Release Time Day 7

My last release day was definitely a rewarding one. Again, my day was split between 2 teachers. The morning was in a second grade classroom - which I have never experienced. The afternoon was in a fourth grade classroom - the same one that I interned in and completed several release hours in. These teachers were released to complete professional development at the school regarding new technologies. I arrived early to meet with the teacher to get my day planned out. The morning was actually an interesting one - there was to be an assembly for the students that would chaperone the class to. I was a little nervous because I didn't want the students to think they could act out of hand at the assembly since their "teacher" woudn't be in attendance. However, after meeting the class and getting to know them a little I realized we would have no issues. They were very helpful in filling me in on the routine of the morning - and were excited to have a new face in the room. The younger students are always offering hugs and looking for signs of positive reinforcement - which was a nice change from the older students. The day happened to be "name change" day also - where the students were able to pick any name they wanted to be called for that day. A few of the students decided they wanted to be "Miss Stephanie" - which of course made me feel great! It was nice to be able to experience an assembly as the only authority figure to the class. They were very well behaved and cooperative - and didn't treat me any differently than if I were there all the time! This type of diverse situation was great to experience - and will make me much more comfortable in the future.
The afternoon was spent in the 4th grade room. This was a strange afternoon for these students as well in that it was a "reward" day. The students who have completed their reading logs for the month were able to have a "games" day. I spent the afternoon on recess duty - then playing with the students. The whole 4th grade was involved which was different than I was used to. I was able to relax and enjoy spending time with some former students, as well as getting to know some new students. For a last day as a sub - this was definitely a unique one. I felt more comfortable working with many different students - in more informal types of ways. I think I learned a lot from this day about classroom management - as well as going with the flow sometimes!

Release Time Day 6

This particular release day was scheduled to be split between 2 teachers again. One of the teachers was in the Autism room, the other was a 5th grade teacher. Since I had previously worked in these classrooms I was less nervous. The students were more familiar with me, which put them at ease as well. In the autism room, I was better able to accommodate the students since I was more familiar with their routines and schedules. Many of them remembered me, and were pleased to see me again. As always, their teacher left detailed plans that made my life a lot easier. The last thing I would want in a room such as this one is to be unprepared. It was nice to experience the life of a special educator - since that is my goal for the future. I was able to use the goals designed in their IEP's to plan and document their progress. I had a little glimmer into what my future might be like. The other teachers in the room were also extremely helpful in making this successful for myself and the students.
This time around with the 5th grade class I felt right at home. Their teacher left me wonderful plans - which I tried to follow exactly. We learned about similies and metaphors and had a great time creating figures of speech of our own. The class felt comfortable with each other, as well as myself. We were able to joke and laugh, while learning at the same time. This experience made me value being a teacher again - and really look forward to having a classroom of my own!

Release Time Day 5

My fifth day subbing was an all day experience. I was able to sub/release the teacher that I interned with in the previous semester. Full-time teaching is an exhausting experience, especially as a substitute. However, this class has already experienced me teaching full-time which relieved some of the pressures. It is amazing to me how much can change in a classroom when you have been away from it for a day, let alone a few weeks. I had to refamiliarize myself with the class schedule and needs of the students. There is another full time teacher, as well as a participant from the 5-year program in the class. The teachers are all flexible and can easily switch off roles in order to make the day flow easier. I was able to experience the full day, including recess duty, which made the process more meaningful. The students were happy to have me back in the room, and had many questions as to where I had been. The hardest part is explaining to them why you can't be there all the time anymore, and that you have new responsibilities. I definitely wanted to make it clear that I wanted to be there all the time - but that my new schedule doesn't allow for it. I would love to be their teacher again - I miss seeing and working with them everyday. These subbing days have allowed me to reconnect with the class, and the school as a whole again!

Release Time Day 4

My 4th release day was for a general educator in the 4th grade, as well as for a special educator who serves students from 3rd-5th. I was able to teach/co-teach with students that I was very familiar with. This was an interesting experience because I was able to see the class from two different teaching perspectives. I was releasing these 2 teachers so that they were able to have time to plan together. I worked in a 4th grade classroom during the reading block - which is designed around stations and guided reading groups. I was able to see small group instruction, whole group instruction, and independent work. The class works like a well oiled machine - all the students know where they are supposed to be and when. The plans were easy to follow and the students were very cooperative. I loved working collaboratively with other teachers - it made the day seem to fly by. It is always nice to see a familiar face when subbing - whether it be the students or other teachers. I feel like I can take a lot from these experiences and apply them to either future subbing positions - or hopefully a full time teaching position.

Release Time Day 3

My third day of release time was broken up between two teachers. The first teacher was an Autism teacher, the second was a 5th grade teacher. I was releasing these teachers so that they could have time to plan together since they co-teach a portion of their day. My experiences in the Autism room were eye-opening. I learned a lot about different types of learners, and their unique needs in the school. Everything in the autism room must be hands-on and stimulating. They also rely heavily upon routine, and I tried to make myself as accommodating to them as possible. The released teacher left detailed plans, and her room/materials were very accessible. Once the students got over the initial shock of having a new teacher, they were very accepting. We worked on reading, and math skills that were explicit in their Individualized Education Plans. The students need many sensory breaks, as well as rewards for their efforts. Some students prefer chewing gum as a reward, others like 3 minutes of "swing" time. I quickly learned the value of prompting. The students ask very often what activity is coming next. They have a serious fixation with the clock! I can honestly say that I learned as much, if not more, from them as they hopefully did from me!
The second teacher I released was a part of the 5th grade team. I took over during the reading block time. I was sure to arrive early to discuss plans and routines with the teacher so that the students could remain focused. I was very please with the cooperation of the class. I know how easy it can be to manipulate substitutes. I have never worked with this class, or these students before, and they respected me as if I were their full time teacher. We were able to spend time in the computer lab, as well as reading and discussing in the classroom. The class was very involved and engaged in the material - which made my job a lot easier!

Release Time Day 2

My second release day for teachers was another major success! I was fortunate to be placed in the classroom of my internship again, so there were no unforeseen circumstances. I was subbing for a half day, in the morning, to release the teacher for planning time. After all the snow, and make-ups, this was a challenge to schedule. I was happy to see the students, as well as the other teachers. This particular class is set up in an unusual way. There are 2 full time teachers, and 1 special educator who participates in the reading block. The class has an amazing student:teacher ratio - and a lot of the work is set up for small group instruction. It is nice to take over a group and help the students work on the skills that are lacking for them. I was able to work with a participant in the program, and observe her teaching. It was nice to watch someone else in the program grow and develop in their own teaching style. This classroom has diversity in many forms - which makes every day an adventure. I was able to follow the lesson plans and routines very easily, thanks to my former host teacher! As always, I enjoyed the time spent in the classroom doing hands on activities and learning with the students!

Release Time Day 1

My first subbing day was for a 4th grade teacher - who happened to be one of my host teachers during my internship. It was really great to see the class again and get back into the routine of teaching. Since I already knew the format of the lesson plans and the schedule of the classroom I didn't run into any major obstacles. The students, as well as the other teachers in the collaborative classroom, made it very easy for me. I spent a lot of time catching up with the students and the other teachers, and I was glad to be back! Since it was only a half-day, I spent the morning preparing myself to be back in the class. I made sure to arrive early so that I could chat with the classroom teacher and get lessons/routines squared away. All in all, I would say that my first day was definitely a success, and it was a nice stepping stone into the "world" of subbing!!