How to Support Your Substitute Teachers
As the school year progresses, teacher absence is bound to happen. With that in mind, it becomes increasingly important to set your substitute teachers up for success. After all, they’re the ones taking care of your classroom while you’re away. Here are a few key ways you can support your substitutes this year.
Classroom management instructions
Providing classroom management instructions is the first step to preparing your subs for a great day with your students. Develop instructions that outline what students are used to throughout the day (i.e., daily announcements, morning work, or changes in class schedules) and even explain the rewards they can have for great behavior.
Include additional information about who your sub can turn to for help. Teacher collaboration may be difficult, but see if a neighboring teacher or staff member can act as a resource for questions or emergencies your sub may have while you’re gone.
Clear, concise lesson plans
While this may be obvious, it’s important that your substitute understands what your class is supposed to work on while you’re gone. Providing clear lesson plans is the key to helping your sub and your class maintain a routine throughout the day. To prevent any lulls in learning, develop additional activities for your students to work on in case your sub gets through the lesson early.
Technology instructions
Technology can be the most stressful part of coming into a new classroom. Make it easier on your sub by providing them with instructions on how to operate your tech and when they may need to use it.
End-of-day procedures
Your sub has made it through the day – now what? Write up your classroom’s typical end-of-the-day procedures to help with the end-of-day chaos. Include any important dismissal information that you may have, like when students leave or how early they’re allowed to pack up.
These are only a few ways that you can make it easier on your subs when they enter your classroom. Keep in mind that each classroom is unique, which means there may be more that you can add to your procedures that would be helpful to your substitute. Ask your sub to write a report about the day and ask for any feedback they may have about your instructions or the class in general. This will help you develop future substitute procedures, guaranteeing a better experience for your class and your substitutes at the same time.
