Tips & Advice

*Bring a notebook to record ideas*

One of the best things about substitute teaching is that you get to visit many different classrooms. This is a great opportunity to pick up different tricks that other teachers use that work By always having a notebook handy, you can record classroom decorating ideas, classroom management techniques and lesson ideas that you might like to use in your own classroom some day.

*Get to school early!*

That way, you can look over plans and do any needed preparation for the day's lessons (ex. photocopying, stapling, sorting. cutting, etc). Getting in early will also give you the chance to speak with administration and other staff members. They may be able to give you some valuable advice or information concerning your class. Some other things you can do if you get to the school early: put down chairs, read name tags on desks or look in each for something with a name on it and make a seating chart, look around the class to see where supplies are located, make sure you have the attendance sheet, locate the staff room and staff washrooms, and write your name and rules on the board. You will be much more relaxed for the day if you feel settled and prepared before the bell rings!

*Check the teacher's mailbox*

The attendance list may be kept here, or you may find letters that need to be handed out to the students.

*Find out about recess/lunch duty*

Some teachers forget to mention their daily supervision responsibilities in the plans. Use this schedule to locate your teacher's name and see if you have duty that day. If a schedule can not be located, and there were no specific notes left, ask the secretary or a neighboring teacher for the info.

*Be Flexible!*

Most classroom teachers will leave detailed plans, but not all of them will all of the time. It is important to have some ideas floating around in your head, or supplies in your bag, for back-up activities incase of downtime or a complete lack of plans. If a planned activity is REALLY not working, soldiering through is not always to best idea. If the class is getting out of hand, switch to a different activity - either something else planned for the day or a different game or activity.

*Learn riddles and quick games to use in a pinch*

Sometimes, there will be a few minutes before recess or some other transition when you need to keep the class quiet and organized. Knowing some riddles or quick games that don't require any set up will go a long way in these circumstances.

*Just get through the day!*

The most important thing is for the substitute teacher and the students to get through the day alive and in one piece. That is the ultimate goal! Do not be afraid to ask for assistance from neighboring teachers or administration if there are serious problems in the classroom. Don't be too concerned if all of the lessons are not totally completed according to the plans. Follow the plans as much as possible, but do not be afraid to make changes to them when needed to save your sanity, and that of the students.

*Leave a continuity note for the teacher*

A great way to build strong connections with the teaching staff is to leave a short note detailing your day. Be sure to include any outstanding student interaction, areas of concerns, or notes that may help the teacher understand how the day went.