Authority in your class (Subs please answer too!)

How did you establish and maintain your authority to your students?

If you are a sub, can you tell me how you handle the students when they don't listen to you, knowing you are a sub.

Message edited 5/5/2007 8:30:14 PM.

Re: Authority in yuor class (Subs please answer too!)

Great question b/c it still comes up in class. I have some very hard headed kids and what I'm grateful for are the kids who are leaders of the class AND respect me. My biggest problem is that I am not always consistent with things and although they are little, they know that.

But they do know they don't want the look, they don't want me to speak to their moms and they don't want me to tell them how much I am disappointed with them. That and they like prizes.

Re: Authority in yuor class (Subs please answer too!)

It's very hard as a sub. You don't know the teachers rules and expectations. Usually I tell them the teacher is going to get a note, and if they are good, we can do something fun at the end of the day.

Re: Authority in yuor class (Subs please answer too!)

I start the year off by being very strict. I lay down the rules at the beginning and stick to them.

At this point in the year, things get a little more relaxed but the students also know I mean business when I look at them or stop and wait, etc.

BTW, I teach HS Special Education.

Re: Authority in yuor class (Subs please answer too!)

Havng done both (Sub and my own class), I can honestly say it's much harder to do this as a sub than it is in your own classroom. Once you have your own class, on day one - you est rules and consequences. One key: firm, fair, and consistent. As a sub, I was fortunate not to have major issues but if kids were bad, I would leave a note for the teacher.

Re: Authority in yuor class (Subs please answer too!)

I have this problem being a cluster teacher. I only see them once a week.


Most of the kids are not very good for me and it makes me feel like I have failed

Re: Authority in yuor class (Subs please answer too!)

As as sub I am having some difficulty. I have a leave replacement, however I teach teach with the other permenant teacher. But when they are out, some of the kids really give me a hard time and I have to raise my voice to have them listen. (Elementary PE)

When the other teacher was out I had a student actually admit that they are not listening because I am the sub.

I do keep telling myself it'll be easier when I have my own classes and I am their permenant teacher.

Re: Authority in yuor class (Subs please answer too!)

Re: Authority in your class (Subs please answer too!)

Re: Authority in your class (Subs please answer too!)

thanks for the reassurance. I left friday so discouraged and frustrated!

Re: Authority in your class (Subs please answer too!)