Tips for substitute teachers: survival
Labels: Teacher Resources
Substitute Teachers contribute a large part to today's classrooms. Here are some tips to help you succeed...
The first day a Substitute Teacher is called can be downright intimidating. Although, it’s not “hard stuff”, a Substitute has to be naturally very organized, responsible and punctual. Not to mention alert and on top of things at all times. Basically, a Substitute is a living and breathing shooting target for questions, concerns, jokes and ridicule. But, this is not for nothing or to scare one away.
Initial Reactions
We all try to remember the way our own teachers behaved and acted growing up. So, when you’re short on material, should you pick up these behaviors? Well, it’s very easy to do so, but the answer is yes and no. Don’t try to put someone in the corner or out in the hall; this is old-fashioned behavior and in some schools, it’s frowned upon. Do, in fact, remember some of the good advice and kind words of your teachers with an “up to date” twist on them. Kids these days are the most up-to-date people around. So, in the end, just don’t be “corny” with them.
How Really to Act
Be prepared the first day with a good and friendly attitude and a firm demeanor; this is the safest bet to a good start. From the get-go as soon as the Substitute walks into the assigned school, he or she will be asked, “Hi. Who are you today?” A Substitute should make a literal or mental note as to who exactly they are in for and what grade and subject they will be covering for the day.
How to Dress
Appropriate dress for a Substitute Teacher would be to err on the side of conservative and neat. A Substitute can never be too overdressed/formal. Some Substitutes come into the school in suites, while others choose to wear jeans. To be safe, again, err on the side of formal and you’ll really look the part you’re about to be playing in two minutes with no “dress rehearsal” whatsoever. You’re on!
Can I Take it with Me?
No! Don’t plan on taking too many supplies or too little with you. You’ll definitely find that you’re short paper clips, paper and pencils. Most times, your unfamiliar with the rooms and the desk you’re sitting at. Sometimes, there just aren’t enough of supplies or you can’t find what you need. Take a briefcase or similar bag and fill it with the essentials, including a calculator and stickies. Also, it’s wise to bring a lunch and thermos. You’re not familiar with the schools and their cafeterias and you can save some money this way.
What to Do?
Do not sit there and look confused, tired, unorganized, or anxious. These are all signs for the children to take full advantage of their Substitute Teacher. So, be very alert, make good eye contact with the students, use proper English and get o know names and faces immediately if you have to. Make sure the students know that you are watching them and being very observant of their behavior. Well, if you have any acting skills put them to good use here. This is no joke. Sometimes, under the worst duress and scrutiny of the children, you may need to call on these skills. Obviously, you don’t know what you’re doing in all respects, but, if you act like you do things won’t be so bad and everyone will believe it, too. Even if they don’t, it boosts your confidence level and keeps you game.
What Not to Do
Most schools frown upon Substitute Teachers that read during assignments because it takes away the attention from the students. A bit of rigidity in moderation is another safe bet. You’re the supervisor and the one in control. Don’t use the time to do extra personal things or casual reading; a Substitute should give the class plenty of his/her undivided attention. There is always something going on. One can never be too comfortable even during a quiet reading session.
Who is Important
Well, this one is kind of a given. The person who intially called you to the assignment, either called the “Sub Caller” or the “Sub Service” should definitely be acknowledged. After getting to the school, the administrative staff is very important. So, makes friends as you go and fellow teachers will automatically be very friendly, supportive, and willing to lend an empathetic ear. Staffed teachers are usually extremely busy and distracted. So, do not try to overwhelm them with your substitute concerns too much. Actually, other Substitutes are good listeners when it comes to these things. When the staff gets to know you, they will be more apt to offer up some advice and feedback.
Having Fun
Through all of the craziness...do not forget to have some fun! After all, you came to the assignment wanting to make a difference, so use the time wisely. Offer up your help, knowledge and cleverness to the kids whenever humanly possible. Keep things witty and fresh. Remember to keep a sense of humor about yourself, or you’ll never survive!
