Classroom Management Tips for Substitute Teachers

Looking for classroom management tips for substitute teachers? You’ll find information on discipline and behavior management while subbing, organization ideas, and more!

Advice from one substitute teacher to another

I’ve never substituted a day in my life, so I can’t imagine the challenge of being a sub. However, I’m frequently asked about tips for substitute teachers, so I’ve pulled together some wonderful resources to recommend to you.

I’ve also recruited an outstanding educator to offer you first-hand experience. The information in the following section is a guest post written by Rachel Friedrich Rachel is a wonderful teacher who shares lots of substitute teacher tips and tricks on her website, Sub Hub Online.

7 tips for substitute teacher survival by Rachel Friedrich

Let’s face it. Subbing is not easy. Even if you are an experienced, certified teacher, it can be difficult to step into a strange classroom and expect to have a smooth day. And if the groundwork has not been laid for you to be there, it can be darn near impossible. However, there are some strategies you can use to be successful.

1) Arrive early.

This gives you time to find the classroom, locate the lesson plans and materials, and introduce yourself to a neighboring teacher. It is vital to know an ally who is nearby.

2) Chunk the day.

I always start by reading through all of the lesson plans. Then I look for where breaks are (lunch, specials, recess, etc.). I go back and closely study the lessons for the first chunk of the day, looking over teacher materials and asking that ally any questions I might have. At the breaks, I will do the same for the next chunk of the day and so on.

3) Don’t assume anything.

First thing in the morning, you need to introduce yourself, making sure the students know your name and expectations. And be sure to word those expectations in a Love and Logic style by making them enforceable statements you know you can control. “I listen to one student at a time.” “I call on students who raise their hand.” “I teach when I have your attention.” “I take quiet classes to recess.” Those are all favorites of mine.

4) Have a reward system.

I always carry my own reward system, but I don’t always use it. It truly depends on the class. I use a punch system, but you can use anything you find convenient. I hand out sticky notes to each student. Then when I see students on task, I use my cute little frog hole puncher to give a punch to their note. At the end of the day, I reward the top group of students with the most punches by letting them choose from my treasure box.

5) Come prepared for the just-in-case.

It happens plenty. Either the lesson plans don’t take up the whole time allotted, or you discover there are no lesson plans. Come prepared with a few things of your own. I always have at least one picture book that I know I could do a reading or language arts activity with. I also tend to carry graphic organizers since they can be adapted to any grade and subject. Busy students cause much fewer problems.

6) Use your allies.

Remember that teacher you introduced yourself to at the beginning of the day? Don’t forget about her if you have an overly disruptive student. Clear with the ally ahead of time that you could send a student to her room to cool off if need be. Then you have a place for that disruptive student to get control of themselves.

7) Use interesting teaching strategies.

Even the best lessons and classroom management will go awry if all you do is drone at the front of the class. Using interesting teaching strategies such as cooperative learning, hands-on learning, and engaged storytelling as much as you can will keep teaching interesting and students paying attention.

Remember, you are often times only in the class for a day. You are not going to make earth-shattering breakthroughs with the students. But you can follow these tips and make the most of a challenging profession.