Whether you’re stepping into the classroom as a planned replacement or covering for an unexpected absence, substitute teaching presents both excellent opportunities and unique challenges. As a substitute teacher, you’re more than just a temporary stand-in — you play a crucial role in maintaining continuity for students and supporting their learning experience during the regular teacher’s absence.
While the role requires flexibility and quick thinking, it also offers a chance to make a lasting impression, both on the students you teach and the school community as a whole. By approaching each assignment with preparation, professionalism and a willingness to connect, substitute teachers can demonstrate their value far beyond simply filling in.
Tips for Preparing to Substitute Teach
Preparation is the ultimate key to a successful day as a substitute teacher.
First, arrive early to familiarize yourself with the classroom layout, daily schedule and school routines, which can help ease transitions throughout the day (for yourself and the students). Use any extra time before students arrive to carefully review the lesson plans left by the regular teacher and gather the materials you’ll need for each activity. It’s also wise to bring your own teaching essentials, such as pens, notebooks and a flash drive containing PDF lesson plans or educational media, so you’re ready to adapt if the regular teacher’s plans are incomplete or unclear.
You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the school’s behavioral management protocols and understand any accommodations for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans. Knowing how to support these students will ensure your classroom-for-the-day is inclusive and supportive of all students.
Be prepared for unexpected downtime — unfortunately, you can’t plan for every second of the day! Prepare backup activities, such as brain teasers or short writing prompts, to fill gaps and keep students engaged.
When it comes to personal comfort, make sure to dress appropriately in professional yet comfortable clothing, as classroom temperatures can vary. Pack a bag with personal essentials like water, snacks and any comfort items you may need to stay focused and energized throughout the day. Taking these proactive steps will help set the tone for a smooth and productive experience.
How to Build Trust With Students
The school day is built around routine, so naturally, introducing an unfamiliar element can throw students off a little bit. As that unfamiliar element, substitute teachers may encounter some resistance or pushback from students who are used to doing things the primary teacher’s way. It all comes down to building trust with the students.
Begin the day by introducing yourself and your teaching style — do you prefer to teach by delivering information and then asking questions, or do you prefer to let the students discuss the topic as a group? Set clear expectations at the outset to help students feel more at ease. Recognize that having a substitute teacher can disrupt students’ routines and acknowledge the discomfort they might be feeling — this shows empathy and helps build rapport.
A personal connection goes a long way, so consider engaging the class with a quick icebreaker or informal conversation to start the day on a positive note. Making an effort to learn and use students’ names can also establish a sense of familiarity and respect. Do your best to maintain a light-hearted and approachable demeanor, even when challenges arise. A sense of humor and warmth can help students feel comfortable and build the trust required for a successful day.
Take time to acknowledge students’ good behavior and celebrate their achievements, even in small ways, as this encourages a positive and cooperative atmosphere. Most importantly, be consistent and reliable in your words and actions to reinforce that you are dependable and there to support them.
Tips for Leading Lessons as a Substitute Teacher
A substitute teacher’s job is to maintain consistency while the primary teacher is away. This means following the lesson plan the teacher has left to ensure students stay on track with their learning.
To successfully lead lessons as a substitute teacher, you’ll need to be organized and adaptable. Be sure to stick to the lesson plan provided to ensure continuity and meet the regular teacher’s objectives. Use a checklist to track tasks and activities, staying mindful of the time to keep the day running smoothly.
That said, you should be ready to adjust your approach if students seem disengaged or have difficulty understanding the material. Incorporate a variety of interactive, student-centered teaching techniques to maintain their interest, such as game-based learning. If technology is available, use it to enhance the lesson and create a more engaging experience, such as showing videos on the lesson topic or even using AI to generate discussion questions.
Above all, encourage participation through discussions, hands-on activities or other creative methods to keep students attentive and involved. By staying flexible and keeping the students focused on the task at hand, you can lead lessons that are both productive and engaging for the whole class.
Classroom Management Tips for Substitute Teachers
While part of your job as a substitute is to follow the lesson plans left by the primary teacher, the bulk of your efforts may involve classroom management. Essentially, “classroom management” refers to the strategies teachers use to create and maintain a productive, respectful learning environment. Successful classroom management hinges on setting clear expectations and fostering a positive atmosphere to support student learning while minimizing disruptions.
