I have been a substitute teacher for almost 4 years and I struggled with this at first as well. After while of being at the same school, I was able to build rapport with the students and most of the time they don't even realize I am a substitute anymore. In order to get to this point, I had to first enter classrooms strong. I always made sure to arrive early and review the teacher's classroom management strategies. I strictly abide by these in the mornings to show the students that even though their teacher is absent, we will still conduct a normal daily routine. I also made sure to verbalize this to the students after the morning announcements. Keeping things as typical as possible for the students is key to getting them to respect and cooperate with you throughout the day.

Besides being firm and expressing clearly your expectations to the students, I would try to be respectful towards them in a way that shows them you mean business and want them to learn, but you also understand not having their teacher like usual may throw their schedule into wack, if that makes sense. Some students feel really uncomfortable expressing themselves in front of substitutes and I think they mask this by acting up and misbehaving. I would let them know that while their teacher may be away, everything will be okay and we will have a normal productive day.

Remind the student that they have a teacher and, since that teacher is not there, you are in fact their teacher for the day. As a substitute you should be fair and kind to the students so that both you and the student enjoy your time there, but it is important to remain rigid on the rules established by the school or teacher so that students do not take advantage of you.

Be stern but be fun. Make sure the students know that you are there to teach them and that you are their teacher for the day, but also show them that you are a fun teacher and that learning can be fun. Just do not be over the top and scare the students.

First impressions go along way with students. You should be firm , fair and consistent with all students all the time. By establishing control from the beginning the students will respect you and your authority in the classroom.

Discuss with the teacher a plan of action for unwanted behaviors and be sure to review the instructions the teacher will leave for you thoroughly. Ask the teacher to include some time filler activities to keep students on task throughout the duration of the class.

As a sub, unfortunately, you have to be strict and not very laid back if you want to earn respect. Personally, I would create your own personal rules (that abide by the school rules of course), rather than trying to learn each teacher's rules when you walk in. For example, you may require that the students work individually even though they may claim that the teacher always lets them work in pairs. The students will bend the truth and try to get what they want, therefor you should have your own rules and stick to them. Once the students finish the assignment, however, I would play a fun game as a class or have a word search, coloring activity, or something prepared to keep them entertained.

It is very important to implement the same discipline system as the teacher. Keep consistency and do what the teacher normally does with the class. You will have to prepare much more but it will help manage the classroom better.

In the school I volunteer at, I have worked with one sub and she is the best one I have ever met. They way she interacts with the kids is so great. She will always follow the classroom rules, and because there is not much the sub can do as far as teaching, my sub found cool interactive games to play that pertained to their lesson so they can still learn. They learn so much from her every time she comes, and makes them feel loved. She is strict, but caring at the same time and shows that even though she is a sub, she is still a teacher and still wants to learn and have fun, instead of push over and boring.

You have to be firm and show them that just because you are a sub do not think for a second there will not be consequences to their actions. I usually start by having a stern demeanor till the second or third period of the day. Then I can lighten up a little. You can alway lighten up but it's hard getting back to stun sometimes.

You will need to be firm and stand to the teachers rules. Being too laid back will make the students not take you seriously and think you do not know what you are doing.

Like many others have said, first impressions are very important and being firm at first is necessary. I would also say have confidence in what you are doing whether it is your first day as a sub or your 5th year. Getting to school early to review a school map and the classroom rules and procedures can greatly help you get control on the class before the students even get there. Do not yell at the students but if there is a misbehavior follow the class consequence so the students see you mean business.

I sub a few times a week and before I start any lessons I let the students know that I am aware of all of the class/school rules and let them know what I expect from them. If you let them know that you know the rules they often will give you more respect.

The best way is to build respect between the students and yourself. To be seen as an authoritative figure, you need to come into the classroom with a strong mindset and show the students that bad behavior will not be tolerated.

I would tell them they need to have the same respect for the sub as they do for you and if they do not respect that, have some sort of consequence already in place so they know if they do not what will happen. And that the sub will leave a report.

If at all possible, it is helpful to chat with the class teacher beforehand to get a run down of classroom rules and procedures. Then stick to those rules, and do not let the students think that you are at all unsure of the environment.

I would lay down ground rules whenever you teach. So the students know to your expectations. The rest of the time just try to be positive and maybe bring in some candy as reward for the students doing what they are supposed to be doing.

A solution would be to have the teacher explain to the students that there will be a sub coming the next day / period / week (whatever the time may be) and remind them the sub is to be respected. Tell the students that the sub should be respected the same as they respect the teacher. The teacher should also let the students know that the sub will be taking notes of class behavior and student names of the day and will be informing the teacher of the notes. Along with telling the students that when the teacher returns they will address the notes. The sub will be taking notes of both good and bad behavior. If the notes include bad behaviors, consequences will be given. The sub should also have a list of consequences that they can give to the students the time that they are in the classroom with the sub immediately to help stop misbehavior. Positive behaviors will be rewarded.

Just be firm and understanding with the students. When the students see where you're coming from and who you are as a teacher, they will come to respect you.

I would keep the schedule the same as the teacher planned, but throw in some fun activities that excites them. The students will want you to sub again and you will be able to get the work done that needs to be done.

You have to make them understand that this is your classroom. Just because you are the substitute teacher does not mean that they get to bully and not respect you. If you have a hard time getting them to respect you, you could always leave a note for the teacher and let them know everything that happened.

It helps if the teacher uses you as a consistent sub so the students can build a relationship with you and thus respect you. Being a sub is hard work but I would make sure I asserted myself and ensure you have perfected your teaching voice. Be stern and direct and the students will know they cannot walk all over you.

You have to enter the room as a teacher. You are the teacher for the day and students need to see you project yourself that way. Be confident in your abilities and convey the confidence through your voice. It is a good idea to review the classroom rules with students when they enter the room as well.

Being a substitute I would try to be more involved with the class and not sit at the desk and not do anything. Walking around the classroom also helps students pay more attention to the lecture.

I have struggled with this as well. I found that I had the best days when I started the class with a greeting to each student followed by the rules I expect and a reminder that everything that happened throughout our day would be provided to their teacher. Taking them time to say hello to each student and reiterating the rules helped take the edge off the behavioral issues.

Walking into a room with a prepared mind and day are the most beneficial tool in substituting. Being aware of the dynamics of the class and arriving early are also important. I always leave notes for substitutes about the students and I also let my students know that I will be asking for a report from the substitute teacher at the end of her shift.

Don't be a push over and let them do what they want. Be stern, follow the plan given to you by the teacher, and just be sure to keep control of the classroom at all times.

Make sure you are taking the time to learn the students names and address them accordingly. Even if you are only in the room for one day it is definitely helpful to know their names so you can show them that you care and are not just there to babysit. I also believe that you should come into the classroom with confidence because they will always try to tear you down. Showing yourself as the authority figure may not make you the most liked, but it will get you better behavior.

Have your own classroom management policy for substitution and if you feel you need to, teach it every new class your in. Go over the expectations, the rules, and the lessons. Most times students don't respect subs because they don't expect to have to do any work. Involve education and a lesson and don't let their expectations of work in the classroom and homework drop off just because the teacher is absent.

be straight forward with them.

Confirm your status as a teacher, even though it is just for the day.