How to Be a Great Substitute Teacher

Substitute teachers aren't just fill-ins for the "real" teacher. Substitute teachers play a vital role in shaping the lives of our youth. You can make a difference in the children's lives you are teaching. Whether your next job subbing is for a week or a year, the following guidelines will show you how to be a successful substitute teacher.

Always show up for class with a smile and pleasant demeanor. Your students will feel that you are happy to be their substitute and excited about the day.

Change your title. Instead of introducing yourself as the substitute teacher, say you are a visiting teacher. "Substitute teacher" carries many connotations, most of them negative. You immediately have to overcome stereotypes, negativity, and even mocking by coming in as the substitute teacher. When you use the term visiting teacher you give yourself more credibility. You can also ask the students to teach you as they would teach a visitor to their house. They should show you more respect and kindness, which you should return. Start the class with a simple review of classroom rules and that everyone, you included, will abide by these rules.

Always treat all students the same and with a firm hand. Students are quick to overtake a classroom when they think they can get away with it. You must show them you are in control and will not accept anything less than respect from them. Treat each student with fairness so no one will accuse you of playing favorites. Unfair treatment will cause students to question you and ultimately rebel against you.

You should get to your classroom early and well prepared. The teacher you are filling in for most likely left their lesson plan as required by the district. You should be familiar with the lessons, the class schedule, and any homework assignments you may be giving. This preparation will make you a better substitute teacher.

Always start your class on time. Request all students take their seats and jump right into the lesson plan. This will show the students you are in charge and class is for learning.

If you have any students that seem to be falling behind, lend them your assistance. Teachers are there to help students learn. Some students need a little more help than others to learn the same material.

If you are giving and collecting assignments, you should also grade them. Tell the students you will be doing so and reporting the grades to their teacher. You may also want to perform a grading as a class assignment with the students to show them you take their achievements seriously.

You should always have a prepared bag of tricks you can turn to in any substitute teaching situation. Have activities that can be applied to students of various levels. You will want to keep these materials with you at all times. You never know when you will be called upon to substitute, and who you will be substituting for. This can come in handy if a teacher leaves unexpectedly without having time to leave a lesson plan for you. By being prepared, you will be able to structure the day for a classroom. Rely on district goals and objectives to help you prepare your activities.

End you school day on good terms with the students. You should thank them for allowing you to teach them and tell them what a pleasant day you had. Impart a story or words of wisdom that they can remember you by. Tell them you look forward to someday being their visiting teacher again.

You should always leave feedback for the teacher you are substituting for. Outline what you accomplished with the students including what lessons you reviewed, what homework was assigned, and any pertinent information. Refrain from any negative comments about the lesson plan or course.

You can be a successful substitute teacher by following the guidelines above. Approach each step with a positive attitude and your success will show through.