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Ever wondered what goes through the minds of both students and substitute teachers when anxiety strikes? Join me as I share candid stories and reflections that may sound all too familiar. From the unpredictable dynamics of the classroom to the unexpected challenges that arise, we explore the lighter side of these shared anxious moments with a nod to a quirky Disney podcast featuring the retired Epcot attraction, Cranium Command. For a dash of Hollywood intrigue, we also venture into the world of child actors with insights from Mary McDonough of "The Waltons." It's a humorous yet insightful ride that promises to resonate with anyone who's faced the jitters in an academic setting.
As we continue, we'll dive into ways to support students grappling with anxiety in their studies. Through heartfelt accounts, we underscore the importance of being approachable and guiding students towards professional help when needed, sharing stories like that of a sixth grader whose math test woes were alleviated with a flexible teaching approach. With the new year on the horizon, we'll highlight effective strategies for managing anxiety and nurturing a positive outlook. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or a student, our episode offers a comforting blend of empathy, humor, and practical advice to navigate the stressors of academic life. -
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Have you ever wondered if the essence of substitute teaching has truly changed over the years? As I step back into the classroom, I reflect on my own school days and how my role has evolved. Join me for a nostalgic journey that contrasts the traditional strict approach with a more positive and friendly style. In a recent elementary classroom incident, I found that kindness and understanding can have a profound impact, turning a day of substitute teaching into a truly rewarding experience. I’ll also share a memorable moment from cafeteria duty, illustrating how respect and empathy can create a more harmonious environment for everyone involved.
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Join meas I recount my whirlwind adventure across third, fourth, and fifth-grade classrooms, topped with the unexpected joy of teaching my granddaughter’s class. Ever wondered which grade might just steal a teacher's heart, or what on earth happens when a scheduling mishap turns into a delightful twist? You're about to find out how these stories unfold and what they reveal about the unpredictable yet rewarding life of a substitute teacher.
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Can the words we use in the classroom echo louder than our intentions? Join me as I unravel the complex and sometimes uncomfortable topic of harsh words in teaching environments.
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What happens when a seemingly ordinary day in the classroom turns into a lesson in responsibility and maturity for everyone involved? As I recount an unexpected incident from my experience as a substitute teacher, you'll uncover the critical moments that tested both my role and the students' readiness for high school. One poor decision led to a student getting injured, and with the sudden turn of events, I was left to reevaluate my approach to ensuring a safe and respectful environment. Listen as I share the emotional impact and the tough conversations that followed.
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Join me, Greg Collins, as we embark on a journey through the intricate world of canceling substitute teaching jobs. In this eye-opening episode, we'll explore the decision-making process behind choosing or canceling assignments, uncovering the various scenarios that may necessitate such actions. Whether you're facing unexpected opportunities or managing challenging classroom environments, understanding when and how to cancel is paramount. Tune in as I share personal experiences from my time in elementary classrooms, where the rewards often balance the challenges, and provide practical advice on utilizing tools like Sub Alert and Frontline to efficiently manage your teaching schedule. Get ready to make informed decisions with confidence and integrity in this episode packed with insights for substitute teachers navigating the complexities of job cancellations.
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What if your next teaching assignment was predicted by a humorous Instagram post? Join me on a fascinating journey as I recount my first day as a substitute teacher in an elementary school, filled with nerves, surprises, and delightful moments. I'll share how a seemingly random social media post added a layer of foreshadowing to my day, and why, despite initial reluctance, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the experience of teaching third graders. Reflecting on seven years and nearly 700 days of substitute teaching, this episode offers insights into how elementary students' chattiness contrasts with older grades and why this particular day stood out as one of my all-time favorites.
We'll also uncover the power of icebreakers and the art of connecting with students through their personal belongings. From prized shoe charms to shared TV show interests, you’ll hear how these small details can build rapport and make a significant impact. I’ll recount the joy of receiving heartfelt thank-you cards from the students and how a simple discussion about MasterChef turned into an engaging conversation. Finally, discover why I might have found my ideal teaching level in third grade and how this positive experience has reshaped my perspective on subbing for younger students. This episode is a testament to the rewarding moments and connections that make teaching such a fulfilling profession. -
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Today, you'll walk away with practical tips and creative strategies to make your classroom more inclusive and engaging from the get-go. And it may require changing your principles.
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Ever wondered how some substitute teachers consistently land the best assignments while others struggle? Join us in this episode of Substitute Teachers Lounge as we reveal the secrets to securing substitute teaching jobs with lightning speed, using tools like Frontline, Jobulator, and SubAlert. I'll recount my own thrilling experience of nabbing a coveted position within seconds of it going live. s and dive into practical solutions that can give you a competitive edge.
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Ever wondered what essential items you might be missing in your substitute teacher’s bag? Join me this week on Substitute Teacher's Lounge, where I uncover practical and mindset-related essentials inspired by my wife's hiking and biking groups.
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Ever wondered if short-term substitute teaching could actually offer more fulfillment than long-term assignments? Join me, Greg Collins, as I reflect on my substitute teaching journey since 2019 and share why I've had a change of heart when it comes to choosing assignments and grade levels. Through personal stories, like coaching younger kids in volleyball and attending high school events, I reveal the surprising reasons I now prefer the challenges of short-term gigs. This episode promises to give you fresh insights that might just inspire you to reassess your own teaching choices.
