WITH An Emphasis on Special Education

I sub for the behavioral intervention program again today that the district has at certain schools. For some apparent reason, I get these calls a lot, because not many subs will walk into these classrooms, because everything is so up in the air. It can be a great day, or a day from hell with nervous breakdowns and students in isolation rooms, freaking out (I have never experience it, but I have heard stories). To be honest, as a substitute teacher in these classrooms, I rarely do anything because the amazing Para-Educators know more about the students and how the day goes, so usually I am just there as a legal requirement, but a legal requirement that gets paid (a license teacher must be present...). I am suppose to be in charge over Para-Educators that are usually my mom's age or very nice young single guys. So, I let them take the lead and do whatever they would like me to do. Today, I worked one on one with students that ended help with their reading and make up work.

I can read what a classroom will be like within 5 seconds of the bell. I knew today was going to be easy. I am not one who barks orders, especially at behavioral trouble students, that is not the answer and as a sub you need any kernel of respect you can get within the first 5 minutes. I usually take the first five minutes to chat and hang out while I am going the attendance and talking to the Para's and the Para's totally do not seem to mind, at least I have the students attention because that is usually half the battle.

Today was fine. I work with a 16-year-old girl who is in 8th grade still, she was cool. We chatted about life and she told me about her boyfriend who is 23 (her mother knows). This was going to be her last day attending this school. I could tell she has had a hard life, she has a parole officer (or something similar) because she complained about it for a while. I didn't ask her much about brought her to this place. But I was able to get her to work on her reading. She is far behind, but I know she likes learning and believes it is important. I just hope the pieces fall into place.

I also worked with a student who doesn't really talk much, he was a sweet kid. I got him to work on stuff to. He was pretty funny and thought I was cool.

Before I left, one of the Para-Educators demanded that I give her one of my calling cards with my sub info on them. She was going to tell the teacher that I was subbing for that she should always try to get me because I am good with the students. Because I give off a good vibe, I do not bark orders and I just let the kids be (sort of, I did barter with the students today to get some work done) and I am able to a get them to work, which I guess is unusual.

This is not the first time Para-Educators tell me I am good with their students. For some apparent reason, I can get emotional and behavioral kids to stay on task and rarely lash out when I am around. For some reason they like me. I think it is that I do not walk in with all the answers, I let them breathe and try to find something we all can relate to, and then I ease into the day. Some of the Para-Educators have even ask if I would consider getting an endorsement in Special Education or Master's because they can see me doing it. Plus they are always hiring Special Education Teachers, the lifespan is not that long. I have considered it, but I can do it for a day, but can I commit my year and life working with these emotional and behavioral students? I do not know the answer.

I am realizing that I am not a stereotypical teacher, I believe that gaining respect from the students is far more beneficial than barking orders withing the first 5 minutes. It is even harder for subs to get respect. I have learned that sometimes a little conversation and not getting everything completed makes for a easier day than being a task master. But I have been a task master on occasion, I didn't like it, but it had to be done.