Mastering the Art of the Sub Plan...and the Sub Day!

 Posted by Mr. VanDusen on Brain Fusion

Let’s be honest—no matter how many years we’ve been in the classroom, preparing for a sub day can feel more stressful than actually teaching 30 middle schoolers on the last day before break.

But it doesn’t have to be.

In this post, I’m sharing tips and tricks from both sides of the desk: how teachers can better prep for a substitute and how subs can walk in confidently and keep the classroom running smoothly.

For Teachers: Set Your Sub Up for Success

You know your classroom is a well-oiled machine… until you're not there. To keep things humming when you're out, here are some tips that can make all the difference:

1. Build a Sub Binder

This isn’t just helpful—it’s gold. Include:

• Class lists

  

• Seating charts

• Emergency procedures

• Daily schedule

• Bell schedules

• Technology logins

• A list of helpful students (and those who might need a little extra structure)

Pro Tip: Include a quick “Need-to-Know” page—bullet points that give your sub a cheat sheet on class dynamics, what’s flexible, and what’s not.

2. Have Go-To Lessons Ready

Emergencies don’t RSVP. Whether it’s a personal emergency or a last-minute call-out, having sub-friendly activities that are meaningful, manageable, and aligned to your content is a lifesaver. Bonus if they require zero tech troubleshooting.

3. Keep It Student-Focused

Design lessons that students can tackle independently or with minimal guidance. If you’re relying on videos, embed reflection or accountability activities to keep kids engaged.

4. Respect the Sub’s Time

Make sure materials are easy to find. Label bins. Have instructions where they’re needed. And please—test the tech ahead of time.

For Substitutes: Command the Room Like a Pro

You might be walking into a totally new environment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t own it. Here’s how to make the day smoother—for you and the students.

1. Establish Expectations Immediately

Greet students at the door. Smile. Let them know it’s going to be a great day—and that the rules still apply. Your tone at the start sets the pace.

2. Stick to the Plan

Teachers leave instructions for a reason. Unless there’s a clear emergency or something isn’t working, try to follow the plan provided.

3. Keep ‘Em Busy

Idle time is the enemy of classroom control. If students finish early, have a few “bonus” activities in your back pocket: educational games, short writing prompts, or a good “Would You Rather?” discussion.

4. Leave Notes

Even a short summary can be invaluable to the returning teacher. Let them know what got done, who stood out (positively or otherwise), and any tech or procedural hiccups.

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Whether you’re calling in sick, taking PD, or stepping into someone else’s classroom, preparation and professionalism are key.

Let’s elevate the sub experience from “survival mode” to “smooth sailing.”

Got your own sub hacks or horror stories? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

Emotional Resilience: The Secret Ingredient to Student Success

 Posted by Mr. VanDusen on Brain Fusion with Mr. VanDusen

Picture this: One student crumbles after getting a B-minus, another throws a tantrum over a group
project gone sideways. Now picture a third student who, when faced with the same challenges, takes a breath, resets, and pushes forward.

That third student? They’ve got emotional resilience. And as teachers, we can help every student develop that superpower.

In this post, I’m diving into one of the most critical tools in any teacher’s arsenal—Social Emotional Learning (SEL)—specifically, how to teach emotional resilience to K–12 students. (Spoiler alert: It’s not about being emotionless or bottling things up—it’s about managing emotions and bouncing back.)

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What Is Emotional Resilience Anyway?

Emotional resilience is the ability to manage emotions, adapt to stress, and keep moving forward after a setback. It’s not about being cold and stoic—it’s about understanding what you're feeling and knowing what to do with it.

As a longtime teacher, coach, and Army officer, I’ve seen firsthand how emotional regulation can be the difference between a student melting down or moving on.

So, how do we help students build this vital skill?

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1. Teach Emotional Awareness

Students can’t manage what they can’t identify. One tool I’ve used is the emotional wheel. It starts with core feelings like happy, sad, angry, and expands outward into more nuanced emotions like “anxious” or “frustrated.” Younger students might only identify the center circle, but older ones can work their way out as they build emotional vocabulary.

