What can I do to be the best substitute teacher possible?

Question

I am substituting temporarily until I can find a full-time teaching position. I want to not only make a good impression on the students, but on the teachers and administrative staff as well. Any tips?

Answer 1

Have a binder where you can keep worksheets, games , lesson ideas, art ideas, music ideas, just in case some teacher neglects his or her daybook and there's nothing useable in it. Trust me I subbed for many years and was amazed how many teachers ' daybooks were filled with continue on from yesterday's work but you could never find what they did yesterday.

Get to your classroom early, do the scutjobs, like yard duty willingly even tho you know the teachers should be doing it themselves but they'll fawn it off on you if they can.

Don't take any crap about subs not being regular teachers from the parents or teachers or administrators, because the professionals think anyone who subs isn't smart enough to get a regular job, trust me on this. Years of experience.

Do your best to keep order in your classroom, tell the students that you're not their regular teacher so things will be different so just chill and enjoy the experience.

Don't expect yourself to remember all the kids names in all the schools you teach in unless you get a long term assignment.

Keep a sense of humour , you're going to need it.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I think the most important thing is that you truly have to really love teaching and children, and if you are co-operative, pleasant and open (approachable) person, you will do fine.

As a parent and council member at school for over 10 years I know that a good principal is the foundation for a school, and if you have one that the teachers mostly (as there are always one or two who disagree!) get along with and if there is a cordial atmosphere and one of learning and respect towards the teachers too, that the school community will stand to benefit.

Parents are a crucial part of how successful a school is too as they support and can affect a school in both good or bad ways.

If there is a good overall cordial atmosphere in a school, you are doing well. The children have to RESPECT you as a teacher and individual, and you have to RESPECT THEM too.

Children are not fools. They will know if you don't like them and that will affect how well they do in school.

Make school a place they LOVE coming too, and you will always be remembered as one of the best and influential teachers they ever had, because truly, a teacher can set the course of how well or how poorly a student does and may do for the rest of their lives.

That is a big responsibility too. You are like a second mother/father in many ways...and I think it's terrible when teachers don't even care about the kids they teach. Some burn out and some work in too rough environments for too long, but still that is no excuse to me when I entrust my child to you as a teacher.

I know you are just subbing now, and maybe that is what you will prefer to do, but in the long run, you have to command respect, be well liked, be a fun teacher, and treat the children with respect as individuals and they do love having those little egos stroked so never forget to praise them when they do something good too. Keep the class fun--get down to business but let the kids know some fun is coming down the road once certain tasks are complete.

It will be stressful no doubt...how can it not be...but I find that it's HOW a teacher handles that stress that determines how successful they will be in the long run...some let their health deteriorate because they dont have what it takes or don't have the expertise to handle certain children, and in turn are not good teachers as a result.

My son has a fantastic teacher who has taught for 30 years and she can cope with any situation and any child and works wonders with them...and she has retained her compassion, warmth and love for her children....that to me is what I like to see in a teacher.

Answer 3

Show up on time. Follow the regular teacher's lesson plans. Maintain order. If the students and teachers know that some owrk will get accomplished while you are there, this will make a good impression. Know the school's discipline policy and follow it. Be consistent, so the students know what to expect. Try, as much as you can, to keep discipline problems in the room. If you send students to the office too often, they will think you can't control your classes. It also helps to bring grade level appropriate "filler activities" for the classes that get through the planned activities more quickly than anticipated. Another suggestion - don't badmouth teachers, students or parents in the faculty lounge.
I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Be professional, be on time and be responsive to the items the teacher leaves for completion. Relax and understand that every class will be different, let alone every child. I am an Adminstrator and can tell you that because you sub, it is giving you classroom experience you did not receive in your Methodology classes. If I call another district to inquire about your classroom management, promptness and attention to directives, it is a great tool for me to tell if you have the ability to be hired as a permanent instructor. I don't view my subs as "not real teachers," I view my subs as either assets or liabilites...become an asset. Prepare an emergency folder to talk with you at all times, worksheets, character education lessons, trivia, a movie (G), a book to read and share, pens, pencils, and money for lunches or beverages. Don't threaten students, don't send them to the office to prove your the boss, be calm and smile and be very firm, be sincere and patient, that is your best approach. If you leave a good impression on the rest of the faculty and the teacher you have subbed for, the better chance you have of even getting an interview when the opportunity arises! Good luck!

Answer 5

Well,Im also going to school to be a teacher. While substituting, do not let the student run over you. Have control, but do so in a good way. Teach to your best ability and give it your all. Don't let rude remarks stress you...and if youre good at telling jokes, tell a few. Im sure you will do good!

~erica~

Answer 6

My suggestion is not to be the 'easy' sub. Substitutes who are not strict enough with the kids don't make a great impression on the administrators and aren't the teacher's favorites, because it is harder to regain control of the kids after a sub leaves.

Answer 7

Change your name- Miss D makes the kids think you got poor grades in school, and now you are Miss D.

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Answer 8

every one loves food,give it a try