Subtitute Teacher's Survival Guide
Introduction
Subbing can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. If students see that you are organized, prepared and “have it together”, you are likely going to have a great and productive day with them. Here are some tips to make you look like you “have it together”.
Things to Pack
It’s always a good idea to bring a few of these things with you so you’re not wasting time rummaging through the classroom for it.
Whiteboard markers
Classroom ones are always dried out or crappy
Extra pencils/pens/paper
For those who think they don’t have to work because they don’t have the tools
Label your stuff so kids don’t walk away with them
You may want to start a list of borrowers on the board as a reminder for them to return the items
Sticky notes
For tabbing
For labeling piles
Extra worksheets or a list with internet links where you can print off worksheets
Youtube/Netflix kid’s show for the lunch hour
It makes supervision a lot easier – they’ll be all quiet and watching the show
Choose an animated film as some kids may be sensitive to real-life dress up films such as “Alice in Wonderland”
Whistle
Extra winter clothing in case you need to be outside
PE class
Supervision
Extra masks and some hand sanitizer
Before You Arrive
Email the teacher who you are replacing to get a better idea of what the day will be like
If you are going to a school with no parking for visitors, call the school to see where you can park
Arrive at least 10 minutes early so you can:
Look through the plans and locate the materials
Setup any equipment
Check the teacher’s mailbox for extra lesson materials
At the School
Ask about these things if your teacher did not leave you notes or you can’t locate them in the classroom:
Fire drills, lock down procedures
Discipline procedures
MP3, cell phone use
Internet policy for students
Don't become emotional - never show anger, frustration or fear.
Learn the names and phone extensions of the administrators and secretaries.
Don’t be afraid to ask an administrator to drop by your classroom to show the students that you have admin support
Don't call administrators for minor behavior infractions, such as talking, not sitting in the proper seat, chewing gum, etc. You will end up getting a bad reputation.
Do call administrators if you are sworn at or threatened, students are fighting, or if you encounter a weapon or drugs.
With suspected drug use, do contact the admin discretely as you do not want to be overheard accusing the students and get into a severe conflict without assistance
If you suspect drug use, you can:
Email the admin
Discretely/casually go to the teacher next door and ask them to contact the admin
DO NOT CONFRONT THE STUDENT!
If giving out treats, please be aware of allergies (E.g. nuts, dairy)
Do something for the teacher, E.g. mark assignments or exams if a key is provided.
Before Class
Put your personal belongings in a secure place when you arrive. (Do not leave your belongings sitting out. It is your responsibility to keep them secured, preferably in a locked desk or cabinet.)
Sanitize your work area and perhaps the students’ desks and chairs before they arrive.
Review the following:
Daily lesson plans
Worksheets or other produced materials for carrying out today’s activities in the classroom
Attendance directions and materials
Special procedures (it is important that you do not vary from the practices of the regular teacher)
Attendance lists
Seating chart(s)
Notes regarding specific students (e.g., special education, individual health problems, and behavior problems)
Names of student helpers
Name and hours of the teacher assistant
Make sure that the physical conditions of the room are conducive to good learning. Check the lighting, ventilation and temperature for comfort levels.
Get to know your neighbor teachers
Do list your rules on the blackboard for the class at the beginning of the period.
Do list the plan for the period on the board
Minimizes students needing to go to their lockers during class if they see what they need and have a chance to go to their lockers again before the bell
Put your name on the board
During Class
If the teacher welcomes you to text them during the day with questions, take up their offer. Communication is key to successful subbing.
Lock the classroom if you and your class are leaving the room
To protect students’ and your valuables
Take your valuables with you
Do take attendance...several times.
Especially at the high school level!
Despite you being diligent about letting students leave the room, some will still sneak out when you’re not looking.
Make a seating plan for yourself if you’re not provided one
Can be discretely done during attendance
Close the door
Makes student leaving the classroom more noticeable
Minimizes sneaking out before the bell if they are hovering by the exit a few minutes before class ends
If they are loud, it is less noticeable
Keep a list of students who leaves the classroom and their time
With lower elementary students, you may wish to discretely allow students to go to the bathroom to avoid the “bathroom train”
Present the lesson as best as you can, according to the teacher’s plans
This can leave a positive impression on the teacher and can earn you call backs
Have students clean up the room at the end of the day
It can leave a good impression that the class was not “out of control”
After Class
Sanitize your work area, students’ desks and chairs, and other high touch areas
Lock the classroom
Tidy up teaching materials and label collected work
Tidy up the room
Missed pieces of garbage
Chairs, equipment, etc.
Email the teacher a note (not essay), be sure to include the following:
General behavior – note any special cases and how you dealt with it
Leave both positive and negative comments
Be frank and honest
It ensures that poor behavior will be dealt with
Makes next visit more pleasant even if the smallest poor behavior was mentioned
Items that are completed as requested on the lesson plan
Can be as simple as putting a check mark next to each item on the lesson plan
If you fell behind or went ahead, note it as well
Other things you need to bring to the teacher’s attention
Student’s notes from home
Newsletters
Etc.
Leave a business card
Highly suggested as leaving your name and number on your sub notes is ineffective – teachers usually toss the notes after they read them
Thank your neighbor teachers, secretary, and administrators (if you see them) when you leave
Other Tips and Suggestions
Handling LGBTQ+ Students
There will be times when teachers have noted certain students are LGBTQ+ and may go by a different name and pronoun indicated on the attendance sheet. Or when a student discreetly comes up to you and indicates as such. It is of the utmost importance that you respect those instructions and use the desired name and pronouns without question or additive comments. The last thing you want to do is to out them in front of their peers as it can have dangerous consequences.
In the event you have called a student’s legal name (not preferred name) by accident during roll-call, just move on and go back to check with the student privately. Do not publicly correct yourself in front of other students.
Cell Phone and Other Electronics Use for Students
It is the 21st century and every kid has a cell phone, even elementary kids. Kids and phones are conjoined at the hips, as well. It makes them antsy if you make them put it out of sight let alone strings of protests amongst excuses to have it out, and all you want is to just get through the day. Here are some fair guidelines you may wish to follow, and be clear, explicit and assertive when explaining it to your class – you will NEED to explain it to each different group each time you see them, they will try anything if you don’t.
-No texting
-No gaming
-No Facebooking
-No camera/video
-No video players (or screen must be OFF)
-To use as music player
-During individual work time only
-Must be on the desk at all times
-To use calculator (or other educational applications)
-Must be on the desk at all times
Consequences: CONFISCATE!
-Also when using device under the desk
-Also when focus is on device rather than work
If you confiscate a phone/device, you may choose to keep it for the day or until the class is over. You will generally receive more cooperation if you tell them they can have it at the end of class, and besides, by the end of class it’s no longer your problem. If you still are faced with resistance, you can simply offer to bring in an admin to deal with them. Be sure you store it away in a safe place – you don’t want to lose it and become your responsibility (kids can be sneaky and go into the drawer and get it back while you’re not looking!). Be sure to note any confiscation so the teacher can follow up properly.
