Classroom control is key to having a successful day substitute teaching
Guidelines for a Day of Substitute Teaching- Part 2
The School Day
Next, when class begins, introduce yourself, and even if it seems Hollywood, write your name on the board. Have students introduce themselves too. Using a mini-lesson as an opener, you might discuss the handshake, eye contact, and name repetition of the formal greeting; then, with hand extended, go around the class and meet each person. Or you might have students use a mnemonic tag with their name as they introduce themselves to you. But, however you do it, become familiar with student names.
Take attendance every time a class changes and inform the office of absences. At the end of the day, note if you deviated from the lesson and to what extent the lesson was covered. Record anything unusual that happens: accidents, illness, particularly rude behavior. (Often, the principal needs to be informed of these occurrences immediately.)
Do not leave the room during classes. Space your bathroom visits. In the rare case that you have a personal emergency, notify the office to come tp watch the class. Do not let students rummage the regular teacher's desk or other, presumably, of-- limit areas, such as files.
Conduct yourself as a model of good character. Use professional language at all times: students don't know you, and the cute remark can cause trouble for a substitute teacher. Also, keep your family stories in the family; you are not in the classroom to shoot the breeze.
On the other hand, don't react to every little breach of character a student might display: pick your battles.
Finally, pick up the classroom before you leave if you forgot to tell students to do so. Check windows to make sure they're closed. Complete with your name and phone number, place notes (on lessons covered, behavior, and absences) and any gathered assignments in the teacher's mailbox or on his desk. Straighten the desktop if it has become cluttered during the course of the day.
Return any keys to the office, sign any pay vouchers, and, if appropriate, remind office personnel or administration that you could fill in the next day if the regular teacher is still unavailable.
