Substitute teaching is a fantastic way to support students in their learning. Substitute teachers are a vital part of school communities. Schools in my area often keep a list of their preferred subs. Schools want substitutes that can jump into a variety of situations. There are a few key things to remember when you are called to sub. Here are my key strategies for successful substitute teaching:
*Get to your assignment early. I have been lucky that for many of my sub assignments, teachers have contacted me personally and have emailed their sub plans to me. I was able to review the plans the night before so I could visualize how the following day might go. However, this is not always possible. Sometimes, you may be called in at the last minute to cover an unexpected absence. Whether you know days in advance or given just minutes of notice, getting to the classroom early helps you to review the plans and find the materials needed for the day.
*Establish how you will get your class’s attention. Teachers do their best to include as much information as they can in their plans; including the methods they use to get the class’s attention. Often, however, they skip over that detail. If you don’t see any attention-getters in the classroom, choose one you like and tell the class that’s how you will get their attention. You can take time to practice this with the class at the beginning of the day.
*Choose a discipline plan to use. Most classrooms have their expectations posted prominently in the classroom. However, just as with attention-getters, teachers don’t always have time to explain in their plans their consequences and incentive system. If that’s not clear to you, be prepared with your own. Keep your expectations simple and reward them for meeting those expectations.
*Leave a note for the teacher. Teachers put so much time and effort into establishing the flow of their classroom. It’s really hard for them to be away from their classroom. They are always nervous about what they will find in their classroom upon their return. Leave the classroom just as you found it, and always leave the teacher a synopsis of the day.
*Be flexible. Just as in life, things don’t always go to plan. An unexpected rainy day, an assembly the teacher forgot to list in the plans, the surprise fire drill… these are only a few curve balls that might come your way during a sub assignment. Go with the flow. Being too rigid will not help you and your students have a great day.
I hope this bit of advice is helpful. Substitute teaching can be an amazing way to share your love of education. Keeping this advice in mind will help everyone to have an amazing day.
PinaRose Education 