Help with a sub while on maternity leave...

Sara - posted on 03/10/2009

I had my son in October and went back to work in December and my sub drove me insane as well.  I teach high school, so of course the kids were giving her a hard time and testing her but I hated to check my school email because she would email me like five times a day and then ask me in an email if I was there.  You are almost done, and my advice to just try to relax as much as possible.  You have a capable assistant so she can't do too much damage and the kids will survive - they are flexible and tought :)

Tory - posted on 03/10/2009

I have had almost the same problem!  My sub is a retired 2nd grade teacher, so I thought she could handle this!  I left the reading levels, guided reading ideas and directions to the book room and she didn't pull groups!  I went in to visit and thought we had it taken care of and then she called 2 weeks later to say the grade chair needed the reading levels and she didn't know where they were.  They were on the plans for reading centers & groups that she was supposed to do each week!  I don't know what to do either!  I'm not going back until April 20th.  I don't have any suggestions, because I'm in the same boat.  We will get through this and summer is just around the corner.  Hang in there :-)

Susie - posted on 03/04/2009

I pretended like school didn't exist while I was on maternity leave. I never called my sub and my principal didn't think it was an expectation. I left my plans, I had a great team and THE END. At least it was for me. My advice is focus on the kids while you can. You will be back soon enough! I know it's hard though. It's like having another woman in your bed or something ha ha ha.

Casey - posted on 03/04/2009

Yes, there is a problem.  I am a sub, and I love it. I don't understand why she isn't doing centers.  It sounds to me like 1st grade isn't for her, so she never should have accepted. If you are leaving detailed lesson plans, there is no reason for her not to do what  is in them. Also, I am assuming you have to be certified to be a long term sub, right? (You do at ours, so I would think so. but...) So, shouldn't she understand th eimportance of sticking to a schedule and nto changing everything to suit her?  I never do long term ( I just do part time as fits into mine and my family's schedule), but I really can't see why she is expetcing you to call her. I definitely think you should talk to your principal  (I wouldn't have been able to hold back as long as you have!) and whoever in personel that is her superior. If she is having a hard time with centers, a day or two just skipping them and explaining why should've shown the class that their behavior was unacceptable. Most kids will straighten up with when centers are threatened! And after being there for so long, they really should be over their initial "substitute" behavior.   And you are right- she shouldn't have re-arranged the whole room. Th at was very disrespectful. A troublesome student or two, yes, but your computers?!  Good luck!

Beth - posted on 03/03/2009

I subbed for seven years. I filled two maternity leaves and three leaves of absences, I would have NEVER rearranged another teachers room. I might have moved desks around, if there was a behavior problem; but I would have never gone to the extent that she did! That is just totally disrespectful!

But I'm with everyone else, enjoy those baby girls!!!

Joanna - posted on 03/03/2009

lol yeah I have.  I asked my assistant if she wanted me to schedule her for our planning day kinda joking..she said now way under no circumstance lol.  I really do appreaciate everyones opinion..I'm sorry if I'm venting but I wanted you to know I really am enjoying my little ones...this isn't taking up my whole time..I just wanted to see if I was annoyed for no reason or if anyone else would be that annoyed :)

Colleen - posted on 03/03/2009

OKAY.... she has no excuse ban her from ever subbing 4 you again.

Joanna - posted on 03/03/2009

My sub had subbed for me like 3 or 4 times this year...

Esmeralda - posted on 03/02/2009

I am soo sorry about what you are going through.  I wish you the best.

As my advise for future teachers going on maternity leave, maybe having the teacher subbing for you can come in a couple of days before you leave so they can get the gist of how things are runned and questions can be answered at that time as well.

My sub came in three days before I left for my maternity.  It help me let go and for my sub to get a feel for my class.

Colleen - posted on 03/02/2009

Sorry but I'm with Cynthia and Lori on this one . Comming from a subs side it's really difficult to walk into a class and not change some things, ( your sub went tooooo far though) I've walk into classes with no leson plans or notes on children only to be faced with the most difficult situations imagable. You dif. need to be flexable as a sub. and work round what you have been given BUT not take over. I also find that at times principals go with who's available not someone who knows how spec. age is taught.

Sia - posted on 03/02/2009

oh dear Joanna, I feel your pain but think...how are your kids?  Are they happy and are they learning? It could be worse.

