Practical Tips for Substitute Teachers

From classrooms full of angels to rooms of complete chaos, teachers and tutors have seen it all. Entering an unfamiliar group or classroom can be intimidating, especially if you are new to the role or the classroom is unfamiliar.

However, the right strategies can help you thrive and even become the talk of the school.

While working at online schools, frequently I had to jump into my substitute role. In the beginning, it was always very stressful, but over time I developed my own practical tips that helped me achieve success.

As a result, a school counselor was always calling me and asking what I was doing to the groups, for they constantly requested me to be their teacher.

Today, I am going to share with you my tricks to help you master substitution.

Do your homework

Know your students

Yes, you heard me right. Before stepping into a classroom online or offline, take some time to do your homework. Start with a little research on the students. Gather information about them from their regular teacher or the school counselor.

This information could include their names, any special needs or accommodations, and their behavioral tendencies.

This knowledge will help you know what to expect, build your rapport with the students, and adapt your approach to the classroom needs in advance.

You can also ask a school counselor about their regular teacher if you didn’t talk with her beforehand. But it does not mean you will need to pick her approach or try to mimic the teaching way. 

It will help you understand what students are used to and how you can differentiate their routine.

Also, what I like to do is send the group a message greeting them and notifying them that I will substitute their teacher the next lesson or more. And if they have any questions, I will be happy to answer.

Review the Lesson Plans

Also, go through several lesson plans and materials the regular teacher provides. Review the instructions or notes she left, and what homework she gave. Also, if there are specific goals for the lesson, make sure you understand them.

In your message to the students, you can add some expectations for the next lesson. Specify a new topic or simply say you continue as per their plan.

The more you know about the specific topic and their routines, the better you can prepare and provide them with something new.

For example, if you know that their way of checking homework is the teacher asks, students answer you can change it this time.

Make checking homework a game, where you throw a paper ball, for example, and a student answers a question, then that student throws a ball to another to answer.

The activities and the way you conduct them are up to your imagination and practical experience. Do not be afraid to experiment.

Arrive early

Remember to always be on time, whether you are teaching online or offline. Being late causes stress for both you and your students, as they don't know what to expect from the lesson.

It is always a good idea to join the class a couple of minutes in advance to give a quick greeting to each student.

Establish clear expectations from the start

One famously controversial study Harvard researchers conducted in 1993 shows the following. Students observing teachers were able to accurately predict which teacher is bad and which is good.

Do you know how much time it took them to make such a prediction? Believe it or not, 6 seconds.

What is even more interesting they were not paying attention to the content. They were paying attention to the teacher herself: presentation, style, and the way she was standing.

What should you pay attention to when you enter the class? There are three main things: your body language, the way you talk, and your tone.

Set the Tone Early

So, as scientifically and practically proved, the first few minutes are crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the class. Begin by introducing yourself to your students and ask them briefly to introduce themselves.

Also, take a moment to build a rapport with students. Ask them how their day is going or about their interests.

Then explain the agenda for the lesson, to set clear expectations for what they will be doing today. Avoid long explanations, keep it simple, direct, and to the point.

If your class consists of children a good idea is to establish your presence. Be firm and friendly and make it clear that you are in charge.

Manage your time effectively

Stick to the lesson plan

Unless otherwise possible, follow the lesson plan the regular teacher left. You may of course deviate here and there but avoid drastic moves. They can cause confusion and frustration for the students as they come with some expectations for the lesson.

If you come across activities or materials, you are not comfortable with, do your best to adapt, improvise, or substitute them with similar activities. This is why it is important to review the lesson plan in advance.

Stay on Schedule

Keep an eye on the clock. Time management is crucial, especially in the new classroom.

If you see that you are running out of time before the end of the lesson, prioritize the most important tasks. Focus on completing essential parts of the lesson to ensure that students meet key learning objectives.

It also happens, that you have some spare time left before the end of the lesson. Have a few backup activities or resources ready. In case you prepared none, reverse the exercises you have already had, or play a game.

Be flexible and adaptable

Classrooms are unpredictable environments, and sometimes you need to deviate from the plan. That is why it is so important to be able to adjust your approach as needed.

Maybe the lesson involves technology that is now working. Or even the students may seem restless or unfocused that day. Do your best to stay calm, assess the situation, and do a backup activity to keep students engaged.

The more flexible and adaptable you can be, the better.

Promote a Positive Learning Environment

Engage Students

One of the biggest challenges of substitute teaching is to keep students engaged and motivated. And it is totally normal since you are in an unfamiliar classroom. But it should not be your excuse.

Usually, I would go creative with my teaching methods to capture their attention and make the lesson interactive.

What also works great is to include multimedia, hands-on activities, and group work.

You can also ask thought-provoking questions to engage them in discussion. Or find a way to connect the material to student’s interests and experiences.

This is why it is important to build rapport in the beginning, otherwise you will not be able to connect it to anything.

Maintain a Safe and Inclusive Atmosphere

First of all, make sure that all students feel safe and included in the classroom. Your classroom can be multicultural and consist of students with diverse backgrounds, and needs. Make sure you adapt your teaching approach and provide additional support when needed.

End on a high note

Before the end of the lesson, take a few minutes to wrap up positively. Review the key takeaways from the lesson and provide homework. A good idea is also to thank your students for their cooperation.

Make sure to let them know the following topic and if you substitute the next lesson or their regular teacher comes back.

Post-lesson activity

Document the lesson

It is always a good approach to take some notes after the class. Whether it is a one-lesson substitution or for a period of time, it will help ensure a smooth transition when the regular teacher returns.

These notes may include what you covered during each class, how students responded and any other important information you feel the regular teacher should know.

Reflect and Learn

After the lesson, take some time to think about what went well and what could you improve. Reflection will greatly help you learn from each assignment and continually improve your skills as a teacher.

Overall, substitute teaching is a dynamic and impactful role. It always requires preparation, adaptability, and effective classroom management.

Remember, the more prepared and adaptable you are, the smoother your lessons will go. And as a reward, you will receive invitations to substitute teachers again and again.

No matter, what obstacles come your way, remember to stay calm and be flexible. You are a professional and with practice and these tips, you will master it in no time.