Substitute teaching reminds me of juggling. Being able to stay a step ahead of the students keeps me on my toes. Since learning new things is supposed to be great exercise for the brain, I guess throwing it into overdrive is a good thing. Sometimes I find myself in classes reviewing the teacher's manual while tap dancing. I am one of those teachers who likes to feel totally prepared, and yes, knowledgeable.
Of course, teachers don't really know everything and sleep in the school at night. It's always so cute when little kids see their teachers outside of school and are amazed that they are actually living a normal life. So, I am having to talk to myself and not freak out if there is something in the lesson plans that seems unfamiliar. Another sub told me that he just asks one of the students to explain things he doesn't know. Just for grins, I gave his theory a shot in an eighth grade science class, and all of the students told me they didn't get it. Maybe the whiz kid was absent that day.:)
Maybe I will ask for one of those "Learn to juggle" kits for Christmas. My sister needs one too. Since a couple of our family members already know how to juggle, they can coach us.
Substitute teacher in action