We speak with Megan M. Conklin, who designs and implements professional development for substitutes in Washington state. Substitutes often don’t receive the support and compensation they deserve. Ms. Conklin’s union-backed program teaches subs classroom survival skills and advocates for equity among school staff members.
Overview
00:00-00:37 Intros
00:37-04:44 Why Megan Conklin has chosen to be a substitute
04:44-07:19 Major issues subs face
07:19-11:13 Structure and culture of Megan Conklin’s program
11:13-16:59 What a sub should do if thrown into a situation without support
16:59-17:34 Keeping a light-hearted mindset
17:34-19:47 What students want in a sub
19:47-21:46 What it’s like as a long-term sub
21:46-23:10 Pay scales
23:10-24:39 Effects of using classroom teachers to cover classes
24:39-26:34 Sub support programs in other states?
28:27-30:13 Differences in support among Washington districts
30:13-31:21 Supporting paraprofessionals and other marginalized groups in education
31:21- Outro
Transcript
Click here to see the full transcript of this episode.
References
Megan Conklin’s website
Soundtrack by Poddington Bear