Life as a substitute teacher continuously evolves, and sometimes, so do our preferences. I'll discuss my shift towards elementary school teaching, driven in part by the pandemic's impact on student maturity levels and a personal connection to a school my grandkids will attend. Plus, I'll take you back to my early career in accounting to explore different perspectives on career contentment and advancement. Whether you're contemplating a switch to teaching younger kids or wondering if you should give older students another try, my experiences and strategies for growth could spark the change you’ve been waiting for. -
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Ever had a day so rough it became memorable for all the wrong reasons? Join me, Greg Collins, as I break my summer hiatus to revisit the chaos of my worst day as a substitute teacher, inspired by the response to my February 6th episode.
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Have you ever thought Instagram could be your secret weapon in the classroom? Learn how this social media platform can transform your role as a substitute teacher, helping you earn the respect and admiration of your students. From my personal journey of building an engaged Instagram following, I'll share practical tips on setting up a public account and crafting posts that make your teaching presence unforgettable. Discover why Instagram offers a safer and more engaging way to connect with students compared to traditional methods like Facebook or text messaging.
Unlock the power of social media algorithms to maximize your reach and influence. Hear about my adventures, including a hilarious solo trip to Disney World and the surprising success of my rap videos, which helped grow my Instagram community. You'll also gain valuable insights on using hashtags effectively, managing comments, and the magic of cross-posting on Facebook. Whether you're a social media novice or a seasoned user looking to enhance your online presence, this episode is filled with actionable advice to make Instagram a vital part of your teaching toolkit. -
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Ever wondered how the role of a substitute teacher is perceived through the eyes of today's high schoolers? Join me as I sit with Mya and Reese, two sophomores with plenty to say about the post-pandemic shifts in their academic world. They'll take you behind the scenes of classroom walls, revealing how the lingering effects of COVID-19 have not only modified their learning experience but also altered the social landscape of their school. Their candid accounts of 'busy work' and digital platforms like Google Classroom will offer you a real-time pulse on the current state of education through a student’s lens.
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As the school bells chime for the final time this academic year, I'm pausing to reflect on a rollercoaster ride of triumphs and trials from the substitute teacher's perspective. Wrapping up before our well-earned summer hiatus, I'm bringing you a candid ranking of the five most testing disciplinary issues in the classroom—from the mildly frustrating to the downright exhausting. Expect heart-to-heart insights as we unpack why a physical scuffle ranked surprisingly low and unveil the origins of the term 'discipline' itself—hint, it's all about learning!
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Remember the last time the classroom Wi-Fi went out, leaving you in a tech-free panic? I've been there, and in this episode, I'm sharing the teacher-tested tactics that saved the day. We're talking no-fail strategies for substitute teachers to keep the learning engine running, even when digital lesson plans are a no-go. You'll get a peek at how a stack of index cards can transform into an engaging review session, the clever use of personal data to bring online resources back to life, and the timeless effectiveness of a well-prepared PowerPoint presentation. Plus, I'm dishing out my own plans to spice up the usual Q&A with a random selection process that keeps students on their toes and ready to dive into the material.
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Have you ever considered the impact of truly listening, not just hearing, on your life and the lives of others? Today's conversation with Christine Miles, author of "What Is it Costing You Not To Listen?", promises to unravel the often-overlooked power of listening in shaping education and personal growth. From the echoes of her mother's mental health journey to her own professional triumphs, Christine unveils how emotional intelligence and active listening can be harnessed as key elements for success. Our candid chat ventures into her drive to embed listening education into school curriculums, her innovative methods to equip students with this vital skill, and our shared experiences of the yearning to be heard across different industries.
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Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a classroom, attempting to navigate the stormy seas of student behavior? I'm Greg Collins, and in this candid conversation, I'll open up about my own journey through the challenges that every substitute teacher faces. From understanding the nuanced contexts of student language to managing physical confrontations, I share the strategies that have helped me maintain both order and empathy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the trenches of education, as I delve into the art of providing constructive feedback, the intricacies of reporting incidents, and why it's crucial to stay respectful and pragmatic when the classroom feels like a pressure cooker.
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As we count down the days to summer, the importance of communication and planning cannot be overstated. I'll guide you through the do's and don'ts of securing our future roles as substitute teachers, alongside the pragmatic steps to ensure we're top of the list for the coming academic year. But it's not all logistics; the soul of the school is its people. I delve into the art of rebuilding relationships with both educators and pupils, championing genuine interactions that go beyond a simple 'hello'. From unexpected donuts in the teachers' lounge to our very own Substitute Teachers Lounge online, it's all about fostering a community that thrives on support and shared wisdom. Together, let's make this final act of the school year one that resonates with connection and purpose.
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The landscape of teaching is one of constant evolution, and nowhere is this more evident than in my own experiences as a substitute teacher. My journey through the educational system has led me to a crossroads: to maintain an approachable, friendly persona, or to adopt a sterner, more formal demeanor in the face of shifting student behaviors. It's a candid exploration of how the subtleties of respect and discipline play out in the modern classroom, and the internal debate that rages within any educator who has felt their kindness mistaken for weakness. As a volleyball coach, the parallels between coaching and teaching are striking, and they've offered me unique insights into how authority, when wielded with care, can be the cornerstone of both leadership and learning.
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