Life throws us a curve ball now and then. Like the Monday that I was rear-ended on the way to work. I was out for five days.  Five unexpected days.  Unexpected, but not unprepared. Years ago I learned a vital lesson in being prepared. That is when I created my substitute lesson folders.  Glad I had them when I had my car wreck. And, I was also glad I had them when I had a case of the flu that took me out for 3 days. You can't always predict when you will have to call in sick. It can sneak up on you during the wee hours of the morning. You don't feel like getting out of bed, let alone trying to type lessons and instructions for a substitute.  If you are not prepared, your children lose a day of instruction, and you have to spend double the amount of time catching up. 

Substitute folders are important. I'm not talking about the plan that says read this page in the text and answer the questions at the end of the chapter and where to go when there is a fire drill. But... real lessons that will keep your students on track.  Lessons that will continue teaching and reinforcing the skills that you are teaching. It will take some thought and some planning.  

Look for generic lessons. For my reading classes I found a passage or text that I could use to teach an important reading skill. Then I created a lesson to go with the text. For example, I wanted a lesson to reinforce finding evidence in a text. I would locate a passage that was interesting and create a printable to accompany it that would give my students additional practice finding evidence in a text. Or, I would create vocabulary printables covering vocabulary skills. I know that other subjects will be more difficult to prepare for and elementary will be even more time consuming, but it is possible. Before I taught in a departmentalized setting, I created a folder for each subject.

Keep everything simple. Don't require a substitute to use various forms of technology. You know those days when nothing works right?  You don't want to put a substitute in that position. You want to provide simple, straightforward lessons that teach skills that your students need.  Keep the instructions basic. I am not indicating that substitutes can't handle teaching like a pro, but I am saying that everyone has their own style and expectations. Don't expect a substitute to be you. And, I am speaking from experience. Currently, I sub on my days off. Complicated lesson plans that assume I understand procedures are frustrating to me. Not because I am not capable of teaching, but because I don't know every procedure for every teacher in  every school that I work. I appreciate basic, solid lessons with clear instructions.  

 Make space in a convenient place for the plans, like a file drawer in your desk. I created enough plans for five days and placed each day's plan in a separate folder. They were labeled with numbers one-five.  As one was used, I created a new one to replace it. Substitute notes for the lesson were in the folder.  Policies, procedures, and location of sub lesson folders were kept in the sub folder in the office. All bases were covered. So... if I needed to call for a sub, the only sub plans I had to do was tell them which folder (#1-#5) to use. A little planning in advance made it easy when I needed it to be easy. 

So, prepare substitute lesson folders. Takes a little time in the beginning, but well worth it. You won't dread having to call in for a substitute and your students won't lose a day of quality instruction. 


Like my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers (to hear about my newest products, hear the latest teacher news, or get a 'teacher' laugh),  OR my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers for previews of my products (including some new lessons suitable for a sub folder).  And, by following my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource, like these substitute resources! Each resource contains two complete lessons. Each resource is $1.75. Well worth it!

White Tigers

Cougars

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This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

Other professions quit and come 
home, but not teachers. When you are a teacher... 
you are a teacher 24/7. And, why is it when you are  enjoying your "off-duty" time, someone has to spoil it by asking the 'teacher' to do it?  Why do people assume that because you are teacher you can remember how to solve algebra problems?  I haven't used algebra since high school. You know what they say??? If you don't use it, you lose it. Well, mine is definitely lost! 

What makes teaching a unique profession?  Here are five reasons why no other profession is quite like teaching.

1.  Teachers are required to continue their education and professional development until they retire.  Most teachers are responsible for footing the bill too!  Even teachers who take time off, either to take a break or have children, have to provide proof of professional development  during their absence (not in all states).  

2.  Teachers carry their profession with them at all times. At no time in a teacher's life is he/she not a teacher. It doesn't matter if it is a Saturday in July, you are still a teacher. 

3. Teachers receive far less respect (in some systems and some cultures) than other 'white-collar' professions. I frequently heard the phrase, "If you can't do it, become a teacher" in reference to an inadequate college professor that used to be in business. Now, I understand that there is so much more to teaching. In fact, teachers often make the best consultants or entrepreneurs because they have the necessary skill set. 

