First week of cover teaching

Now that I have my work permit, I was able to start cover (substitute) teaching at the international school this week. I think that cover is a much better word than substitute - it makes me sound more important anyway.

I worked at least part of the day every day this week. It was weird - I had to do my chores around the house in the evening, or didn't do them at all, and I couldn't go grocery shopping in middle of the day or take 2 hour bike rides. It's funny how quickly I got used to setting my own schedule.

A lot of things about cover teaching this week reminded me of what it's like to have a new job. I didn't know where all the bathrooms are. I didn't know that I was supposed to have a key to unlock the rooms until Tuesday morning when I found that my room was locked. I wasn't sure who I should bother talking to in the staff lounge, or if it was worth hanging out there at all.

I observed a few classes but basically jumped right in to covering classes for teachers who were sick or away for some reason. I had English and ESL and math, history, chemistry (!), Spanish and even German. I did ok - no one made me cry or injured any other students. The only property damage that was done was by me accidentally writing on a dry erase board with a permanent marker. (The 7th graders were eager to show me that you can fix that by writing over it with a dry erase marker and then erasing it all. I got them to do that for me). I need to learn their names and work on being, as Brian says, "in command." I need to have authority but not be too mean or distant. I want them to like me but not so much that they won't listen when I tell them what to do. Luckily these kids are really good and respectful for the most part. I just need to give myself some time to get better.

It's a good thing that our clothes finally arrived because I have all these work outfits to wear to school now. I did learn, however, the limits of biking to school in a skirt. It's common here to see people riding bikes to work in heels and suits and all manner of formal clothes, so I figured I could do it too. I learned that the wider, more twirly skirts are ok, as are sweater dresses, but I don't recommend riding in a straight skirt even if it has a slit at the back. I tried that on Wednesday - it made a loud ripping noise as I got on the bike.

So the first week is out of the way, and I at least know a few names, where the bathrooms are, and where to get a key. I kind of enjoy talking to 12 year olds too, unless I am trying to explain math problems to them.