• Be prepared

Adequate preparation is crucial for effective teaching. However, this is more than necessary in substitute teaching.

Why?

As a substitute teacher, being unfamiliar with the learning context you may not feel likely to improvise. You should not also take risks correcting a task assigned by the previous teacher, or explaining something unless you have prepared for it.

I met a substitute English language teacher who told me about her frustration with her first class. She corrected a task that was assigned by the regular teacher while she had no idea about its lesson.

The students told her they had a task to correct. Instead of postponing the correction and pursuing an alternative task, she made a risky decision to satisfy them and enhance her professional image, ultimately resulting in incorrect responses.

So, adequate preparation can save time and enhance your confidence and professionalism, which is critical to fostering connections with students.

How to prepare?

As a substitute teacher, you are expected to follow the lesson plans and instructions left by a regular teacher to teach the planned curriculum. Therefore, it is imperative that you acquaint yourself with the lesson plans offered by the teacher.

If feasible, establish a connection with him/her to obtain knowledge about the curriculum, student requirements, ongoing projects, and obstacles. Ask for advice on how to best support students’ learning in their absence.

Also, review classroom procedures, emergency protocols, and any special needs of the students. Try to understand the scope and sequence of the topics that have already been covered and what needs to be addressed.

Remember to plan for the unexpected (backup plan). Bring additional activities and materials such as books, games, team-building activities, jokes, etc. The aim is not to make them busy working but to challenge and engage them.

•  Arrive early

Get to work at least 30 minutes early. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the classroom layout, resources, and materials.

You’ll also look over your lesson plan, set up your materials, and any technology you might need in advance.

Further, arriving early is a great opportunity to meet other teachers, introduce yourself, learn more about the school regulations, classroom procedures, and expectations, and seek advice.

• Build relationships

Although substitutes’ time in the classroom may be limited, they can still create positive relationships with students.

These relationships will help create a positive learning environment and make it easier for students to adapt to the change.

So, take the time to build rapport with your students. Learn their names, show interest in their interests, and engage in casual conversations.

Talk to them about their previous teacher’s routine, and their learning needs and recognize that changes may cause discomfort for them.

In addition, create an environment in which students feel comfortable. Display empathy and offer reassurance that you are dedicated to supporting their learning. Also, encourage them to express any concerns they may have and keep observing how they interact in the classroom.

• Maintain discipline

In cases of substitute teaching, students may exhibit disruptive behaviour or test boundaries.

The absence of the regular teacher may cause emotional disturbance among students. That’s normal! Adapting to the change is difficult in this case as they get used to their teacher’s personality and teaching style.

So, expect disruptions and get ready to handle them.

How?

First, to avoid overwhelming students with a lot of instructions, stick as closely as possible to the regular teacher’s schedule, including transitions, breaks, and class routines. You can add some of your classroom rules but try to make them explicit and simple.

Then, enforce these rules consistently and fairly, maintaining a confident yet approachable demeanor to establish authority.

Remember that engaging students is key to effective classroom management.

So, employ interactive teaching methods like Socratic Seminar, collaborative learning, and problem-based learning tasks, and address higher-order thinking questions that keep students engaged throughout the day.

It is also important to connect the lesson content to students’ interests, experiences, and real-world examples.

Further, explain clearly tasks and assignments, and offer help and encouragement to students who are struggling with your content.

Students may not dare ask for the substitute’s help. So, observe, seek their feedback, and maintain communication to erase any misunderstanding or confusion.

However, when disruptions occur, address them calmly and respectfully, and use appropriate classroom management techniques.

•  Let your skills shine

Being a substitute teacher does not only mean maintaining continuity, teaching the curriculum. But it is also an opportunity to bring your unique teaching style and test out your creative and innovative mind.

So, fascinate your students with new learning experiences, and offer choices based on their interests and needs. Being flexible will allow you to bring your expertise and inspire others to learn more.

Do not think that you will fail or this is not the right time to show your skills. Teaching in all its instances is challenging.

So, approach challenges with a positive attitude and be enthusiastic to make a difference to students’ learning. You will never regret it.

• Connect with other teachers

If possible, connect with other teachers and administrators during breaks, or after school (or online). You can ask about the school culture and procedures; the lesson plans and curriculum, classroom routines to follow, classroom technologies, student support services, classroom management, professional development opportunities, and more.

Their feedback can provide insights, help in professional growth, and contribute to better teaching experiences.

You may come across colleagues who discourage you or refuse to help. Do not hesitate to seek others’ help.

Creating bonds with colleagues can give you a support network and valuable resources to navigate your responsibilities as a substitute teacher.

• Reflect and learn

Tips for successful substitute teachers also include reflection and learning.  After each day, you need to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Reflection also covers others’ feedback.

Reflecting helps you analyze your experiences, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions about your teaching approach.

You can create a reflection journal, a portfolio, or any other reflective tools that you can explore here.

At the end of the day, you are also expected to leave a comprehensive report for the regular teacher, outlining what was covered, any issues that arose, and student behaviour. This helps the teacher smoothly transition back into the classroom.

These were the tips for successful substitute teachers.

Stepping into a class in the middle of the term can be challenging. Yet, substitute teaching offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.

By being well-prepared, and adaptable, building rapport with students, employing effective classroom management techniques, and continuously refining your teaching techniques through reflection and seeking feedback, you can overcome these challenges and positively impact students’ lives.