Tips for Substitute Teachers

Substitute teaching experiences will vary based on the school, the grade, and even the education level of the substitute. Moreover, what might work in one class, might not work in another; and, what one teacher will appreciate, another will discard.

So, how does a substitute know what to do with so many variables at play?

There are some things that are common to most teachers. We will address these items and, perhaps, a few more.

1. Teachers always appreciate when substitutes follow the lesson plans.
Most teachers take great care in preparing lesson plans for emergency and non emergency absences. They make sure that the material left to cover goes right along with the curriculum and the standards set forth not just by the school, but also by the state.

Although the plan will not replace a teacher delivered lesson, it still covers items students are expected to learn throughout the school year. It generally does not require instruction on the part of the substitute, but simple directions outlined on the worksheets.

When the substitute does his/her best to follow the plan, instruction continues and the teacher will be able to pick up where teaching was left off without further delay.

2. Teachers always appreciate when substitutes follow the discipline rules of the class.
By following the system set up by the teacher, students will have the stability necessary to create a positive environment. When rules are followed, there is less distraction and less room for negative precedents to be established.

Many students will try to convince the substitute that certain rules do not apply. If the teacher has not left any instructions as to a particular situation, it is best if the substitute calls on another teacher or an assistant principal to find out what the school rule is about such a situation.

3. Teachers always appreciate notes as to what the students did and the behavior they displayed.
We are not talking about leaving essays; that would be too much for the teacher to read through. However, a well written note as to how well students were able to follow the directions and complete assignments and how well they behaved, will give the teacher insight as to what needs to be prepared for the next time (and there will be a next time).

4. Teachers always appreciate when substitutes show up when scheduled.
Emergencies happen not just to teachers but to substitutes as well. Principals and teachers realize that. However, there are instances when a substitute decides to withdraw from the assignment upon finding out its details.

When a substitute cancels there are repercussions on the whole school, especially if another substitute cannot be located. Teachers will have to give up their planning time set aside for further preparation or grading.

If at all possible, the substitute should ask questions before accepting the job. This way, if a decline is necessary, it will still leave time to find another candidate to cover the class for the day.

We have covered the main tips teachers would give substitutes.
What about tips substitutes would give to other substitutes?

Here are a couple of suggestions.

1. Follow through with decisions made.
If students are not behaving and the substitute threatens to call in the assistant principal or leave a note to the teacher asking that consequences be given, the substitute should follow through with such a decision.

If the substitute lets the situation go, next time around, those same students will not follow instructions at all. After all, why should they? Nothing happened the previous time!

If the substitute thinks that teachers will not give consequences for incorrect behavior, perhaps the substitute should know that most teachers will oblige as they want to make sure they will have someone to cover the class when the next time rolls around.

2. Get to know the teachers and administration.
The more teachers and administrators the substitute gets to know, the more work opportunities will be given. This will also lead to more support, especially if his or her work is seen as outstanding.

3. Bring a book to read, but read it only during lunch or planning.
Many substitutes bring reading materials to school and then sit at the desk and read, especially if it is a test day.
This should not happen. Substitutes should walk around the classroom and monitor the progress of the students on their assignments. If it is a test day, walking around will discourage cheating.
The more vigilant the substitute is, the less room for trouble there will be.

4. Check with the school secretary if additional help is needed.
Teachers have planning so they can prepare for parent teacher conferences, grade papers, prepare lessons, etc.
Substitutes do not need planning for these purposes. It would be kind, and appreciated, if substitutes would check with the school secretary if there are other classes that need to be covered, or perhaps papers that need to be shredded.
Although planning could be the only sane moment of the day, it would benefit the substitute (as the school would see the substitute as a team player and willing to help) and the school (it allows teachers to keep their planning period) if help were offered.

These are just a few suggestions both from the teacher and the substitute point of view. It is not a comprehensive list and it might not even apply to all the schools that exist in your area. It is, however, a starting point, a list to help ease into the world of substitute teaching.