My sub completely disregarded my plans.  She took down all bulletin boards...I guess with the plans to put something up but never got to them.  She yelled at my pre-k kids and sent them to the office first thing in the morning if they were arguing with each other.  "good" kids cried to come to school every morning.  My assistant stepped up and  reported her along with a few parents and she got the boot.  I am still on maternity leave and I talk to my assistant every now and then. Although I REALLY prefer things done a certain way, I know no one can be me in my home or in my class so whatever is done I think about how my students affected.

Rearranging furniture may be a pain but if it didn't take away from your kids joy and love of learning then...

Eilonwy - posted on 03/02/2009

Hmmmm Joanna....the woman sounds like a beeyotch who was hoping you weren't coming back and that she'd have your job! What do you think? Well, you are and she ain't!!! But hun, your principal and the custodians and your friends will all help you put things to right. Now give your girls a tight squeeze and we'll be thinking of ya!

Cynthia - posted on 03/01/2009

Ahhhh.......wow....I'd be mad about that, too !      I can't imagine ever doing such a thing in another teacher's room !      I'm surprised she'd want to go to that much work !    I thought were talking mostly about academic changes....which would be hard enough to "let go" of  in terms of but the physical changes -that doesn't make much sense.     I'm surprised they would allow the sub to change things like that - do they know what she's done ?    Basd on what you shared she sounds a bit disrespectful.   And also - has it upset the kids to have her make these changes on top of  your absence ?   Kids are resilient - I agree - but - some have a harder time with change than others.    I bet her changing things like that caused some of the very behavior "chaos" problems she has been complaining about and she doesn't even realize it !

Joanna - posted on 03/01/2009

And I am enjoying my girls...this isn't my number 1 priority just something to look forward to. If financially I didn't have to go back I truly don't think I would but I do so that's why I don't have the option of staying out the remainder of the year.

Joanna - posted on 03/01/2009

I don't care as much about her following plans, I told her I don't care if you complete everything, and I've given up on the centers it doesn't bother me that much.  What bothers me is that  she moved everything in the room not just desks, computers, bookshelves, tables, everything that I spent 3 days over the summer arranging, moved.  If she didn't want to do centers fine. But why arrange everything when she knew I was coming back.  She took down the calendar stuff I had on the wall, she wanted to take down and move my word wall and others things on the wall but thankfully my assistant said no.  That's what I'm annoyed about... that I have to spend a work day not planning and getting ready for the kids but moving bookshelves and computers.

Anna Marie - posted on 03/01/2009

I agree with pp that have said - as much as possible try to not worry about school. These 6 weeks with your baby are the most important job you will ever have. You are setting the base for a lifetime of love and understanding with your little one - don't take away from that precious time worrying about someone else's kids. I say this as someone who has a serious power struggle and likes my room MY way! But, I also know that my son is my first priority. Like a previous post said, the students will get back into your routine when you go back. Don't worry about going back early or anything. Go back when you need to and go from there. Enjoy the time with your new babes :) Best of luck!

Beth - posted on 03/01/2009

We, as teachers, I think have a hard time letting go of the control of the room when we're not there whether it's for a day or 3 months.  I went back to my fifth grade class 3 weeks ago after being home for 14 weeks.  Whatever the sub did was done, and I couldn't change it.  I just picked up from where I was and moved forward.  The kids will get back into your routine when you get back.  Until then, assure your assistant things will be back to normal soon and enjoy the rest of your time off on maternity leave.  They're only this little once. 

Cynthia - posted on 03/01/2009

I wanted to add one more thing to my earlier post from a "sub perspective" after reading the other posts....and it's just that thinking over the 3 years I have had to sub ....I too...have spent MANY hours worrying over changing anything either in the room...or in the lesson plans. It all started with my mentor teacher when I did my internship ..when she got very angry at me once when she was sick for a day  - and I had the class all day alone for the first time - and I had to change something in the schedule .   I hurt my teaching - because I could not relax and be myself as I was so worried about not getting every single thing done.  I could not enjoy the kids either - and started to really resent the job !    Finally one day -I decided I had to walk into a room like it was MY classroom.   And now I follow the plans as much as I can , but sometimes..."things happen" and I have to let go of the lesson plan and do something else or teach it in a different way to make it work so the kids learn.  And the way I look at it - that's the mark of a good teacher - that intuition and flexibility.    I could not be the best teacher for the kids when I was constantly trying to do everything someone ELSE'S way - does that make sense ?    Anyhoo...I just wanted to offer the "other side"....and add to the others that encourage you to just let it go for right now and enjoy the time at home.  As a mother of a now 26 year old - let me assure you this time goes SO FAST and you can't get any of it back !  :) 

  I was very stressed the first year I subbed  - and would actually stay after school almost an hour making sure everything was perfect before going home !   And you know

April - posted on 02/28/2009

I was alos very lucky with my sub.  I actually had two ladies that split my maternity leave.  One retired from my 1st grade team last year and the other has subbed at our school for years.  I go back in two weeks and I honestly don't care how they have changed things.  I know both ladieshave worried so much about changing things and not doing the same job as me, but I was just glad to have the time off.  If I were you, don't worry about the changes, just take care and enjoy your babies!  In then end, they are what is most important anyway.  Plus, there isn't too much of the year left.  RELAX!!!!!