Pro tip: Let students move in and out on the wheel. Sometimes they start with “I’m mad” and realize, “Actually, I’m overwhelmed.”

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2. Normalize Failure as a Learning Tool

I catch heat for this one, but here it is: Prepare to fail. Literally.

When I taught STEM, we built towers until they collapsed and shelters until the fan blew them apart. Failure was baked into the process. Why? Because we were teaching students that failure isn’t the end—it’s feedback.

From missed quiz questions to missed layups, students need to see failure not as defeat, but as data. Reframe it: “What did I learn?” not “How did I screw up?”

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3. Teach Self-Regulation Techniques

Once students can name what they feel, they need tools to handle it.

Not every strategy works for every kid—one student might relax with journaling, another might need a lap around the hallway. Breathing exercises, drawing, water breaks, mindfulness—give them a toolkit, then let them find their own best wrench.

Middle school boys drawing flowers? Maybe not. But deep breathing before a math test? Totally doable.

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4. Model It Yourself

If you can’t manage your own stress without yelling at the copy machine, students won’t believe a word you say about resilience.

Be real. Try the breathing techniques. Talk through your own failures. I’ve told my students about times I botched SEL lessons—and how I bounced back. And let me tell you, when “tough guy” Mr. VanDusen uses SEL skills, even the most resistant students start to take it seriously.

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5. Build a Classroom Culture of Support

Make it okay to fail in your room.

That doesn’t mean we celebrate sloppiness—it means we celebrate learning from mistakes. Share your own learning curves, and give students space to try, stumble, and try again.

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Supporting Struggling Students

Some kids wear their stress on their sleeve. Others hide it behind humor or silence. As teachers, we can’t fix everything, but we can notice.

Watch for:

• Quick tempers over minor setbacks

• Avoidance of new challenges

• Negative self-talk

Build relationships. Get curious. Ask questions. What looks like a meltdown over a broken pencil might be about a lot more.

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Voices from the Field

Two fellow Kingsford teachers, Diana Peters and Katie Dalla Piazza, shared their SEL experiences on my podcast:

• Diana emphasized the importance of relationships and consistent language. SEL lessons help define terms like “well-being” so students and teachers speak the same language.

• Katie highlighted the overwhelming challenges students face—from social media to family instability—and the need for tools to manage it all. She also noted that SEL only works when it's authentic, not just “Monday’s 20-minute lesson.”

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SEL Isn’t a Lesson—It’s a Lifestyle

If we want SEL to be real, it can’t live only on Mondays.

It has to show up during Tuesday quizzes, Thursday lunch drama, and every hallway interaction in between. When students see it in action, and when we model it ourselves, it becomes less of a lesson and more of a life skill.

And that’s the goal: Emotional resilience that doesn’t just help kids survive middle school—but helps them thrive in life.

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If this post helped you or made you think, share it with a fellow educator. Let’s build emotionally strong students—one deep breath at a time.

Until next time, keep fusing those brains!

—Mr. VanDusen

Like this post? Subscribe to Brain Fusion with Mr. VanDusen for more classroom insights and teaching strategies!

👨‍🏫 About John VanDusen:

John has been teaching elementary and middle school since 2007 and serves as a coach

and instructor for the U.S. Army Reserves. This podcast is here to give teachers fast,

practical strategies for busy educators to enhance their classrooms.

See more at www.johnvandusen.com

Engage on X: https://x.com/classcoffeebrk

Email: classroomcoffeebreak@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lgzDkcMo0e99wLRcRCpLZ?si=mYt2kuf8T0-P5UGW6jb8nA

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLem94-SAKHMOb7mrV_ZM8154crZDAbYDe&si=ZqYZNlM5f4EqX_95

Managing Stubborn Students: Classroom Strategies That Work

 Managing Stubborn Students: Classroom Strategies That Work

By Mr. VanDusen – Brain Fusion with Mr. VanDusen

We all know that one student who just won’t budge. They refuse to follow instructions, challenge authority, and seem resistant to consequences. But instead of letting one or two students derail your
entire classroom, let’s explore some effective strategies for managing stubborn student behavior.

