Substitute teaching?

Question

I plan to substitute teach this upcoming school year and I need to know what to expect and can anyone offer any helpful tips. I offered to sub from K-9. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Be prepared (especially in the younger grades) for the students to tell YOU how to do it. They'll say, no no no Ms. so and so reads us a book and THEN we have a snack...

In the higher grades, bring a book along, as lots of times teachers leave busy work for the students to work at their desks.

Answer 2

You have received many excellent suggestions above./ Use them.

In addition for the times that there is no lesson plan available have materials available that you bring with you for those situations when there are no lesson plans, plans are inadequate or you have time left over.

Answer 3

The more you sub at a school the easier it will be. I have subbed for the same class a few times and it was not hard the last time they knew I would leave a note is they misbehavied. Kinder I only subbed twice beacuse I felt the kids were in charge of the class not me. I do better with high school kids. Some of the schools can be rough where I sub. You will get lack of respect from some if not all of the students the first few times. It get easier and you know what you can handle the more you sub. I would not be afraid to buzz the office if you need help. Follow the teacher's plan the best you can. If you don't do something tell the teacher and tell why. Some teachers give more than they know the kids can finish. I have had extra worksheets if needed from the elementry school I subbed at the most.

Answer 4

I agree. Expect the unexpected. When you sub, just be on guard. One thing I will say, if a teacher is good, TELL THEM. If they leave you all the plans and the day goes smoothly, TELL THEM THANKS. Also, DO NOT hesitate to tell the principal if you have a problem. Going into a classroom w/no preparation BY THE TEACHER is scary. I loved Elementary. Its easy and you can basically do what you need to get things done. Jr. High gets tougher. Have fun.

Answer 5

Bless your heart... expect the unexpected...

Answer 6

You need a good health plan, (for when they tie you to the chair and leave you) must think quickly on your feet (for when the regular teacher can't/didn't leave plans) Must be able to read lips or understand sign language ( for when plans are being made in back of class to "Sink the Sub")

All kidding aside, have one or two activities that you can use to fill in or substitute for when you need it. Have a good sense of humor and remember, Don't take anything personally!

Answer 7

I would suggest you follow the teacher's lesson plans for that day - do not blow them off or do your own thing. Keep a good handle on the students and do not let them get out of hand as they surely will try. Be firm, fair and consistent.

Answer 8

Substitute teaching is great in that it rarely involves planning or marking, so you can go home at the end of the school day and have your time to yourself.  It can be very difficult, though, if you take things personally.  Try to remember your own experience as a student, and how you and your classmates treated substitute teachers.  Students will act up, and it has nothing to do with you.

When I worked as a substitute, I was really nervous, especially on my first few assignments.  It helped me to try to see each day as an adventure into the unknown.  I reminded myself that it had been a long time since I had done anything that really scared me, and being scared is good!  It shows you that you're pushing past your comfort zone.  

Some days were a lot of fun.  I am an English teacher, but one of my favorite assignments was teaching science to first graders in a French immersion program.  The teacher left me detailed lesson plans (pray that your teachers will do this!) so I got to spend my days learning about magnetism and the moon, down on the floor playing with iron filings or coloured pencils.  It was awesome.

Other days were completely exhausting and infuriating, but again: at the end of the day, you get to go home and forget about it, or think about what you learned, and apply it the next day.

Good luck!  I haven't substitute taught for years, and I don't envy you, but I wouldn't exchange the experience I gained for anything.  You'll be glad you did it.