- Start the day by setting expectations: Clearly explain the classroom rules and your expectations for students’ work and behavior. This will set the tone for the day and help students understand what behavior is acceptable. They should already be aware of the classroom rules, but a reminder never hurts, especially when their regular teacher is absent.
- Stick to scheduled routines: Follow the usual classroom schedule to help students feel grounded and minimize disruptions. Students of any age respond well to stability and predictability.
- Give simple, sequential instructions: Break tasks into manageable steps to make it easier for students to follow directions and stay on track. Clear and explicit guidance can help students feel secure with an unfamiliar instructor.
- Provide immediate, specific and private feedback on behavior: Correcting disruptive behavior respectfully and promptly keeps the classroom focused and maintains students’ dignity. Once you address the behavior, swiftly redirect students’ focus to the task at hand and thank students who demonstrate acceptable behavior.
- Use pre-correction to remind students of expectations before activities: Giving gentle reminders of rules or expected behaviors helps prevent issues before they arise. This may be especially effective with younger students.
- Avoid power struggles: Disengage from confrontations with students and aim to resolve issues calmly without escalation. Keep interactions calm and constructive to prevent conflicts.
- Move around the classroom and engage with students frequently: Staying active and visible helps maintain student focus and discourages off-task behavior. Monitor the room closely to address potential issues before they become larger problems.
Paraeducators or teachers’ aides are excellent sources of support when it comes to classroom management, as they are very familiar with the students’ routines and behavior. In the absence of a paraprofessional, if another teacher is available, ask if they would be able to sit in on a lesson and assist with classroom management.
How to Help the Primary Teacher
One of the most valuable things you can do as a substitute teacher is to support the regular teacher by ensuring a smooth transition when they return. Thoughtful communication and attention to the classroom’s organization not only make the teacher’s job easier but also demonstrate your professionalism and care for their students.
- Leave detailed notes for the regular teacher about the day’s events, including what you covered, how students responded and any deviations from the lesson plan. Highlight both positive outcomes and any challenges that arose.
- Ensure the classroom is tidy before leaving by organizing student papers, cleaning up any materials used during the day and turning off any equipment or technology.
- Mention any behavioral issues or noteworthy interactions with students to give the teacher context for follow-up.
- Provide feedback on what worked well and suggest any adjustments (within reason) that might improve future lessons or classroom routines.
- Return any borrowed materials to their proper place and ensure the classroom is ready for the teacher’s return.
By taking these tips into account, you can help the teacher pick up right where they left off, ensuring your efforts as a substitute were truly impactful.
Professional Tips for Substitute Teachers
The key to being invited back as a substitute teacher is making a positive impression. One way to stand out is to always speak positively about the school and its community. Demonstrate respect and appreciation for the school’s culture and values; this shows you are a team player and fosters goodwill among staff and administrators. A positive attitude can also influence how students perceive you, as it creates a more welcoming and cooperative classroom environment.
Another way to leave a lasting impression is by connecting with other teachers. Demonstrate initiative and adaptability by seeking advice or suggestions for alternative activities. You may also find opportunities to borrow supplies or share resources, which can help your day run more smoothly. Building these professional relationships not only enhances your effectiveness in the classroom but also signals that you value collaboration and are eager to learn from others.
Substitute teaching also provides an excellent chance to network with teachers and staff. If you can, take time to engage with colleagues to gain valuable insights about the school’s routines, expectations and opportunities for future assignments. Be approachable and proactive in these interactions to show that you are genuinely invested in contributing to the school’s success. By maintaining a professional, supportive and collaborative attitude, you can position yourself as a trusted and reliable resource and increase your chances of being invited back.
Strengthen Your Skill Set With a Master of Education
Substitute teaching is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity that provides invaluable classroom experience while being a vital part of a school’s ecosystem. By implementing the strategies and tips outlined in this guide in your next substitute teaching assignment, you can enhance your effectiveness, build trust with students and establish a professional reputation that keeps you in high demand.
For substitute teachers looking to take the next step in their careers, the University of San Diego’s online Master of Education (MEd) program offers a unique opportunity. While prior classroom experience is a requirement for program acceptance, it isn’t limited to full-time teaching positions — substitute teachers with hands-on experience in managing classrooms, leading lessons and engaging with students are well-qualified to apply. This program is designed to help educators of all backgrounds deepen their knowledge, refine their skills and open doors to new possibilities in the field of education.
If you’re ready to build your skill set and work your way toward a permanent teaching position, explore the possibilities in the online MEd program today.