Why Do Students Act Out?

Before we dive into solutions, we have to understand the why behind student misbehavior. Behavior is communication, and students act out for a variety of reasons:

• Lack of Control – Some students have little control over their personal lives and seek to assert themselves in the classroom.
• Emotional Regulation Issues – Many students struggle to manage their emotions, especially during stressful transitions like puberty.
• Desire for Attention or Autonomy – Some students feel that even negative attention is better than being ignored.
• Frustration with Academic Content – Students who are lost in a subject (like math or history) may act out rather than admit they need help.

As educators, our job is to figure out the underlying cause and address it accordingly.

3 Types of Stubborn Students

Not all stubborn students are the same. Here are three common types and how to handle them:

1. The Defiant Student

This student openly challenges authority, refusing to comply with instructions. As a military officer, I naturally expect my rank and experience to command respect—but in a classroom, students don’t care about your background. Instead of engaging in power struggles, stay calm and focus on relationship-building to establish trust.

2. The Passive-Aggressive Student

This student resists quietly—by ignoring instructions, making side comments, or subtly pushing boundaries. They often thrive on sarcasm and humor, but sometimes, their jokes cross the line. A private conversation outside the classroom can help set expectations while maintaining rapport.

3. The Anxious Student

Some students resist work out of fear of failure rather than defiance. They may ask for constant reassurance or hesitate to complete tasks. Encourage a growth mindset, provide positive reinforcement, and create a safe space for mistakes.

5 Strategies for Managing Stubborn Students

Now that we understand why students act out, here are five practical strategies to manage their behavior effectively:

1. Build Relationships First

Students are more likely to cooperate when they feel respected and understood. Take time to connect with students outside of academics—comment on their interests, ask about their hobbies, and show that you care.

2. Offer Choices and Autonomy

Giving students some control over their learning environment reduces resistance. Examples:

• “Would you rather work at your desk or in the hallway?”
• “Do you want to write a summary or create flashcards?”

Even giving the illusion of choice can make a difference. For instance, I once told my class, “We can either take notes or watch a documentary and discuss it.” Predictably, they chose the video, but both options led to the same learning outcome.

3. Use Logical Consequences

Punishments should be directly related to the misbehavior. If a student spills chips, they clean it up. If they misuse a Chromebook, they complete work on paper. This makes the consequence feel fair rather than arbitrary.

4. Reinforce Positive Behaviors

Instead of only correcting bad behavior, catch students doing the right thing and acknowledge it. Praise them privately if needed, especially for students who don’t like public attention. A small moment of recognition can build confidence and reinforce good habits.

5. Stay Calm and Consistent

Power struggles are a trap. The best response to defiance is a neutral, consistent approach. Set clear expectations and follow through with consequences while keeping your emotions in check.

What If Nothing Works?

If a student’s behavior remains unchanged despite these efforts, consider these steps:

• Involve Parents Early – Open communication with families can provide insight and support.
• Collaborate with Colleagues – Other teachers may have strategies that work for this student.
• Reflect on Your Approach – Sometimes, adjusting your own strategy can make a difference.

Final Thoughts

Managing stubborn students is never easy, but every student has the potential to grow and change. By building relationships, offering choices, and staying consistent, you can create a classroom environment where even the most challenging students can thrive.

What are your go-to strategies for handling stubborn students? Share in the comments below!

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Like this post? Subscribe to Brain Fusion with Mr. VanDusen for more classroom insights and teaching strategies!

👨‍🏫 About John VanDusen:

John has been teaching elementary and middle school since 2007 and serves as a coach and instructor for the U.S. Army Reserves. This podcast is here to give teachers fast, practical strategies for busy educators to enhance their classrooms.

