NWR: Substitute Notes to Teacher

You absolutely did the right thing! I always want to get detailed notes from my subs explaining which of my kids did well and which didn't. I know how they are and can be. All teachers do. And don't feel incompetent. Their behavior is a reflection on them - not on you - especially if you've done well with this teacher and these kids before.

I love my kids - they're smart and hard working but they also have days that are rough. If they have a rough day, I want to know about it so I can follow up. Like many previous posters, I hate getting a note that just says "great day!" I work really hard to leave detailed sub plans with notes about our class rules and procedures. I want a detailed note back!!

I think you did the right thing, but you were fighting a losing battle from the start. The day after Halloween would have been a mess even if their original teacher was there

ETA: I just realized OP said "the other day" I thought it said today. Sorry! But I still think detailed note was the right way to go.

I've taught high school for 12 years. In my sub note, I actually ask for names of kids who are being punks because I will shut that shit down when I get back.

When I have a sub I 100% want to know anything that went wrong in class. I don't think it reflects poorly on the sub, I think it reflects poorly on the students. I subbed for 2 years before I started at my current job and the #1 request from teachers was to leave specific examples and names.

I hate when subs just generic notes like "everyone was misbehaving" so as long as you give examples and names when you can I think you're 100% in the right to leave the notes.

As a teacher, I would have greatly appreciated the note you left! I'm in my third year and over the years I have gotten good and bad notes from subs based on the class (high school American History teacher) but the notes I appreciate are the honest ones (good or bad). It lets me know what got done during my absence, who behaved and who didn't, and what if anything I need to reteach to my students. An honest note lets the teacher know what is going on in their classroom and gives them a place to start again with their students. IMO you handled it the exact way I would have wanted it handled.

P.S. props to calling out the good kids too! It's nice to get those notes too so they can be praised for being good!!

My subs always left notes for teachers if there were issues and some would let another teacher on the hall know if behavior was bad enough.

I love when my subs leave notes on how my kiddos did. It helps me know what to review the next day. Also, I appreciate anyone taking the time to write notes. I would ask for that sub again because they took the time to tell me what really happened, whether it was crazy or a good day. You did the right thing! Also, I personally feel that November 1st should be an observance day for the amount of sugar they ingest and the late night of trick or treating. My students were wild today too!

@FiddlinBritt, I let a group of the good ones go to the library to swap out their books. That didn't go well. One came back after five minutes, but I had to send someone to go get the others. They said there was a line, but the kids in the library during the afternoon were at an assembly. I also let them use their iPads during snack since they did well with their reading lesson. So, I tried with what I could for positive reinforcement, but it seems they were in weekend mode already. I made it a point in my note to mention who were fantastic, though, because despite the usual chattiness, there was a good group in there!

@Hailey L, no, not today! It was when the northeast got snow last week. If it snows when they're in school, it's a hassle, and the day after isn't much better!

@FutureSenoraR, I mentioned who I needed to speak to once or twice, who owed me time at recess, and I definitely mentioned what their behavior was. I feel it's wrong to say so and so was bad and then not explain why; it seems like you just have it out for the kid.

@La Grosera, I did that once before; informing another teacher, that is. I didn't this time because I think it was apparent to the others there were some issues. I had to move one disruptive student into another classroom and she just kept him for the rest of the day; I just wanted him there until he finished his work instead of showing off and being mouthy.

I'm not a teacher but FH is and I know he so so so appreciates when subs leave notes especially if there were issues. It gives him a baseline if things come up later. As an example, he was out for a county wide band meeting a couple weeks ago and the sub didn't leave a note. He had to call some parents last week over behavior problems and found out for the first time on the phone with a parent that another kid had apparently tried to stab their kid with a pencil while FH was gone. Sub didn't mention it at all but it was at the root of the behavior issues in class. Because the sub didn't handle it well and didn't tell FH about it at all he had no way of knowing it needed to be addressed. He probably could have been spared some issues if he'd known.

You did the right thing!! I want to know everything that happened the day before because it does impact how the next day goes, plus knowing how the students behave when I'm not there helps me plan for any future absences.

I am an auditor and I always include behavior I observe while I'm on site (good and bad) as part of my report for the corporate managers.

I absolutely think it's great that you did that! The good should be praised and those misbehaving need to know it was noticed. I can't believe some of the things I've observed in professional offices!!!!

I know in my classroom I like to know what went down. When that happens I assure you it wouldn't happen again. I like to know what children need help and what's going on with them. You did great!

I'm a student teacher so I dont have my own class yet, but I would like for the sub to tell me honestly how my kids behaved while i was away.

I am a sixth grade teacher & I appreciate a sub note. I actually request my subs to leave me a note on their behavior because my students know the expectations. Don't feel bad for leaving a note because the students should be held responsible because they know their classroom rules. I read the sub notes out loud to the class cause they've always been good to motivate them to keep behaving because people do notice their behaviors whether it's good or bad. Sorry you had such a bad experience.

I love when the sub is honest. I use it as a teachable moment for my students. If their name was listed, I have a conversation with them about respect. I think it's important for them to know that their actions matter, no matter who is in charge of the classroom and no matter where they are in the school. They don't get a free pass to be disrespectful, ever. And I like showing them that everyone communicates with each other, subs, related arts teachers, parents, etc.

I LOVE getting notes from substitutes. Good day, bad day, tell me how it went and what didn't get done. Don't tell me every little tiny thing (especially if it's something you should've been able to handle) but tell me the things I need to know.

I always leave a space on my lesson plans to give subs a place to leave notes. I definitely want to know how my class behaved.