Beyond a sub teacher – More than a substitute doing subbing.

Substitute teacher sitting at desk looking over work with a student

Reading Time: 4 minutes   Right out of the gate, let’s address the reason for this article. You’ve heard the comments: “So you’re a sub teacher. Subbing is like being a babysitter until the real teacher returns. You just take attendance and then put on a video, right?”  Rest assured: when you become a substitute teacher, you play a…

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Substitute teacher strategies for working with students with disabilities.

substitute teacher working with students with disability

Reading Time: 4 minutes   As a substitute teacher, understanding best practices for working with students with disabilities will help you provide all students with the support they need to do their best.  About 7.3 million students in the United States qualify for special education supports and services—that’s about 15% of students.   Dr. Kathleen Adolt-Silva, Director of Special Education content…

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Boost your essential substitute teacher communication skills.

communication skills for substitute teachers

Reading Time: 4 minutes   Each time you walk into a classroom, it’s important to use effective substitute teacher communication skills. The better you are at delivering clear classroom expectations, lesson plans, and praise, the more successful you’ll be in building rapport with your students and improving their outcomes.  Kelly Education wants all of our substitute teachers, paraeducators, tutors,…

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Preparing for your first day as a new substitute teacher.

new substitute teacher talking to students

Reading Time: 4 minutes   As a new substitute teacher, you might be a little nervous about your first day—or maybe it’s been a few months since your last assignment and you need a refresher from your initial training! No worries, Kelly Education takes training seriously. We want all our new substitute teachers and paraeducators to feel prepared for…

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Following classroom procedures and routines as a substitute teacher.

Substitute teacher in hallway greeting students as they enter the classroom

Reading Time: 4 minutes   Following classroom procedures and routines established by the school and teacher is important as a substitute teacher. It’s all about managing the classroom to ensure the day runs smoothly and safely for everyone.  These common procedural strategies ensure that everything is humming along in sync. As a substitute teacher, you want to be in…

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Substitute teacher tips: Attention getters for elementary school students.

Elementary students playing in a classroom while substitute teacher attempts to get their attention

Reading Time: 4 minutes   Classroom management is one of the most challenging responsibilities for substitute teachers—whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the game. Using attention getters for elementary school can help you get students’ eyes back on you.  Most teachers already use them, so students are used to the cues. So, whenever possible, use the teacher’s…

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How to set expectations for student behavior when substitute teaching.

teacher setting student behavior expectations

Reading Time: 4 minutes   Students at all grade levels have preconceived ideas about what it’s like to have a substitute teacher. Often, students think classroom routines will differ when their regular teacher is absent. One blog calls it the Substitute Teacher Effect which causes student behavior to change.   Occasionally, a student tries to take advantage of a new face…

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How to build relationships with students as an elementary school substitute teacher.

teacher talking to elementary school student to build relationship

Reading Time: 4 minutes   One of the best parts about substitute teaching in elementary school is the ability to build relationships with students. When you take the time to connect with them, you’ll find classroom management is much easier, and students are more engaged in learning.  Quick tips for substitute teachers to build relationships with students: Show genuine…

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How to leave helpful substitute teacher notes.

substitute teacher at desk leaving note

Reading Time: 4 minutes   Substitute teacher notes are a crucial communication tool between a substitute teacher and the teacher. They summarize the day and share student progress. What should you include? Checklist when leaving a substitute teacher notes: Be professional and concise Include student absences and schedule changes Explain lesson plan progress Report any major behavior disruptions Express…

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Searching for summer jobs for teachers or substitute teachers.

woman looking at computer

Reading Time: 5 minutes   At the end of the school year, educators and substitute teachers often look for ways to supplement their income during the summer months. From tutoring to working at summer camps, summer jobs for substitute teachers can keep the money flowing.   Many educators also find temporary work in other fields as vacation relief. It’s important…

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