Podcast Substitute Teachers Lounge by Greg Collins Episodes

Explore every episode of the podcast Substitute Teachers Lounge

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	Title	Pub. Date	Duration
	EOY Special: What Substitute Teachers Really Want to Say to Teachers	23 May 2026	00:16:47
Send us Fan Mail Here's what I wish teachers would do to make substitute teachers lives easier.
	Reboot - Things I've Done Wrong as a Substitute Teacher	18 Mar 2026	00:14:44
Send us Fan Mail A quick random refresher episode - things I've done wrong.
	Pocket ESPN and Missing Students: A Substitute Teacher's Comedy of Errors	20 May 2025	00:12:23
Send us Fan Mail Every substitute teacher knows that what works in one classroom might fail spectacularly in another. This revelation hit me hard recently when several teaching strategies I'd successfully employed with teenagers created unexpected chaos among elementary students.
	Teachers and Subs Are Making Things Difficult on Themselves	02 Apr 2023	00:17:15
Send us Fan Mail Here are some changes we can make to make our jobs as teachers and substitute teachers easier to manage.
	Substitute Teaching with a Co-Teacher; Like or No-Like?	26 Mar 2023	00:16:44
Send us Fan Mail Here's some things to keep in mind when a substitute teacher has been given a co-teacher.
	Substitute Teachers’ Students: Defiance vs Annoyance	19 Mar 2023	00:17:38
Send us Fan Mail Substitute teachers encounter both defiant and annoying students. Let's talk about how to handle each.
	Raucous Learning Tools for the Substitute Teacher	12 Mar 2023	00:17:17
Send us Fan Mail There are raucous learning games that your students will remember and want to play again.
	Keeping Teachers & Substitutes Out of Trouble	05 Mar 2023	00:16:09
Send us Fan Mail Teachers and substitute teachers don't go looking for trouble, but sometimes trouble finds them.
	There’s No Way I'm Going to Substitute Teach There!!	26 Feb 2023	00:17:44
Send us Fan Mail Sometimes you have reasons not to substitute teach at certain schools. Are they justified?
	Getting Moved- The Substitute Teacher’s Biggest Bummer	19 Feb 2023	00:16:30
Send us Fan Mail How should substitute teachers react when they're moved to a different class that they didn't sign up for?
	It Was the Best of Subs, It Was the Worst of Subs	12 Feb 2023	00:16:28
Send us Fan Mail Substitute teachers can learn a few things from the best subs, and what not to do from the worst subs.
	Substitute Teacher Lesson Plan Tweaks	05 Feb 2023	00:17:30
Send us Fan Mail There may be times when a substitute teacher will need to altar the teacher's lesson plans. Let's discuss.
	When Students "Game" Teachers and Subs	29 Jan 2023	00:17:21
Send us Fan Mail Let's discuss the ways students take advantage of, or “game" teachers and substitute teachers, and what we should do about it.
	Substitute Teacher Year-End Things You're Considering That You Shouldn't Be	13 May 2025	00:14:54
Send us Fan Mail The countdown to summer vacation has begun, with only two weeks of school remaining. As substitute teachers prepare to wrap up another academic year, the temptation to make certain end-of-year decisions looms large – but not all of these choices serve your long-term interests as an educator.
	WTD - Short Term vs Long Term Substitute Teaching	22 Jan 2023	00:17:15
Send us Fan Mail Let's discuss whether it's best to be a substitute teacher short-term or long-term.
	Student Discipline and the ISS Crutch	15 Jan 2023	00:16:27
Send us Fan Mail In-school suspension is always available. Let's talk about when the substitute teacher should use it.
	The Joy of Special Education and the Substitute Teacher	08 Jan 2023	00:16:04
Send us Fan Mail These ideas will help make teaching a special education class an enjoyable experience for the substitute teacher.
	The New "Dos and Don'ts" for Teaching	01 Jan 2023	00:16:01
Send us Fan Mail What are the new things teachers and substitute teachers should try as we progress through the year?
	The "Remembering Names" Tool No Substitute Teacher Should Be Without	25 Dec 2022	00:16:22
Send us Fan Mail Trouble memorizing names? Check it out!
	How Substitute Teachers Should Hedge Their Bets	18 Dec 2022	00:17:26
Send us Fan Mail Here's the precautions that substitute teachers should put in place to maximize their work days.
	Students Speak: Creating the Perfect Substitute Teacher	11 Dec 2022	00:16:14
Send us Fan Mail Students have thoughts about substitute teachers. (Parts recorded live)
	Substitute Teachers Don't Need No Stinkin' Help!	04 Dec 2022	00:16:49
Send us Fan Mail This is how substitute teachers should feel about having additional help in the classroom.