See more at www.johnvandusen.com

Engage on X: https://x.com/classcoffeebrk

Email: classroomcoffeebreak@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lgzDkcMo0e99wLRcRCpLZ?si=mYt2kuf8T0-P5UGW6jb8nA

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLem94-SAKHMOb7mrV_ZM8154crZDAbYDe&si=ZqYZNlM5f4EqX_95

When Students Fail: What Every Teacher Needs to Know

 

Every teacher will face this challenge at some point—a student who just isn’t making the grade. Do you let them fail? Push them harder? Or is there another way? Let’s break it down and explore how we can help struggling students while maintaining high expectations.

Why Do Students Fail?

Before jumping into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why a student is failing. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Academic Gaps – Some students lack foundational skills, making it difficult to grasp new content. If a student struggles with multiplication but hasn’t mastered addition, they’ll fall behind quickly. Identifying and addressing these gaps is key.

2. Lack of Motivation – Many students don’t see the value in the work. As a history teacher, I hear, “Why do we have to learn this?” Helping students make real-world connections to the content can increase engagement.

3. Personal Issues – Family struggles, mental health challenges, or outside responsibilities (like caring for siblings) can interfere with learning. Middle and high school teachers, in particular, see this often.

4. Undiagnosed Learning Disabilities – Some students may have learning disabilities that haven’t been identified. Others might have an IEP, but their accommodations aren’t fully meeting their needs. Collaboration with special education staff is essential.

Steps to Take When a Student Is Failing

Once you understand why a student is struggling, you can take action. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Communicate with the Student
   Some students have no idea they’re failing until it’s too late. Others assume they can’t succeed. Keep emotions out of the conversation and approach them with solutions: “I see you’re struggling—how can we fix this together?”

2. Check for Missing Work and Assessment Gaps
   Does the student have unsubmitted assignments? Do they perform well on homework but struggle on tests? Identifying patterns helps determine if the issue is effort, comprehension, or both.

3. Differentiate Instruction
   If a student isn’t grasping the material through traditional teaching methods, switch it up! Let them illustrate a concept, teach a small group, or engage in hands-on activities. Adjusting your approach can make all the difference.

4. Utilize School Resources
   Collaboration is key! Special education teachers, counselors, and intervention specialists can provide additional support and insight into how to help struggling students.

5. Involve Parents and Guardians
   Parental involvement varies widely, but keeping them informed is critical. Some parents check grades daily, while others are too overwhelmed with work and life. Keep communication simple, solution-based, and nonjudgmental.

Preventing Failure Before It Happens

Rather than reacting when a student is on the verge of failing, try these proactive strategies:

1. Build Relationships Early
   Students work harder for teachers they trust. Learn their interests, acknowledge their efforts, and be authentic. A strong teacher-student relationship can be a game-changer.

2. Use Frequent Formative Assessments
   Don’t wait until the final test to assess learning. Quick check-ins throughout a unit allow you to catch gaps early and adjust instruction as needed.

3. Give Students Ownership of Their Learning
   Encourage students to track their progress. I use a Marzano-style scale where students self-assess before and after a lesson. Seeing their own growth builds confidence and accountability.

4. Offer Multiple Ways to Demonstrate Learning
   Not every student thrives on traditional tests. Allow them to demonstrate understanding through projects, oral assessments, or creative assignments like drawings or models.

When Failure Is the Only Option

Despite our best efforts, some students will still fail. When that happens, consider these points:

• What is the consequence of failure? A failed Advanced Placement course has a much different impact than a failed elective class. Consider the long-term effects.
• Document everything. Keep records of all communication and interventions to ensure transparency.
• Sometimes, failure is a wake-up call. For some students, experiencing failure is the push they need to take responsibility for their learning.

Final Thoughts

Seeing a student fail is tough, but it’s not the end of their story—or yours. The goal isn’t to pass them along but to help them grow. By focusing on support, communication, and early intervention, we can make a difference in every student’s educational journey.

Have you encountered a failing student and turned things around? Share your strategies in the comments!

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Thanks for reading Brain Fusion with Mr. VanDusen! If you found this post helpful, be sure to subscribe for more teaching insights and strategies. Keep growing, keep learning, and keep making a difference!

