Latest Substitute Podcast Episodes

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The Power of Listening: A Dialogue with author Christine Miles

Substitute Teachers Lounge - April 30, 2024 07:00 - 21 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Have you ever considered the impact of truly listening, not just hearing, on your life and the lives of others? Today's conversation with Christine Miles, author of "What Is it Costing You Not To Listen?", promises to unravel the often-overlooked power of listening in shaping education and perso...

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Weathering the Storm of Student Discipline for Substitute Teachers

Substitute Teachers Lounge - April 23, 2024 07:00 - 19 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a classroom, attempting to navigate the stormy seas of student behavior? I'm Greg Collins, and in this candid conversation, I'll open up about my own journey through the challenges that every substitute teacher faces. From understanding the nuanced c...

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Substitute Teacher Last School Month Stuff

Substitute Teachers Lounge - April 16, 2024 07:00 - 13 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
As we count down the days to summer, the importance of communication and planning cannot be overstated. I'll guide you through the do's and don'ts of securing our future roles as substitute teachers, alongside the pragmatic steps to ensure we're top of the list for the coming academic year. But ...

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Navigating the High School Homestretch

Substitute Teachers Lounge - April 16, 2024 07:00 - 13 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
As we count down the days to summer, the importance of communication and planning cannot be overstated. I'll guide you through the do's and don'ts of securing our future roles as substitute teachers, alongside the pragmatic steps to ensure we're top of the list for the coming academic year. But ...

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No More Mr Nice Guy for This Substitute Teacher

Substitute Teachers Lounge - April 09, 2024 07:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
The landscape of teaching is one of constant evolution, and nowhere is this more evident than in my own experiences as a substitute teacher. My journey through the educational system has led me to a crossroads: to maintain an approachable, friendly persona, or to adopt a sterner, more formal dem...

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Exchange Student Romy Shares Her Thoughts about Schools and Teachers

Substitute Teachers Lounge - April 02, 2024 07:00 - 12 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Ever wonder what an exchange student thinks about their time in American high schools compared to their education back home? Grab your earbuds and join me, Greg Collins, as I sit down with Romy, a vibrant German exchange student who's navigating the halls of high school on this side of the Atlan...

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Texts in the Classroom During Class!

Substitute Teachers Lounge - March 26, 2024 07:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Navigating the controversial arena of smartphones in academic settings, we dissect the myriad teacher responses to these pocket-sized disruptors. Can texting and tweets find harmony with the age-old mission of education? I argue that the answer isn't as straightforward as a blanket ban. By explo...

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The Impact of Smartphone Distractions on Academic Focus

Substitute Teachers Lounge - March 26, 2024 07:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Navigating the controversial arena of smartphones in academic settings, we dissect the myriad teacher responses to these pocket-sized disruptors. Can texting and tweets find harmony with the age-old mission of education? I argue that the answer isn't as straightforward as a blanket ban. By explo...

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The Impact of Social Media and Smartphone Distractions on Academic Focus

Substitute Teachers Lounge - March 26, 2024 07:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Navigating the controversial arena of smartphones in academic settings, we dissect the myriad teacher responses to these pocket-sized disruptors. Can texting and tweets find harmony with the age-old mission of education? I argue that the answer isn't as straightforward as a blanket ban. By explo...

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Rational Choices in the Heat of Emotion: Substitute Teaching and Social Media

Substitute Teachers Lounge - March 19, 2024 07:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Ever found yourself caught between the heart and the head when making a decision? This episode wanders through the labyrinth of emotional versus rational choices, particularly in the often unpredictable realm of substitute teaching and the wild west of online social spaces. We dissect the Substi...

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Things I've Heard Teachers Say That Bother Me

Substitute Teachers Lounge - March 12, 2024 07:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
When a retired teacher dubbed me "the cancel sub" at a high school basketball game, it hit me—our choices as substitute teachers echo louder than we sometimes realize. This playful yet piercing nickname sparked a cascade of thoughts about the intricate dance between personal and professional lif...

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When Substitute Teachers Are Embarrassingly Popular!

Substitute Teachers Lounge - March 05, 2024 08:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
 I'm sharing insights into the importance of being a steady figure in the lives of students—popularity aside—and how that bridges gaps and fosters meaningful connections. Whether they view me as a stand-in parent or just that cool sub, my quest to be the most effective educator during these flui...

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Overcoming Bitterness: The Journey of a Substitute Teacher

Substitute Teachers Lounge - February 27, 2024 08:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
The journey toward personal growth often means confronting and releasing the bitterness that clings to our spirits. In an open reflection, I recount my evolution from a younger self who clung to resentment, to now empowering players on the field and fostering forgiveness. It's a trek through the...

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Substitute Teacher Regrets

Substitute Teachers Lounge - February 20, 2024 08:00 - 18 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Have you ever been haunted by a decision you made years ago?  Join me in the Substitute Teacher's Lounge where, amidst the chuckles and sighs, we unravel the complex feelings of remorse that accompany the teaching journey. This isn't just another series of classroom anecdotes; it's an honest con...

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Two Years After COVID Shutdown: Changes in Student Behavior

Substitute Teachers Lounge - February 13, 2024 08:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
As a substitute teacher who's navigated the turbulent waters of the classroom since the onset of COVID-19, I've witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts in student behavior and engagement. This podcast episode is an intimate reflection on these changes, spiced with personal anecdotes and input fro...