The first day a Substitute Teacher is called can be downright intimidating. Although, it’s not “hard stuff”, a Substitute has to be naturally very organized, responsible and punctual. Not to mention alert and on top of things at all times. Basically, a Substitute is a living and breathing shooting target for questions, concerns, jokes and ridicule. But, this is not for nothing or to scare one away.
Initial Reactions
We all try to remember the way our own teachers behaved and acted growing up. So, when you’re short on material, should you pick up these behaviors? Well, it’s very easy to do so, but the answer is yes and no. Don’t try to put someone in the corner or out in the hall; this is old-fashioned behavior and in some schools, it’s frowned upon. Do, in fact, remember some of the good advice and kind words of your teachers with an “up to date” twist on them. Kids these days are the most up-to-date people around. So, in the end, just don’t be “corny” with them.
How Really to Act
Be prepared the first day with a good and friendly attitude and a firm demeanor; this is the safest bet to a good start. From the get-go as soon as the Substitute walks into the assigned school, he or she will be asked, “Hi. Who are you today?” A Substitute should make a literal or mental note as to who exactly they are in for and what grade and subject they will be covering for the day.
How to Dress
Appropriate dress for a Substitute Teacher would be to err on the side of conservative and neat. A Substitute can never be too overdressed/formal. Some Substitutes come into the school in suites, while others choose to wear jeans. To be safe, again, err on the side of formal and you’ll really look the part you’re about to be playing in two minutes with no “dress rehearsal” whatsoever. You’re on!
Can I Take it with Me?
No! Don’t plan on taking too many supplies or too little with you. You’ll definitely find that you’re short paper clips, paper and pencils. Most times, your unfamiliar with the rooms and the desk you’re sitting at. Sometimes, there just aren’t enough of supplies or you can’t find what you need. Take a briefcase or similar bag and fill it with the essentials, including a calculator and stickies. Also, it’s wise to bring a lunch and thermos. You’re not familiar with the schools and their cafeterias and you can save some money this way.
What to Do?
Do not sit there and look confused, tired, unorganized, or anxious. These are all signs for the children to take full advantage of their Substitute Teacher. So, be very alert, make good eye contact with the students, use proper English and get o know names and faces immediately if you have to. Make sure the students know that you are watching them and being very observant of their behavior. Well, if you have any acting skills put them to good use here. This is no joke. Sometimes, under the worst duress and scrutiny of the children, you may need to call on these skills. Obviously, you don’t know what you’re doing in all respects, but, if you act like you do things won’t be so bad and everyone will believe it, too. Even if they don’t, it boosts your confidence level and keeps you game.
What Not to Do
Most schools frown upon Substitute Teachers that read during assignments because it takes away the attention from the students. A bit of rigidity in moderation is another safe bet. You’re the supervisor and the one in control. Don’t use the time to do extra personal things or casual reading; a Substitute should give the class plenty of his/her undivided attention. There is always something going on. One can never be too comfortable even during a quiet reading session.
Who is Important
Well, this one is kind of a given. The person who intially called you to the assignment, either called the “Sub Caller” or the “Sub Service” should definitely be acknowledged. After getting to the school, the administrative staff is very important. So, makes friends as you go and fellow teachers will automatically be very friendly, supportive, and willing to lend an empathetic ear. Staffed teachers are usually extremely busy and distracted. So, do not try to overwhelm them with your substitute concerns too much. Actually, other Substitutes are good listeners when it comes to these things. When the staff gets to know you, they will be more apt to offer up some advice and feedback.
Having Fun
Through all of the craziness...do not forget to have some fun! After all, you came to the assignment wanting to make a difference, so use the time wisely. Offer up your help, knowledge and cleverness to the kids whenever humanly possible. Keep things witty and fresh. Remember to keep a sense of humor about yourself, or you’ll never survive!