Substitute Teachers Lounge

Send us Fan Mail Ever found yourself caught between the heart and the head when making a decision? This episode wanders through the labyrinth of emotional versus rational choices, particularly in the often unpredictable realm of substitute teaching and the wild west of online social spaces. We dissect the Substitute Teacher's Lounge Facebook group's penchant for anonymity and its impact...

Send us Fan Mail When a retired teacher dubbed me "the cancel sub" at a high school basketball game, it hit me—our choices as substitute teachers echo louder than we sometimes realize. This playful yet piercing nickname sparked a cascade of thoughts about the intricate dance between personal and professional life. You're about to join me on a candid journey where I'll share my...

Send us Fan Mail  I'm sharing insights into the importance of being a steady figure in the lives of students—popularity aside—and how that bridges gaps and fosters meaningful connections. Whether they view me as a stand-in parent or just that cool sub, my quest to be the most effective educator during these fluid times remains at the heart of every lesson plan. Join me in the Substitute Teach...

Send us Fan Mail The journey toward personal growth often means confronting and releasing the bitterness that clings to our spirits. In an open reflection, I recount my evolution from a younger self who clung to resentment, to now empowering players on the field and fostering forgiveness. It's a trek through the trials of perceived slights, from the sports field to the classroom, and the real...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever been haunted by a decision you made years ago?  Join me in the Substitute Teacher's Lounge where, amidst the chuckles and sighs, we unravel the complex feelings of remorse that accompany the teaching journey. This isn't just another series of classroom anecdotes; it's an honest confession booth where I confront my past in the hopes of guiding fellow ed...

Send us Fan Mail As a substitute teacher who's navigated the turbulent waters of the classroom since the onset of COVID-19, I've witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts in student behavior and engagement. This podcast episode is an intimate reflection on these changes, spiced with personal anecdotes and input from fellow educators. We're peering into the heart of the classroom where...

Send us Fan Mail Every educator has a day that tests their limits, and I faced mine head-on in what became 'The Worst Substitute Teacher Day.' It's the raw and unfiltered account of a day that shook my foundations, challenging the idealism I've cherished throughout my six years on the frontline of teaching. This episode isn't your typical narrative; it's an emotional...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered about the hidden gems in the world of substitute teaching? Join me, Greg Collins, from the Substitute Teacher's Lounge as I unpack the treasures that come with being a seasoned sub. As I return to the bustling hallways post-vacation and snow days, I find myself reflecting on the privileges that come with a respected reputation – like the unexpected joy of gettin...

Send us Fan Mail Let’s highlight the times when children are the ones leading by example.   Amidst tales from the gift shop to the pickleball courts, I uncover a parallel universe to school where the expected roles of decorum are often flipped. 

Send us Fan Mail This episode is packed with the wisdom of the classroom trenches as I share the arsenal every educator should have at their fingertips—from the humble pencil to the game-changing whistle. Discover not only my personal recommendations for a seamless teaching experience but also the health essentials vital for keeping you at the top of your game. And, while I sprinkle in some heartf...

Send us Fan Mail Ever found yourself stepping into a room, heart pounding with the weight of past judgments about the group you're about to meet? That's the pulse of this 10th episode of Substitute Teacher's Lounge, where we celebrate the connections we've forged and the shared journey through the ups and downs of substitute teaching. Join me as we journey back to an episode th...

Send us Fan Mail Embarking on a new chapter in my educational journey, I found myself transitioning from a day-to-day substitute teacher to a long-term mentor for a lively sixth-grade math class. The emotional rollercoaster and the rich tapestry of experiences that ensued are tales I'm thrilled to share with you. From the strategic deployment of a seating chart that became my compass in navig...

Send us Fan Mail Step back in time with me to an era when the sharp crack of a paddle echoed through school corridors. We're exploring the seismic shift from such historical classroom discipline to the empathetic and creative strategies I use today as a substitute teacher. Remember the days when a teacher's stern gaze was enough to silence a room? I'll regale you with stories from t...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to challenge the status quo of classroom movie days? As a substitute teacher, I've been witness to the tradition of "movie day" and have found it to be a less than engaging practice. Join me as I unpack my experiences and observations on this controversial teaching tool. Drawing from my time in the classroom, I'll share anecdotes and insights, highlightin...

Send us Fan Mail Ever been caught in the crossfire of a noisy classroom, wondering whether to intervene or let the kids chatter away while they work?  Would you ignore quiet students who might not be contributing or noisy students who are indeed productive?  And, is substitute teaching merely babysitting in disguise, or must we actively monitor our students? 

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how to stand out in the bustling world of substitute teaching? We've got some unique strategies to share, inspired by none other than George from Seinfeld - because who doesn't want to appear busy and important? But remember, it's more than just owning a clipboard and perfecting the frustrated look. In this episode, we unveil the real secrets to gainin...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how we could maximize the untapped potential of the 'good kids' in the classroom? Prepare to be enlightened as we venture into the frequently overlooked realm of the academic high-achievers. Drawing from my own 800-day journey as a substitute teacher, I'll reveal how the quiet power of these students can be harnessed to boost overall classroom engageme...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered why discipline in a classroom swings between extremes? How does a stand-in teacher maintain equilibrium? As a seasoned substitute teacher, I've seen my philosophy adapt and evolve over time. The pandemic, as disastrous as it has been, has brought about a rebalancing act in the classroom. I've found myself becoming stricter, less lenient, perhaps a...

Send us Fan Mail Ever found yourself running late, not due to the mundane reasons of traffic or family emergencies, but for reasons completely unexpected? Well, that happened to me this week. Welcome to a particularly enlightening episode where we'll uncover the secrets that schools keep, get a grip on last-minute subjobs, and stay a step ahead of unforeseen circumstances. The moral of this s...

Send us Fan Mail From the highs of a surprise job opportunity to the lows of a last-minute job cancellation, the unpredictable nature of substitute teaching has shaped my approach to this profession. Imagine getting that early morning call, accepting a job, and halfway through your drive to the school, it gets canceled - a situation that's all too common and one that we'll discuss in det...

Send us Fan Mail Are we becoming less tolerant of our students or is it them testing our patience? In our frank discussion about tolerance in the classroom, we unravel the complex dynamics between us and our students, particularly examining the differences between middle school and high school learners. We talk about how our reactions to certain classroom issues might not be as patient as we thoug...

Send us Fan Mail Ever had one of those weeks where everything just clicks -- and how about a new way to take attendance.  And let's not forget about those entitled students we sometimes have to deal with.

Send us Fan Mail Are you aware that your actions as a substitute teacher, no matter how insignificant they might seem, could have a profound impact on your reputation and career? It's time to unveil the significance of reputation in the world of substitute teaching and the surprising role school secretaries play in it. We take you behind the scenes to reveal how your decisions, from choosing...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how forensics can transform your classroom into a hub of attention-grabbing intrigue? Well, join me as I recount an unusual college experience that opened my eyes to the captivating world of classroom forensics. This adventurous tale will unfold the possibilities of using forensic classroom ideas not only to train future law-enforcers but also to make your lessons an...

Send us Fan Mail Ever yearned to be the beloved substitute teacher, the one students are excited to see walk through the door? That's exactly what we're unpacking here as we talk about the art of balancing freshness and familiarity in the classroom.  We delve into the power of self-deprecating humor and how it can make you relatable to your students. The art of keeping your classroom an...