Substitute Teachers: What Not to Do

Whether you are new to substitute teaching or have a few years of experience under your belt, here are a few things you shouldn't do! Avoid these common errors to improve your substitute teaching experience.

1. Don't assume that their will be adequate lesson plans. Although most teachers will leave lesson plans for their substitute teachers, this is not always the case. Teachers have emergencies too and sometimes just make mistakes. When lesson plans are provided, they can be incomplete or vague. Teachers often have routines that are second nature to them, and they may not realize that you don't understand their shorthand. Always go into an assignment with the expectation that there may be incomplete plans. Be prepared to improvise and have some ideas in your head about what you will do if there are no plans.

2. Don't feel that you have to follow the lesson plans exactly. Teachers often leave notes that the substitute teacher needs to follow her plans exactly. In reality, this is often not possible or practical. When someone new is in charge, things often take longer than expected. Look the plans over in the morning and have an idea in your head of the most important activities. Make sure those get covered, but don't get bogged down if you don't get to everything. Also, every teacher should be prepared to make spontaneous changes if the lesson is a flop. If the kids aren't learning the concept, try something else. The learning is what is important. Don't be afraid to be spontaneous.

3. Don't feel that you have to follow the teacher's classroom management plan. When you come into a classroom, whether for a day or a week or a month, you are in charge. It is your responsibility to keep the class on track. Although some substitute teachers do fine following the regular classroom teacher's discipline plan, many substitute teachers prefer to have their own instead. Use what works for you! It can be as complex as you need it to be as long as it is functional. Bring in your own rules poster. First thing in the morning, share your rules with the class and spell out what consequences students will face for breaking rules. Not only will you be more comfortable following your own plan, it may be nice for the students to have something a little different from time to time too.

4. Don't be late. When you get a substitute teaching assignment, you will receive a report time. Be there by that time at the latest. You will need the before school time to decipher lesson plans, find materials, and process any special instructions. It probably won't be beneficial to come in super early because it is common for school office personnel to not be there any earlier than the substitute report time but don't be late!

5. Don't be dull. If you want to be a great substitute teacher, you need to do more than carry out the usual lesson plans and keep the class under control. Develop a signature activity that will have students excited when they see that you are substituting in their class. Some substitute teachers end the day with an impromptu sing-along accompanied by themselves on the guitar. Some bring a simple craft project to each assignment, or play a new getting to know you game at the start of the day each time they work. Perhaps you could bring a signature snack or have student interviews after lunch or even something as simple as extra special stickers to put on their work. Think of something fun that is uniquely you!

6. Don't take anything personally. Being a substitute teacher is a very difficult job. Often the students don't respect you, and sometime the other teachers or school personnel don't either. You are not following a routine or lesson plans developed by yourself. You do not have time to get to know the students or to develop unique learning and discipline strategies that will work for them. If things don't go well or if you are not treated with the respect you deserve, do not take it personally! Remember, you are not there long enough for anyone to get to know you. Do the best you can and be proud of your successes. When the day is done, feel free brainstorming ways you might have minimized problems but remember that you cannot fix the world in a day.

7. Don't be afraid to ask for help! If you can't control the class, call the office. If you don't know where the cafeteria is ask a student. If you can't find a staff restroom, ask the teacher next door. Those who are in the school everyday can usually help with any problems you may be facing no matter how big or small. Don't be afraid to get answers to your questions and help with any problem situations that might develop.

8. Don't forget to listen! Truly listening to the students is the best way for a substitute teacher to have a positive influence on their development. Students and teachers often fall into a rut as the school year progresses. Although most teachers develop good relationships with some of their students, I don't think any teacher has a one hundred percent success rate. When you take the time to listen to a child's problem and then show that you care, you may be giving that child positive affirmation that he or she is not getting from any other source.

9. Don't judge too quickly. Classroom teachers often label their students and pass these labels on to their substitute teachers. Don't let labels become self-fulfilling prophecies. Expect the students in your class to behave. Judging the students based on the regular teacher's notes will not help you to be a consistent and fair substitute.

10. Don't be afraid to give a class a second chance. Many substitute teachers decide to no longer work in classes where they have had problems. This might not be your best strategy. It may just have been a bad day. Don't be afraid to go back to a class that you previously had a problem with. Head to school with a plan and a positive attitude, and you will most likely have a better day the second time around.