Substitute Training Thursday, October 17, 2013 10:00 a.m. Kevin
L. Howard Human Resource Director
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Ms. Sue Moore Superintendent of Education Administration
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Ms. Sandra Jackson UniServ Director District 23 AEA
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Mr. Edward Dubose Choctaw County Transportation Supervisor Mr.
A. Wayne Longmire Principal of Choctaw County Elementary School Dr.
Stacey P. Gill Principal of Choctaw County High School LEA
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Mr. Luke Taylor III Principal of Southern Choctaw Elementary
School Dr. Leo Leddon Jr. Principal of Southern Choctaw High School
Ms. Seketha Mitchell Chief School Financial Officer Introductions
(continued)
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The purpose of this training is to provide professional
development for our substitutes, in hopes that they will have
positive experiences and a meaningful impact upon the children in
the Choctaw County School System. Purpose
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It is particularly important to note that if you have
substituted for a while and find that you dread to hear the
telephone ring, this may not be the job for you. But, if you are
all charged up by the idea that you could be stepping into a new
endeavor, never really knowing what you might find, but loving the
challenge, you could be on your way to being a successful and
confident substitute. Purpose (continued)
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Certified Substitutes Professional Educator Retired Teacher
Substitute Teacher Support Substitutes Support Positions (Clerical,
Janitorial, Aides, & CNP) Bus Substitute Types of
Substitutes
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Certified Substitutes Pay ranges from $65.00 or $90.00 Support
Substitutes Pay is $55.00 Substitute Pay
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The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) is committed
to establishing a workforce dedicated to the education of the
states youth and creating an environment conducive to productivity
for the benefits of its employees and students. The ALSDE and Local
Education Agency (LEA) will recruit and employ highly professional
employees who demonstrate ethical behavior on the job and outside
the workplace. Standards of Conduct
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All employees hired as substitutes are expected to maintain a
standard of dress, personal appearance, general decorum, and
behavior that reflects positively on their status as employees and
as role models for students. The ALSDE and each LEA expect their
substitute staff to set examples for students that will serve them
well in their own conduct and behavior and that will contribute
toward an appropriate instructional atmosphere. It is a condition
of employment that those employed by state and local agencies as
substitutes will perform their duties and comply with all policies
and regulations set forth by local school boards and the state
school board, as well as, state and federal laws and regulations.
Standards of Conduct (continued)
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Substitutes should always have a back-up plan for routines,
procedures, rules, and appropriate instructional activities. They
should review and familiarize themselves with the plans left by the
regular employee and look for posted rules, routines, schedules,
procedures, etc. The substitute should introduce him/herself with a
confident, assertive, and pleasant voice. The professional
substitute should be positive and treat students with respect and
let them know expectations at the beginning of the day or time that
you are with them. Professionalism in Behavior
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The professional substitute should be firm, fair, and
consistent. They should try to learn the students names and call
them by their names as quickly as possible. Students rarely forget
what is said, especially if it is negative, and they always
remember how they were made to feel. A substitute must focus
consistently on positive behavior and think prevention. He/she
should be aware of potential problem behaviors. A substitute should
always address the problem, not the student, when dealing
specifically with negative behavior. The substitute should minimize
reactions to difficult situations, trying to stay calm and not
speaking or acting in a harmful way toward students. It is never a
good practice to make an example of another student.
Professionalism in Behavior (continued)
Slide 14
One should try to speak to disruptive students in private or at
least away from the other students. Substitutes will find it
helpful to leave notes about specific actions for the regular
employee and especially the building supervisor. Disclosure of
private information is prohibited by the federal Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This includes discipline
information, academic, and/or medical conditions. If a substitute
has a doubt about what is confidential, it is confidential.
Professionalism in Behavior (continued)
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Standard 1: Professional Conduct Standard 2: Trustworthiness
Standard 3: Unlawful Acts Standard 4: Teacher/Student Relationship
Standard 5: Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco Use or Possession Standard
6: Public Funds and Property Standard 7: Remunerative Conduct
Standard 8: Maintenance of Confidentiality Standard 9: Abandonment
of Contract Alabama Educator Code of Ethics
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Standard 1: Professional Conduct An educator should demonstrate
conduct that follows generally recognized professional standards.
Ethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Encouraging and supporting colleagues in the development and
maintenance of high standards. Respecting fellow educators and
participating in the development of a professional and supportive
teaching environment. Engaging in a variety of individual and
collaborative learning experiences essential to developing
professionally in order to promote student learning. Unethical
conduct is any conduct that impairs the certificate holders ability
to function in his or her employment position or a pattern of
behavior that is detrimental to the health, welfare, discipline, or
morals of students. Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited
to, the following: Harassment of colleagues. Misuse or
mismanagement of tests or test materials. Inappropriate language on
school grounds. Physical altercations. Failure to provide
appropriate supervision of students. Standard 1
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Standard 2: Trustworthiness An educator should exemplify
honesty and integrity in the course of professional practice.
Ethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Properly representing facts concerning an educational matter in
direct or indirect public expression. Advocating for fair and
equitable opportunities for all children. Embodying for students
the characteristics of intellectual honesty, diplomacy, tact, and
fairness. Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the
following: Falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting, or erroneously
reporting professional qualifications, criminal record, or
employment history when applying for employment or certification.
Falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting, or erroneously reporting
information submitted to federal, state, and/or other governmental
agencies. Falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting, or erroneously
reporting information regarding the evaluation of students and/or
personnel. Falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting, or erroneously
reporting reasons for absences or leaves. Falsifying,
misrepresenting, omitting, or erroneously reporting information
submitted in the course of an official inquiry or investigation.
Standard 2
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Standard 3: Unlawful Acts An educator should abide by federal,
state, and local laws and statutes. Unethical conduct includes, but
is not limited to, the commission or conviction of a felony or of
any crime involving moral turpitude. As used herein, conviction
includes a finding or verdict of guilty, or a plea of nolo
contendere, regardless of whether an appeal of the conviction has
been sought or a situation where first offender treatment without
adjudication of guilt pursuant to the charge was granted. Standard
3
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Standard 4: Teacher/Student Relationship An educator should
always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both
in and outside the classroom. Ethical conduct includes, but is not
limited to, the following: Fulfilling the roles of trusted
confidante, mentor, and advocate for students growth. Nurturing the
intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and civic potential of
all students. Providing an environment that does not needlessly
expose students to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
Creating, supporting, and maintaining a challenging learning
environment for all students. Unethical conduct includes, but is
not limited to, the following: Committing any act of child abuse,
including physical or verbal abuse. Committing any act of cruelty
to children or any act of child endangerment. Committing or
soliciting any unlawful sexual act. Engaging in harassing behavior
on the basis of race, gender, national origin, religion, or
disability. Soliciting, encouraging, or consummating an
inappropriate written, verbal, or physical relationship with a
student. Furnishing tobacco, alcohol, or illegal/unauthorized drugs
to any student or allowing a student to consume alcohol or
illegal/unauthorized drugs. Standard 4
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Standard 5: Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Use or Possession An
educator should refrain from the use of alcohol and/or tobacco
during the course of professional practice and should never use
illegal or unauthorized drugs. Ethical conduct includes, but is not
limited to, the following: Factually representing the dangers of
alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug use and abuse to students during
the course of professional practice. Unethical conduct includes,
but is not limited to, the following: Being under the influence of,
possessing, using, or consuming illegal or unauthorized drugs.
Being on school premises or at a school-related activity involving
students while documented as being under the influence of,
possessing, or consuming alcoholic beverages or using tobacco. A
school-related activity includes, but is not limited to, any
activity that is sponsored by a school or a school system or any
activity designed to enhance the school curriculum such as club
trips, etc., where students are involved. Standard 5
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Standard 6: Public Funds and Property An educator entrusted
with public funds and property should honor that trust with a high
level of honesty, accuracy, and responsibility. Ethical conduct
includes, but is not limited to, the following: Maximizing the
positive effect of school funds through judicious use of said
funds. Modeling for students and colleagues the responsible use of
public property. Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to,
the following: Misusing public or school-related funds. Failing to
account for funds collected from students or parents. Submitting
fraudulent requests for reimbursement of expenses or for pay.
Co-mingling public or school-related funds with personal funds or
checking accounts. Using school property without the approval of
the local board of education/governing body. Standard 6
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Standard 7: Remunerative Conduct An educator should maintain
integrity with students, colleagues, parents, patrons, or
businesses when accepting gifts, gratuities, favors, and additional
compensation. Ethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the
following: Insuring that institutional privileges are not used for
personal gain. Insuring that school policies or procedures are not
impacted by gifts or gratuities from any person or organization.
Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Soliciting students or parents of students to purchase equipment,
supplies, or services from the educator or to participate in
activities that financially benefit the educator unless approved by
the local governing body. Accepting gifts from vendors or potential
vendors for personal use or gain where there appears to be a
conflict of interest. Tutoring students assigned to the educator
for remuneration unless approved by the local board of education.
