How to be a Successful High School Substitute Teacher
by This article looks at what is needed to succeed as a substitute teacher in high school. It discusses classroom control issues and dealing with various problems that might arise.
It Helps if You Like Teens
It probably is not a requirement to like teens to teach them, but it helps. Most teens are looking for someone who cares about them personally. Saying humiliating or demeaning things to them is not a way to gain their trust. If you can project the image that you are there because you are concerned about them and want to help, it will build trust between you and the students. Once teens trust you as their teacher, you have won the battle. By genuinely liking teens, you will not find yourself dreading going into the classroom. It will also change how you interact with the students during the class time.
Follow Directions and Follow Up
You will be left a list of what is to be done in each class throughout the day. Give the class the assignments, tests, worksheets, and what ever else the teacher has left for you. You will sometimes be asked to teach a lesson, but not often because teachers do not know how much you understand about the specific material. If you are asked to present new material, do your best.
Leave details about how the day went for the teacher. Try to be honest with this. Do not make problems bigger than they were, but do not lie and say there were no problems if there were. Try to point out students who were helpful or uncooperative if you can determine their names or describe them adequately. Note who was absent, tardy, or left class early.
Limit the Number of Students Who Are Allowed to Exit the Classroom
High school students like to try to take advantage of substitute teachers and get extra trips to the bathroom, drinking fountain, and any place else that they think they can talk you into allowing. Limit the number of students out of the room at any given time to one unless you can verify that it is an emergency. Do not be afraid to tell them no or later when you need to give the class instructions about a test or an assignment.
Watch the Class
More than anything else, substitutes are being paid to keep an eye on the students. This is not the time to catch up on that novel you have been wanting to read. Avoid text messaging or talking on the cell phone. Stay where the students can see you and know that you can see them. It is easier to keep something from starting than to make it stop. Watching the class is the easiest way to control it.
Avoid Personal Discussions and Complaining
Students like to learn about people. They will work hard to get you to tell them all about yourself. Limit the amount of personal information that you share. You are not there to teach them about you. Avoid complaining about the regular teacher or anything that has to do with the school. When being a substitute teacher, you are there to support the teacher and the administration.
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