For Substitutes
Substitute Pay Rates
Guest Teachers
- Short-Term $140 full day/$70 half day
- Long-Term $232 full day/$116 half day
Substitute Assistants (Regular Education)
- Short-Term $14.50 per hour
- Long-Term $16.00 per hour
Substitute Assistants (Special Education)
- Short-Term $16.50 per hour
- Long-Term $17.50 per hour
School Nutrition Substitutes
- $14.50 per hour
Substitute Custodians
- $14.50 per hour
Substitute Stipend
Guest Teachers and Substitute Assistants can also earn an additional stipend for their total of non-long-term days worked each semester, in addition to their daily wage. The stipend will only be paid to Guest Teachers and Substitute Assistants actively employed on the last day of the semester in which they are eligible for the stipend.
Days Worked | Guest Teacher | Substitute Assistants |
10 or less | $0 | $0 |
11-19 | $150 | $75 |
20-29 | $300 | $150 |
30-39 | $450 | $225 |
40-49 | $600 | $300 |
50-59 | $750 | $375 |
60-69 | $900 | $450 |
70-79 | $1050 | $525 |
80 or more | $1200 | $600 |
Substitute Handbook 2024-2025
For Guest Teachers and Substitute Assistants
- Welcome
- 2024-2025 School Board Members
- Administration Building
- District Directory
- Calendars
- Items of Interest
- Pay Periods and Dates
Welcome
We are happy you have chosen to work with our district as a Guest Teacher and/or Substitute Assistant.
The work we ask you to do can be demanding but rewarding, and the calls may come at the last minute, but if you love variety and flexibility, you will truly enjoy subbing for us!
The goal of this Handbook is to provide you with general information. If you have any general questions, please contact the Talent & Culture Department. For school-specific questions, please contact the building Administrative Assistant.
2024-2025 School Board Members
Name | Office | Term Expires |
---|---|---|
Joshua Dickerson |
Treasurer | 2025 |
Katie Felch |
Member | 2024 |
Shannon Grabko |
Clerk | 2025 |
Lindsey Lewitzke |
President | 2025 |
Member | 2025 | |
Larry Schaefer |
Member | 2024 |
Yee Leng Xiong |
Vice President | 2026 |
Regular School Board meetings are held at the Administration Building, Rita Kasten Conference Rooms, 6100 Alderson Street, Weston, WI 54476.
Administration Building
District Directory
Calendars
Items of Interest
Absence Excuses (Elementary)
Some students may bring an excuse slip to you, signed by a parent. All excuses should be handed in to the office.
Additional Assignments
Be sure to check with the principal or team leader (depending on which school you are in) to determine if the teacher you are replacing has an assignment other than classroom duty. This additional assignment could be study hall, recess duty, lunch duty, resource room, or a field trip. These duties become your duties unless other arrangements have been made. When you substitute for more than one (1) teacher at the Senior High School, be sure to get a schedule of all duties from the assistant principal or the main office secretary.
Anaphylaxis
It is the policy of the District to provide a safe environment for all students, including students with a known, anaphylactic allergy. The District works with students, parents/guardians, and medical practitioners to minimize the risk of exposure and to provide a positive educational environment for students with an anaphylaxis. Therefore, removing nut containing ingredients and latex from the classroom environment is encouraged at all grade levels.
Alternate Lunch (Elementary)
When completing your morning attendance on a sub attendance roster which is provided by the administrative assistant in the front office, please also include the lunch count. Please get a total number of students who are eating regular hot lunch for the current day (see menu provided by the teacher - 1st choice listed for that day) and place that on the line "Today's Regular." See the menu for the following day's alternate lunch option (on the menu the regular option is listed first and if there is an alternate it will have an OR between the two options). Please ask the class which students would like the alternate choice for the following day and put that number on the line "Tomorrow's Alternate." Alternate lunches are usually an option for students in grades 2-5, though that may be slightly different at each school. If no alternate is available for that grade, the secretary should mark that accordingly. Ask the students who would like breakfast the following morning - again on the menu but you need to look at the following date on the calendar and put that number on the "Tomorrow's Breakfast" line. If you have any questions, please ask the administrative assistant in the front office.
Attendance Records
Be sure to take attendance in keeping with the policy of the building. Attendance is taken both in the morning and the afternoon at the elementary level, and per class period at the secondary level. If you have questions about when to take attendance, or how to report it, ask another teacher or an administrator.
