DEAR EDITOR:
Congratulations to all the students, graduating 2004 seniors and
staff members of Gilroy High School.
DEAR EDITOR:
Congratulations to all the students, graduating 2004 seniors and staff members of Gilroy High School. It has been my pleasure for over three years to be a substitute teacher with Gilroy Unified School District. The majority of that time was spent subbing at Gilroy High. I’ve had the opportunity to work with hundreds of students and staff members. During those years I attended evening classes at San Jose State University, completed my student teaching and received my secondary credential.
I have been asked the question by many parents and students what qualifies you to be a substitute teacher. To work as a sub, one needs to have a college diploma, pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test, and pass a rigorous FBI background criminal record and fingerprint check, interview with the human resource department and pay your application fee.
The job of a substitute teacher is unique. Each day you face the challenge of working with more than 100 students. Each student has a different background and unique set of issues. My first assignment was at El Roble Elementary School. Early that morning I received a call from the district, they needed a sub to fill in for a sick second grade teacher. Lesson plans were quickly put together by another teacher and I was instructed to follow them exactly. I was in for the biggest shock of my life. There I was faced with 30 students, wondering who I was and what had I done with their loving teacher. After explaining the situation and assuring them I would only be here one day, the day went well. By the end of the day, I was dead tired. As the years passed subbing became easier, but each day still provided a challenge and a learning experience.
I learned that a pair of 38-inch waist pants will fit the waist of a 32 waist male student.
I learned that a girl that regularly wears a medium size T-shirt easily fits into a small T-shirt.
I learned that some kids seem to never have a pencil, pen or paper but have a great selection of musical CDs and a working cellular phone. These same students will ask if I have extra batteries.
I learned that most students are willing to help take roll, clean the board, pass out papers, make copies, and help other students with their work (thank you).
I learned that some students know more four letter words than I do.
I learned that a small bag of hot cheetos can feed an entire class.
I learned that a student in your classroom by using their cell phone can place a call to your classroom phone. Usually they want too wish you a happy day.
I learned that some students what to be treated special, otherwise you might hear from their parents.
I learned that a male AP Biology student can present a lecture on female sexuality and not get embarrassed (I gave him 110 points out of 100 possible points).
I learned that three AP Biology students working together overnight can put together a 45-minute presentation on the human digestive system (Another 110 points).
I learned that an AP Biology student can created an entire marine ecosystem from a bag of gummy worms (we ate it afterwards – bones and all).
I learned that two minutes before the start of class, a student can organize a student strike (they were all rounded up and sent to the discipline office).
I learned if I ask, do you have homework too turn in, I will get 10 different answers.
I learned some students forgot where they were assigned to sit.
I learned one of the first questions the students will asked, “Where is our teacher, did she run away or quit? (Before the students enter the classroom, sometimes I write on the board, “I DON’T KNOW.” This works for a lot of questions.)
I learned that a student can be 10 minutes late for class, but seem to manage a stop at Starbucks and balance a box of donuts as entering the classroom. (“Oh Hi Mr. Johnson, care for a donut?”)
I learned that a student can be 20 minutes late after the lunch bell rings, but the overwhelming odor of carnitas coming from a Styrofoam container carried into the classroom, was a good enough excuse to be tardy.
I learned in Algebra II that 1 + 1 does not always equal 2.
I learned in Mr. Rose’s debate class, don’t ask the “If Question.” The “If Question,” is one of my time fillers. If we have extra time, I will ask an “If Question” and have the class response verbally. For example, “What if gold had not been discovered in California, would California be the state it became in the late 1800s?”
I learned if I announced any one caught falling asleep would be sent to the nurses office for a physical exam, was a sure cure.
I learned if I announced any one needing to use the bathroom more than once this period would be sent to the nurses office for a bladder check, another cure.
I learned no matter how bad I mess up a lesson plan; I can laugh along with the students.
I learned a student can easily jump over the fence that surrounds the school grounds.
I learned a student can order pizza from his cell phone, go the restroom, and bring the pizza back to the classroom.
I learned that groups of student have different reasons for attending school.
Most importantly I learned that students come to school with a diversity of backgrounds (cultural, socioeconomic, academic, disability and ethnic). All I can do is try and be sensitive to their issues and concerns.
It was a great three years and I am looking forward to at least one more year as a sub. Special thanks to Mr. Bravo for allowing me to finish my student teaching, Mrs. Gillespie the high school office coordinator, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Kelly for overseeing my student teaching, my mentor for two years Mr. Kinoshita, the students that were in my student teaching classes, the students in the long term classes I subbed, and the 2001 sixth grade class at South Valley Middle School.
Alan Johnson, Gilroy
Submitted Sunday, June 13 to ed****@****ic.com