4.  Teachers aren't just teachers. We are nurses, moms, dads, comforters, advisors, and listeners. Teachers possess a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on , and a back strong enough to carry your load. 

5.  Teachers work longer hours, yes, even in the summer. Summer is the time teachers catch up on their classroom extras, attend classes or conferences, and spend time with their family (more like reintroduce themselves to their family).   

So... as summer draws to a close, think about a teacher, the strongest of the strong and the bravest of the brave, heading back into the trenches for another year nurturing and developing young minds.   Carry on!



Like my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers ( to hear about my newest products, hear the latest teacher news, or get a 'teacher' laugh),  OR my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers for previews of my products (including some new lessons suitable for a sub folder).  And, by following my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource ( I have four on my dock right now!)

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

Those who know me will tell you that I'm not the first to catch on. It did take me two miles to figure out that my visor had slipped and that is why it was getting darker. I would like to point out that it was cloudy.  And, I am the one who gave herself a semi-black eye when she stepped on a rake. I do try to give people the benefit of the doubt. Kind of a 'Pollyanna' complex. On the flip side, they will tell you that I am outspoken. You know where you stand with me. If I don't say, just one look at my face will tell you. Several years ago I learned a hard lesson about politics and school. They don't mix. One of my favorite students (I know we are not supposed to have favorites, but this was the sweetest kid) wore a 'vote for me' shirt to school. I ignored it in class, but in the hallway, where the child could hear, I did laugh when a colleague said, "And, I thought they were a good kid." I did respond with, "They are a good kid", but all the child heard was my laughter. I knew it was nervous laughter, but it still wasn't right. I should have spoken up and defended my kid more definitively. But, I didn't. It cost me the love and respect of that child. I don't ever want to pay that price again.  

Teachers have a powerful influence on their kids. They watch every move. Listen to every word (well... almost). So, how can teachers help to heal this hatred that is taking over our nation?


1. We can start by not being part of the problem. Be a solution. Don't jump into the noise. Be solid. Be stable.  Don't be black or white. Be neutral.

2. Do what teachers do best. Love. The ones different from you. The dirty ones. The clean ones. The ones who get on your last nerve. Love.

3. Defend your kids from the ignorance around them.  Don't let innocent kids become a victim.

4. Instruct your children. History is being lost. It needs to be taught (another topic I'm opinionated about!). Kids need to know the past and learn how to make their decisions for their future. 


5. That parent that insists on making every conversation a political statement and dressing their kids in 'vote for me' shirts.... well, I'm not one to back down, but there is a time and place for everything. If every conference becomes an uncomfortable platform for the parent, seek advice and assistance from administration. School is not the place for politics (isn't that ironic?) 

6. Pray for your kids, for our nation, and for God's wisdom in how you respond. Prayer is the most powerful tool we have. Use it. 


We have an awesome responsibility. How we respond will determine if we are healing the hatred or just another cog in the wheel. 

Like my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers ( to hear about my newest products, hear the latest teacher news, or get a 'teacher' laugh),  OR my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers for previews of my products (follow my other boards for more teacher resources, including quick meals).  And, by following my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource!

Check out my America series (the last one should be complete by early next week)!

American Patriotic Songs

American Patriots

Native Americans in the American Revolution

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

Before anyone says, "Oh, here is another teacher asking for more money," let me just stop you. In your tracks.  This is not about asking for more pay, but it is asking the question that everyone is afraid to ask. "Are teachers underpaid?" Teachers are educated. Teachers are professionals. Teachers put in over 40 hours per week (well over). Teachers give up nights and weekends without additional compensation. Teachers continue their education and training, often without reimbursement. Teachers use their own funds to make classroom purchases. I never paid too much attention to what I spent for the classroom. But, my husband did. If I only had a dime for every time he asked me if I was aware of how much I had spent on my classroom. No. Or, did I really need to purchase this?  Yes!  My kids needed it. If it was for my kids and anywhere close to my 'budget' I got it.