Bullying
All school staff members and school officials who observe or become aware of acts of bullying in violation of Policy 5517.01 are required to report these acts to the building principal or assistant principal, or the Superintendent. Reports of bullying may be made verbally or in writing and may be made confidentially. All such reports, whether verbal or in writing, will be taken seriously and a clear account of the incident is to be documented. A written record of the report, including all pertinent details, will be made by the recipient of the report.
Class Lists
A class list will be provided to the Guest Teacher with the appropriate information to carry out their assignment.
Class Schedules
You should find the class schedule on the teacher's desk or posted prominently near the door. Please do your best to keep to the schedule.
Crisis Situations
All schools have a safety/crisis plans prominently displayed in each classroom. Please review these procedures and ask a teacher or administrator clarifying questions (or to report that a plan is not available). Classroom doors should remain locked at all times.
Employee Benefits
Because D.C. Everest does not use a staffing company to hire our substitutes, all substitutes are considered district employees and could be eligible for the following benefits:
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
- Any employee reported to have worked over 880 hours in a rolling 12 month period will be automatically enrolled in the WRS.
- Once enrolled, you will never be unenrolled as long as you continue working.
- For 2023, the contribution rate is set at 6.8% of your income; the District also matches this contribution rate. For 2024, the contribution rate is set at 6.9% of your income; the District also matches this contribution rate.
Life Insurance
- Once enrolled in the WRS, you will be eligible for Life Insurance.
- One times your annual gross income of coverage can be provided at no cost to you, and you will have the option of purchasing additional units.
- This is a group term life policy that allows you to enroll in coverage up to five times your annual gross income with the option of spouse/dependent coverage.
403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuities (TSA)
- You have the option of opening a TSA account with an approved vendor to save and/or invest before-tax and/or after-tax dollars for retirement via payroll deductions.
- Contact Talent & Culture for the list of approved vendors.
457 Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Plan (WDC)
WDC gives you the option to save and invest before-tax and/or after-tax dollars for retirement via payroll deductions.
Learn more on the WDC website.
Any questions regarding these benefits can be sent to Riana Mefferd, Benefits Specialist.
Employee ID Badges
All substitutes will be issued employee ID badges. You are required to wear them whenever you are working on district property. If you do not have an employee ID badge or if you lose it, contact the Technology Department ASAP. Substitutes may use their employee ID badge as their free pass to home sports events (excludes tournaments and playoffs).
End of Day Procedures
Leave a note for the teacher/assistant explaining what was covered, problems, etc. Straighten up the room. Check out in the main office and sign out on the Substitute Sheet with your accurate start and end times for the day.
Fire Drill
Every room in the district will have directions for a fire drill posted near the door or at the front of the room. Look for these directions. Each principal will provide the specific information for all emergency procedures. State Law requires that at least one fire drill be held each month; it could happen when you are in the building.
Grades
Under normal circumstances you will not be required to give students a grade for a grading period.
Should you substitute long-term, please check with the principal about grading policies and requirements. Long-term Guest Teachers should grade student work by following the procedures and policies of the district, department, and teacher.
Hours of Duty
Below is the normal workday for Guest Teachers. Guest Teachers may have hours somewhat different depending on duties, etc. Guest teachers may be allowed to leave the building when work is completed. (This would include responsibilities such as information to regular teacher about how the day went, grading information, etc.) All Guest Teachers are now paid on a half day (4.5 hours) or full day (8 hours) basis.
The student day is: | |
Senior High | 7:28 to 2:40 |
Junior High | 7:40 to 2:58 |
Middle School | 7:20 to 2:32 |
Odyssey | 7:40 to 2:40 |
IDEA School | 7:45 to 2:35 |
Hatley | 8:45 to 3:40 |
Evergreen | 8:45 to 3:40 |
Mountain Bay | 8:45 to 3:40 |
Riverside | 8:45 to 3:40 |
Rothschild | 8:45 to 3:40 |
Weston | 8:45 to 3:40 |
The Guest Teacher day is: | |
Senior High | 7:00 to 3:00 |
Junior High | 7:15 to 3:15 |
Middle School | 6:50 to 2:50 |
Odyssey | 7:20 to 3:20 |
IDEA School | 7:20 to 3:20 |
Hatley | 8:00 to 4:00 |
Evergreen | 8:00 to 4:00 |
Mountain Bay | 8:00 to 4:00 |
Riverside | 8:00 to 4:00 |
Rothschild | 8:00 to 4:00 |
Weston | 8:00 to 4:00 |
For Substitute Assistants, the scheduled workday will vary by assignment and can be found in the absence information in Frontline.
