As a valued substitute, your preparation, focus, and professionalism help ensure a safe and productive learning environment for students.
Remain attentive and engaged in the classroom throughout the school day
Support instruction and actively supervise students at all times
Limit personal business, including cell phone use and social media, to scheduled breaks or lunch
Never leave students unsupervised at any point during the day
Please review the following guidelines:
Before the Day Starts
Arrive early to allow time to sign in, review lesson plans, and familiarize yourself with the classroom.
Check in with the building secretary and/or classroom staff upon arrival to receive any updates, keys, or necessary materials.
Review the lesson plans and classroom procedures left by the regular teacher.
Locate the emergency procedures posted in the classroom, including fire, tornado, lockdown, and evacuation routes. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with what to do with students in case of an emergency.
During the Day
Follow the lesson plans as closely as possible to maintain continuity of instruction.
Maintain positive classroom management and ensure students remain safe, engaged, and respectful.
If you have questions or need assistance during the day, contact the main office or an assigned staff member for support.
Supervise students at all times — including transitions, lunch, and recess — to ensure their safety.
At Dismissal
Make sure students are dismissed according to the school’s dismissal procedures, ensuring each student gets to their proper location safely.
Tidy the classroom, return materials, and leave a brief note for the regular teacher summarizing the day — including what was completed, any behavior issues, and other important information.
Return any keys or materials to the office before leaving and sign out at the end of the day.
Managing the Classroom
Effective substitutes help create a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistency. Successful classroom management balances firmness with empathy, emphasizes positive behavior, and supports respectful interactions with students.
Kindness and respect are essential to effective classroom management. Students are still learning and developing, and positive guidance helps create a supportive learning environment.
Recognize and praise students who meet classroom expectations
Use encouraging and respectful language
Use proactive strategies to prevent disruptions, such as adjusting seating, using proximity and eye contact, and keeping students engaged and on task
Focusing on positive behaviors and proactive management helps reduce disruptions and supports student success. When addressing student behavior, corrections should be handled privately and with courtesy and respect. Public embarrassment or demeaning responses are never appropriate. Research shows that positive, respectful interventions are more effective in reducing disruptive behavior and building student trust and respect over time.
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Neighboring teachers, support staff, office staff, and administrators are all resources for you during your time at school. Please reach out to the appropriate staff member for clarification or suggestions in order to help you feel successful. Your professionalism and attention to these protocols help ensure a positive experience for students and a smooth transition when the regular teacher returns. Thank you for taking these steps to uphold the safety and integrity of our classrooms.