Preparing for a Substitute


Motion), or the Wynton Marsalis series from PBS, available through just about any music company. Again, with this one, I would have questions ready that the kids have to fill out as they watch.

Those of you who teach ensembles have a little bit tougher job keeping your classes going. If you teach choral music and are lucky enough to have an accompanist, the substitute can be on hand for discipline purposes. Assign a reliable student conductor to fill in and go over selections with which your group is already familiar. (This works great for band and orchestra, too, without the need for an accompanist!) If you don't have an accompanist, it really is worth your while to have accompaniment tapes or taping your own accompaniment to your songs, then have the student conductor go ahead. Plan for several works. You really don't want the student to get too nit-picky into rehearsals, and since most octavos only last a few minutes, you might find your students with tons of time and nothing to do (especially if you're on block!) If you do theory along with your performance curriculum, smart person! There can always be theory review, composition, and other paperwork elements that can be on hand.

If you can possibly be reached by phone, leave a number.

Something I haven't done yet, but I should: if you know how to reach them, send a good sub a thank-you note. This is often a job that goes unappreciated,and it ain't easy! Tell the calling secretary (principal, or whomever) about any substitutes you had that just did not do a good job. (Warning: please don't be too picky. Realize that these people are walking into a strange situation to them). Nevertheless, here are some warning signs: 1)The other teachers in neighboring rooms complained about the noise and the students' attitudes after your class 2)Your substitute left no note whatsoever 3)Your more reliable students told you about activities that either sounded totally unrelated to your subject area or made you uncomfortable. Reserve the right to request that certain substitutes are not assigned to your classes. If your district has a shortage of substitutes, however, you will have to make the decision whether to tolerate the intolerable sub or tough it out at school.

Standbys Games for the Sub (also works great for reward days or when you have some classes ahead of everyone else)

Jeopardy To make this

The copyright of the article Preparing for a Substitute in Teaching Music is owned by Karen Stafford. Permission to republish Preparing for a Substitute in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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