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10 Vital Tips from a Substitute Teacher
Featured Author:
Elissa Miller
Ms. Miller is a recent college graduate and new to the blogging scene. She is currently a substitute teacher, grant writer, and tutor. This fall she started her career as a high school math teacher teaching algebra and geometry. Ms. Miller loves to read and write and learning is a huge priority. She values people more because of what they've taught her than how they treat her. Her best advice for any teacher is to be real and make a connection with every student. Hobbies include napping, photography, texting, and of course, blogging! Her goals are to be the best teacher that has ever lived, to change the world, and to live wealthy. She also adores John Mayer and chocolate.
To read more, check out her blog, MissCal.Q.L8
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MissCal.Q.L8
The top 10 things I’ve learned from being a substitute teacher.
10. You can always be more organized.
9. You can never be too detailed in your sub plans. Don’t assume subs know anything. Seating charts, bathroom breaks, teachers they can ask for help, students who know what’s going on, switching classes, phone and computer use, school rules, are just examples of things substitutes would love to know.
8. Having things in your room clearly labeled and all in their place makes life easier for the teacher, the students, and the substitute.
7. School secretaries are your best friends.
6. Substitutes should leave notes of the students’ behavior for the teacher: good or bad. I like to write something for each period and mention specific names if needed. Duh, teachers love feedback.
5. Posting common class procedures is a great first week of school idea but is also a lifesaver for the substitute who is clueless as to how you work.
4. Being flexible and creative is a vital characteristic for teaching. As a substitute, you have to make something out of nothing. You have to stretch things out to last longer, manipulate it to fit your personality, and yet it still all has to make sense to the kids.
3. Breaking the ice with students makes your life easier. If you ask students about activities going on at school, sports, what they’re wearing, what’s for lunch, or anything other than class the students immediately are more interested in what you have to say. In the school I’m subbing at, I generally know a lot of the student’s parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, etc. Letting them know that sometimes makes them easier to handle.
2. School and students are unpredictable. You have to make split-second decisions constantly and not lose it when your plans get messed up. Go with the flow, be flexible, and make things work. Maintain order even if it’s not your order.
And the number one thing..
1. Never sub for Kindergarten teachers the day before Valentine’s Day! Their job is no joke. The academic material is not challenging. That’s because if teachers had to deal with challenging academics and challenging behavior, they would die. Die. Combine this with a ton of candy, rub-on tattoos, cakes, cookies, Valentine’s Day cards, toys, balloons, flowers, and tons of cellophane and you have a recipe for heart-shaped disaster!!!
_p0m3l0_
4 days ago
2 comments
If only the number one tip was clearer! Kindergarten teachers are my heroes--They must teach small, needy children core fundamentals and deal with the ego-centric darlings all day. I will sub for them, but I know better than to take a job as one because I don't have the emotional stamina. Yes, their job is no joke, so how is their job not challenging? How can you make a blanket statement like "That’s because if teachers had to deal with challenging academics and challenging behavior, they would die. Die.?" Did you mean just Kinder teachers, or all teachers? I was with your article until I read the last "tip."
MrsJ
10 days ago
16 comments
Some good information. Although not all classrooms and especially not all schools actually celebrate Valentine's day, in fact many try to steer clear of holiday celebrating in general due to family beliefs, and food allergies. Some substitute positions also don't require the subbing teacher to be in a classroom by themselves, but as a fill-in for a co-teacher or co-assistant who is out. Therefore sometimes the best meant plans are not always needed.
sweetTeach1
about 1 year ago
24 comments
I totally agree with the top rule. When I was substituting, I was subbing for a Music teacher the Friday before Valentine's day and there was a Kindergarten class coming in. The kids had been having a party and were all sugared up. I looked at the lesson plans. She wanted me to read them a book?! Yeah, that didn't go well...I tried to get through one with comments like "I have to go the bathroom", "I'm thirsty", and--just when I think it can't get any worse, "I miss my Mommy." Ugh. Somehow, I made it through, and they said goodbye with a hug around my knees. Okay, so that kind of made up for it!
Samantha
about 1 year ago
40 comments
As a substitute teacher I like to get to the class that I am subbing in early. This way I can find the plans and make sure I understand them. I also bring my own materials just in case there are no plans (yes this does happen). Also, I love when teachers type there plans this makes them a lot easier to read.
ecamp
about 1 year ago
14 comments
Thanks for the list! I'm starting as a substitute in September, and I'll be a long-term sub in November and December. It's good to have some tips and realize that not all teachers are going to be quite as organized or as detailed in their plans as I would like.