes.

Answer: One with both special needs and non-special needs students.

Students with special needs (physical, mental, emotional, etc.) spend most of their time with non-special needs students in the inclusive classroom model. Schools using this model usually do not have separate classrooms for special needs students, instead placing emphasis on their full participation in the classroom for their social and educational development.

Answer: Yes

School administrators have to juggle many competing priorities when assigning teachers and substitutes to fill vacancies, often requiring a substitute to serve somewhere else than they originally thought. Substitute teachers are not limited to certain subjects or grade levels, and may be assigned as the school administration sees fit.

This includes any duty usually performed by a teacher, such as monitoring bus arrivals and departures, watching over the cafeteria, restrooms and hallways, etc.

Answer: Blood-borne pathogens

Blood and other body fluids can carry blood-borne pathogens, so it is common medical practice to treat all body fluids as potentially infectious. Teachers may come into contact with blood, saliva and mucus, and should be prepared to protect themselves and others. Common BBP include HIV and Hepatitis B & C.

Answer: BYOD

Many schools use a traffic-light system to illustrate their Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy: green is "permitted"; yellow is "permitted with caution" and red is "prohibited". Personal electronic devices can be used to enhance the educational experience, and many students are quieter and work better when they can listen to music via ear buds. Of course, these advantages also bring many risks to classroom management, privacy and propriety.

Answer: At the door

All authoritative references stress the importance of meeting students at the door. This sets the tone for the class - your dress and, hopefully, welcoming but firm demeanor. Many schools also have policies requiring teachers to be in the hallway outside their classroom when students are changing classes, as a way to monitor this chaotic time.

Answer: All of these.

Most school districts require teachers to have "emergency" lessons for their unplanned absences, generic topics that can be taught at any point in the school year. These plans may be in the teacher's classroom or on file in the main office. Lacking that, the next best source would be the department head for that area (English, math, etc.) or other teachers.

A prepared substitute always has a "bag of tricks" of lessons and games for a wide variety of topics and grade levels. These "tricks" can keep a class busy while the substitute locates other lessons, or they can be the basis for a whole block of instruction and interaction with the students.