Late Reporting Times
If school is scheduled to start later than normal for any reason, substitutes are to report to work at the specified time. Substitutes should listen to and watch the local news/media outlets for information regarding late starts. For example, if it is related to inclement weather and there is a two-hour delay, then the substitute should report two hours later that the original scheduled start time. If the substitute is scheduled for a partial day, the substitute should contact the main office to determine your report time.
Lesson Plan
All teachers should have lesson plans available to the Guest Teacher. Many have their lesson plans uploaded into Frontline but should also have a copy available on the desk. If you are unable to find them, please ask in the office. These plans should be written clearly enough so that you can teach them, using whatever teachers' guides (or direction books) are available. If the plans are not available, or you are unable to follow them, please see the principal or another teacher.
Liability
Substitutes, like all full-time and part-time teachers, are liable for whatever happens to students. The district carries liability insurance to cover all of its employees. However, in no way does this insurance excuse you from personal negligence or improper conduct. State law is very specific in requiring districts to supervise all children at all times and to provide a "safe place" for the children entrusted to its care. We ask your help in carrying out this charge.
Licensing
All Guest Teachers are required to be appropriately licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Instruction (DPI). Please send the Talent & Culture Department a copy of your Teacher License and/or Substitute Teacher License.
Directions on how to access a PDF copy of your license certificate:
To verify all license data is correct and to print your personalized certificate, please log into ELO. Once you have logged in, go to the “Manage Your Existing License(s)” section of the Quick Start Menu and find “Print License Certificate” in the drop-down menu. Note, if you have more than one license, you will need to “Print License Certificate” for each separate one. WI DPI highly recommends you retain a copy of each current license certificate for your own records since it is not possible to print an expired license.
Email the PDF(s) as an attachment(s) to Kristy Eder If you are unable to save the PDF and email it, please print a copy and send it to the Administration Building
Lunch Time
Each substitute that works a full day is entitled to one-half hour of duty-free time to eat lunch. Review the schedule, lesson plans, or check with the principal to determine when your lunchtime is scheduled. Each administrative assistant will offer short-term substitutes a complimentary school lunch ticket (good for that day only) for one free adult school lunch. At the elementary level, please let the administrative assistant know your option of Choice 1 or Choice 2 to assist in food planning for the day. Ala Carte items are not included or in place of this ticket.
Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse or Neglect
Wisconsin law requires all employees of Wisconsin public school districts to report suspected child abuse and neglect, Wis. Stat. sec. 48.981(2)(a)16m. The CPS Intake number is 715-261- 7556. Please document that you made the call and notify the principal and/or school counselor.
Money
It may be necessary for you to collect money from the students for any one of a host of reasons. Please do not leave money in the room! At your first opportunity, count the money and turn it in to the main office. The administrative assistant will secure it for you.
No-Substitute Required
In the event that a Guest Teacher reports for work at a building to substitute for a position that does not require a substitute (ex. Frontline error), the Guest Teacher will either be: 1) assigned to a different substitute position in the building or different building, or 2) issued substitute teacher pay for a maximum of a half day for that particular substitute assignment, and release for that day of work.
Non-Instructional Duties
All teachers may have non-instructional duties, which may be before, after, or during school hours. Be sure to find out about these and report to these duties.
Pay
Short-Term Guest Teacher Pay
Each Guest Teacher will be paid on a half day (4.5 hours) or full day (8 hours) basis and the principal will determine the workday assignment of each Guest Teacher. The workday assignment of each Guest Teacher may include, but is not limited to, the following activities: supervising lunch, study hall, detention, recess, etc. Each Guest Teacher will be expected to fill the responsibilities of the regular teacher.
