Classroom management for substitute teachers.

Classroom management for substitute teachers is the actions a teacher takes to create an effective, successful learning environment. Whether you're in a new room, a new school, or teaching a new set of students, it’s your job to keep the school day moving and students learning.  

Having some tried-and-true classroom management strategies in your back pocket will make the difference between a successful day and one that quickly unravels. 

Common classroom management for substitute teachers strategies:

• Anticipate behaviors and have a plan for them.
• Narrate the positive behaviors you'd like to see.
• Move closer to disruptive students.
• Use attention getters.
• Always stay calm.

The challenges of classroom management.

One thing that most substitute teachers agree on: classroom management is both challenging and critical. Let’s look at some common student behaviors that happen during substitute teaching:  

• Minor student misbehavior, such as talking without raising their hands or working on something other than the work assigned for the class. 

• Attention-seeking behaviors, such as making noises, speaking loudly, or purposely going against standard classroom routines. 

• Low engagement in lessons or activities 

• Breaking school or classroom rules by using electronic devices, eating and drinking in the classroom, or failing to follow proper hall pass procedures. 

Fortunately, a few easy-to-implement classroom management tips can help you successfully fulfill your substitute teacher duties and responsibilities.  

Anticipate behaviors.

Understanding what to expect from your students is a key part of any classroom management plan. If it’s your first time in a new building, arriving early to talk to other teachers on your grade level team can help you get the information you need to anticipate student behaviors.  

Paying attention to their behavior before school, at recess, and in the lunchroom can also help you notice which students might benefit from a little extra attention when they’re in your class.  

Use proximity to your advantage.

The simple action of physically moving closer to a student who is exhibiting an unwanted behavior or failing to show a desired behavior is a simple way to encourage a student to get back on track without public redirection. Using proximity can be a great first line of defense with students who need frequent reminders to follow classroom procedures and stay on task.  

Follow school and classroom routines.

Sometimes , students will try to bend the rules with substitute teachers. They may tell you that their classroom teacher allows certain behaviors or that the actual rules are different from posted school policies.  

When a student insists that an odd behavior (changing seats without asking, eating in the classroom, calling out) is permitted, making a quick call to another teacher on the grade level team, consulting a classroom aide, or making a call to the school office to confirm can nip the problem in the bud.  

Use strategic ignoring.

Narrate the positive.

Stating positive behaviors that are happening in the classroom that you want the rest of the class to emulate can have a rapid, domino-like effect to get students on task. If you don’t see any positive behaviors to narrate, it's okay to pretend! You’ll be surprised at how quickly students will want to jump on board with positive behavior once they hear such actions being praised.  

Narrating the positive can sound like this:  

• “I see three students who have their writing notebooks on their desks. Now I see five — wait, seven — students who have their writing notebooks on their desks.” 

• “Thank you so much to the four students who are standing in line silently.” 

• “I see Monique is checking her work — fantastic. Otto is checking his work; Tenley is checking her work … that’s perfect!” 

Try whole group reminders and quick words.

• “Right now, we’re taking out our agendas and writing down tonight’s homework, which is to read pages 42-52. Everyone is writing.” 

• “The bell has rung, and we are silently sitting in our seats with our hands folded, ears listening, and eyes focused.” 

• “We are raising our hands when we want to contribute.” 

Typically, whole group reminders work well to get students on board. If there are a few stragglers despite whole group reminders, a quick word can help get individual students back on track.  

Quick words should be private, short, and fast. A quick word may sound like:  

• “Connie, you need to put away your math homework and focus on our lesson.” 

• “Savannah, you’ve called out several times. You need to raise your hand.” 

• “Quinn, I see that you keep trying to distract Aria. Enough.” 

Fully immerse yourself in your role.

The most important classroom management tip is also the simplest: be present. When you fully immerse yourself in your role as a teacher, you’re fully in the classroom with your students. Don’t simply give them a worksheet and sit back at your desk.  

Even if the work the teacher has provided for the students doesn’t require active teaching, you should be moving around the room, checking in with students, correcting misunderstandings, and troubleshooting problem areas. Students won’t buy in unless they see you doing the same.  

Stay calm.

No matter how nervous or unsure you might feel, it's essential to stay calm. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it. Remember, substitute teaching comes with its highs and lows. Do your best not to take any misbehavior or disrespect personally. You can do this!  

Grow your substitute teacher skills with Kelly Education.

When you work with Kelly Education, our team helps you gain the skills you'll need to succeed in the classroom with our pre-hire ClassSmarts training. Then, we're with you every step of the way to support your professional development.

We have many more quick articles you can read about substitute teaching. Check out all our career advice so you can confidently lead your class. 

• Substitute teacher dress codes 
• What to bring on your first day 
• How to introduce yourself to the class

If you think someone you know would make a great substitute teacher, ask them to fill out our interest form. A recruiter will contact them, answer any questions they have, and tell them about opportunities in their area to work with one of our district partners.