Suggestions from teachers??? Need inside advice for a new sub teacher. How to be the best? Do's and don'ts.

Question

What principles expect, what other teachers expect, what the teacher for whom the sub is covering, how to keep the class under control.......

Answer 1

I used to be a sub myself. The essentials:

1. Always act like you know what you are doing. My first day of subbing, I came to pick up the kids and said, "So, what do you usually do first thing in the morning?" The rest of the day was a mess, with the kids out of control. The second time I subbed, I directed them right from the start. The kids fell right in line.

2. Keep the kids busy! Make sure you come in with some activities planned, just in case the teacher hasn't left you with enough stuff to do. Some ideas: You can play simple games (hangman, bingo, etc.). Read them half of a picture book. Then have them draw and write what they think is going to happen next or how the book is going to end, before you read them the rest of the book.

3. Sometimes the teacher will leave you a note identifying the difficult kid(s). Be proactive. As soon as you recognize the kid, give him a job to do. Kids love to help.

4. Write everything down, in detail, and tell the kids you're doing so. They don't want their teacher to know if they acted out. You might even have a system. For example, tell the kids that they get three chances to mess up. The first time, their name goes on the board. Then one check. If they get two checks, you write a note to their teacher.

I'm currently a teacher, so as far as what teachers expect... don't worry about it too much! Definitely look carefully around the room and find the materials he/she has left for you. Too often, I'll leave a folder stuffed with worksheets and activities that goes completely untouched. On the other hand, when I'm absent, I don't expect that the kids will get any useful work done. It's hard enough for the sub to keep them under control. So do what you have to do to keep them engaged. Just leave a note so the teacher knows what went on.

Answer 2

I like it when subs leave notes on my notes. It lets me know that they actually covered the material I asked them to cover (or didn't get to). Notes like, "The kids were great, thanks" tell me nothing. Plus they're usually lies, lol. I also like it when subs actually READ the notes I leave them. I try my best to make it as easy as possible for them, because I know how difficult it can be to come into a class for the first time. Each one is different. Last year I had an autistic student in my class who required a different approach than other students. I was told by a co-worker that the sub had NO CLUE that the student was autistic, and he just thought the kid was "weird." Somehow he missed the VERY FIRST NOTE I left. Also, it'd be nice if subs tried to really participate in the lesson and help students. Reading the newspaper while students work just doesn't cut it. Search the 'net- you can probably find a template to use as a sub to leave constructive notes for teachers. I got one of these from a sub once and LOVED how informative it was (and it seemed like it wouldn't take long to fill out). Best of luck! Thanks for being a sub- you're an often under-appreciated group of people.

Answer 3

All have already stated great advice. But also.. on behalf of the teachers out there.. if they leave you plans to do. PLEASE do them. If you do not understand what they mean or you cannot find something, ask a nearby teacher, they will be willing to help and often teachers with rooms near each other work together (or at least know where each other keeps things).

Don't show fear. Go in with confidence. Most of the time you will have a couple very helpful students who DO know what's going on. But as was said above NEVER believe "but our teacher let's us" chances are if it's something ok, she'd/he'd have left you a note about it.

I subbed for 3 years before getting my permanent job. I did actually enjoy it. Holcomb's (and other teacher stores, I'm sure) have books "Substitute Survival Guide". They have a lot of great advice too.

Answer 4

*When lining them up to go to other activities, call tables, rows, etc. NEVER say "Everyone line up!!!!!!!!"

*Don't let students say "But our teacher lets us!"


Is it elementary???? Be stern! Good timefillers are Bingo, Hangman (on the board), Around the World (flashcards)
WHatever you do, DON"T give them any downtime.

Answer 5

Don't have sex with the students