	Substitute Teaching for the Librarian - Or Not	27 Nov 2022	00:16:21
Send us Fan Mail This is what could happen when you substitute teach for the librarian.
	The 8am Substitute Teacher	20 Nov 2022	00:17:05
Send us Fan Mail 'Tis the season to obtain resources to make you a better substitute teacher.
	Interview with Substitute Teacher Felice from Texas	06 May 2025	00:18:47
Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what life is really like for substitute teachers navigating classrooms in today's educational landscape? This candid conversation with Felice, a substitute teacher from the Houston suburbs, pulls back the curtain on this vital yet often overlooked profession. Felice brings a remarkably diverse background to her role, having worked as a Department of Commerce geographic specialist and an air quality planner before eventually finding her way into education. After five years as a certified elementary teacher specializing in science, she transitioned to substitute teaching for the flexibility and variety it offers. Her unique perspective bridges the gap between full-time educators and substitutes, giving her valuable insights into effective classroom management and building meaningful connections with students. Throughout our discussion, Felice shares the genuine rewards of substitute teaching—from witnessing those "lightbulb moments" when concepts click for students to the freedoms of choosing when and where to teach. She doesn't shy away from the challenges either, addressing head-on the post-COVID behavioral issues many students exhibit, the frustration of missing lesson plans, and the need for flexibility when suddenly reassigned to different classrooms. Her story of improvising a 20-minute motivational talk when technology failed illustrates the quick thinking required in this role. What makes this episode particularly valuable is Felice's practical advice for both new and experienced substitutes. From how she maintains classroom order with brain teasers and proximity techniques to her philosophy of treating each assignment as a job interview, her strategies translate across grade levels and subject areas. Whether you're considering substitute teaching, are already in the classroom, or simply curious about education today, Felice's story offers both inspiration and actionable takeaways for creating positive learning environments despite the inherent challenges.
	It's Not My Job, I'm Just a Substitute Teacher	13 Nov 2022	00:17:09
Send us Fan Mail Is there any task that a substitute teacher should refuse to do?
	Are Substitute Teachers Judgmental by Nature?	06 Nov 2022	00:16:04
Send us Fan Mail How do you "size up" students as they walk into your classroom? Is that okay?
	The "Worst" Demotivator for Substitute Teachers	30 Oct 2022	00:15:58
Send us Fan Mail This is the demotivator substitute teachers may not realize is affecting them.
	The Substitute Teacher Great Mistake Coverup	23 Oct 2022	00:16:34
Send us Fan Mail How do we react when we make a mistake in the classroom?
	Students Using My First Name - the Horror!	16 Oct 2022	00:16:57
Send us Fan Mail In what settings is it okay for students to call you by your first name?
	"I'm Not Techno Savvy" Doesn't Cut It Anymore	09 Oct 2022	00:16:31
Send us Fan Mail Substitute teachers should know at least these basics about classroom technology.
	Cool New Tool - It's Time to Pass the Word	02 Oct 2022	00:16:52
Send us Fan Mail To help students retain classroom instruction, try this fun and entertaining tool.
	Should Substitute Teachers Specialize? I'll Take 6th Grade	25 Sep 2022	00:16:19
Send us Fan Mail Do you have favorite grades to teach? Maybe it's time to specialize.
	It Was My Best Substitute Teacher Day Ever!	18 Sep 2022	00:16:19
Send us Fan Mail What would have to happen to make one of your substitute teacher days your favorite day ever?
	Covid Emotions of the Positive Substitute Teacher	11 Sep 2022	00:15:43
Send us Fan Mail How do substitute teachers push forward from the emotional wipeout of becoming Covid positive?