Leslie - posted on 02/28/2009

I got lucky. My principal assigned a student teacher to me, and since I was her last assignment before graduating, she was able to take over as a longterm sub for me. This was lucky, as I had to go on leave early due to carrying twins and high blood pressure.

Ultimately, I understand your frustration, but I also see situations like this as being different from your average subbing job. Your sub has to be comfortable with the routing in the classroom. It will be a hassle for you to go back to work and change things around, but the good news is that 1st graders are highly flexible and they'll be thrilled to have you back.

I agree with the poster who said to enjoy your time with your babies. You'll be back at work soon enough!

Lori - posted on 02/28/2009

Quoting Cynthia:

Well..hmmm...I am an unemployed teacher currently working as a sub now...and maybe I can offer a little "devil's advocate" here ?   So please take it in this vein...and please don't be angry with me !  :)      I have subbed in first grade rooms with centers...and it's HARD to sub for someone else's centers.  Yes - that's my job and I signed up for it -BUT.... the first thing to remember is that children in GENERAL do not have the respect for substitute teachers that they should have.   Even the best sub will not be able to follow the best laid plans if the kids refuse to cooperate..I usually have great control..but there have been times I've used every technique in my arsenal and nothing worked because the kids just did not care.  .   But let's say your kids DO have great respect...centers are still an excuse for many kids to "play" and yes - cause "chaos".  And when I have to do centers it makes me very anxious.    I hate thinking that the principal will come visit me and see the "chaos" and not realize it's center time and think I've lost control and then I might lose my job, first of all...but even MORE than that - I hate that so many kids are not able to learn when it gets chaotic.   The extra chaos seems to send some of the kids who have ADD issues right over the edge.    Other kids get upset about the noise and get anxious and then I have more whining and tattling.  Behavior problems get worse since I am not able to watch children as carefully.     In many instances where I have subbed I have seriously thought of bringing kids into a whole group lesson because I am concerned about their "learning".  I go home from days where I subbed centers feeling worn out,  with a HUGE headache,  feeling I was nothing more than crowd control and wonderign why on earth I got into teaching in the first place.     Maybe since you are going back soon to your classroom...if it really is such chaos....maybe it's best to let her do whole group so at least the kids are learning more ???      Maybe your sub needs more direction forming transitions between centers so there is less chaos ??   Do YOU have any suggestions for me about how to take over someone else's center time with very little time to plan  ?  I - will be subbing for a first grade room for a week in April that has center time for a couple hours each day - and I'd like to find a way to make it work !  

 

I do have to say I agree with Cynthia on this.  I am a sub as well.  Centers are very difficult for a sub to deal with.  No matter how great of a class you have children know when there is a sub and they take advantage.  Also, you say you are not calling her anymore.  If that were me I might feel that if you didn't call me to discuss anything I wouldn't be as apt to carry out your plans either.  Please don't be offended I am just trying to get you to see it from our point of view.  I know that when a person is used to doing things  a certain way and they are not done that way it is hard.  I also know that you put a lot of work into planning (even from you hospital bed, God BLess) and you do have a right to be upset but maybe if you communicate with your sub things might be better. 

 

 

 

Esmeralda - posted on 02/28/2009

I had a pretty good teacher subbing in my room when I was on maternity leave..The only thing is that she had no grades for the end of the quarter.  So when I returned, grades were due and I really had to pull grade out of my you know where to report, even though I was not teaching at the time.  As for what Eilonwy said.  Enjoy your babies, relax and as annoying as it can be, when you return just pick up the pieces and move forward.

Eilonwy - posted on 02/28/2009

Oh and as it is my sub was fabulous. She packed up the room beautifully. :-)

Eilonwy - posted on 02/28/2009

Whoa...you are better than I am. I left for maternity leave near the end of the year (May and we go through until about the 20th of June) and I couldn't have cared if the sub threw out the furniture! I just wanted to enjoy my baby as much as possible!!! My advice to you is to stay home and ENJOY those babies. You won't get this time back. However, my district is not thankful for personal sacrifices and when you retire the only person who remembers your name is is the head of payroll when they organize your retirement check! However, if you need to go back...go back. Roll up your sleeves and dive in. I wouldn't do it but I know we're all different. Good luck going back and with your beautiful twins!