Make Learning FUN! Engaging Strategies for K-12 Teachers

 How to Make a Boring Curriculum Exciting

Let’s be honest—some parts of the curriculum can feel downright dull. As teachers, we’ve all looked at a textbook or a set of standards and thought, How am I going to make this engaging? The good news? Even the most “boring” content can come to life with the right approach. Here’s how to turn dry lessons into dynamic learning experiences that capture students’ attention and spark curiosity.

Why Does Some Curriculum Feel Boring?

Before we tackle solutions, let’s look at why some lessons feel dull in the first place:

✅ Lack of Relevance – Students don’t see how the material applies to their lives. (Ever heard, When will I ever use this?)
✅ Overemphasis on Rote Learning – Memorizing vocabulary words, dates, and formulas without context is a quick path to disengagement.
✅ Teaching the Same Way for Years – If we’re bored teaching it, imagine how the students feel!

Now, let’s talk about solutions.

1. Connect Lessons to Real Life

Students are more engaged when they see how a lesson applies to their world. I teach U.S. history, and during election seasons or big Supreme Court rulings, I tie our discussions to the Constitution and Bill of Rights. This keeps students interested and helps them see why history matters.

In math, you can connect lessons to personal finance—budgeting, taxes, and tips. (Students suddenly care when they realize how much money disappears from a paycheck!) Gamification works too—fantasy football for statistics, March Madness for probability, and even video games like Minecraft to illustrate concepts.

2. Incorporate Student Interests

Find out what your students love and use it to your advantage. When I taught 6th-grade math, I added a simple game to timed tests: throwing paper into a trash can and calculating shot percentages. Suddenly, students were eager to participate. Whether it's sports, pop culture, or hands-on projects, tying content to their interests boosts engagement.

3. Use Active Learning Techniques

Active learning goes beyond getting students out of their seats—it immerses them in the material. When I taught 6th-grade math, I ran a semester-long simulation where students earned paychecks, paid rent, and even bought desks. Some became real estate tycoons, while others struggled with “finances,” reinforcing math concepts in a meaningful way.

Another example? A colleague uses Barbie bungee jumping to teach slope. Instead of worksheets, students experiment with rubber bands to see how far Barbie falls, then calculate the results. This kind of hands-on learning makes abstract concepts tangible.

4. Turn Lessons into Stories

Storytelling is one of the oldest and most effective teaching methods. I use a narrative-style quiz for the Bill of Rights, where students follow the story of “Fred,” a bank robber who gets arrested. As Fred’s case unfolds, students apply amendments to real-world scenarios.

Think of any way to weave content into a story—it makes lessons more memorable and engaging.

5. Acknowledge Student Resistance

Some students walk into class already convinced that a subject is boring. One way to break through? Be honest. If a lesson is dry, I tell my students, Yeah, this one’s a little rough, but we need to get through it so we can do something cool later. That transparency builds trust and helps them push through.

Another trick is offering limited choices. Instead of letting students pick from 10 different project formats (which can be overwhelming), give them two or three structured options. This keeps them engaged while maintaining classroom control.

Final Thoughts

Every subject has its challenges, but as teachers, we have the power to make learning exciting. By tying content to real life, incorporating student interests, using active learning, and telling stories, we can transform even the driest material into an engaging experience.

Remember—your enthusiasm is contagious. If you’re excited about teaching, your students will be more excited to learn.

What are your go-to strategies for making lessons engaging? Drop them in the comments below!

📌 Want more quick teaching tips? Subscribe to Classroom Coffee Break for bite-sized professional development on the go!

👨‍🏫 About John VanDusen:

John has been teaching elementary and middle school since 2007 and serves as a coach and instructor for the U.S. Army Reserves. This podcast is here to give teachers fast, practical strategies for busy educators to enhance their classrooms.

See more at www.johnvandusen.com

Engage on X: https://x.com/classcoffeebrk

Email: classroomcoffeebreak@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lgzDkcMo0e99wLRcRCpLZ?si=mYt2kuf8T0-P5UGW6jb8nA

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLem94-SAKHMOb7mrV_ZM8154crZDAbYDe&si=ZqYZNlM5f4EqX_95