As a substitute teacher, paraeducator, or support staff in schools, building rapport — making meaningful connections — helps everyone to impact student success.
Rapport doesn't happen immediately. Like any solid relationship, it takes a little time. Your goal as a colleague is to build trust, get on the same page, communicate effectively, and support one another.
As a substitute teacher or paraeducator, you can sometimes feel like an outsider. Building relationships will not only give you a sense of belonging, it can help you become a preferred choice for future assignments. Schools are busy places and you may not know when is the right time to make a connection. Let's look at a few strategies so that you can become a valuable part of the school community.
The first few encounters with the faculty and staff of a school system are critical and can shape the relationships you form. To ensure you make a great impression, follow these tips:
These traits show faculty and staff that you will be easy to work with. When others have a good impression of you, they are more willing to help you succeed in the classroom.
You will have questions about process and routine as a substitute teacher. Ask them, but be aware that your colleagues don't have more than a few minutes to help you. Be precise in communicating your needs to avoid distracting faculty or staff from their own responsibilities. For example, if there's a schedule change, ask for that information only. Avoid going into detail about why you don't know about the change or any other unimportant information.
Faculty, staff, and administrators appreciate those who show up on time, in the right place, and are ready to work. One teacher or substitute teacher being late or absent affects many more people than just the students in the classroom.
Being punctual and reliable shows that you take the job seriously. When you accept an assignment, make sure you understand when, where, and what time to be there.
You must follow the substitute teacher requirements set by the school and hiring agency. It's inappropriate to try to change routines just because the teacher is absent. Your job is to carry out classroom instructions as the regular teacher planned.
Avoid assuming you fully understand policies that may seem simple or obvious. Some substitute teacher duties are:
Following school policies shows faculty and staff that you respect and understand why they implement the rules they do. They have the same goal: to offer students a safe, impactful learning environment so they can achieve academic success. Following policies builds rapport, because it helps everyone get on the same page.
Communicating with the teacher is crucial. Students must receive consistent education, and the regular teacher must be informed that they have stayed on track. Report information in your end of day note:
It's also good to report more information than not enough. The regular teacher should be able to return to the classroom fully aware and pick up where you left off. Finally, thank the regular teacher for leaving you detailed instructions that helped your day go smoothly.
Offer to assist with minor tasks, like covering a class for a few minutes or helping with a quick setup. There are questions you can ask faculty and staff that show you are interested in learning from them:
When offering to help faculty or staff, remember to offer only when you have extra time or have completed the instructions of the regular classroom teacher. Do not abandon your instructions to help someone else. Also, offer to assist with minor tasks, like covering a class for a few minutes or helping with a quick setup.
Even if the day gets tough, try to stay positive. Colleagues will appreciate your ability to remain calm under pressure, and it will reflect well on your professionalism.
Faculty and staff of a school district will notice your positive attitude and want to build rapport with you. They will want to see you return to their district for future substitute teacher jobs.
Avoid gossiping or speaking negatively about students, teachers, or policies. Instead, focus on maintaining a respectful and professional tone in conversations. If you find someone trying to engage you in drama, redirect the conversation or politely remove yourself.
Remember to show appreciation to the front office staff, custodians, and paraprofessionals. They are often your best resources during the day, and can make your time at school more manageable. Your interactions with all school employees can affect the day's operations, ultimately impacting student learning.
Staff and faculty will remember the compliments and "thank-you" messages you give them. They will encourage peers to hire you for a substitute teacher job, because of the positive way you made them feel.
Building good relationships with faculty and staff can help make your experience more enjoyable and increase the chances of being invited back. The more you enjoy your work and the more opportunities you receive, the better you can make a difference in a student's life.
Kelly Education has a whole library of substitute teaching advice so you can confidently lead your class. Check out these articles to get started:
Following classroom procedures and routines as a substitute teacher
Pro tips for teaching in elementary, middle, and high school
Thinking about becoming a substitute teacher? Fill out our brief interest form and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions and share more about opportunities to become a substitute teacher with one of our school district partners.