Though much attention is given to the contribution quality substitute teachers make to the continuity of instruction during teacher absences, less consideration has been given to what they need for success. With the average teacher absent 11 days per school year, it is proactive to make adequate preparations to minimize disruptions and maximize learning for students. So beyond substitute teacher lesson plans, what exactly do substitutes need to optimize classroom management and ensure that learning continues with the fewest possible interruptions?
Why Should Substitute Teachers Supplement Lesson Plans?
In addition to implementing lesson plans in a variety of subject areas, a substitute teacher is expected to expertly manage a classroom full of diverse learners. This means fulfilling a variety of other daily duties which are typically the responsibility of the classroom teacher.
Substitutes are often called upon to take attendance, follow a schedule, manage transitions, transport students to lunch and other classes, supervise recess, facilitate interventions, provide for students with special needs, and possibly deal with emergency drills. With minimal introduction, the substitute teacher must step in and maintain the flow of the day.
The Optimal Substitute Teacher Survival Kit
With a bit of foresight and some preparation, it is possible to provide substitute teachers with the information and supplies needed to not only survive their classroom assignment but to thrive in it. Though every classroom is different, there are some tools that will prove beneficial in most substitute teaching assignments.
Outline of the day
An overarching outline of the day will give a substitute teacher the big picture. This will include all of the important tasks that must be completed in the daily routine. A checklist provides a particularly user-friendly format and should include approximate time frames.
Seating charts and attendance
An up-to-date seating chart is absolutely essential for classroom management and can help a substitute take attendance quickly. If attendance must be taken online or reported to the school office, detailed instructions will help to expedite this important task.
Classroom rules and consequences sequence
Providing a brief breakdown of classroom expectations and the sequence of consequences when they are not observed will allow substitutes to continue the established norms.
Essential procedures
The location of and procedure for visiting the restroom or water fountain is important. Understanding hall pass requirements is necessary to comply with classroom and building-wide rules. Emergency drill procedures are a critical component, as drills are often conducted without prior notice, and student safety is at stake.
Students’ special needs
There are a number of notes that will help to ensure that students’ needs are met. First and foremost are instructions needed to keep students safe. If a student sees the nurse at a particular time to receive medication or check blood sugar levels, these notes should be in bold text and highlighted prominently. In addition, students’ learning interventions or scheduled resource room visits should be clearly spelled out.
Lesson resources
Teachers’ manuals and other lesson essentials should be accessible and clearly marked. Answer keys are also helpful. Teachers must determine if classroom technology will be used during absences, and this too should be noted.
Transportation procedures
Leaving detailed transportation procedures ensures that a substitute releases bus riders on time to avoid them missing the bus.
Human resources
Leaving a list of people the substitute can count on for information is invaluable. Reliable students, or those for whom a bit of responsibility might encourage cooperation, can be very helpful with finding supplies in the classroom. As far as other staff members, the room or phone number of a grade level partner or departmental team member who can answer questions or provide support will help a substitute feel less isolated. Additionally, he name and location of an administrator to consult for assistance or in an emergency is a must-have.
Extension activities
Occasionally, students finish assignments early or a special subject prep period is canceled leaving a substitute with additional time to fill. Having an easy-to-implement activity can be very useful. Some possibilities include a class set of educational magazines, a short read-aloud with discussion questions, or a deck of age-appropriate quiz cards.
Though many teachers prefer to minimize extrinsic motivators for students, garnering enthusiastic support for a substitute teacher may be the ideal time to make an exception. Allowing the class to earn a privilege or treat when a substitute leaves a positive report is an easy way to get students to put their best foot forward.
When you partner with ESS, our highly trained and resourceful substitutes will support better classroom management and more effective instruction. Contact us today, and we will help you put everything in place to support exceptional substitute service and instructional continuity during inevitable teacher absences.