Guidelines for Substitute Teaching

When substitute teaching, there are a set of rules to go by. Even if you went to college to become a teacher, substitute teaching is slightly different than having your own classroom and students.

The first thing is to know where you are going and to give yourself plenty of time. With subbing, you will likely be at multiple buildings in several different districts. It will take some time to get used to schedules and floor plans. Each district generally has its own way of doing things, so be adaptable. Always arrive at least a half hour before school starts. This will give you plenty of time to check in at the office and get to the classroom. Make friends with the secretaries in the office and with the custodian. These people usually have the answer to any questions you may have.

Giving yourself plenty of time before school is crucial since you have no idea what is happening for that day. You will only have that half-hour to go over the lesson plans the teacher left for you. This will likely be your first challenge. You have no idea what you might encounter as far as lesson plans are concerned. Depending on how organized and well planned the teacher is, you could end up with a myriad of plans. Some teachers will leave detailed plans and expect you to teach the class, while other teachers will under plan, and you will be left with nothing to occupy the students for the last half hour of class. Be ready for anything, and give yourself time to go over the plans the teacher left for you.

Now that you have settled in and read over the plans for the day, it is important to check and make sure everything you need is there and working. Are there worksheets to hand out? Do you have class rosters and seating charts? Are you familiar with the technology you need to use? These are all important to figure out before your next challenge, the students, enter the room.

A lot of students love to see a substitute teacher, especially if they have a bad rapport with their actual teacher. To them, a sub means they will have an easy day and be able to get away with whatever. Most of the behavior of students depends on the general expectations set up by the regular teacher. If the teacher has a good relationship with the class, the students will adhere to the expectations even with a substitute present. However, do not expect immediate respect and well-behaved students! You must set the precedent. If you sub often in that building, you can build a rapport with the students. Being a dictator or letting the students get away with anything are both poor ways to earn the students’ respect. You need to find a balance somewhere in the middle. They will take advantage of you if you allow them to.

It is very difficult not knowing the students to call them by name or to know how they generally behave. This is when it is necessary to remain calm. You will surely encounter disruptive and insubordinate students. Simply take it in stride and handle them calmly. Do not show a weakness in classroom management, or the students will take advantage of that. By handling your own issues with students, it will garner you more respect in their eyes and the eyes of the administration.

Opportunities will arrive for you to teach many subjects and age levels. Consider these things before accepting an assignment. If you are uncomfortable working with younger students, don’t take a job at an elementary school. Since some teachers will expect you to actually teach the lesson plans they leave, also consider the subject. Obviously, an Advance Placement Calculus teacher will not expect you to teach a lesson on derivatives, but in more basic classes, it could occur. If you are not familiar or comfortable with the subject area or age, it is better to decline the job than to be miserable for the duration of the day.

Depending on the teacher, you may have other responsibilities as well. You might have to monitor a study hall. There could be lunch or bus duty. If these are part of the teacher’s daily routine, you must also do them. You will also likely have a planning period. Since you are a substitute teacher, you have no planning to do. It never hurts to go to the office and ask if they need anything extra done for them since you have a break. This will make an excellent impression. Also, don’t be shocked if you are asked to cover another class during your planning period.

Dressing appropriately is also very important. Your appearance will be the first impression the students have of you. Being well-dressed can help command respect. Other teachers and administrators will also notice your appearance. Try to eat lunch with the teachers in the lounge. It is good to interact with and get to know them to make a name for yourself. Do not just sit in the classroom all day. Come out in the hall between classes and interact. If you have a teaching degree and are looking for a full-time job, these little things can make a huge impact. Forming relationships or making a positive impression as a substitute could lead to getting hired in the future (I can personally attest to this).

Always take something with you to do, whether it is a book to read or a crossword puzzle. Often, teachers leave busy work for their students, and this will leave you with a great deal of downtime. You will be horribly bored without something to occupy yourself. I know we all have phones that can distract us for hours at a time. However, if you want students to stay off their phones and do their work, you should as well. Finding a more productive and educational way to alleviate your boredom will set a better example for the kids in the classroom.

It is impossible to list all of the potential situations you could come across as a substitute teacher. You could have fire drills, lock-downs, or even students with specific medical requirements. The most important thing is to remain aware of these and be flexible. Always leave a detailed note of what went on for the day. This will let the teacher know you covered everything you were supposed to and alert them of any problems. By leaving a note, it can also help the student prepare better for next time they have a substitute teacher in for them. Your situation changes from day to day and requires much adapting. It can be very stressful at times, but be patient.