The Good Substitute Teacher: Four Teaching Tactics

Apr 16, 2011
Cirrelia Thaxton

Sub with confidence! - Marmion

Being the good substitute teacher means applying discipline in the classroom to maintain effective classroom management and to provide quality instruction.

Substitute teaching requires not only mental agility but also physical stamina. People who select the substitute teaching profession are often daunted by the amount of time and effort that it actually takes. Dealing with the students is, perhaps, the most harrowing factor associated with a substitute's experience.

Keeping up with the class and being a confident professional are the keys to gaining ground as an indispensable supplemental employee. When a substitute teacher can manage a classroom so that every child in that room can learn, he or she is an asset to the school system. Therefore, using discipline, avoiding conflict, eliciting student help, and networking with regular staff are four, useful tactics to incorporate into all substitute assignments.

See Past Disciplinary Actions

Once a substitute teacher begins to discipline students who are either misbehaving or insubordinate, he or she must take care to consider the consequences of his or her actions. The main goal that the effective substitute teacher hopes for is a noticeable lull in which students settle down and begin to focus on classwork. By quickly disciplining rowdy students and establishing leadership of the class, a substitute can achieve that goal early in the day.

Therefore, within the first few minutes of class, substitutes should scan the room and recognize any potential problems. If one unruly student stands out by talking too much, disturbing classmates, or being disrespectful, the substitute must take the time to warn him or her.

Next, follow the regular teacher’s disciplinary procedure. It may involve a “three strikes” policy, a timeout system, or a written referral to the principal. Nevertheless, if a substitute teacher chooses to act early with this student, he or she should not show any signs of hesitation. Students, sometimes, challenge authority by trying to cajole substitutes. An effective substitute never feels as if he or she must befriend students. It is his or her job to instruct, guide, and train them to be better students.

Avoid Antagonizing Miscreants

There will come a time when a student will rebel against a substitute’s disciplinary actions. Some students feel that substitutes are not real teachers, and these students even voice their views aloud in class. At these times, it is essential for the substitute teacher to maintain a high level of professionalism.

Never engage in a debate with an unruly student who wants the attention of his or her peers. Keep a cool head and proceed with plans to properly discipline the miscreant. If a substitute is new or feels uncomfortable about the situation, then he or she should seek out the assistance of regular staff. This will let the class know that the person replacing the regular teacher is serious about maintaining control of the classroom.

Seek Out Student Helpers

There will always be a select group of students in every class who are on the side of the substitute teacher and want to have a productive class period or day. As a substitute, it is important to establish a small network of student helpers in every class. For example, some substitutes get students to help with administrative tasks, such as calling attendance rosters or distributing papers.

Any time spent with student helpers facilitates better classroom management. For instance, when a substitute has free hands, it allows him or her to circumnavigate the room, monitor the class more closely, and interact with other students. Further, by giving some students extra responsibilities in class, substitutes can help children or adolescents build character. Overall, student helpers improve the effective substitute teacher’s chances of being accepted and appreciated by the whole class.

Befriend Regular Staff

At the start of any assignment, it is customary for the substitute teacher to sign in at the office, secure keys, and get directions to the classroom from staff. Being on top of the substitute game means being courteous and friendly to regular workers at all times. By doing so, substitutes can make lifelong acquaintances, from friends and cohorts to mentors and guides.

Introducing oneself with confidence to as many teachers and administrators is always wise, if a substitute plans to work regularly at a particular school or at different locations across the school district. Having allies in one’s corner is a great way to meet people and develop helpful working relationships. A substitute teacher never knows when to expect the assistance of a colleague. So, be ready to network.