Teaching 101

The funny thing about being a substitute teacher in Texas is that you don't really need any qualifications beyond a high school diploma to be successful. Your chosen school district sits you down for an orientation and then puts you in a classroom without another thought. You basically are meant to be a babysitter for a group of children and attempt to follow the teacher's lesson plan, even if had been 20 years since your last science class.

I have been a substitute teacher for a few months now, and today was the first time I was actually afraid of starting my day in the classroom. You see, today I was the teacher for my son's Kindergarten class. I've been the homeroom parent all year, and I'm very familiar to all the kids in the class. The kids know me for my cupcakes for each child's birthday. They know me at every field trip and special event. Today they got to know me as their teacher. I don't think they were at all happy about it.

The morning started off okay, but as the morning wore on, I began to notice the more rambunctious side of the children coming out. So I began to stress the importance of keeping to our learning and not to be talking to our classmates. As I began to use more control over the class, the kids began to realize that I was not going to be the "fun mom" they have all come to know. Even my own son was calling me "Mrs. White" all day.

The day was successful and everyone had fun, although a few of the kids came up to me before the end of my day and said they like me, but they want me to stay the "cupcake mom" more.

My little one wouldn't let me kiss him until we were at home because he didn't want to kiss the teacher at school.

Good boy. Remember that one for next time.

What a day!