Standard 7
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Standard 8: Maintenance of Confidentiality An educator should
comply with state and federal laws and local school board policies
relating to confidentiality of student and personnel records,
standardized test material, and other information covered by
confidentiality agreements. Ethical conduct includes, but is not
limited to, the following: Keeping in confidence information about
students that has been obtained in the course of professional
service unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is
required by law. Maintaining diligently the security of
standardized test supplies and resources. Unethical conduct
includes, but is not limited to, the following: Sharing
confidential information concerning student academic and
disciplinary records, health and medical information, family
status/income, and assessment/testing results unless disclosure is
required or permitted by law. Violating confidentiality agreements
related to standardized testing including copying or teaching
identified test items, publishing or distributing test items or
answers, discussing test items, and violating local school system
or state directions for the use of tests or test items. Violating
other confidentiality agreements required by state or local policy.
Standard 8
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Standard 9: Abandonment of Contract An educator should fulfill
all of the terms and obligations detailed in the contract with the
local board of education or educational agency for the duration of
the contract. Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to,
the following: Abandoning the contract for professional services
without prior release from the contract by the employer; Refusing
to perform services required by the contract. Standard 9
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All employees are expected to dress appropriately for the
occasion and their profession. Extreme or flashy/showy apparel or
appearance is to be avoided. Ones personal appearance reflects the
attitude and interest in employment. Neatness, cleanliness, and a
pleasant manner are always appropriate and important when setting
the proper example for children or exhibiting professionalism.
Substitutes should address questions regarding appropriateness of
attire with the immediate supervisor. Adults who dress
professionally receive more respect from students than those who
dress too casually. Professionalism in Attire
Slide 26
Every school district has a different dress code. If a
substitute is in doubt about what to wear, the following tips will
come in handy. Always dress professionally. Do not wear blue jeans
on the first day. A nice pair of black or khaki pants with a nice
shirt, blouse, or polo shirt is always appropriate. No matter what
everyone else is wearing, make sure that shirts or blouses are not
too low cut or revealing. Working with students means that
substitutes may spend a lot of time leaning over student desks to
help with work. Professionalism in Attire (continued)
Slide 27
Substitutes will spend a lot of time standing, sitting, and
leaning over to get on a students level. Wear clothes that are
comfortable. Do not wear clothes that are too tight or that
restrict bending. Make sure that sitting in a chair does not reveal
a gap between the bottom of a shirt and the top of pants. Skirt
lengths should be long enough to cover thighs when sitting and
standing. Wearing clothing that makes one feel confident will make
for an easier day. Wearing clothes that makes one feel
self-conscious takes away from interaction with students and should
be avoided. Professionalism in Attire (continued)
Slide 28
Being comfortable is especially true for shoes. Substitutes
will be amazed at how much time is spent standing. The wrong pair
of shoes may be painful. Never try to break in a new pair of shoes
when substituting. Shoes that will last throughout the day
(painlessly) should be selected. Never assume that every school has
Casual Friday until actually substituting on a Friday. Dress as it
would be appropriate for any other day of the week until
verification is met for casual days. Professionalism in Attire
(continued)
Slide 29
Always bring a jacket. Different facilities operate at
different air-conditioning levels and temperatures vary greatly. It
may be too hot in the winter, yet too cold in the summer. Once at a
school or classroom, the substitute is there for the day and needs
to feel comfortable for the whole time. These guidelines should be
used in compliance with any dress code. Women should wear
appropriate length skirts or slacks, tops with adequate coverage,
and comfortable shoes. Men should wear a collared shirt, slacks,
and comfortable shoes. Athletic apparel is only appropriate when
substituting in a physical education class. Professionalism in
Attire (continued)
Slide 30
Given the qualifications, training, credentials, and code of
conduct/professionalism and ethical standards for a substitute, the
local school district expects the substitute to meet the following
conditions: A substitute needs to know how to find the location of
the school or site and be punctual. The substitute needs to be
punctual and is required to stay at the school for the full
assignment unless there is an extenuating circumstance that prompts
an approved release by the principal or supervisor. District
Expectations
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The substitute is required to dress professionally and
appropriately for the assignment. The substitute is required to
follow the guidelines for management, attire, and ethics.
Substitutes in charge of students, should never leave students
unattended at any time. The teachers routine and lesson plan are
expected to be followed by the substitute teacher. The substitute
teacher should refrain from eating food and drinking beverages in
the classroom during classroom time. District Expectations
(continued)
Slide 32
The substitute teacher is expected to have technical skills for
maintaining discipline. It is expected that cell phones and
computers for personal business will not be used by the substitute
during scheduled classes. A request for assistance is expected from
the substitute teacher when lesson plans are not understood,
accidents occur, or student behavior is not manageable. An
evaluation of the days activities should be left for the regular
employee, including negatives and positives. District Expectations
(continued)
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Substitute hours will be limited to a maximum of 28 hours per
week. A system will be put in place to ensure that this maximum is
not exceeded. District Expectations (continued)