How to Prepare for a Substitute

Write or Type Out the Schedule: Begin your substitute teacher preparations by meticulously documenting the day's schedule, which should include precise start and end times for each activity. A well-structured schedule serves as the foundation for a successful day in the classroom.

Detailed Task Descriptions: Under each time frame on the schedule, provide comprehensive explanations of what the substitute teacher should accomplish during that specific period. Clear instructions and teaching objectives help the substitute understand their responsibilities and maintain instructional continuity.

Supervision Duties: If you have any supervision duties scheduled for that day, make sure to mention them. Specify the locations and responsibilities associated with these duties, ensuring that the substitute is aware of their role in overseeing students.

Behavior Management System: Outline your classroom's behavior management system, emphasizing both positive and negative consequences. This information helps the substitute maintain discipline and consistency, fostering a conducive learning environment.

Trustworthy and Mischievous Students: Create a list that identifies students who are reliable and those who may pose behavioral challenges. This awareness allows the substitute to tailor their approach to classroom management effectively.

Desk Nametags or Seating Chart: Whenever possible, place nametags on student desks or provide a seating chart. This visual aid assists the substitute in quickly identifying students and maintaining order within the classroom.

Parent Helpers: If there are parent volunteers scheduled to assist, detail their tasks and objectives for the day. This ensures that any parent helpers are utilized effectively and in alignment with your instructional goals.

Supply Locations: Clearly specify where essential supplies are located throughout the classroom. This information minimizes disruptions and helps the substitute access materials needed for various activities.

Modifications for Special Needs: Describe any modifications or accommodations you have made for students with special needs. Ensuring that these students receive appropriate support is crucial for their educational progress.

Copying and Labeling: Prepare all necessary copies of instructional materials and assignments, and label them appropriately. This step streamlines the teaching process and prevents confusion during the day.

Sticky Notes in Textbooks: Mark pages in textbooks with sticky notes to indicate their relevance to the day's lessons. This visual cue assists the substitute in efficiently locating and using instructional materials.

Sequential Resource Stacking: Organize teacher's editions of textbooks and any other educational resources in a sequential stack, aligning them with the day's schedule. This arrangement simplifies the retrieval of necessary materials.

Answer Keys for Grading: Leave answer keys for assignments that require grading, enabling the substitute to assess student work accurately and provide timely feedback.

Copy Machine Code: Consider sharing your copy machine code with the substitute in case of emergencies. This information ensures that the substitute can access additional materials quickly if needed.

Detail-Oriented Sub Plans: When crafting substitute plans, remember that more detail is better. Comprehensive instructions leave no room for ambiguity and help the substitute execute your lessons effectively.

Relax and Trust: Lastly, relax and trust that everything will run smoothly until your return. Your thorough preparations have set the substitute and students up for success, allowing you to step away from the classroom with confidence in their capabilities.