In the Spring 2006, I walked into my first classroom as an emergency substitute teacher. At that time, I had NEVER taken an education class. I only had a 1-day training at the school district office under my belt. And my personal experience as a student.

As an emergency substitute teacher, we were the final resort when all regular substitutes were called. We also only needed an associates degree and no educational background to be a substitute teacher.

I remember walking into that 5th-grade classroom like I had taught there my entire life. Looking back, I didn’t know what I was doing or getting myself into, but at the end of the day, I knew that is where I wanted to be.

For me, substitute teaching started as just a job. But at the time I didn’t know it would turn into my career.

Off and on for the next 6 years, I substitute taught. I only took time off to teach basic skills classes, complete my master’s degree and to student teach. But every time and then, I would make myself available to substitute teach.

With this perception, I would run the classroom and earn the respect of the students that have always been there. Getting the respect and giving the respect of students is the key foundation to substitute teaching. For me, I found it to be a very natural experience.

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Throughout my 6 year journey of substitute teaching, I learned a few things along the way. Especially how to control the classroom, which will take you a long way in your subbing career. These tips I picked up, are great for substitute teachers to use, especially in preparation for a first time substitute teacher!

8 Tips for Substitute Teachers

1. Carry a tote. 

This is for all the materials that I’m going to list out for you below! A tote is better than a purse or just carrying your lunch bag. You will see why in a bit.

2. Have a notebook, worksheets, and pens/pencils.

Especially when you leave a note at the end of the day.  Or to write other notes you don’t want to forget throughout the day that you may want to relay to the teacher or the office.

It’s always best to use your own supplies than to look around in or on the teacher’s desk.

Now, as a teacher, I can always tell when something is missing. If pencils were handed to students from my desk, that is a big no. So hit the dollar store for a pack of pens, pencils, and post-its.

Plus, keep a set of extra worksheets on hand for early finishers or teachers who may not leave enough to do. Get word searches, coloring packs, connect the dot worksheets and regular paper for drawing. This might also mean that you need to keep some crayons, markers, and coloring pencils on hand. However, these are low busy tasks that keep students in their seat without a lot of disruption.

3. Bring snacks.

This is just in case you don’t have time to eat or you might get called to cover another class during your planning time. Sometimes you think you have more time to eat than you really do.

4. Bring a water bottle.

I would talk to so much my throat would get dry and I would cough. Yikes! The students would look at me and worry, but I also have asthma and would explain to them I’m ok. A lot of kids then would share they might have asthma too (see connection building 🙂 ). Having water is always a good thing because it helps you stay hydrated!

5. Have a list of jokes…school appropriate of course.

Jokes get everyone at ease and laughter builds relationships! You can bust out with a joke anytime, or to use as a great starting and ending the day activity-or class period, if earned. You can even open the floor for students to write and share their appropriate jokes as well! Or possibly use it as an incentive for 5 minutes of joke time.

6. Wear appropriate shoes.

One time I was wearing kitten heels, that were comfortable but the students were taking a test and every time I got up to walk the room, it made a clunk noise on the linoleum floor. How annoying! I ended up having to take off my shoes just so I can stay quiet. You can also bring some extra shoes in your tote, just in case you get called to cover a P.E. class.

7. Don’t sit down!

It may be kind of crazy but use the 80/20 rule. 80% of the time stay on your feet and work the classroom, 20% of the time take a seat break. This will knock down classroom disruptions quick.

Classroom management plays a huge role on if you are called back to substitute teach. Teachers don’t just want a babysitter, they want someone to deliver the lesson to keep the unit moving.

8. Tell a story.

I use to and still do…I love to tell the students a story. It could be about back when I was in school, about my son, or just anything they can relate to that is personal. This way we can build a quick relationship and make connections.

Extra Tips to Prepare for Substitute Teaching

Bring an extra set of clothes just in case you need to sub for a P.E. teacher instead of what you might have signed up for.

Always look professional as if you are going to a job interview. Those first encounters can lead you to an open position at that school.

If you are subbing for an elementary school, go out and have recess with the class. Substitute teachers usually don’t have the same obligations to grade and to plan, so if you can get out with the kids, they will love you for it! They will also let the teacher you subbed for know and this helps with callbacks!

Also, using stickers, rubber stamps, positive certificates (you can get at the Dollar Tree) work well with students – especially the K-6 group.

Final Thoughts

Remember, teachers talk. They are going to know how well you are doing as a substitute before lunch time! And hopefully, they are spreading good things. I believe these tips will help you in the classroom this school year and years to come!

If there are any current or former substitute teachers who would like to add more tips, please leave your comment below, I know it would be greatly appreciated!

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