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!