Being a Substitute Teacher

If you are considering a career in substitute teaching it is important to remember that this is one of the most stressful positions a person can take in the world of education. Certainly the life of a substitute teacher can be easy or difficult. It really depends on the students they are teaching and how they interact with these students.

Therefore being able to effectively manage your class is essential if you wish to reach and provide the children with the education that they deserve. By being able to effectively manage your class you can earn the respect of those who you are teaching and it will in turn make it much easier for you to actually teach them. Below we provide some tips which should make it easier for you to use when carrying out your lessons as a substitute teacher.

1. Get to know your students

It is important that you look at each person within the class to see what sort of energy vibes they are sending out to you. It may mean that you need to spend time gently gaining control of the situation and then when they least expect it hit them with a question, or produce a visual aid or just write something on the board that is going to grab their attention.

Remember children like to be challenged and want to think and learn for themselves. Why not try doing something out of the ordinary and which they do not expect?

2. Do not let your students take control

Unfortunately for many substitute teachers, they often find that their students will try to test the teacher to see how far they can go in relation to what you deem to be acceptable and what is not. It is therefore important that you learn about the schools policies and what you can do in terms of discipline and how to manage the class effectively. If you do find that one of your students is behaving in a manner that does not sit within the schools policies, then arrange for a permanent teacher to discuss the matter with the student and that their behavior will not be tolerated.

3. Get to know your students on an individual basis

By doing this you will soon learn how to motivate your students and it will help you to notice more quickly any changes that occur in them when responding to you. It is important therefore that you greet them as they walk into the classroom as well as having class discussions and sessions where they can reflect on what has occurred in that day’s lessons. If you need to, also conduct class surveys to find out what they feel about certain subjects or issues within their education. You may at some time have to provide them with individual tutorials.

Certainly when it comes to substitute teaching a person should remember that they are not alone and there are others around them who can offer them plenty of helpful hints and advice. There are lots of online teacher groups which can offer you support and advice when you need it the most.