West Allegheny School District
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
HANDBOOK
Updated January 2010
The Substitute Teacher Handbook is revised periodically by Dr. William Englert, Jr., Assistant to the Superintendent for Personnel and Student Support Service, with assistance from the Administrative Team. Corrections or suggestions should be forwarded to Dr. Englert.
WELCOME
to
WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Board of School Directors, the Administration and staff of West Allegheny School District would like to welcome you in your capacity as substitute teacher. We recognize the important role you have in helping us to provide the very best education for the students in our district. We appreciate the vital part you play in this endeavor. Dedicated substitutes ensure continuity in the learning process.
This handbook will answer some of the questions you may have regarding West Allegheny School District, district policies, and the expectations we have for you as an employee. Please review this handbook thoroughly, and if you have any additional questions, please contact a building principal.
We trust that you will find your experiences as a substitute teacher in the
West Allegheny School District professionally rewarding!
WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the West Allegheny School District, a leader in quality education, is to ensure that each student acquires the necessary knowledge and skills to be a responsible citizen, prepared for life-long learning and employment; this is accomplished by providing meaningful and personally challenging learning experiences within a safe, nurturing environment in partnership with family and community.
VISION STATEMENT
The West Allegheny School District will create a learning environment in which students maximize their potential and achieve success in a cooperative partnership with students, parents, staff, administration, and community through a positive supportive, caring climate which promotes the dignity of all individuals.
SHARED VALUES
ü Quality education is essential to sustain our democratic society.
ü Education benefits people throughout their lives.
ü Every person is valuable and worthy of respect.
ü All people can and want to learn.
ü Quality education is a shared responsibility among students, family, school, and community.
ü Higher expectations lead to higher performance.
ü Family support provides a strong foundation for individual learning.
ü Each individual is unique and capable of reaching higher levels of performance given the proper conditions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introductory Letter 2
West Allegheny Mission Statement, Vision Statement and Shared Values 3
Key Contact People 5
Directions to West Allegheny Schools 6
Scheduling Procedure 8
General Information for Substitute Teachers 9
Code of Ethics 9
Responsibilities 9
Hints for Success 10
Classroom Instruction 12
Interactions with Students 13
Checklist for Substitutes 13
Dress Code 14
Classroom Observation 16
District Policies 17
Child Abuse Reporting Procedures 17
Code of Conduct – Students 18
Corporal Punishment 24
Discipline 26
Drugs, Controlled Substances and Alcoholic Beverages 26
Sexual Harassment – Instructional Staff 26
Sexual Harassment – Students 28
Smoking – Instructional Staff and Visitors 29
Smoking – Students 30
Special Education Behavioral Management Policy for Exceptional Children 31
Substitute Teachers 35
Suicidal Behavior 35
Technology Acceptable Use 36
Weapons – Instructional Staff and Visitors 41
Weapons – Students 42
KEY CONTACT PEOPLE FOR EACH BUILDING
Dr. John DiSanti, Superintendent
DONALDSON ELEMENTARY
724-213-1010
Mrs. Patricia Nolan, Principal Teacher Day
Mrs. Virginia Zang, Secretary 8:05 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Mrs. Donna McCrory, Clerk
McKEE ELEMENTARY
724-693-8451
Mr. Thomas Orr, Principal Teacher Day
Mrs. Annette Fuoco, Secretary 8:05 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Mrs. Linda Thompson, Clerk
WILSON ELEMENTARY
724-695-5272
Mrs. Kathleen Sites, Principal Teacher Day
Mrs. Patricia Hoskins, Secretary 8:05 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Mrs. Debbie Ireland, Clerk
WEST ALLEGHENY MIDDLE SCHOOL
724-695-8979
Mr. Richard Smith, Principal Teacher Day
Mrs. Toni Baldanzi, Assistant Principal 7:40 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Mrs. Barb Martincic, Secretary
Ms. Joyce Anderson, Clerk
Mrs. Lisa Nauman, Clerk
WEST ALLEGHENY HIGH SCHOOL
724-695-7368
Mr. Daniel Smith, Principal Teacher Day
Mr. Christopher Shattuck, Assistant Principal 7:40 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Mr. Kevin McKiernan, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Laurie Rosso, Secretary
Mrs. Joan Snyder, Clerk
DIRECTIONS TO WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOLS
Directions to District Office
600 Donaldson Road, Oakdale, PA 15071 724-695-3422
From 22/30 West, take the Imperial Exit. Make a left turn onto Bateman Road (SR-978) and follow for 2 miles. At a T turn right onto North Branch Road for .6 miles. Turn right onto Donaldson Road and follow for .3 miles to school entrance on left.
