| Substitute teaching is a great opportunity to get | | | | already have name tags on their desk, have them |
| hands on experience working with students, and it | | | | write their name in large letters and keep it at |
| can be a way to help get your foot in the door | | | | their desk all day. |
| with a school district or charter school. However, | | | | Always come prepared with alternative things to |
| going to a new school and working in a new | | | | do. Some teachers go out on an unplanned |
| classroom can be a bit intimidating. As a recruiter | | | | absence and may not have left a lesson plan for |
| for National Heritage Academies, I oversee | | | | you. If one is provided, try and get through |
| substitute teacher hiring for 61 schools, and have | | | | everything on it. This may not be possible, but |
| been able to hear from not only seasoned | | | | teachers really appreciate when substitutes follow |
| substitutes but also school administrators | | | | their instructions. Leave a note letting the teacher |
| regarding best practices for subbing. With that in | | | | know how far you got and elements of the |
| mind, here are some helpful tips so that you not | | | | lesson that either worked well or should be |
| only "survive" your first day, but that the | | | | revisited. Also be sure to focus on maintaining |
| experience is successful and enjoyable! | | | | student engagement. If you find it difficult to |
| Before starting, make or get a map of the school | | | | engage certain students, assigning small tasks |
| and note the teacher's names and grades on each | | | | such as passing out papers can make them feel |
| classroom. That way, whenever you are called in | | | | special and more likely to participate. |
| you will know exactly where you are going. It is | | | | Lastly, leave the room as clean (or cleaner) than |
| also a good idea to get to the school early, | | | | you found it. Teachers love coming back to a |
| especially if it is your first time. This will allow you | | | | good looking classroom. This task can be made |
| to meet the secretary, principal, next door | | | | easy by having students help tidy up throughout |
| teacher and find some people to help answer | | | | the day, so that you are not left with a big mess |
| questions as needed. Be sure to ask them about | | | | after dismissal. |
| emergency procedures, if any assemblies are | | | | As always, if you have questions or need help |
| scheduled and what the policy is on bathroom/hall | | | | with anything, don't be afraid to ask! Many staff |
| passes. It is also a great time to find the | | | | members were also substitutes at some point, |
| teacher's lounge, extra supplies, copy machine or | | | | and know where you are coming from. Some |
| anything else you may need. | | | | schools and districts are better than others at |
| Once you are in the classroom, learn the names | | | | providing you with support, so try to position |
| of each student. Students love to be called by | | | | yourself in schools that provide the resources you |
| name, and feel special when a substitute | | | | need to be successful. |
| remembers who they are. If students do not | | | | |