Ed discusses income, stability, parent occupation, home reading materials, and parent educational achievement as impacts on student achievement today.

Ed talks about knowing as much as you can about the family lives of your students and how that will impact their outlook on school and beyond.

Ed discusses four ways that students can be different and reminds us that not everyone's story is like yours!

Ed talks about five demographic categories that most teachers in America fall into and what those implications mean for our students.

Ed discusses substitute teachers leaving a note for the classroom teacher, to put a positive spin on the days events and to open the lines of communication.

Ed encourages substitute teachers to take a few minutes to make sure the physical classroom is clean at the end of the day to give the impression that you are a good teacher (it sometimes works!)

Ed talks about, when being a sub, not expressing or agreeing with negative comments about the school, the kids, the parents, the school system, etc.  Also, as a bonus tip: say hello to everyone!

Ed talks about having fun activities at the end of the period if you are a substitute teacher, to motivate the students to hang with you and complete their regular work during the majority of your time.

Ed tells substitute teachers to always keep their classroom activities steeped in academic content (no playing 7Up!) and be able to defend your actions to real or imaginary administrators if they happen to stop by the classroom.

Ed talks about keeping the class busy (and cutting down on misbehavior) when you are a substitute or otherwise.

Ed talks about finding the kid who can run the classroom - and have them work for you!

Ed talks about having lots of things in your bag to deal with whatever subbing situation you are thrown into.

Ed begins a mini-unit of tips for being a substitute teacher, beginning with an encouragement to be in charge!  Someone is going to take control of the classroom - make sure it is you!

Ed talks about keeping an even tone in the classroom so when you do get loud - and you probably will - it has the desired effect.  

Ed discuss how and why you might want to use non-specific warnings with your class - and why sharing your feelings is good for everyone to share. 

"What do you like to do?" is a powerful question to ask students.  If they give you the answer, they have also given you their currency - how they would like to be "paid" (and billed!) for their actions in the classroom. Ed discusses this and adds stories of Pokemon cards and Robin Williams to drive home this point.

Trying to bluff the class is bound to backfire when they call you on it.  Be sure to make sure that if you say it, that you can back it up too.

Ed talks about corporal punishment - what it is and how to avoid it when working with your students.

"What were you thinking?!" "How many times have I told you not to do that?!" "Can you please shut the #### up?!"  These sentences and others cross teachers' minds from time to time.  Just never say it out loud!   Ed talks about ways to avoid demeaning and cursing at kids!

How can we be strict with our students (good!) without being mean (bad!)