Back in January I was hired by the Omaha Public School District (OPS) as a substitute teacher. I wasn't exaxtly sure what to expect, but I forged ahead despite the "not knowing." For slightly over a month now, I have been filling in at a variety of high schools within the district and let me tell you, this has been one awesome journey so far!
I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students from multiple schools and each student I have had the pleasure of working with has only strengthened my decision to become a teacher! I have come across students who were a little more "chatty" than most others, and students who initially told me that they were not going to do the assignments left by their teacher, and one student who came right out and said that he did not like substitute teachers! Even with these difficult moments I was able to talk to each of these students and help them see why it would be beneficial for them to work on the task at hand. I didn't "force" them to do something they didn't want to do. In fact, all I really did was listen to them. I listened to their concerns, their doubts, whatever it was that was keeping them from putting forth their best efforts. By doing so, most of the students came around and were actually very successful in the classes I was subbing in.
This has been one of the most enjoyable months of my life so far. My hope is that I will continue to get the call every morning to report to one of the high schools within the district and that I can keep learning everything I can from the students I come into contact with. Perhaps, while I am learning from them, maybe I might be able to teach them something new in the process.
Until next time . . .
