Substitute Teacher Survival 101
The Importance of Effective Classroom Management and Preparation
Substitute teachers in elementary schools need to have a few tricks up their sleeves, or else chaos takes over. Substitute teachers are usually new teachers, and are often easy targets of student misbehavior. Fortunately, with the proper classroom management techniques, the school day can run smoothly.
The first five minutes of the day are critical for establishing backbone as a teacher. For example, if students try to talk during the national anthem, announcements or attendance, the teacher must nip these behaviors in the bud. From the minute the students walk in the room, it is crucial for the teacher to establish him or herself as the one in charge.
Learn Students’ Names to Build Rapport
Taking attendance is a necessary task, and a great way to learn students’ names. Knowing students’ names helps build rapport, and lets students know that the teacher takes an interest in them as individuals. It is also an excellent classroom management technique. Later in the day, if Billy talks out in science class, the teacher can address him by his name, rather than “boy in the red shirt.” When students see that teachers take the time to learn their names, it shows the students that teachers care. This sense of caring builds trust, and trust results in respect.
Follow Through With Consequences
If a student is told that she has one more chance to stay on task or else a visit to the principal’s office is in order, this one chance should not turn into three more chances. If a teacher is too lenient or gives empty threats, students will soon learn they can get away with more than the teacher lets on. If other students see that the substitute teacher follows through with consequences, they will monitor their own behavior.
Only One Student to the Bathroom at a Time
Daily classroom teachers usually have a bathroom system in place that the kids know well. Usually only one boy and one girl are allowed out of the classroom at a time, unless it is an emergency. If multiple students are allowed to go to the bathroom at once, they will take advantage of this. With the substitute teacher, students often try to go to the bathroom in groups to chat, goof off or generally escape the classroom.
Have students write their names on the chalkboard before they leave, because it is important for teachers to know the whereabouts of each student at all times. If there is a fire drill, the teacher must know which students are in the bathroom, since they may be required to use a different exit than the rest of the class. If Ashley’s mom arrives to drop off her lunch, the teacher must show credibility by knowing where Ashley is.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
The classroom teacher usually leaves excellent lesson plans for the substitute teacher to follow, but it is necessary to be prepared in case no lessons plans are left at all. While this is an unlikely scenario, sometimes the classroom teacher’s lesson plans do not take up as much time as anticipated, so the substitute teacher must have a “bag of tricks” to fill in extra time.
The “bag of tricks” should contain books to read aloud to the class, a list of games that can be played in the classroom (such as Heads Up 7-Up, Silent Ball, and Hangman) and a variety of worksheets for various grade levels. ETFO provides free printable worksheets, emergency lesson plans and tips for substitute teachers.
The most important trait of the substitute teacher is flexibility, because every class has unique needs. A positive attitude and a smile go a long way!
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