Classroom Management Tips and Tricks

Classroom Management for substitute teachers can be tricky, as building a relationship of trust and respect with students is the foundation of solid classroom management. While this is most easily achieved in being with students on a consistent basis, there are some techniques that substitute teachers can use to have solid classroom management.  

Classroom Management Tips:

• Have a positive attitude - if students believe that you are excited to be there, they will be more likely to respond to you.

• Active supervision - walk around the room and maintain closer proximity to students.  This mitigates disruptions. 

• Create opportunities for students to respond and be engaged - whether in the lesson or just learning about students, engagement reduces challenging behaviors.

• Leverage the power of praise - catch the students doing well! In other words, recognize the positive behavior and don’t merely attend to negative behaviors.

• Remind students of rules and procedures throughout the lesson and before any transitions.

• Have clear expectations and consequences, and follow-through! 

• Avoid power struggles - if a student is going back and forth with you, disengage from the conversation with, "We’ll discuss this later."

• Know the discipline and consequence routine for the school you are teaching at. It's easier to be confident if you know how to escalate discipline issues appropriately. 

• Keep students busy - if the provided lesson plan is lacking, fill the rest of class time with another activity! Misbehavior can often come from boredom. 

Resources:  Below are some resources that might be helpful during your teaching!

Tips and Tricks for Substitute Teachers - resources and ideas for substitute teaching!

Classroom Behavior Chart - common disruptions and appropriate ideas for consequences

Classroom Rules and Expectations Templates - edit and download these templates with a free account!

Classroom Seating Charts - If there isn't a seating chart in the classroom you are in, choose the chart that most closely resembles the room. Print, and have students add their name to the seating chart.