To be a good substitute teacher you should be reliable, flexible, positive, able to follow lesson plans, and confident in managing a classroom of students. Kelly Education substitute teachers fill more than five million assignments in classrooms across the country each year. As the nation's experts in this field, we offer best practice guidance to help you be the best substitute teacher--not just a good one.
There’s a saying that your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. And that’s certainly true when it comes to substitute teaching. It’s easy to start doubting yourself if you’re teaching a subject that’s not exactly in your wheelhouse. Maintain a positive outlook regarding your nervousness, the students, or your assignment. Your demeanor will also impact student engagement.
Being punctual not only says a lot about you as a person, but also helps you feel much more relaxed in your assignment — especially if it’s your first day. It will give you time to familiarize yourself with the school, classroom, classroom materials, and lesson plans left by the teacher. You'll also meet other teachers, and that makes it much easier to ask for assistance during the day if the need arises.
This means presenting yourself in a dignified way that earns the respect of others – including students, teachers, and other school faculty members. The way you speak, dress, and interact with others goes a long way towards your being a good substitute teacher. For more information on dress codes, check out this article about what to wear . If the school is pleased with your performance, you may make a short list of teachers they’ll call when they need to fill a substitute teaching job in the future.
If the teacher left a lesson plan, be sure to follow it closely. This maintains continuity in the teacher’s absence.
The teacher may unexpectedly be absent because of an emergency. So, you may have to come up with an activity on your own. Experienced substitute teachers always ask the administration or neighboring teacher first. Then, they always have some prepared lessons they can use as a backup plan, just in case. No lesson plan? No problem! You remain cool and confident, because these lesson plan ideas are a great starting point.
Whether it's an unexpected emergency drill, a school assembly, inclement weather arrives, or someone gets sick in class, the best substitute teachers know that adaptability is key to success. Above all, keep safety in mind when you have to pivot. You may also be asked to cover a different class than your original assignment. Being flexible is helpful, as administrators are juggling many variables.
Communication is essential to being a good substitute teacher. At the beginning of class, explain clearly what your expectations are regarding proper behavior and decorum. Mention the consequences of deviating from those expectations. Some substitute teachers have also found it beneficial to outline the class schedule at the beginning of the day or period. If the students know what will be covered in class that day, they’ll be more likely to work along with the lesson plan.
Respect is a two-way street: if you want your students to respect you, you need to respect them.
If a student is off task or acts out, don’t berate them in front of everyone. Instead, use tactful reminders and management methods to get things back on track.
While you can’t anticipate every challenge or difficulty that will arise, you should have a few go-to classroom management strategies that will help you keep things under control and address any behavioral problems that come up. Do some research or consult with experienced teachers to find effective ways to do this. One strategy used by successful substitute teachers is to “catch the students doing good.” In other words, instead of addressing only problems — for example, if a student is off task or the class is noisy — be observant to notice when the class or individual students do something well and commend them.
Reinforcing good behavior will always get you farther than punishing bad behavior. The truth is that most kids want to be good and recognized for it when they succeed. PRO TIP: Never lose your cool. You’re the adult in the room and the one charged with maintaining proper decorum.
Among your best resources are other teachers you’re working with. They’re familiar with the school, school administration, and school rules and policies. They may even have some insight into the specific classes and students you’re teaching. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you first arrive in the morning, between classes, and during breaks. Most teachers and staff are glad to help. By doing this, you also establish a good rapport with them, which is useful if you have an extended assignment or accept a substitute job at the same school in the future.
If a substitute teaching assignment extends over a period of days, weeks, or months, you’ll get better acquainted with the teachers and staff at the school. Don't talk about them. It’s unprofessional and will cast you in a bad light. It’s always best to be positive when speaking about others.
A good substitute teacher leaves a note for the teacher they’re filling in for. It doesn’t have to be lengthy. Briefly mention which students were absent, what was covered, if there were any changes in the lesson plan, how the students behaved, what (if any) problems arose. Include anything else you feel important to communicate to the teacher upon their return. Be assured that this information will be much appreciated.
Finally, before you turn off the lights and close the door at the end of the day, make sure the classroom is tidy. It should be left in the same condition you found it, if not better.
You can be sure this will be noticed, and along with the above-mentioned factors, it could lead to positive feedback from the regular class teacher. We hope these suggestions on how to be a good substitute teacher have been helpful. You’re no doubt already implementing some of them in your assignments, and now perhaps you have a few more ways to be the best possible substitute teacher you can be!
When you work with Kelly Education, you’ll get training before you ever enter the classroom. We also provide free professional development webinars and an extensive library of articles that address many aspects of substitute teaching. Check out these selections:
If you think someone you know would make a great substitute teacher, have them fill out our interest form . A recruiter will contact them, answer any questions they have, and tell them about opportunities in their area to work with one of our district partners.