From Rte. 22 East, take the Imperial Exit. Make a right turn onto Bateman Road, and follow the above instructions. From Pittsburgh take I-279 (Parkway West) to the 22/30 West Exit. Follow 22/30 west to the Imperial Exit and follow the above directions.
From Rte. 22 (Old Steubenville Pike), turn onto Pattridge (near Celebrations). Follow Pattridge for .75 miles and turn left onto Donaldson. Travel one mile to school entrance on right.
Directions to the West Allegheny Middle School / High School Campus
West Allegheny High School
205 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA 15126 724-695-7368
West Allegheny Middle School
207 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA 15126 724-695-8979
The High School and Middle School are located adjacent to each other. From Pittsburgh
(I-279, Parkway West) take the 22/30 West Exit. Follow 22/30 West to the Imperial Exit. Make a right at the stop sign. Stay in the right lane. You will pass an Exxon station and come to a traffic light. Go straight across at the traffic light. The National City Bank is on your right. Continue for approximately 100 yards, and you will come to a West Allegheny School District marker on your left. Make a left onto West Allegheny Way.
The Middle School is the first building on your right. For Middle School parking continue down the hill and make a right into the parking lot located between the middle school and high school. Take the stairs from the parking lot up to the Middle School main entrance.
The High School is located at the bottom of West Allegheny Way. As you come down the hill, make a left hand turn into the parking lot. There are steps from this parking lot to the main entrance of the High School.
Directions to Donaldson Elementary School
600 Donaldson Road, Oakdale, PA 15071 724-213-1010
From 22/30 West, take the Imperial Exit. Make a left turn onto Bateman Road (SR-978) and follow for 2 miles. At a T turn right onto North Branch Road for .6 miles. Turn right on to Donaldson Road and follow for .3 miles to school entrance on left.
From Rte. 22 East, take the Imperial Exit. Make a right turn onto Bateman Road, and follow the above instructions.
From Pittsburgh take I-279 (Parkway West) to the 22/30 West Exit. Follow 22/30 west to the Imperial Exit and follow the above directions.
From Rte. 22 (Old Steubenville Pike), turn onto Pattridge (near Celebrations). Follow Pattridge for .75 miles and turn left onto Donaldson Road. Travel one mile to school entrance on right.
Directions to McKee Elementary School
1501 Oakdale Road, Oakdale, PA 15071 724-693-8451
From Pittsburgh (I-279, Parkway West), take 22/30 West Exit. Follow 22/30 West to the Oakdale Exit. Make a left at the stop sign onto McKee Road. Follow McKee Road for approximately two miles and make a right onto Route 978 (Oakdale Road). Follow Route 978 for 3/10 mile, and you will come to a marker for McKee Elementary School on your right.
Directions to Wilson Elementary School
100 Bruno Lane, Imperial, PA 15126 724-695-3300
From Pittsburgh (I-279, Parkway West), take the 22/30 West Exit. Follow 22/30 West to the Imperial Exit. Make a right at the stop sign and get into the left lane. An Exxon station will be on your right. At the traffic light go down the hill. Once you pass the trestle, make the next left onto Santiago Road. (Speedies Pizza will be on the right side of the street.) Follow this road until you get to Boggs Road. Make a right onto Boggs Road, and Wilson Elementary School will be on your right (Bruno Lane).
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER SCHEDULING PROCEDURE
West Allegheny School District uses an automated service to contact substitute teachers. This service, called Aesop (Automated Educational Substitute OPerator), utilizes both the telephone and the internet to fill open substitute positions within the District. Once approved by the Board of School Directors, you will receive your Aesop Logon and personal identification number (PIN), along with instructions on how to use the system.
Aesop Contacts:
High School: Laurie Rosso 724-695-5242
Middle School Barb Martincic 724-695-5227
Donaldson Elementary Donna McCrory 724-213-1019
McKee Elementary Annette Fuoco 724-695-5261
Wilson Elementary Debbie Ireland 724-695-5273
District Office Mary Kelsey 724-695-5217
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
I. CODE OF ETHICS
1. I realize that as a substitute teacher, my relationship with school administrators, teachers, and children should be professional.