2024-2025 Short-Term Rate
Half day - $70
Full day - $140
Long-Term Guest Teacher Pay
A Guest Teacher becomes a “Long-Term Substitute” when they continue to teach in the same position or assignment for more than five consecutive full days. When this occurs, they will be paid the long-term rate beginning with the sixth day of the assignment. The long-term Guest Teacher will receive a “Long-Term Substitute Agreement” and sign in and out daily in the school office. The principal is responsible for entering the long-term substitute request into the online system when applicable.
A Guest Teacher also becomes a long-term substitute when Talent & Culture knows in advance that they are being called upon for long-term duty (five or more days) and will be expected to fill the responsibilities of the regular teacher. When this occurs, they will be paid the long-term rate beginning with the first day of the assignment. The long-term Guest Teacher will receive a “Long-Term Substitute Agreement” and sign in and out daily in the school office. The principal is responsible for entering the long-term substitute request into the online system when applicable. A long-term Guest Teacher who is working when parent conferences are scheduled and is requested by the principal to attend conferences outside of the regular school day, is expected to work this time as part of the Long-Term Substitute Agreement. The long-term Guest Teacher will be paid an hourly rate for the additional hours outside of the regular school day.
2024-2025 Long-Term Rate
Half day - $116
Full day - $232
Short-Term Substitute Assistant Pay
Each Substitute Assistant will be paid on an hourly basis. Each Substitute Assistant will be expected to fill the responsibilities of the regular assistant.
2024-2025 Short-Term Rate
Regular Education/English Learner Assistant - $14.50 per hour
Special Education Assistant - $16.50 per hour
Long-Term Substitute Assistant Pay
A Substitute Assistant becomes a “Long-Term Substitute” when they continue to work in the same position or assignment for more than five consecutive full days. When this occurs, they will be paid the long-term rate beginning with the sixth day of employment. The long-term Substitute Assistant will then receive a “Long-Term Substitute Agreement” and sign in and out daily in the school office. The principal is responsible for entering the long-term substitute request into the online system when applicable.
A Substitute Assistant also becomes a long-term substitute when Talent & Culture knows in advance that they are being called upon for long-term duty (five or more days) and will be expected to fill the responsibilities of the regular assistant. When this occurs, they will be paid the long-term rate beginning with the first day of the assignment. The long-term Substitute Assistant will receive a “Long-Term Substitute Agreement” and sign in and out daily in the school office. The principal is responsible for entering the long-term substitute request into the online system when applicable.
2024-2025 Long-Term Rate
Regular Education/English Learner Assistant - $16.00 per hour
Special Education Assistant - $17.50 per hour
If you have any questions regarding your pay, please contact the Payroll Department at extension
1320 (Pamela Knowles) or 1246 (Angela Garske). Substitutes are paid biweekly (two weeks in arrears).
For the 2023-2024 pay periods, see page 14.
Principal
The principal in each building is there to help you. Any problems you have with your assignment should be called to their attention immediately. Be sure to check in and sign the substitute sign-in sheet in the main office when you arrive. This will give the administrative assistant a chance to give you keys, technology device, special instructions, or tips you may need before you start to work. Be sure to check out with the main office and sign the substitute sign-out sheet at the end of the day. Leave the keys, technology device, and any information that the regular teacher/assistant may need for the next day. Please convey any concerns you have about your assignment to the principal. They are one of the few contacts between you and the district. If things are not going well, we want to know. We want you to be happy and satisfied when you are working for us.
Printing
Short-term substitutes do not have printing access. If you need something printed, please ask the administrative assistant to print it for you. Long-term substitutes will have printing access tied to their employee ID badge.
Related Arts, Elementary
All elementary classrooms are served by additional teachers in art, music, library, guidance, and physical education. Check your daily schedule to determine the time when these teachers will be in your room. You do not need to remain in the classroom when the related arts teachers are there. Oftentimes it will be necessary for you to escort your students to/from the gym, music room, art room, etc. Please be careful to return to the room promptly, so that you are there when the related arts teacher is ready to leave. They have very tight schedules and cannot be expected to wait for you to return.
School Closings
If school is called off for any reason prior to reporting time, substitutes are not to report to work and will not be paid. Substitutes should listen to and watch the local news/media outlets for information regarding school closures.
School Counselor's Role, Elementary
All elementary schools are served by a School Counselor. The School Counselor may be scheduled to work with your students on a day when you are substituting. Sometimes this work involves the entire class, other times it may involve only a small group. If a student makes a statement of harm to self, call the main office or School Counselor immediately. Do not leave the student unattended.
