Quote of the Month
"Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence." "
- Author Unknown   

Sub Suggestions -- A Free E-Newsletter from the Substitute Teaching Institute -- January 2009
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January Sub Suggestion: Getting a Permanent Job - Nine Things to do in 2009
For many of you, substitute teaching is a stepping-stone to what you really want - - a permanent teaching position. The following are nine simple things you can do now that will increase the probability of getting the position you want when the spring hiring season begins.

1. Make Contacts. Introduce yourself to school principals and other key personnel administrators.
2. Be Proactive. Let district personnel know that you would like to obtain a permanent teaching assignment in the future.
3. Be Available. Try to be available and willing to teach whenever and wherever you are needed. Your willingness to fill in, especially on short notice, will make a favorable impression on everyone at the school.
4. Be Professional. What you wear, what you say, how early you arrive, how late you stay, and how you handle difficult situations or assignments will speak louder than any resume.
5. Become Knowledgeable. Learn about the policies, procedures, mission statement, and learning programs used by the district.
6. Avoid Criticism. Anything negative you say about a student, class, school, or school personnel will eventually come back to haunt you. Stay positive and sincerely compliment others whenever possible.
7. Be Confident yet Teachable. Approach assignments with enthusiasm, teach like you know what you are doing, learn from mistakes, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
8. Ask for Evaluations. When appropriate, ask for positive evaluations or letters of recognition/support to be filed at the district office.
9. Go the Extra Mile. Go the extra mile to become part of the school community. Consider volunteering to help with an after school club or program. Attend school board meetings and special school events whenever you can.

Additional information and suggestions regarding being a professional substitute teacher can be found in Chapter 3 of the Substitute Teacher Handbooks.
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The Substitute Teaching Division of STEDI distributes resources for substitute teachers including the Substitute Teacher Handbook, Classroom Management audio CDs, and the SubInstructor eTraining program. You can order these materials online at stedi.org or by calling 1-800-922-4693.
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