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Tips for substitute teaching in middle school include understanding the students' social-emotional developmental stage, deploying appropriate behavior management techniques, and staying positive and flexible as the day unfolds.
Key Takeaways:
- Middle schoolers are developing identity, independence, and social awareness, often dealing with peer pressure and insecurities.
- Act more like a guide than an authority figure—help students explore rather than just instruct.
- Routines matter. Seating charts and consistency help prevent chaos.
- Be firm but fair—set expectations and follow through.
While some substitute teachers hesitate to work with pre-teens, others say middle school students are their favorite. These substitute teachers enjoy their playful sense of humor, their silly jokes, and the depth of insights and observations about the world. Let's look more closely at some tips that may help you if you're nervous about middle school assignments.
Middle school model of academic delivery.
Elementary school students usually have just one teacher, and they generally remain in the same classroom throughout the school day. When they get to junior high or middle school (typically 6-8 grades), the focus is on interdisciplinary teaching and supporting students’ social and emotional development.
As a substitute teacher in middle school, you'll likely be assigned to one subject. The students move around to core classes like language arts, math, science, social studies. They'll also pick a couple electives based on their interests—art, music, computer science, language, business, physical ed, and foreign language.
A typical day when substitute teaching in middle school.
When you arrive, check in at the office to see where your room is located. If you are new to substitute teaching at the school, spend a few minutes asking about the layout and their emergency protocol. As always, get the number for the office if you need support or have a question.
Lesson plans. Once you get to the classroom, locate the teacher's lesson plans.
- Stick to what the teacher asked you to do. Each school day is like a link in a chain, and the purpose of the “chain” is to help students master a certain concept or skill set. So don’t break the chain!
- Teacher instructions may include information about students with an IEP or 504 plan. Be sure to follow any accommodations outlined for you.
- You might want to have a few backup activities with you in case no plans are left. Here are some helpful suggestions for sub lesson plans. Always check first with an administrator for guidance in these situations.
Seating charts. Pay attention to seating charts, as well as keeping the classroom routine as normal as possible, which helps maintain order.
Teacher note. Always leave a note for the teacher about how things went for each period. Remember - teachers love to hear good things too, not just the bad. You might even point out something you liked about how they set up their classroom.
Managing a middle school classroom.
Middle-school students are not small children anymore, but they’re not really full-fledged teenagers either. They’re going through big changes both physically and emotionally, developing their own viewpoints and opinions regarding themselves and the world around them. They might be navigating a mountain of insecurities, peer pressure, and the struggle to fit in.
What can you expect from middle school students? Adolescents can be many things—including curious, naïve, sassy, moody, awkward, silly, disruptive, and loud. Some are pushing envelopes and testing everything out — their parents, their friends, their classmates, and yes, even you.
Since most don’t yet have the skills or maturity to properly manage everything, you might need to deploy classroom management skills. Here are a few cues that you might need to step in:
- Talking without raising their hand or working on something other than the class assignment.
- Attention-seeking behavior, such as speaking loudly, making noises, or otherwise disrupting the class.
- Low engagement in class activities and discussions, or an “I wish I were anywhere but here” attitude.
- Breaking rules related to the use of electronic devices or eating and drinking during class.
Tips for classroom management.
Rather than acting as the authoritarian in class who makes and enforces the rules, middle school teachers often act more like guides, helping and leading students through the learning process.
As children transition into adolescence, their curiosity grows, and they become eager to explore and learn. Instead of simply telling them what they need to know, focus on helping them discover it on their own.
Form relationships.
Many middle school teachers find that forming relationships with their students is particularly important. Students are less likely to learn from someone they don’t connect with. Find out what their interests are and connect with them over the latest trends on TikTok, popular TV shows, music, hobbies, sports, and extracurricular school activities.
Understandably, this may be difficult when you’re substitute teaching, and your assignment is just for a day. But if you’re with the same group for a few days or longer, it’s worth investing the time and effort.
Stay calm.
Another tip from veteran middle school teachers: don’t lose your cool! No matter how frustrated you feel, stay calm. Take a deep breath. Call the office if you need to do so.
Be consistent.
Finally, consistency is key when teaching middle school. Ensure students know your expectations and the consequences of not meeting them, and always follow through.
Grow you career with Kelly Education.
As a substitute teacher for any grade, your primary responsibility is to supervise and ensure students' academic consistency. Your presence alone can help maintain a safe and engaging classroom environment. Get tips for elementary school and high school classrooms.
We also have a full library of articles. Here a few more to sample:
Kelly Education shares everything you should know about substitute teaching—even backup activities for elementary, middle, and high school — to help you feel confident when the school bell rings.
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