Tips on Becoming a Successful Substitute Teacher

If you are a substitute teacher or are considering becoming one, I have some suggestions that will make the students, administration, and teachers fall in love with you. These tips will also make the days you are teaching go much smoother and encourage respect from students in your classes.

Substituting is an excellent way to earn some money if you are in need of a job, especially if you enjoy working with students. If you need to know how to become a substitute teacher, please read my article, Get a Job No Matter What Degree You Have. The certification process is simple and will be easier if you follow the outline I give. For those of you who have already considered obtaining your certification, the following will enhance your success within the classroom.

The Lesson Plans

The first obstacle that you must hurdle over, to ensure success, is understanding the lesson plans for that day. Most often, you will only have about fifteen minutes to get an overview of the day before it begins. Do not worry; this is plenty of time, even if the absent teacher is not as organized as you would hope. Simply take one class or hour at a time. Teachers often have various breaks throughout the day when the students have lunch, recess, or special classes such as art or physical education. Even in high school, the teachers are given planning hours which are often strategically placed throughout the day. You will rarely have a day that you go nonstop from when you get there to when you leave.

In addition to the written lesson plans the teacher leaves, you can also depend on the students in your classes. You are guaranteed at least one respectful and reliable student per hour! Many students will offer to help you or will just inform you of the normal daily routines. Surprisingly, students enjoy helping the substitutes, so if you are unsure how to hook up the television or which office the attendance is taken to, just ask for a volunteer and you are bound to have someone step up to help you.

The Students' Respect

Another dilemma you must overcome is gaining the respect of the students. This will be easier each day you teach as you become more visible to the students. Plus, remember that students talk, so your respect during first hour may affect your automatic respect during fifth hour. Students will discuss with each other what they can get away with, and what they like or dislike about you.

In order to gain students' respect right from the beginning, be warm and friendly. Throw aside any grumpy or worried attitude that you may have. It does not matter how bad your morning was, the students will only know what they see. Begin class by writing your name on the board and introducing yourself. You could even give an interesting fact about yourself if you have their attention and time permits. Their perception of you will be positive if you appear friendly and approachable. On the other hand, if you are grouchy one day, the students will remember that the next day that you teach.

Students will also respect you if you are laid-back. Make sure they are not taking advantage of your care-free teaching style, but do not come into a classroom and act as if you are a dictator. If students want to do things that may not be specifically in the lesson plans, it is okay. Always obey what their normal teacher asks, but if students want to talk while they do their homework, let them. Or, if students want to listen to ipods after they finish their tests, let them. The rule that I use in the classroom for both of these situations is that a student can talk or listen to music as long as it does not hinder another student's learning. Music should be played quietly, and if students are talking, they should be talking about their homework. Students enjoy this small freedom that they are given.

Other Teachers

Teachers in nearby classrooms are a wonderful resource to the substitute teacher because they are helpful and are great references. As a substitute, if there are any emergencies throughout the day or you have a question about pretty much anything, the teacher next door is there to help. Sometimes, in the absent teacher's lesson plans, they will even state which teachers you should go to if you have any questions. Many teachers will notice when a substitute teacher is in a classroom nearby them. They will often make an effort to stop by your classroom to introduce themselves and check in on you.

Another benefit of the teachers around you is that they can be good references for you. The absent teacher may ask them what they thought of you and if you managed the class well. Plus, if another teacher sees you are doing an excellent job, they may request you when they are planning to be absent.

Personal Administration

The final suggestion for success is proper personal organization and administration. Show respect to the absent teacher and school offices by filling out all paperwork with clarity and in a timely fashion. Some schools require you to complete evaluation sheets for each day, but even if they do not, it is very important that you somehow correspond with the teacher about how their classes were during their absence. Throughout the day, leave detailed notes to the absent teacher about how the lessons went, which students were absent, where you put completed tests, etc. They will appreciate this extra effort you put forth and will also allow them to know exactly what occurred while they were gone.

Substitute teaching is rewarding and enjoyable. If you follow the above suggestions, you will be a success and be truly appreciated by all the schools that you teach in!