Unknown

I was recently asked to give an example of my adaptability.  Well, I can't think of a job that requires adaptability as much as a substitute teacher.  Each day I go to a new school with new students and new curriculum.  I come into work with no idea what the day will be like.  I get to my desk where hopefully there is a sheet of paper with written instructions.  If I'm lucky, I get a few minutes to review the instructions and material before students come in and it's show time.  Other days I'm arriving as the students come in the classroom and have to teach as I read.   Even when I'm in a familiar classroom with familiar students, I still have no idea what the day will bring.  A lot can happen in a classroom between visits.

Today, my online assignment was to cover "elementary teacher" with no specific grade level.  Interesting.  This could mean anything.  I signed-in at the office and found out I would be covering classrooms while the teachers were released for peer observations.  I started in a fifth grade classroom where thankfully the teacher promised to take attendance before she left the classroom (see former blog!).  I showed the students this video to introduce the students to Read Across America Day and read Dr. Seuss books out loud.  Super fun.  Super easy.  Then I trekked to the fourth grade portable where I watched the students finish their writing prompts and supervised transition time to other classrooms.  During my break in covering teacher's classrooms, I wound up in the kindergarten classroom listening to individual students read to me from their little books.  Super cute! Finally, I ended the day back in the fifth grade classroom where I started.

Although every day begins with the unknown, I have loved everyday I have worked.  Each day brings a new adventure.  I really haven't had a bad day yet.  Most classes are really helpful to subs and I love meeting all the new students and seeing the different schools.  Whether I'm covering a vacation, a meeting, an appointment, or a sick day, I have learned to go with the flow and embrace the unknown.