Tips for Successful Substitute Teaching
How to Make Your Day as a Substitute Go Smoothly
Nov 10, 2008
Although some substitutes get to know their students through repeated visits to the same school or classroom, many face a class of new students each time they enter a school. Here are some tips to help the day go more smoothly.
Arrive to School Early
Whenever possible, arrive at your school with the other teachers. This will give you plenty of time to find your room, read through the lesson plans for the day, and take a look around the room. Look for these things:
- Classroom rules: Knowing how the rules are worded will help you know how to redirect the class.
- Seating arrangements: If your sub plans included names of students who would be helpers, get an idea of where those students sit in the classroom.
- Classroom organization: Know where the classroom library is in case you need to fill a few minutes with a read-aloud. Know where the pencil sharpener is. Figure out where homework will go.
- Read the board: Many teachers will leave notes to the class on the board.
Having a good idea of how the room is set up and where things are will help you remain on task throughout the day.
Classroom Management Tips
Your students know that they have a substitute teacher often before they even reach the classroom. Expect students to test your limits and the class rules. Utilize the student helpers and hold them to the highest standard of setting an example for all the other students.
Do not second guess yourself. If you do not want students to use the pencil sharpener during math class, then don't let them. If they tell you that their teacher always lets them sharpen their pencils whenever they want, calmly inform them that their regular teacher is not there and that your rule is to not have them using the pencil sharpener. If you second guess your own rules, the students will know they can push you on other rules as well.
Do not hesitate to ask your students to show you how they learned to stand in line or wait for papers to be passed out, etc. This is a great classroom management tip for substitutes specifically because students usually have some sense of pride in showing other people what they have learned, even if it is correct behavior learned from their regular teacher.
Make Learning Fun
You may not be introducing any new material as a substitute, but every day brings experiences that can be an opportunity for learning. If you are excited about learning, even when doing a review or watching a video, the students will be excited as well.
Substitute teachers are a huge help to the many classroom teachers who for one reason or another need a day off. Taking care to arrive early to prepare, maintain discipline throughout the day and make learning fun will help to create a positive learning environment and a successful day for any substitute.