Students with special needs
Some of our students receive services from Special Education teachers and/or assistants. Please make sure to help the students keep their scheduled appointments. Many times this will be in the teacher’s notes. If you have questions, please ask the building principal or administrative assistant.
Staff Injury
As a District employee, you are required to report all accidents or injuries that you sustain while in the course of your employment. It is required that you report any injuries to your designated supervisor by the end of the day on which the injury occurred. It is required that staff members injured on the job must promptly complete an accident report form. Your safety is our primary responsibility, and the District wants to make every effort to make sure that its staff receives proper medical attention, if necessary. The failure to report an injury on the day that it occurs will subject the District to increased cost in our Workers Compensation Program. Safety is everyone's responsibility and being accountable to report injuries or accidents is mandatory. If you are injured on the job, be certain to discuss the incident with the principal so that the required documentation can be completed.
Student Illness
Students who become ill during the day are to be sent to the Health Assistant in the building. If you are unsure whether a Health Assistant is available, send the student to the main office with a note or phone call. You may want to send another student to accompany the ill student. You should not leave your classroom unattended unless it is absolutely necessary. Please remember it is better to be on the safe side.
Student Injury
Any injury to a student under your care should be handled as though it were an illness (above). You should not move a student that may have a head or back injury, or a suspected broken bone. In these cases, contact the Health Assistant or main office immediately. In the case of any injury, no matter how minor, be sure to report by phone call to the Health Room and/or main office.
Student Safety
The school is legally responsible for providing the safety of the students. No student should be left in any location without adequate supervision. For example, students should not be allowed to remain in the classroom or in the IMC without supervision while the teacher eats lunch in another location. Employees are responsible for supervision of the halls. Employees should be present in the hall or doorway while students are entering and leaving. All transitions of students should be supervised.
Student Discipline
Teacher effectiveness and purposeful, well-planned activities are prerequisites to good discipline. Most students will exhibit appropriate behavior when they perceive the teacher is competent, consistent, fair, and supportive of school policies. The following guidelines should contribute to effective discipline:
- Establish fair, workable, consistent, and educationally productive procedures by which the classroom and other areas of learning will operate, based on an analysis of the program, the maturity level of the students, and their needs, abilities, and interests.
- Plan and conduct learning activities that contribute to accomplishing specified objectives and goals, stimulate and encourage application of thought, and require the active participation of the students. Students should be provided with engaging opportunities to process and apply the information.
- Help set the tone for good discipline by modeling the behaviors expected of students.
- Inform students of the high expectations regarding discipline and persist in their fulfillment.
- Initiate parental conduct where appropriate and necessary.
- Support District and building administrators in disciplinary matters and avoid undermining the supervisory guidelines.
Technology
Some teachers utilize digital resources in their class lessons. If the teacher's lesson plans include digital resources and you need assistance, please check with the administrative assistant in the main office first. You may then need to check with the IMC Specialist or another teacher.
Time Called
We use an absence management system called Frontline. The computer will call starting at 5:00 am and will continue calling until all jobs are filled or approximately 12:00 pm. The computer will again start calling at 3:00 pm through 10:00 pm to fill upcoming jobs. It is highly recommended that you log in or call into Frontline to check on job availability and not wait for the computer to call. If you have questions regarding Frontline, please email Cindy Hall.
Tornado Drill
Each school will provide specific information for all tornado procedures.
