Substitute Teachers Lounge

Send us Fan Mail Here's what I wish teachers would do to make substitute teachers lives easier.

Send us Fan Mail A quick random refresher episode - things I've done wrong.

Send us Fan Mail All good things must come to an end. After six remarkable years and 301 episodes, I'm closing the door on the Substitute Teachers Lounge podcast. When I started this journey in November 2019, I was simply looking for a podcast that served substitute teachers—and finding none, decided to create one myself. Nearly 100,000 listens later, I'm humbled by how this resource has...

Send us Fan Mail Reaching the milestone 300th episode, I'm tackling a universal substitute teaching challenge that surprisingly hasn't been the central focus of any previous episode: getting reassigned after you've arrived at school. The moment when administrators approach with that apologetic look, asking if you'd mind switching to a different classroom than the one you accept...

Send us Fan Mail Seven years of substitute teaching stories have taught me one crucial lesson: behind every student behavior is a complex inner world most teachers never glimpse. In this anniversary episode, I take you inside the minds of six distinct student archetypes you'll encounter in your classroom this year. Listen as Marie reveals her anxiety about transitioning to high school and los...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a teacher accustomed to older students suddenly faces a classroom of elementary schoolers? Everything changes. From the surprising power dynamics to the unexpected emotional responses, teaching younger children demands an entirely different approach.

Send us Fan Mail Money matters in the substitute teaching world, especially when your paycheck doesn't match that of permanent teachers. The eternal question: Should you spend your hard-earned dollars on classroom supplies? 

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what happens when artificial intelligence writes your life story? In this fascinating episode, I dive into the surreal experience of discovering an AI-generated book about my substitute teaching career—written entirely without my input beyond a few basic questions. ge of the AI-generated book cover!

Send us Fan Mail A substitute teacher reflects on how Generation Alpha differs from Gen Z and how teachers can adapt their methods accordingly. This light-hearted exploration of generational differences reveals that Alpha students are the first fully digital generation, with distinct learning preferences and world perspectives. • Fourth graders are split between Gen Z and Generation Alpha based on...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what elementary school students really think about their teachers? In this unique episode, we flip the script by interviewing our youngest guests ever - students from kindergarten through fifth grade - to gain their unfiltered perspectives on education. Our first guest Anna, a fifth-grade graduate with straight A's, shares wisdom beyond her years about...

Send us Fan Mail Every substitute teacher knows that what works in one classroom might fail spectacularly in another. This revelation hit me hard recently when several teaching strategies I'd successfully employed with teenagers created unexpected chaos among elementary students.

Send us Fan Mail The countdown to summer vacation has begun, with only two weeks of school remaining. As substitute teachers prepare to wrap up another academic year, the temptation to make certain end-of-year decisions looms large – but not all of these choices serve your long-term interests as an educator.

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what life is really like for substitute teachers navigating classrooms in today's educational landscape? This candid conversation with Felice, a substitute teacher from the Houston suburbs, pulls back the curtain on this vital yet often overlooked profession. Felice brings a remarkably diverse background to her role, having worked as a Department of Commerce geogr...

Send us Fan Mail Breaking my own rule of "never below third grade," I recently stepped into a first-grade classroom as a substitute teacher and discovered a whole new world of teaching challenges and rewards. The experience was so transformative that I couldn't wait to share what makes seven-year-olds uniquely different from other elementary grades. First graders operate in a height...

Send us Fan Mail Substitute teaching comes with unexpected social dynamics that we rarely discuss openly. What happens when students loudly proclaim you're their "favorite substitute" while another sub stands nearby? Should you feel proud or guilty when teachers request you instead of other substitutes? Today's episode dives into these delicate situations and explores the somet...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when students mistreat each other, and how should substitute teachers respond? This deeply reflective episode explores the delicate art of addressing student conflicts while maintaining dignity for everyone involved. Drawing unexpected connections between spring break viewing experiences—from 1970s home movies to the Minecraft film—Greg Collins shares powerful insight...

Send us Fan Mail Teachers and substitute teachers never truly turn off their "teacher brain," even during spring break. Like comedians and songwriters, educators are constantly collecting experiences, images, and stories that can engage students and improve classroom learning. • Spring break provides opportunities to gather visual aids that capture student attention better than lectures...

Send us Fan Mail Finding the sweet spot between following a regular teacher's lesson plans and bringing your authentic self to the classroom—that's the balance every substitute teacher must strike. Drawing from seven years of substitute teaching experience across elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, I explore when to stick to the script and when to trust your teaching instinct...

Send us Fan Mail Physical boundaries in education have always required careful navigation, but today we're tackling the subject that many teachers hesitate to discuss openly – classroom hugs. Drawing from seven years of substitute teaching experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings, I'm sharing personal observations, experiences, and guidelines that have shaped my app...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever caught yourself rambling to a classroom of increasingly glazed-over eyes? You're not alone.  Inspired by Henry Winkler's candid admission about losing acting roles due to excessive talking, this episode dives deep into the complex world of classroom communication. As someone who self-identifies as verbose, I share personal strategies for managing my "g...

Send us Fan Mail After six years as a substitute teacher primarily in middle and high schools, I've discovered that elementary school—specifically third grade—has become my preferred teaching environment. • Elementary students are more engaged without smartphones and more enthusiastic about learning • The COVID break significantly impacted middle schoolers, making them noticeably less mature...

Send us Fan Mail Our latest discussion dives into the joys and challenges of medium-term substitute teaching, emphasizing the deep connections with students that can emerge in just a few short days. We explore how embracing this teaching style can lead to rewarding and memorable experiences for both teachers and students. • Exploring the transition from short-term to medium-term teaching  • Sharin...

Send us Fan Mail Substitute teaching requires a unique set of skills that differs from traditional teaching. By exploring seven essential qualities, we aim to equip substitute teachers with strategies to adapt quickly, manage classrooms effectively, and engage students instantly.  • Emphasizing adaptability for varying classroom environments  • Discussing classroom management without inherent auth...

Send us Fan Mail This episode sheds light on my frustrations as an experienced substitute teacher, where low tolerance for certain administrative practices, student distractions, and teacher interactions have prompted reflection and growth. Understanding the evolving dynamics in the classroom and personal strategies for maintaining positivity amidst challenges are key themes.  • Addressing low tol...

Send us Fan Mail This episode explores effective strategies for maintaining quiet in classrooms without resorting to yelling. By sharing anecdotes and practical tools, we aim to help teachers create a positive and engaging learning environment while managing noise levels. • Importance of follow-through in discipline  • Symbolic gestures promote quietness in elementary classrooms  • Auditory cues l...