Being a substitute teacher is no easy task. Some students see a day without their normal classroom teacher as “free time,” which can result in misbehavior that makes it harder to do your job. If you are experiencing turmoil in the classroom, you’re not alone. By taking time to understand the root cause of misbehavior, substitute teachers can help students succeed.
Do your students seem extra fidgety? Perhaps you are seeing a room full of blank stares or a student or two is seemingly frustrated with their work. Ding Ding Ding! Those are just a couple of indicators that it is time for a Brain Break! Quick brain breaks during or in between lessons are important for student learning, and can relieve students’ frustration, stress and anxiety.
Mike Nevels, a substitute with Morgan Hunter Education shares his insight on what it’s like to work as a substitute teacher for elementary-aged students.
Sharon Keller, the 2020-2021 De Soto School District Substitute of the Year shares her insight on what it’s like to work as a substitute teacher for both high school and middle school students.
Properly preparing for your first substitute teaching day is critical to having a successful experience. If you’re a fist-time substitute teacher, follow this helpful advice to mitigate any problems and ensure you have a positive first day.
While substitute teaching can be very rewarding, it can also be extremely challenging. Substitutes are expected to command a classroom full of kids they’ve likely never met and teach subjects in which they may not be an expert. They are expected to adapt to a number of factors outside their control. And, the majority… Read more »
One of the biggest challenges for teachers is keeping students engaged. Unengaged students are unmotivated or uninterested in what’s being taught — and, if left alone, they can erode the positive learning environment teachers strive so hard to achieve. How do you, as a substitute teacher, successfully engage students in the small time you have… Read more »