What a Teacher Wants: Tips for Substitutes

Substitutes are an inevitable part of every classroom, even for those of us who hate to miss a day of school. But despite the planning and avoidance, the day will come when a sub is needed. 

First, let me start by saying that I thoroughly appreciate substitutes. Working as a building substitute was one of the most challenging and stressful jobs that I have ever had. Being a young adult fresh out of college and thrown into a new (and sometimes treacherous) environment every day was HARD! It can be exhausting never knowing where you will be going, what you will be doing, or who you will be with when you go into work in the morning. Being a substitute is a daunting adventure that should not be understated. 

People choose to be subs for many different reasons. Ideally, future teachers choose to substitute to gain practical classroom experience. However, many people sub for in-between jobs, flexible jobs, and retirement jobs. For those who want to go above and beyond as a substitute, here are my tips for you!

Read the Lesson Plans! The last thing that a teacher wants to see when they return is a note that says, "We didn't do XYZ because I couldn't figure out XYZ..." when the entire alphabet of possibilities was written in the lesson plans. Be sure to read everything. Then, if you can't find something, ask someone for help. If you choose to ask the kiddos, be subtle about it or you will receive enthusiastic instructions for 30 eager helpers. 

Complete the Lesson Plans! There are days when I don't want to teach. I would rather chat with the students and do something fun. However, I almost never throw out the lesson plans because I have a million goals in mind and want my students to be as prepared for the world as possible. It is the worst nightmare of a teacher to miss a day or two, so substitutes should work hard to stay on task and finish what is at hand. I have received notes that have said, "We didn't get to this because we were chatting." Making lesson plans is HARD. Planning is hard. Make a teacher's life easier by sticking to the plans. Most teachers automatically plan for less when there is a sub, so really work hard to get the work done.

Keep the Peace. One of my biggest concerns when I leave the classroom is that the safe classroom environment that I work hard to cultivate will be disrupted. I don't want my students to be screamed at all day and I don't want their friendships to fall apart. Some of my students only experience peace at school. Subs do not need to be miracle workers. They just need to keep the peace and not stir the pot. I recommend bringing some extra activities in your bag in case you have extra time. Structured time always keeps kiddos busy and happy. 

Teach. You get to be the teacher for the day! This is a privilege. So teach. Don't just do the activities but make them meaningful. I remember working on a particularly difficult science unit while I was in elementary school. I was really struggling with it, but one day a substitute was in charge and she explained everything in a fresh light and the lightbulb went off in my head. You may be able to do that for students! Know that even temporary assignments are meaningful. Don't just follow the plans but embellish on them. If you have been in a classroom for several days, catch the students up if they were absent. Keep the papers organized. Grade the papers. Be the teacher.