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Ever had a day so rough it became memorable for all the wrong reasons? Join me, Greg Collins, as I break my summer hiatus to revisit the chaos of my worst day as a substitute teacher, inspired by the response to my February 6th episode.

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Have you ever thought Instagram could be your secret weapon in the classroom? Learn how this social media platform can transform your role as a substitute teacher, helping you earn the respect and admiration of your students. From my personal journey of building an engaged Instagram following, I'll share practical tips on setting up a public account and crafting posts that make your teaching presence unforgettable. Discover why Instagram offers a safer and more engaging way to connect with students compared to traditional methods like Facebook or text messaging.

Unlock the power of social media algorithms to maximize your reach and influence. Hear about my adventures, including a hilarious solo trip to Disney World and the surprising success of my rap videos, which helped grow my Instagram community. You'll also gain valuable insights on using hashtags effectively, managing comments, and the magic of cross-posting on Facebook. Whether you're a social media novice or a seasoned user looking to enhance your online presence, this episode is filled with actionable advice to make Instagram a vital part of your teaching toolkit.

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Ever wondered how the role of a substitute teacher is perceived through the eyes of today's high schoolers? Join me as I sit with Mya and Reese, two sophomores with plenty to say about the post-pandemic shifts in their academic world. They'll take you behind the scenes of classroom walls, revealing how the lingering effects of COVID-19 have not only modified their learning experience but also altered the social landscape of their school. Their candid accounts of 'busy work' and digital platforms like Google Classroom will offer you a real-time pulse on the current state of education through a student’s lens.

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As the school bells chime for the final time this academic year, I'm pausing to reflect on a rollercoaster ride of triumphs and trials from the substitute teacher's perspective. Wrapping up before our well-earned summer hiatus, I'm bringing you a candid ranking of the five most testing disciplinary issues in the classroom—from the mildly frustrating to the downright exhausting. Expect heart-to-heart insights as we unpack why a physical scuffle ranked surprisingly low and unveil the origins of the term 'discipline' itself—hint, it's all about learning!

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Remember the last time the classroom Wi-Fi went out, leaving you in a tech-free panic? I've been there, and in this episode, I'm sharing the teacher-tested tactics that saved the day. We're talking no-fail strategies for substitute teachers to keep the learning engine running, even when digital lesson plans are a no-go. You'll get a peek at how a stack of index cards can transform into an engaging review session, the clever use of personal data to bring online resources back to life, and the timeless effectiveness of a well-prepared PowerPoint presentation. Plus, I'm dishing out my own plans to spice up the usual Q&A with a random selection process that keeps students on their toes and ready to dive into the material.

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Have you ever considered the impact of truly listening, not just hearing, on your life and the lives of others? Today's conversation with Christine Miles, author of "What Is it Costing You Not To Listen?", promises to unravel the often-overlooked power of listening in shaping education and personal growth. From the echoes of her mother's mental health journey to her own professional triumphs, Christine unveils how emotional intelligence and active listening can be harnessed as key elements for success. Our candid chat ventures into her drive to embed listening education into school curriculums, her innovative methods to equip students with this vital skill, and our shared experiences of the yearning to be heard across different industries.

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Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a classroom, attempting to navigate the stormy seas of student behavior? I'm Greg Collins, and in this candid conversation, I'll open up about my own journey through the challenges that every substitute teacher faces. From understanding the nuanced contexts of student language to managing physical confrontations, I share the strategies that have helped me maintain both order and empathy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the trenches of education, as I delve into the art of providing constructive feedback, the intricacies of reporting incidents, and why it's crucial to stay respectful and pragmatic when the classroom feels like a pressure cooker.

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As we count down the days to summer, the importance of communication and planning cannot be overstated. I'll guide you through the do's and don'ts of securing our future roles as substitute teachers, alongside the pragmatic steps to ensure we're top of the list for the coming academic year. But it's not all logistics; the soul of the school is its people. I delve into the art of rebuilding relationships with both educators and pupils, championing genuine interactions that go beyond a simple 'hello'. From unexpected donuts in the teachers' lounge to our very own Substitute Teachers Lounge online, it's all about fostering a community that thrives on support and shared wisdom. Together, let's make this final act of the school year one that resonates with connection and purpose.