Problems of the Pinch Hitter

Abstract

Any teachers absent this morning? asks the anxious principal. When his secretary smartly replies, All present and accounted for, a visible sign of relief is noted. The of substitute teaching has dogged the school administrator time after time. As an expediency, stopgap measures have been devised to contain or entertain the pupils. Doubling up of classes, browsing in the school library, viewing endless films provided by the A V department have been tried with little success except to occupy time. Obviously, the substitute teacher is the best solution to a situation created by a teacher who is absent. Yet, frustrations and disappointments frequently ride the coattails of the substitute teacher. Why? We admit the answers are quite obvious. We are concerned that teachers and administrators have not been prodded sufficiently in order to seek out these answers and do something about solving the dismal problem of substitute teaching. For our part, we have assembled three articles which deal pointedly with this topic. The laments of the substitute teacher are loud and clear, but suggestions are offered to make him happier. The greater gain, however, would be to the pupils, who would view the replacement as a fullfledged member of the teaching team instead of a temporary occupant of the teacher's desk.