HEAD OF THE CLASS

Pat Honey compared a student's work to her answer sheet.

Substitute teacher Hope Peterman helped students with their vocabulary words during social studies class at CApe Central Junior High School.

Not too long ago, teachers only missed classes because of illness or personal business, and substitute teachers were a treat for students looking for a free day or class period.

Because the substitutes only worked occasionally, they might not be familiar with the curriculum for the class, and being unfamiliar with students sometimes made disciplinary actions difficult.

Today, however, substitutes are in high demand as teachers are more often being called away for parent conferences, professional workshops and other obligations in addition to their personal health. That high demand results in substitutes who know their instructional stuff. More importantly, they know the students they're teaching.

"So far it's been a help," said Tonia Lane, a substitute teacher who often works at Alma Schrader Elementary School, where she is also president of the Parent Teacher Organization. "It's funny, because they can see me in the hall, and when they notice me they may straighten up, even on days when I'm not a substitute."

Kay Simmons, who has been a substitute teacher for four years, said her students are generally well-behaved.

"Usually, they've already been warned by their teachers before I get there," she said. "I get the best of it because I just get to enjoy them and I don't have to worry about big problems."

Mark Bowles, assistant superintendent of Cape Girardeau public schools, said substitutes like Lane who have experience in a particular building or who are more experienced are in high demand. Administrators know these people are better able to come in and continue a teacher's lesson plan rather than only supervising a study period.

"You usually pick your subs who have a good history for long-term subbing," said Bowles. "The problem is, they may be on several sub lists for several districts, and they're the ones everyone calls first."

Missouri's school districts are required to submit information on all prospective substitute teachers to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Applicants must have at least 60 hours of college credit and pass a background screening performed by the highway patrol.

Substitutes then become eligible for a 45- or 90-day substitute teaching certificate that permits them to work in Missouri classrooms.

Bowles said substitute teachers come in all ages and backgrounds. Many of them can be categorized as college students, retired teachers, or part-time job holders, he said. However, they are just as likely to be stay-at-home moms or night shift workers looking for additional income.

"You name it and we've got it," he said.

Simmons has a degree in elementary education that she has never put to professional use. She didn't begin working in schools until after her four children reached adulthood and her husband, a military man, settled in the area.

"My husband was in the Navy and we transferred a lot," she said. "Then we started having children, and I just never intended to teach when I had a family."

Despite her late start, Simmons said she enjoys being a substitute. The job helps her keep in touch with current events and teaching methods. Another advantage is the on-call status, she said.

"This way I don't have to go if I don't want to," said Simmons.

Bowles said retired teachers often are the best substitutes because, in many cases, they haven't been out of the classrooms for very long. Regardless of their knowledge of the subject matter, they already know the special skills and authoritative manner a classroom teacher needs to capture students' attention and make them behave.

Lane, a former professional trainer for an insurance company, said substitutes also pick up skills from working with various textbook series.

"The general principles are the same," she said. "The topics may be different, but once you know how the series goes, it helps regardless of what grade you're working with."

Although she sometimes wonders why she continues to answer the early morning requests for help, Lane said she probably will keep substituting for a few more years.

"I keep saying I'm not doing this next year, and I keep doing it," she said.