Pay Periods and Dates
Pay Period Dates |
Pay Date |
|
---|---|---|
Beginning | Ending | |
6/2/24 |
6/15/24 |
6/28/24 |
6/16/24 |
6/29/24 | 7/12/24 |
6/30/24 |
7/13/24 | 7/26/24 |
7/14/24 |
7/27/24 | 8/9/24 |
7/28/24 |
8/10/24 | 8/23/24 |
8/11/24 | 8/24/24 | 9/6/24 |
8/25/24 |
9/7/24 | 9/20/24 |
9/8/24 |
9/21/24 |
10/4/24 |
9/22/24 |
10/5/24 | 10/18/24 |
10/6/24 | 10/19/24 | 11/1/24 |
10/20/24 |
11/2/24 | 11/15/24 |
11/3/24 |
11/16/24 | 11/29/24 |
11/17/24 |
11/30/24 |
12/13/25 |
12/1/24 | 12/14/24 | 12/27/24 |
12/15/24 |
12/28/24 |
1/10/25 |
12/29/24 |
1/11/25 |
1/24/25 |
1/12/25 |
1/25/25 |
2/7/25 |
1/26/25 |
2/8/25 |
2/21/25 |
2/9/25 |
2/22/25 |
3/7/25 |
2/23/25 |
3/8/25 |
3/25/25 |
3/9/25 |
3/22/25 |
4/4/25 |
3/23/25 |
4/5/25 |
4/18/24 |
4/6/25 |
4/19/25 |
5/2/25 |
4/20/25 |
5/3/25 |
5/15/25 |
5/4/25 |
5/17/25 |
5/30/25 |
5/18/25 |
5/31/25 |
6/13/25 |
6/1/25 |
6/14/25 |
6/27/25 |
6/15/25 |
6/28/25 |
7/11/25 |
6/29/25 |
7/12/25 |
7/25/25 |
7/13/25 |
7/26/25 |
8/8/25 |
7/27/25 |
8/9/25 |
8/22/25 |
8/10/25 |
8/23/25 |
9/5/25 |
8/24/25 |
9/6/25 |
9/19/25 |
9/7/25 |
9/20/25 |
10/3/25 |
9/21/25 |
10/4/25 |
10/17/25 |
10/5/25 |
10/18/25 |
10/31/25 |
10/19/25 |
11/1/25 |
11/14/25 |
11/2/25 |
11/15/25 |
11/28/25 |
11/16/25 |
11/29/25 |
12/12/25 |
11/30/25 |
12/13/25 |
12/26/25 |
12/14/25 | 12/27/25 | 1/9/26 |
12/28/25 | 1/10/26 | 1/23/25 |
D.C. Everest pays all employees by Electronic Deposit only.
Paystubs can be found by logging into Skyward "Employee Access"
Payroll Contacts:
715.359.4221
Pam Knowles: Ext. 1320
Angela Garske: Ext. 1246
Resources
Frontline
Manage your Preferences
Your schedule and call-time preferences determine how the system notifies you about potential jobs. You can enter Non-Work Days, specify which schools are preferred, and adjust call times to fit your schedule.
Non-Work Days: Are you going to be on vacation for a week this year? Or would you prefer to never be offered Friday jobs? You can enter "Non-Work Days" which tell the system that you do not want to be called for jobs on those pre-defined days.
Safety Measures
DCE Best Practice Safety Measures for all Staff
- All staff are required to wear school badges at all times.
- All staff need to keep their classroom doors locked at all times, door can be opened (best practice is to keep it closed), but needs to automatically be in lock mode if you were to shut your door.
- Classroom door windows are not covered/closed unless a lockdown is called.
- All outside doors remain closed and locked at all times and are never to be propped open.
- All visitors must report and sign-in at Main Office; they will be identified with pink visitor badge and lanyard in exchange for keys/identification.
- Staff who have a duty (bus, parent pick-up/drop-off, recess) must wear safety vest at all times.
- Walkies will be used during all outdoor duties.
- After school hours; only main doors should be opened, all other entry doors locked.
- We will use one point of entry for all visitors, the main doors.
- Each classroom/room needs to have the red/green card defaulted to RED.
- Maintain a crisis manual at the staff desk in every area/room of your organization.
- Any unaccompanied persons or persons without badges should be greeted with “How may I help you?” and escorted to the main office to sign in and receive a visitor badge if appropriate. Anyone not cooperating with the Visitor Policy should be considered an intruder.
- Fatal Funnel identified and marked.
- Furniture to block entry identified and marked.
- All teachers and staff—under supervision of the principal, assistant principal, head custodian, secretary, and kitchen coordinator—control access to campus by limiting and monitoring access points. All visitors and vendors must:
- Sign in at the main office and be issued visitor badges;
- Wear dated visitor stickers issued by main office staff except district staff displaying district-issued identification; and
- Have an appointment and be escorted by building official, or the teacher that has scheduled the visit.
Display on TV
Each classroom is equipped with a television and an AppleTV.
The AppleTV is mounted alongside of the television. A white light indicates it is powered on. You can either plug in directly to the television using a dongle (provided in each classroom) or you can wirelessly screen mirror from a MacBook or iPad.
