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Hints for Substitute Success

New Teacher Guide - Hints for Substitute Success

  • Sometime you’re going to miss a day of school. The ideal time to prepare for a substitute teacher to handle your class while you’re gone is…now.

  • Label a file folder or notebook and keep it in a prominent place for “The Substitute.” If you move around the building, jot a note in your plan book about the location of the file.

  • Include in the file:
    • Schedule of classes
    • Special day schedule
    • Students with special needs such as medication, speech, resource classes
    • Programs, class lists, and seating charts
    • Opening activities and lesson plans
    • Classroom rules and discipline procedures
    • Site Plan, emergency drill procedures

  • Prepare your students for the eventuality of a substitute teacher. Let them know exactly what you expect of them when you are gone. Assure young students that you will return. Let older students know that you will know about their behavior and progress during your absence.

  • Additional items to include in your substitute teacher folder:
    • Seating chart
    • Campus map
    • Emergency evacuation map
    • Emergency lesson plans
    • List of students with allergies
    • Bell Schedule