Some Basic TIPS for Substitutes!

Every teacher loves a good substitute. But, what constitutes a good substitute. I decided that it was time to provide some basic tips for substitutes. Sometimes college grads turn to substitute teaching while searching for their first teaching position. This is what I ended up doing. I was a sub for about 6 months before I landed my first teaching position.

So these tips are really geared for new subs to give you some simple quick guidelines.

Some Basic Tips for Substitutes

For ease of navigation in this article, I will discuss things in these three sections: Rules, Plans, and Tips. Before I go into these, I want to recommend that you keep a “substitue bag” packed and ready to go. I actually had one bag for primary and a different one for 4th grade on up. You don’t have to do this, but I felt more secure going into a new classroom with at least a few items to use.

So, let’s begin by discussing the first section on RULES!

Rules

I highly recommend that you figure out a system of discipline to use for primary students and a different one for upper grade students. Of course, the best course of action is to try to use the system established by the classroom teacher. BUT if you get in the room, and the system is not entirely clear to you, use the one you have adopted. If you want a recommendation about rules, I wrote another article that you can refer to. You can read it here.

5 Simple Kindergarten Rules to Support Effective Behavior

Make sure that your discipline system has rules, consequences and rewards. Your rewards can be as simple as some stickers for the young students. Once you’ve taught your rules, be sure that you enforce them consistently throughout the day (and for all students).

A really good strategy I used as a sub with upper elementary students was the “erase the word” strategy. To use this, you think of a word to write on the top of the marker board. I used the term “DISMISSAL” frequently. The way this works is that you explain to the class that this word on the board is their “ticket” to a reward.

At many schools I mentioned the reward would be early dismissal (just by a few minutes). And as long as part of the word is remaining by the end of the day, they would earn the reward. BUT that I would be erasing a letter each time that the class was out of control or the talking was too loud, or interfering with instruction. So, the first time the clas is disorderly, you erase the “L” (or the last letter of whatever word you use).

And then throughout the day, if the noise level got too high, I would erase a letter. With this strategy you have to be sure the word stays up past lunch or they lose the incentive to behave after lunch (when you need good behavior the most). Can you see how this is an important part of some basic tips for substitutes?

Plans – (as in lesson plans)

The very first recommendation I have is to follow the teacher’s lesson plans as written when plans are left for you. Try to get to the classroom at least 15 minutes before class begins. Quickly look through the plans that were left. Locate all the Teacher’s Editons you will need (if the teacher hasn’t left them out for you already).

Review the subjects (topics) taught and determine if you feel comfortable teaching it the way it is listed. If not, notate how you will teach it, or substitute for an activiity you are comfortable with.

What if there are no Lesson plans?

But sometimes you arrive in a classroom and there are NO LESSON PLANS!! HELP!

When this happens, your bag of lessons and tips comes in super handy. You should have about three to four lessons that can be adapted up or down by a few grade levels in your “ready-to-go bag.” This way you always have something to use in the event of an emergency.

During my time as a substitute, I had one time when I was called in to sub for three days for a fifth grade teacher. When I got to class I realized there were no plans, so I called the office to ask about it and they told me that he had called in sick unexpectedly because his wife had gone into labor with their child two months too early.

I managed to get through the time with the class. The students were able to tell me where they were in many of the subject area text books, so I just continued on. Thankfully, I had access to the Teacher Editions to use. I left the teacher good notes on what was taught each of the three days.

A list of Some basic tips for substitutes

if time allows in the morning, introduce yourself to the teacher next door.
meet the school secretary with a friendly smile.
make sure students are sitting in their correct desks (my 6th graders switched seats one year – BOY was I MAD!)
spend the first ten minutes reviewing rules and consequences.
set timers to change subjects or for recess and lunch.
let the students know that you are IN CHARGE (don’t let them walk all over you).

Here’s an article about being IN CHARGE; read it here: 10 Effective Ways to Prove You Are in Charge of Your Classroom.

attempt to grade all work that is collected. If it’s not possible, then OK.
have about four or five “quick activites” to fill five minutes at the ready…for when lessons end early.
leave a detailed note for the teacher. List successes and problems. Tell what lessons you were able to complete and which ones aren’t yet finished.
check out with the office at the end of the day.

I want to be sure to offer you my FREE Classroom Routines Checklist. Just complete the form below, and I will zip it right over to your email.

AND, just to provide you with any extra help you are searching for in regards to student behavior and discipline, I have another article about student misbehavior…you can read it here: Tackling Difficult Student Behavior Issues

I hope you’ve found this article helpful as you prepare to substitute teach. Just remember to stay on top of the behavior. Some students, especially in upper elementary and middle school will try their best to “mess with you.” Don’t let them get the best of you. Remember, you are the adult in the room and you are in charge.

Good luck with you substitute classes. I learned a lot when I was a sub; and you can too.

Until Next Time,