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My Worst Substitute Teacher Day Ever

Substitute Teachers Lounge - February 06, 2024 08:00 - 16 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Every educator has a day that tests their limits, and I faced mine head-on in what became 'The Worst Substitute Teacher Day.' It's the raw and unfiltered account of a day that shook my foundations, challenging the idealism I've cherished throughout my six years on the frontline of teaching. This...

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Hidden Perks of Substitute Teaching: From Reputation to Engagement

Substitute Teachers Lounge - January 30, 2024 08:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Ever wondered about the hidden gems in the world of substitute teaching? Join me, Greg Collins, from the Substitute Teacher's Lounge as I unpack the treasures that come with being a seasoned sub. As I return to the bustling hallways post-vacation and snow days, I find myself reflecting on the pr...

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When Kids Act Better Than Adults

Substitute Teachers Lounge - January 23, 2024 08:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Let’s highlight the times when children are the ones leading by example.   Amidst tales from the gift shop to the pickleball courts, I uncover a parallel universe to school where the expected roles of decorum are often flipped. 

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A Glimpse Inside the Must-Haves for Educators

Substitute Teachers Lounge - January 16, 2024 08:00 - 30 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
This episode is packed with the wisdom of the classroom trenches as I share the arsenal every educator should have at their fingertips—from the humble pencil to the game-changing whistle. Discover not only my personal recommendations for a seamless teaching experience but also the health essenti...

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Turning That Troublemaker Around

Substitute Teachers Lounge - January 09, 2024 08:00 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Ever found yourself stepping into a room, heart pounding with the weight of past judgments about the group you're about to meet? That's the pulse of this 10th episode of Substitute Teacher's Lounge, where we celebrate the connections we've forged and the shared journey through the ups and downs ...

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Embracing the Chaos of Long-Term Substitute Teaching

Substitute Teachers Lounge - January 02, 2024 08:00 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Embarking on a new chapter in my educational journey, I found myself transitioning from a day-to-day substitute teacher to a long-term mentor for a lively sixth-grade math class. The emotional rollercoaster and the rich tapestry of experiences that ensued are tales I'm thrilled to share with you...

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Paddle? No-Paddle? Evolution of Classroom Discipline

Substitute Teachers Lounge - December 26, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Step back in time with me to an era when the sharp crack of a paddle echoed through school corridors. We're exploring the seismic shift from such historical classroom discipline to the empathetic and creative strategies I use today as a substitute teacher. Remember the days when a teacher's ster...

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Questioning the Effectiveness of School Movie Days

Substitute Teachers Lounge - December 19, 2023 08:00 - 15 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Ready to challenge the status quo of classroom movie days? As a substitute teacher, I've been witness to the tradition of "movie day" and have found it to be a less than engaging practice. Join me as I unpack my experiences and observations on this controversial teaching tool. Drawing from my ti...

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Ignoring the Noisy Student; and the Quiet

Substitute Teachers Lounge - December 12, 2023 08:00 - 18 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Ever been caught in the crossfire of a noisy classroom, wondering whether to intervene or let the kids chatter away while they work?  Would you ignore quiet students who might not be contributing or noisy students who are indeed productive?  And, is substitute teaching merely babysitting in disg...

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Separating Yourself from Other Substitute Teachers

Substitute Teachers Lounge - December 05, 2023 08:00 - 16 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Ever wondered how to stand out in the bustling world of substitute teaching? We've got some unique strategies to share, inspired by none other than George from Seinfeld - because who doesn't want to appear busy and important? But remember, it's more than just owning a clipboard and perfecting th...

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Maybe It's Time to Keep an Eye on the Good Kids

Substitute Teachers Lounge - November 28, 2023 08:00 - 18 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Ever wondered how we could maximize the untapped potential of the 'good kids' in the classroom? Prepare to be enlightened as we venture into the frequently overlooked realm of the academic high-achievers. Drawing from my own 800-day journey as a substitute teacher, I'll reveal how the quiet powe...

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It's Time to Change My Substitute Teaching Style

Substitute Teachers Lounge - November 21, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Have you ever wondered why discipline in a classroom swings between extremes? How does a stand-in teacher maintain equilibrium? As a seasoned substitute teacher, I've seen my philosophy adapt and evolve over time. The pandemic, as disastrous as it has been, has brought about a rebalancing act in...

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The Vanishing Sub Day and Other School Secrets

Substitute Teachers Lounge - November 14, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Ever found yourself running late, not due to the mundane reasons of traffic or family emergencies, but for reasons completely unexpected? Well, that happened to me this week. Welcome to a particularly enlightening episode where we'll uncover the secrets that schools keep, get a grip on last-minu...

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Last-Minute Substitute Teaching Jobs and Type A Personalities

Substitute Teachers Lounge - November 07, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
From the highs of a surprise job opportunity to the lows of a last-minute job cancellation, the unpredictable nature of substitute teaching has shaped my approach to this profession. Imagine getting that early morning call, accepting a job, and halfway through your drive to the school, it gets c...

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Substitute Teacher’s Tolerance Tested

Substitute Teachers Lounge - October 31, 2023 07:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 34 ratings
Are we becoming less tolerant of our students or is it them testing our patience? In our frank discussion about tolerance in the classroom, we unravel the complex dynamics between us and our students, particularly examining the differences between middle school and high school learners. We talk ...

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