2. I understand that classroom teacher-pupil relationships are professional relationships, and that I must respect confidentiality. What I observe in my classroom as a substitute teacher is not appropriate for general or casual conversation.
3. I realize that my experiences as a substitute teacher will further my own understanding of the educational process. I enter the classroom as a guest and as an apprentice to enhance my skills and I will refrain from being critical of students or the teacher.
4. I understand that I must separate my past experiences in other districts and in other schools from my current assignment. Accordingly, I will refrain from making disparaging remarks or negative comparisons involving teachers, students, principals or schools for which I have been involved previously.
5. I realize that it is the responsibility of the teacher to provide everything necessary for a positive and productive day for the substitute teacher. I will strive to use the materials and plans provided to the best of my ability. I also understand that in emergency situations, plans may be incomplete. When this is the case I will make the best of the situation and politely inform the teacher.
6. I am aware that a positive, respectful attitude will contribute to my success each day and will demonstrate my regard for the dignity of students, fellow teachers and staff, and administrators.
7. I understand that my future success as a teacher will be enhanced by displaying ethical behavior along with pedagogical skills.
8. I understand further that my ability to adhere to this code of ethics will improve my teaching skills and overall performance, which will confirm my suitability for the profession.
II. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Report to the school office, check with the building principal or designee when you arrive. Contact the principal for permission prior to leaving the building for any reason.
2. Plan to remain for the entire teacher day.
3. Become familiar with the routine of the school, procedures, rules, and the curriculum.
4. Follow the teacher’s lesson plans as closely as possible.
5. Seek guidance from the principal in any unusual situation.
6. Correct all papers completed during the day, and leave them in a conspicuous place for the teacher.
7. Leave the room in an orderly condition, with all supplies and equipment returned to storage areas.
8. Leave a note for the regular teacher regarding the activities of the day.
9. Perform the regular teacher’s extra duties.
10. Report any major disciplinary problems (ones that grossly interfere with the learning process) to the principal.
11. After the children have been dismissed, remain in the building until all responsibilities have been completed.
12. Before leaving, check with the principal or secretary to see if your services will be required for the next day.
III. HINTS FOR SUCCESS
PRIOR TO ARRIVAL:
1. Present a professional appearance (refer to the faculty dress code).
2. Choose modest clothing and personal grooming that is appropriate for the school setting.
3. Refrain from wearing excessive jewelry and minimize personal belongings in your possession.
4. Allow extra traveling time. Plan to arrive early if possible. Contact the school office if you will be late arriving.
UPON ARRIVAL:
1. Review the lesson plans and materials provided by the classroom teacher.
2. Secure the materials and equipment necessary for carrying out the planned activities.
3. Consult the seating chart; identify any children who designated to assist you.
4. Familiarize yourself with particulars such as the lunch period, duty assignments, preparation periods (recess times, special subject schedule), and the schedule and routine for the day.
5. Welcome the students at the classroom door when they arrive. Be visible.
6. Try to learn each student’s name and call on students by name when possible.
7. Start class promptly with the assigned instructional activities.
8. Be sensitive to the environment, the climate in the classroom, and the needs of the students.
9. Be prepared to assume all responsibilities of the classroom teacher, including special duty assignments before the start of the day, throughout the day, and at dismissal.
10. If asked to administer specialized or standardized tests, review the instructions in advance. Grade these types of tests only if instructed to do so.
11. Contact the office during unscheduled time to see if you can assist in any way.
12. Use planning time to prepare materials and to familiarize yourself with building procedures and curriculum.
13. Check for posted fire drill instructions and other safety related information.
14. Introduce yourself to teachers in nearby classrooms.
15. Collect notes, bulletins, and other communications for the classroom teacher.
16. Turn in all money collected to the office, with detailed notes concerning who turned in the money and why.
17. At the end of the day, leave the regular teacher a note describing what was accomplished and what needs to be completed.
18. Before leaving the building, check in at the office with the school secretary.
IV. CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION
Category I: Planning and Preparation
Through their knowledge of content and pedagogy skills in planning and preparation, teachers make plans and set goals based on the content to be learned, their knowledge of students and their instructional context.