Here are some ways you can successfully navigate Upper-Level ELA Assignments, as well as what to do if a question comes up and you don't know the answer.
Expectations and policies have already been discussed in your Sub Teacher Source Orientation. These slides are to provide additional resources to guest teachers for specific content areas.
If you need to review the New Sub Orientation post, please click here.
Be Prepared
- Check your assignment details for any notes or instructions left from the teacher.
- Arrive ON TIME to your assignment in order to review any notes or instructions before class begins.
Stick to the Plan
- Read the lesson plan or any notes left thoroughly and follow them.
- If you are to read certain directions for a lesson, be sure to do so. Some students require this support to complete assignments.
- The teacher may leave directions for students to work independently or in groups/partners.
Resources and Materials
- Check for any resources or materials students may be allowed to use
- This can include but is not limited to:
- Dictionaries
- Notes and notebooks/journals
- Books
- Electronic devices such as computers or ipad
- Again, read the plans. Follow the plan!
What if I Don’t Know The Answer?
As a guest teacher, you may not be able to answer every question a student may have. We understand that not everyone has experience with all subjects.
School Policies
In this case, don’t panic. Use your resources. Here are a few things to do in this instance:
- Check the lesson plan and notes from the teacher. They may have left notes of important school policies to follow.
- Ask your school office or admin. Check for a contact to reach out to them for clarification.
- Ask another teacher nearby. NEVER leave your class unattended. This could be during passing periods or lunch.
- Ask another student. Feel free to ask around the class. Often, teachers will leave names of trusted students. Of course, always use your best judgement.
ELA Content Questions
Use your resources. Here are a few things to do in this instance:
- Check the lesson plan and notes from the teacher. They may have left instructions of how to handle certain questions students may ask.
- Ask another student. Many students are willing to help you or another student out. Feel free to ask around the class. Of course, always use your best judgement to determine if their answer is legit.
- Ask another teacher nearby. NEVER leave your class unattended. This could be during passing periods or lunch.
- Leave a note with details explaining what the students struggled with. This will help the teacher troubleshoot when they return.
ELA Specific
- Check the curriculum, textbooks, and student notes for step-by step directions.
- Work together with the students to find the answer the question.
- Google or check Khan Academy for educational ELA resources and videos
- Work together with the students to find the answer the question.
- Use these moments as an opportunity to demonstrate to students how to problem solve.
- Modeling your thinking will teach students we don’t need to know all the answers, but that we can use our resources to find answers.