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June 6, 2005
Learn the Skills it Takes to Be a Substitute Teacher at William Paterson University
To help prospective substitute teachers prepare themselves adequately to lead a classroom with a sense of self confidence, William Paterson University will hold a two-day substitute teaching seminar on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the auditorium of the University’s building at 1600 Valley Road in Wayne.
“The idea is to give the substitutes a ‘toolbox’ of ideas and materials they can take with them to school,” says Nancy Norris-Bauer, director of field experiences at William Paterson, whose department places student teachers into local districts. “The workshop is important because the 60 college credits a prospective substitute has earned might not have anything to do with teaching academic areas.”
The seminar is open to anyone who is interested in teaching in their local schools, as well as those who have already 60 college credits and have taught as substitutes and are seeking additional classroom skills. The seminar, which is appropriate for substituting at any grade level, will focus on gaining essential skills and confidence. Topics will include effective classroom management strategies, relevant school law, and practices and procedures. Sample lessons and learning activities will be provided as part of the workshop.
Participants will receive a certificate of attendance, a substitute teacher handbook, assistance with required paperwork and handouts on teaching and learning strategies. They will also learn about options for pursuing full-time teacher certification.
Registration is $150 for the two-day seminar and materials, and is on a first-come, first-served basis. A continental breakfast and lunch are also included. Check or money order should be sent in advance to the Office of Field Experiences, William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Road, Valley Road 3108, Wayne, N.J. 07470.
The seminar focuses on practical issues to prepare future substitutes for the classroom, a process which can take up to several months. Among the necessary paperwork is a county substitute certificate. To receive that certification, the candidate must undergo a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting. Next, the paperwork is submitted to and reviewed by the local board of education. The candidate meets for an interview with the superintendent of schools in the districts or districts to which they apply. Only then are they put on the approved list and are ready to work.
Other topics covered include school district expectations, and ways a substitute can be professional and make a good impression.
Subject knowledge is also important. Although substitutes can sometimes choose where to teach and which subject to teach, many times they are sent on a different assignment than they expected. Flexibility and grace under pressure are key characteristics of a good substitute teacher.
Particular focus is placed on classroom management skills. “The very best classroom management is good teaching,” says James Kane, the seminar instructor for William Paterson and a former superintendent of schools, who teaches several units of the seminar.
Norris-Bauer says the seminar will also give participants an introduction to school law, an important issue. Other critical topics deal with what to expect in a classroom, how to follow the absent teacher’s guidelines and tips on how to make the best use of time including fill-in activities.
“This seminar is a valuable experience for anyone thinking about going into teaching,” Kane says. “Participating in the program can give prospective teachers a set of skills and a sense of confidence necessary for success in the classroom.”
“The importance of a substitute teacher cannot be overestimated,“ says Norris-Bauer. “The quality of a substitute teacher is of critical concern to school districts.”
Currently, the demand for substitute teachers is growing, because the student population is expanding and many more classes need to be covered.
For additional information, please call the Office of Field Experiences at (973) 720-2109 or email norrisn@wpunj.edu.
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WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY 1855-2005: CELEBRATING 150 YEARS
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