Oh, I feel the lyrics of a song coming on. Even those bargain-priced, last-minute vacations any time of the year that always evade the permanent teaching professional are yours for the choosing although you still have to earn enough money to take them.
Choices and opportunities are there for those teachers who are flexible enough to enjoy them. But alas, the world of supply teaching requires a few key tools in your toolbox. These tools, in combination, make for a successful experience. First, whether you are teaching young children or adolescents, it is essential that you show interest in what they do.
Even the youngest students sense when a teacher cares about them or the subject they are teaching. At the junior and senior level, students will be amazed and impressed if you show that you care. Students truly appreciate an honest and sincere approach in the classroom.
The second tool for successful subbing is being prepared. For example, be prepared to use humour and wit in the classroom. But relax, no one is asking you for an impromptu stand-up comic routine to have them rolling in the classroom aisles.
You can choose to react with a light-hearted remark injected with humour, which can alleviate the situation somewhat. Often a witty comment will challenge a student to rethink a situation and respond in a different manner. A fun activity like Mad Libs or a current events quiz modified for different levels can carry you through those shaky, floundering minutes. Think about how different situations might compromise your teaching style.
Think of different ways of handling situations that require discipline. A word beforehand with the classroom teacher regarding policies on classroom discipline might help. Perhaps you can try your hand teaching at different grade levels. Friedrich should know. She spent four years working as a substitute prior to becoming a full-time teacher. When it comes to classroom procedures and lessons plans, be as specific as possible. Include how and when students are allowed to go to the bathroom and if certain parts of the classroom are off limits.
Spell out specific disciplinary procedures so the substitute knows. Substitute teachers need all the help they can get. A lot of textbooks offer extended learning supplements after each chapter. Crowder recommends holding back those extra assignments for a substitute teacher. However, there may be situations when you will need to come prepared with your own backup plan. For example, the teacher you are substituting for may have had an emergency and did not have time to put together a lesson plan or you may have completed an activity early and have a few extra minutes to fill.
An effective substitute teacher should have additional activities or games planned for students to participate in. Substitute teachers can do a lot to encourage positive behavior in the classroom, but there may be instances when students cause disruptions. Instead of punishing students for misbehaving in the classroom, concentrate on rewarding students for their good behavior.
Depending on the grade level, you may reward good behavior with small prizes, stickers or treats. Understand that not everything will always go as planned, have a sense of humor and look for opportunities to make the day enjoyable for everyone.
An effective substitute teacher finds ways to positively engage with their students by getting to know them, introducing fun activities and keeping the overall mood of the classroom light-hearted and pleasant. At the end of the day, take a few minutes to write a detailed note or email to the teacher you substituted for. Use this opportunity to let the regular teacher know how the day went in their absence. Make a note of:. Make sure the note is detailed and informative, but keep it professional and focus on the positives.
Substitute teachers who leave helpful notes for regular teachers are more likely to be requested to substitute in their absence again in the future. Substitute teaching is an ambitious and meaningful career that comes with its own unique rewards. If you enjoy working with children and thrive in situations that require handling the unexpected, substitute teaching may be the right career for you.
Remember that the most effective substitute teachers are invested in the success of their students, encourage positive interactions in the classroom and are able to adjust to changing circumstances. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Career Development. What makes a good substitute teacher? How to be a good substitute teacher.
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