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The worklife of a substitute teacher may be unpredictable, but it certainly has its rewards. Just ask Tammy Nusse, a substitute teacher from Red Deer.
Nusse looks forward to having students run up to her in the morning to ask which class she’ll be teaching and seeing the excitement in their eyes when they learn it will be theirs.
Last week, while she was teaching a class, students told her they appreciated the way she explained the lessons. “That tells me they are learning from me and that I am successful,” Nusse said.
Substitute teachers are integral members of Alberta’s public education system and the teaching profession. Each year, the Alberta Teachers’ Association organizes a conference for substitute teachers. This year’s conference will feature sessions that provide fun and unique strategies for teaching math, science, music and writing, as well as advice on classroom management. Substitute Teaching—In the Moment is scheduled at Barnett House for October 19 (eve)–20, 2012. Registration and light supper begin at 6:30 pm. For more information about the conference and to register online, visit www.teachers.ab.ca.
Nusse is looking forward to attending the annual conference again this year. “I enjoyed it very much last year in Calgary. I found it effective because they provided a variety of sessions full of useful information, there were so many colleagues there with positive attitudes and they were easy to relate to and make connections with. I guarantee every sub will find it useful.”
The Association designates one week a year as Substitute Teachers’ Appreciation Week. For 2012/13, the week is March 11–15. Locals, schools and boards are encouraged to organize events during this week that recognize the valuable professional service that substitute teachers provide.
