Things Substitute Teachers Have to Change for Elementary School

Send us a textAll good things must come to an end. After six remarkable years and 301 episodes, I'm closing the door on the Substitute Teachers Lounge podcast. When I started this journey in November 2019, I was simply looking for a podcast that served substitute teachers—and finding none, decided to create one myself. Nearly 100,000 listens later, I'm humbled by how this resource has connected with the substitute teaching community.Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your support turned what statistics said would be a seven-episode experiment into a six-year adventure. Wishing you all the best in your substitute teaching careers!

Send us a textReaching the milestone 300th episode, I'm tackling a universal substitute teaching challenge that surprisingly hasn't been the central focus of any previous episode: getting reassigned after you've arrived at school.The moment when administrators approach with that apologetic look, asking if you'd mind switching to a different classroom than the one you accepted, triggers a range of emotions. Drawing from my nearly eight years in substitute teaching, I share two contrasting library reassignment stories—one where I felt valued for handling a challenging class another substitute abandoned, and another where I was disappointed to leave a carefully planned library assignment.nts? I'd love to hear your experiences!

Send us a textSeven years of substitute teaching stories have taught me one crucial lesson: behind every student behavior is a complex inner world most teachers never glimpse. In this anniversary episode, I take you inside the minds of six distinct student archetypes you'll encounter in your classroom this year.Listen as Marie reveals her anxiety about transitioning to high school and losing her hard-won social status. Experience Ben's internal pressure to maintain his athletic reputation through classroom disruption. Discover Julie's competitive academic mindset that drives her constant need for validation. Feel Fred's quiet desperation to simply fit in without being targeted by bullies. Understand Frank's calculated strategy to pass with minimal effort. And witness Gertrude's conviction that teachers are unfairly singling her out for discipline.These first-person narratives aren't fictional composites—they represent real thought patterns I've observed across all grade levels during my substitute teaching career. By understanding what drives different student behaviors, we can respond with greater empathy and effectiveness. Whether you're dealing with the class clown, the withdrawn student, or the confrontational teenager, recognizing their underlying motivations transforms how you approach classroom management.As we prepare for the upcoming school year (and my 300th episode next week!), I hope these perspectives help you see your students with fresh eyes. Remember that behind every challenging behavior is often fear, insecurity, or a genuine desire for connection. How might your teaching change if you could hear what your students are really thinking?

Send us a textEver wonder how a well-meaning law can create unexpected headaches for educators? This episode dives into Kentucky's new Senate Bill 181, which passed unanimously but has left teachers struggling with how to efficiently communicate with students. 

Send us a textWhat happens when a teacher accustomed to older students suddenly faces a classroom of elementary schoolers? Everything changes. From the surprising power dynamics to the unexpected emotional responses, teaching younger children demands an entirely different approach.

Send us a textMoney matters in the substitute teaching world, especially when your paycheck doesn't match that of permanent teachers. The eternal question: Should you spend your hard-earned dollars on classroom supplies? 

Send us a textEver wondered what happens when artificial intelligence writes your life story? In this fascinating episode, I dive into the surreal experience of discovering an AI-generated book about my substitute teaching career—written entirely without my input beyond a few basic questions.ge of the AI-generated book cover!

Send us a textA substitute teacher reflects on how Generation Alpha differs from Gen Z and how teachers can adapt their methods accordingly. This light-hearted exploration of generational differences reveals that Alpha students are the first fully digital generation, with distinct learning preferences and world perspectives.• Fourth graders are split between Gen Z and Generation Alpha based on their birth years• Generation Alpha grew up entirely in the digital age, making them extremely tech-savvy by nature• Early childhood disruptions like COVID-19 have impacted social development and maturity• Alpha students show increased global awareness and environmental consciousness• They learn best in "gamified" environments that leverage digital engagement• Every generation faces criticism from those who came before—60s had "groovy," Gen Z has "slay"• Teachers must adapt to students rather than expecting students to conform to outdated methods• Despite concerns about entitlement or anxiety, Generation Alpha brings positive qualities to educationCheck out my Instagram where I break down Gen Z slang—I'll even play it for you at the end of this episode!

Send us a textHave you ever wondered what elementary school students really think about their teachers? In this unique episode, we flip the script by interviewing our youngest guests ever - students from kindergarten through fifth grade - to gain their unfiltered perspectives on education.Our first guest Anna, a fifth-grade graduate with straight A's, shares wisdom beyond her years about academic success. Her advice to take time for projects "even if you have to take time from recess" reveals the discipline that helped her excel. When asked about substitute teachers, Anna delivers perhaps the most insightful comment of the episode: substitutes sometimes struggle because "we learn a little different than they did whenever they were learning." This gentle observation highlights the generational gap in teaching methods that many educators face today.Younger voices join the conversation too. Eli, having just completed kindergarten, appreciates teachers who "help you learn about what you don't know" and substitutes who are "kind and sometimes you already know them." Meanwhile, five-year-old Zachary, entering kindergarten, reminds us of the social importance of school, mentioning friends and games as his highlights, along with "giving hugs" to teachers.The episode concludes with a heartwarming revelation - all three interviewees are the host's grandchildren, making this not just an educational exploration but a family affair. Listen now to hear these refreshing perspectives that remind us why connecting with students of all ages matters so much in education. What young student in your life has shared wisdom that surprised you? We'd love to hear your stories!

Send us a textEvery 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.