I have finally realized why I do not really care for substituting in the high school age range. I do not know all their names. So if there is a discipline problem it's hard to take care of...because I don't know the name(s) of the student(s) to speak to.
Since Christmas I have spent quite a bit of time in the high school. By the second day, I had learned all their names. And had by the end of the first week (by the grace of God) developed some sense of respect from the students.
Last week I ended up subbing for a high school teacher. The bell rang which signaled the start of class time. 3 boys were not cooperating. In my sternest teacher voice I could muster by that time of day, I said "J, L & C please be seated." I heard L reply, "Well shucks, she now knows our names!"
As I was inwardly smiling, I thanked the Lord for allowing me to learn their names.
