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I am amazed that I am an author. “Disorder in the Classroom” is my first work. I have had to do a great deal of writing on the job, but never thought seriously about being published. In addition to writing, I worked as an accountant and a substitute teacher.
I was born in Chicago, Illinois and have lived here most of my life. I attended public school throughout my elementary and high school years. Basically, I am a product of Chicago’s south side.
Upon graduating from Roosevelt University, I began my professional accounting career. It was easy to gain employment after graduation because I already had the experience needed to land a position in the field. Therefore, you could say that I was one step ahead of most graduates. I had worked in non-profit organizations and government positions and that is basically the area where I would stay for the next 30 years off and on.
In accounting, I achieved the position of controller, which is just about the top of the line for one taking that career path. I learned very much about the accounting profession in attaining that goal, but I learned even more about on the job politics. I have met many people throughout my career and I will say that some of my experiences have been intriguing .
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Janice Hypolite retired from her position as an accountant, spent time with her daughters and then decided to pursue her desire to teach. In the 1980s it was very easy to achieve certification to substitute teach. After a short while she returned to accounting. In 2007 she decided to return to subbing. Her certification was out of date and the criteria to gain one was much tougher. After receiving her updated certification Janice prepared herself for the new school year by buying paper, pencils, a tote and searching for lessons to keep the students occupied. She expected to work frequently but it was the end of Oct. before she was called to teach. The teacher had not left a lesson plan. The students were loud, rude and uncooperative.
At one point Janice asked herself the question, “Who is in charge, the students or the teachers.” After having also been a substitute teacher with similar experiences I can say that too often the students are in charge. MS Hypolite apparently kept a diary of each class she taught and problems within the class. Being a sub is not easy. I found the best subs were retired teachers. They had degrees in education. They were better prepared to handle the behavior problems in the classroom. Students seem to recognize their authority.
Not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. Many who desire to be one lack the skills that are needed. I discovered early on that I worked better in EBD classes than in regular classrooms.
Author Janice Hypolite's experiences as a substitute teacher in the Chicago Public School system are informative and well documented. She effectively discusses discipline problems and the attitudes of teachers, as well as the issues facing subs like intimidation from other teachers and lack of lesson planning.The last chapter of the book is filled with the author’s creative suggestions and honest opinions. There is a lot of valuable experience and wisdom in this book that readers will find eye-opening, especially parents and those in the educational field.