You see, it was worth it to see their faces when I told them about a new book set that we were going to read or to see their faces light up when they walked in the room and saw what adventure we were going on next.  It was worth 100 times more than what the book cost to hear them talking about how great it was and to hear them tell their friends what a cool reading class they had.

Was I underpaid?  You bet!  But it never mattered to me. I didn't count my wealth in dollars and cents. I counted my wealth in smiles and hugs. Books - $75.00. Classroom decorations - $45.00.  Time spent preparing lesson- Too many to count. Students immersed in the joy of reading- priceless!

You see, to a teacher pay isn't measured in money. We wouldn't be teachers if our goal was to be wealthy (or even to make ends meet). We are teachers because we LOVE what we do. Do we wish that we were more respected or treated more professionally?  You bet!  If we are given a raise do we contact the BOE and tell them it isn't necessary. Absolutely not. But, we don't let it dictate to us whether or not we will continue teaching. We value the service that we perform.  We see ourselves as providing so much more than what money can buy.

So... are teachers underpaid?  In terms of 'kid benefits', teachers are over the top, but in terms of financial compensation for all that they do and are expected to do, teachers are lacking. Some teachers barely earn enough to provide for their families. Some are living at the poverty level. Several take on extra jobs just to pay their own bills. You won't hear a teacher complaining about it though. We might have a moment or two when we wish out loud that we were more appreciated, but we don't dwell on it. We just keep doing what we do best. I can guarantee you that if teachers earned more, they would spend more on their classrooms. Because that is just what we do!

Don't forget to like my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
 OR my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers for previews of my products (follow my other boards for more teacher resources, including quick meals).
And, by following my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource!

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

Non-teachers telling teachers how to teach. I just love that, don't you?  (this is sarcasm, just in case you weren't sure).  You know the type. The overpaid consultant that has never set foot in a classroom is going to tell you how to manage your classroom, engage your students, and be a world-class educator (not to mention wife of the year!).  The type that makes your blood pressure rise. Steadily. To the danger zone.

Someone who has never been trapped in a room of 32 six year olds is going to teach me about crowd control. Someone who has never sat through numerous meetings about state testing is going to tell me how to achieve mastery with my elementary kiddos. Someone who has never dealt with 15 cases of young love, in one day, is going to tell me about classroom management for middle school.
Okay.
I'm listening.
Tell me something that I haven't experienced, personally, at least a dozen times. Tell me something that really does work because you've tried it. Tell me something new about the importance of state testing (don't even get me started!).

Where do these people come from? And, more importantly... why are they hired as educational consultants by school districts that should know better?  My husband and I have a deal. He doesn't tell me how to be a teacher and I don't try to tell him his business. It works. I respect his expertise in his field and he respects mine. He doesn't try to mimic it or make fun of it. He understands that being a parent does not make you an educator.

Being an educator is a profession of tries, failures, and successes. It isn't textbook. It can't be taught. It is a feeling. A calling. What works one year, may not work next year (or even next hour). What I failed miserably to teach this year, may be my shining star next year. Who knows?  And, that's the beauty of it. You can't teach flexibility or going with your gut feelings.

I would love for all of those professional development meetings to actually be led by someone who is teaching or who has recently taught. I don't care if they have an impressive title. I want experience. Someone that can tell me what they are using or have used. Someone who can suggest ideas or tools that they know work. Someone who can relate. To me. To my reality.

Save those professional development dollars. Don't waste them on the overpaid, highly titled consultant that can't relate. Someone that has sold a book about techniques. I can't respect someone who is pretending to be what I have spent my whole life being. I can't respect someone who isn't willing or able to get into the trenches and work long, underpaid hours just for the joy of teaching. Spend those dollars on someone that shares my passion and my pride. Hire a teacher consultant teacher.

Everything you need All Year!

Check out this blog post from It's Elementary! Natalie has included spotlights on teacher resources to help you get ready for 'back to school'.  My newest resource is included!!!

And don't forget to like my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers (a great way to hear about my newest products, hear the latest teacher news, or get a 'teacher' laugh),  OR my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers for previews of my products (follow my other boards for more teacher resources, including quick meals).  And, by following my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource!

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

Read more »

Chocolate 4 Teachers