Bad Timing

This is my 4th year of teaching, interrupted by a year of youth work. I had a contract for 2 years, and have been subbing for 2 years. Originally I was only going to be subbing for 5-6 months and then I was going traveling, but then I met Kelsey and that plan was bumped back a bit. Now, we're all set to get married in July and then go traveling together from September until June, which is way better than traveling alone.
This is all background to what I'm about to tell you. I live in a major centre, but have been teaching in the outlying areas until this year when I got on the sublist in the city. Subbing has gone really well. REALLY REALLY WELL, and now when I can't take it, I'm offered a full time contract for next year! It's a bit heart wrenching, but I'm confident that it's the right decision. I declined the contract and the board was surprisingly supportive. They said my recommendations speak for me and that they'll offer me again when they have the opportunity. It's good to be wanted.

T.

Apart from getting married

There are some other things going on in my life, and my old blog was too limiting and cumbersome for posting photos to keep you up to date, so I'm starting a new one.

Since my last post, a lot of things have happened.
I've had 2 temporary full time teaching contracts in Edmonton and have achieved my permanent professional teaching certificate. That's worth a congratulations, if I do say so myself. I'm back on the sublist, which is better than you'd think, most days. I've made some good connections at a couple schools that keep me pretty busy most of the time. Remember when you made your sub come unglued in Jr. High, and you'd switch seats and drive him/her to the brink of quitting? Well that doesn't happen very often to me. Partially because I'm getting pretty good at what I do, and partially because I see the same kids often and get to know them, and they get to know me. There are a few tricks of the trade:
1) Learn their names QUICK. Names are power. Study the seating plan if you can, and ask them their names on their way in. They'll never lie because they're too flustered to think of one. Then say "Nice to meet you, Zack".

2) Smile right away, and compliment them a lot. It makes them want to listen to you. If a kid has the Oilers logo drawn in white-out on his binder, make a comment about the Ryan Smyth trade. If they come in scowling or rude, tell them they remind you of one of your best friends, and the similarity is amazing.

3) Tell them they're going to have a good class, and that you're easy to get a long with. My opening speech almost always goes like this:
"Hey guys. Please have a seat and make yourselves at home. My name is Mr. Armstrong. (all hands go up) I'm not related to Lance, Louis, Billy-Joe, or Neil. (All hands go down. One kid whispers to a friend "Who's Billy-Joe?") Billy-Joe Armstrong? The lead singer of Green Day. (kid whispers again: "He's cool. He listens to Green Day") And on we go from there...

I've been playing my drums a bit more again, after a lengthy "sabatical" and have taken up running again.