Plug in Directly
Turn the television on with the remote control. Push the INPUT symbol to ensure that HDMI-2 is selected. There should be a wire from the television with a Dongle attached. Insert the USB-C plug into the side of your MacBook.
Display settings If when you connect to the television your display is very tiny, you will have to go into the MacBook’s System Preferences app, click on Display and select under “Optimize For”, select the classroom television.
Screen Mirroring from a Macbook
Turn the television on with the remote control. Push the INPUT symbol to ensure that HDMI-1 is selected. You should see a panel on the TV screen that displays the name of that AppleTV. From the menu bar of the MacBook, go to the control center icon (looks like a slider bars going in different directions). Go to “Screen Mirroring”. Select the Apple TV that matches the name on your television screen. It will ask you to enter a 4-digit code.
Screen Mirroring from an iPad
You or your students can also screen mirror from an iPad. Ensure that your TV input is HDMI-1. On the iPad, swipe down from the upper left hand corner. Tap on the screen mirroring symbol (looks like two screens overlapping slightly). Enter code to begin screen mirroring.
Staff Value in Subs
Arrive Early
Being punctual demonstrates professionalism and respect for the role and school Arriving early provides the substitute teacher ample time to familiarize themselves with the classroom environment, any materials or equipment that may be needed, and to mentally prepare for the school day.
Follow the Plan (stick to what the teacher has planned for the day)
It is essential to follow the lesson plans left by the regular teacher. This consistency ensures that students can progress seamlessly in their learning, without any disruption or confusion in the curriculum.
Read Through the Plan (yes, subs help with duties too)
Reading through the lesson plan and organizing oneself helps the substitute teacher to be well-prepared and to anticipate any potential challenges or questions students might have during the day. Be sure to cover any duties the teacher is responsible for also. This preparation allows for a more confident and effective execution of the planned lessons. The substitute teacher may also find it helpful to ask a colleague from the grade level or department for clarity when possible; DCE teachers and administrators are always willing to lend a hand.
Leave a Note (teachers like to know how the day went)
Leaving a note at the end of the day informs the regular teacher about how the day went, any notable occurrences, and the progress made by students. This communication helps the regular teacher understand the flow of the day and provides insights into areas that may need further attention or follow-up.
Have a Backup Plan (be prepared for the unexpected)
Sub plans are made with the best intentions, but don't be surprised if there are last-minute changes or challenges. Having a backup plan is crucial in case the original lesson plan isn't suitable for the class or any unexpected issues arrive during the day. A backup plan ensures that the learning process continues smoothly, even in the face of unforeseen circumstances, helping to maintain a productive and engaging classroom environment. Don't be afraid to ask for support; the main office is only a phone call away.
Classroom Management
Strategies for Effective Classroom Management
- Stay Calm: Keep your composure, even when faced with challenging behavior. Maintaining a calm demeanor can help de-escalate situations and maintain control.
- Build Relationships: Positive relationships build trust and respect. Be visible in the hallways during passing times, recess transitions, bathroom breaks, and dismissal time. Greet your students as they enter your classroom with enthusiasm to show your excitement for the day ahead.
- Address Issues Early: Deal with any issues promptly to prevent them from escalating. Early intervention can help maintain a positive classroom atmosphere. Don't be afraid to ask other teachers around you for help when dealing with challenging opportunities that will inevitably arise during the day.
- Use Positive Words: Communicate in a positive and encouraging manner, even when addressing behavioral issues. Positive language can help create a supportive learning environment.
- Praise Good Behavior: Acknowledge and praise students for their positive behavior and efforts. Positive reinforcement can encourage students to continue displaying good conduct. Some guest teachers like to have a special reward up their sleeve that is in addition to the teacher's behavior management plan.
- Offer Options: Provide students with choices when feasible. Allowing students to make decisions can foster a sense of responsibility and cooperation.
- Stay Close: Move around the classroom to monitor students and offer assistance to students. It is fine to have your cell phone with you to use when students aren't present, but refrain from texting and talking during instructional time with your students.
- Take Short Breaks: Incorporate brief breaks or activities to help students refocus their attention and prevent restlessness. Movement breaks and quick breathing exercises often refocus and energize the students.
- Respect Space: Respect students' personal space and treat them with consideration and respect.