Katie - posted on 02/28/2009

I'll be going on maternity leave at the beginning of next year. I'll be there 3 weeks and then on leave. That is one of my biggest fears. I know what I expect of my 2nd garders and I will establish the routine, but I'm so afraid of what will happen when someone else takes over. My kids will have me 3 weeks then someone else for 6. Luckily I have a very supportive principal and also, a very good friend from college is the teacher in the room right next to mine and will be able to keep watch for me. And I will make surprise visits just to check. I'm someone who likes MY room MY way!  I'll be so mad if I have to come back and redo everything.

Cynthia - posted on 02/28/2009

Well..hmmm...I am an unemployed teacher currently working as a sub now...and maybe I can offer a little "devil's advocate" here ?   So please take it in this vein...and please don't be angry with me !  :)      I have subbed in first grade rooms with centers...and it's HARD to sub for someone else's centers.  Yes - that's my job and I signed up for it -BUT.... the first thing to remember is that children in GENERAL do not have the respect for substitute teachers that they should have.   Even the best sub will not be able to follow the best laid plans if the kids refuse to cooperate..I usually have great control..but there have been times I've used every technique in my arsenal and nothing worked because the kids just did not care.  .   But let's say your kids DO have great respect...centers are still an excuse for many kids to "play" and yes - cause "chaos".  And when I have to do centers it makes me very anxious.    I hate thinking that the principal will come visit me and see the "chaos" and not realize it's center time and think I've lost control and then I might lose my job, first of all...but even MORE than that - I hate that so many kids are not able to learn when it gets chaotic.   The extra chaos seems to send some of the kids who have ADD issues right over the edge.    Other kids get upset about the noise and get anxious and then I have more whining and tattling.  Behavior problems get worse since I am not able to watch children as carefully.     In many instances where I have subbed I have seriously thought of bringing kids into a whole group lesson because I am concerned about their "learning".  I go home from days where I subbed centers feeling worn out,  with a HUGE headache,  feeling I was nothing more than crowd control and wonderign why on earth I got into teaching in the first place.     Maybe since you are going back soon to your classroom...if it really is such chaos....maybe it's best to let her do whole group so at least the kids are learning more ???      Maybe your sub needs more direction forming transitions between centers so there is less chaos ??   Do YOU have any suggestions for me about how to take over someone else's center time with very little time to plan  ?  I - will be subbing for a first grade room for a week in April that has center time for a couple hours each day - and I'd like to find a way to make it work !  

Amanda - posted on 02/27/2009

My sub kept everything the way I had it. I actually stopped by unannouced with the baby and she even had my desk still set up with my planbook, pens and pencils, paper clips, stapler, etc, was all where I left it. It was great, I came back in January and felt like I came back after a weekend. You are the teacher, it's your classroom. Maybe I just got lucky.

Vivian - posted on 02/27/2009

wow. you're going back early! When I was out with my twins, I actually took the entire year off. (We were year round, so I had about 6 months+ of benefits... and enough sick days + disability to help out.) But as for the sub, i KNOW how you feel, especially when you took the time to make detailed lesson plans and they don't follow it. Nowadays, when i have a sub who I don't know anything about, i just leave a bunch of worksheet skills/review for them to do. Not much planning needed and the students get a good dose of review! Not sure if you can do that in first grade. (I teach 3rd.) I'm not sure which district you're in, but in ours, we can review/evaluate the sub and request that he/she not return to our school if they do such a poor job.

Good luck and get some rest!!!

Joanna - posted on 02/27/2009

You know I think that's why I am so annoyed.  I stayed late the last day writing sub plans and I finished them in the hospital while I was trying not to go into preterm labor with my twins.  So she has plans...she just doesn't like the chaos

Esmeralda - posted on 02/26/2009

I feel your pain and fustration.  My only suggestion to you is probably consult with your principal about the situation, especially when it involves the value of your students education.  Your principal needs to be aware of what is happening in your classroom.  I feel for you assistant but her hands are tied for being I assume a non-certified teacher. 

The other thing maybe to start sending the sub more lesson plans that may be easier to handle to teach.  That of coarse put more burden on you.

As for being sub being upset because you don't call her more often, she needs to deal, she signed up for the job, she knew what she was getting into.