	Substitute Teaching First Grade, What’s Going On?!	28 Apr 2025	00:17:56
Send us Fan Mail Breaking my own rule of "never below third grade," I recently stepped into a first-grade classroom as a substitute teacher and discovered a whole new world of teaching challenges and rewards. The experience was so transformative that I couldn't wait to share what makes seven-year-olds uniquely different from other elementary grades. First graders operate in a heightened emotional state that manifests in three primary ways. First, there's the crying – whether from playground injuries, perceived slights from classmates, or frustration with classroom tasks. I quickly learned to crouch down to eye level, acknowledge their feelings, and gently guide them forward without dismissing their emotions. Then comes the "creative storytelling" when they make mistakes. While my high school technique of "you'll get in less trouble for telling the truth" works with teenagers, first graders haven't developed that level of maturity yet. Finally, there's the constant neediness – a forest of raised hands, endless questions, and students hovering around your desk from the moment they arrive until dismissal. What surprised me most wasn't these challenges but how much I enjoyed navigating them. There's something refreshingly authentic about working with children who haven't yet learned to mask their feelings or needs. The connections formed are different than with older students – more immediate and unfiltered. Walking through the cafeteria to find students from various classes excitedly waving created a special kind of joy that made the challenges worthwhile. So much so that I immediately scheduled more first-grade assignments in the coming weeks. For substitute teachers who typically stick with older grades, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. You might discover, as I did, that the youngest learners offer unique rewards that change your entire perspective on teaching. And who knows? Maybe my upcoming kindergarten assignment (in my grandson's class, no less!) will provide even more insights for next week's episode.
	When a Stranger Calls...for a Substitute Teacher	04 Sep 2022	00:16:12
Send us Fan Mail Should a substitute teacher accept a job assigned by a stranger?
	The Fine Line Between Laidback and Pushover	28 Aug 2022	00:16:25
Send us Fan Mail Is there a difference between being laid-back and being a pushover?
	The Fine Line Between Strict and Jerk	21 Aug 2022	00:15:38
Send us Fan Mail Is it possible to be too strict with our students?
	Bellringers Are as Outdated as Quasimodo	14 Aug 2022	00:15:21
Send us Fan Mail What do substitute teachers know about bellingers that full-time teachers don't know?
	The Substitute Teacher Dress Rehearsal	07 Aug 2022	00:16:30
Send us Fan Mail As a substitute teacher, are you prepared for all situations, or will you instead make emotionally charged decisions?
	No Way I'm Reading THAT to my Students!	31 Jul 2022	00:15:12
Send us Fan Mail What should we do in our classes to capture the students' attention?
	Is It Time for Kangaroo Courts in the Classroom?	23 Jul 2022	00:12:32
Send us Fan Mail Should we allow student discipline to be decided by fellow students?
	Next-Level Substitute Teacher or Just Getting By?	16 Jul 2022	00:23:03
Send us Fan Mail What should you be doing to become a top level substitute teacher?
	Former Student Shares Personal Bullying Experiences	09 Jul 2022	00:23:08
Send us Fan Mail A former student discusses bullying in school. How should substitute teachers react to this information?
	The Most Misbehaved Students I've Ever Met	02 Jul 2022	00:24:43
Send us Fan Mail How should substitute teachers handle the chronic problem students?
	Navigating Substitute Teacher Jealousy: When Popularity Creates Tension	22 Apr 2025	00:16:57
Send us Fan Mail Substitute teaching comes with unexpected social dynamics that we rarely discuss openly. What happens when students loudly proclaim you're their "favorite substitute" while another sub stands nearby? Should you feel proud or guilty when teachers request you instead of other substitutes? Today's episode dives into these delicate situations and explores the sometimes awkward relationships between substitute teachers. I share personal experiences from my recent months in the classroom - moments when students approach me in hallways asking which class I'm teaching, teachers who express their preference for me over their assigned substitute, and the subtle (or not-so-subtle) tension these interactions create with other substitutes. Rather than feeling guilty about these moments of recognition, I've learned to appreciate them while remaining sensitive to how they might affect my substitute colleagues. The reality is that substitute teaching can sometimes feel like a competition, with certain subs developing reputations as the "cool" or "preferred" options. Like my past experiences as a volleyball referee, I've noticed how quickly this can create a hierarchy that breeds resentment. Instead of participating in this dynamic, I suggest focusing on building positive relationships with students, teachers, AND fellow substitutes. Remember that different personality types can be equally effective in the classroom - your authentic approach matters more than trying to be the most popular sub in the building. Looking ahead to summer, I'm excited to announce a new interview series featuring substitute teachers from our Facebook community! We'll gather perspectives from across the country (maybe even worldwide) to learn from each other's experiences. Make sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss these upcoming conversations with fellow subs who understand exactly what you're experiencing in the classroom.
	Please, Not Another Bully	25 Jun 2022	00:24:15
Send us Fan Mail How should substitute teachers best use their training concerning bullying in school?
	Substitute Teacher Summer Shopping List 2022 Style	18 Jun 2022	00:25:26
Send us Fan Mail Make sure you buy these items so that you're ready for August.
	Do Substitute Teachers Know How to Apologize?	11 Jun 2022	00:10:17
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever apologized to a student? Here's some reasons why you should.

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