Subs have been in very short supply lately. Things have gotten so bad that nowadays when I'm told there's a co-teacher, I don't expect them.
(If there are normally two teachers in the room, the office is sure to pull the sub to cover for a class with one teacher who is out. If both teachers are out, they'll replace with one sub.)
So, even though the eighth grade English class was co-taught, I was expecting to be the lone adult in the room all day.
Another sub arrived before school. However, first period wasn't co-taught. She explained she was only covering first period for the co-teacher.
I had a brief flash of optimism. Would they period sub the co-teacher? But then I realized they had to cover her first period as she taught that class on her own.
Second period was the teacher's prep (and I was sent elsewhere).
I was surprised when a neighbor teacher showed up for the next class. (The sub shortage is so bad most full time teachers are covering a class on their prep period.) Was I actually going to have help all day?
Spoiler alert: I did have help until sixth period when they had to pull "my" sub to cover for a last minute absence.
In third period, my co-teacher was a history teacher. When the kiddos finished their English assignment, the history teacher had work for them to finish from her class. (I tell early finishers they can work on work from other classes.) It helped a lot with classroom control that many of them were her students, too.
When no one showed immediately for fourth period, I tried to focus on being grateful that I'd had help in the previous class. But then a teacher who works on the other side of campus arrived. Better late than never.
Fifth period knew the other sub pretty well. Ms. H told me she covers PE a lot (which is what she'd been covering all morning). Most of the kiddos knew her from that. (They liked her a lot more than me. Which was cool. They had all sorts of things to tell her.)
At the end of the day as I was checking out, the secretary asked if I was okay with the period subbing of the co-teacher. I was more than okay. Having that extra help is great, especially when both of the class' normal teachers are out. And especially at the middle school level.
Would you have enjoyed having a class taught by two teachers? Do you like having help with your work?
Today's A to Z Challenge post brought to you by the letter...
Subbing is quite a challenge, all right! Hope you're enjoying the A to Z.
ReplyDeleteWow, I don't recall if I ever had two teachers when I went to school. But I'm glad you got help. I know I get frazzled just handling my two kids. I couldn't imagine a classroom of them!
ReplyDeleteIt's a relatively new development. A class of 35 can be okay depending on the mix of personalities.
DeleteBonus day for you! Yes, two people to control the little hooligans is best.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a teacher for older kids (what we call "lycée" in France, teenagers from 15 to 18 years old), and we were 2 working together. And now I'm a teacher for teachers, working with a team. Always great to work with someone else!
ReplyDelete2 teachers could be an issue if the teachers don't get along but having one there to help out would be a good idea. This way one can teach and one can help if a student has a problem or issue
ReplyDeleteThat's generally how it goes. Many times they can switch off on who's doing the lecture and who's "helping".
DeleteYeah, I can't imagine it's fun corralling an entire class of middle schoolers (shudder).
ReplyDeleteco-teaching does make it easier, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteOh, it's so nice.
DeleteI would imagine that co-teaching would be way funner than solo.
ReplyDeleteI imagine co-teaching is a great experience as you can bounce off one another, and each take topics that you prefer
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Definitely.
DeleteI love when I have a teacher's aid to help with the kindergarten classes! I couldn't do it without them. I'm more of an upper elementary or middle-grade enthusiast. :)
ReplyDeleteYup. Those little ones...
DeleteHey stick with the kiddos they're worth it and they'll thank ya later. Its a challenge now but you know the coffees will see you through the sleepy mornings...
ReplyDeleteIn my entire career, solo work was always preferable. But I can see it being different working with kids. Be well!
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to have a tag team partner in teaching. Other fields, it would so depend.
DeleteI'm assuming the class was standard size? When I was in grade 4 and again in grade 5 I was in a double class (so 60 kids with 2 teachers). Hated it. Didn't learn a thing for those 2 years. If it had been a standard class with two teachers...that would have been a different story.
ReplyDeleteI think having the extra adult in the room would be a good thing so I would have appreciated being co taught or if I as a teacher to be a co teacher. Why so few subs? Or just that many needs?
ReplyDeletebetty
Interesting work environment.
ReplyDeleteWhat causes the shortage? Is it badly paid?
Answering your questions, I think it'd entirely depend on the quality of the "help", they might be great people or cause additional work for me.
For subs? Yeah, it's the pay.
DeleteI actually have two teachers for one class in the 10th grade. I bet it is cool to have two teachers tag teaming. Nice to have help.
ReplyDeleteWhat class was that? Yes, it is very nice.
DeleteI used to co-teach a class of about 25 girls at church (I realize it's not the same as school). I started in 3rd and followed the class through 4th and 5th grade before stepping down. My co-teacher played bad cop to my good cop. It worked pretty well. Clear the Clutter to Avoid Burnout
ReplyDeleteI would think teaching in a church setting would be harder, actually. There's not the expectation of required permeating the atmosphere.
DeleteYay for the co-teacher roster maker too! Happy days
ReplyDeleteOh yes. I told her I was so glad to have the help.
DeleteWe never had 2 full time teachers. We had a teacher student a couple times but they'd only come for a couple months then go back to classes I guess. Never seemed to be a problem from the student standpoint.
ReplyDeleteNo never had two teachers in one class at one time. I don't think it would work well, unless the class really warrants it in some way. I would like to have some help, but depends ultimately from where it is coming and what sort of help it is.
ReplyDeleteThese classes actually need the second teacher, as it's an inclusion class with special ed students.
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