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What a Good Substitute Teacher Does Differently

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What a Good Substitute Teacher Does Differently

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Has this happened to you? You spend hours rewriting an old lesson plan, incorporating rich, adventurous tools available on the Internet. You test it the evening before, several times, just to be sure. It's a fun, self-paced lesson with lots of activities and meandering paths that students undoubtedly will adore. Technology in the classroom enables it to differentiate authentically for the diverse group of learners that walk across your threshold daily. Everyone who previewed it is wowed. You are ready.

Until the day of-the technology in the classroom that you rely upon fails. Hours of preparation wasted because no one could get far enough to learn a thing. You blame yourself-why didn't you stick with what you've always done? Now, everyone is disappointed.

Implosions like this happen every day in tech-centric classrooms. Sometimes it's because the network can't handle the increased traffic, students can't log in due to a glitch, or the website server goes upside down-really, the reason doesn't matter. All that matters is your effort to modernize a tired lesson plan fails, leaving you more technophobic than ever. With the pride of place iPads and Chromebooks and 1:1 programs are getting in curriculum decisions, tech problems will be common, varied, and ultimately frustrating. They will be also be wide-ranging-everything from a student's device not having required software to the classroom systems not connecting to the school's wi-fi. As a result, teachers will get to know a less common colleague quite well-their thick-rimmed glasses, vampire skin tone, and computer-derived speak being 40-foot giveaways for their IT designation.

Stereotypes aside, the IT department will become a great friend. Because to many, a "tech problem" equates to the mind-numbing, bone-chilling feeling of "I have no idea what to do."

In short, this feels like failure-not a feeling a teacher of any vintage likes. And to be honest, neither do our students. Sometimes they, too, get that deer-in-headlights look when we ask them to use one of the gazillion available internet tools to communicate, collaborate, share, publish-those exciting Common Core words that are code for "technology-rich." The inevitable tech catastrophe is worsened by our culture's vantage point-we eulogize those who go bravely through gates of fire, can think under pressure, are never beaten down, who can connect the dots even when they're bouncing all over the landscape:
No problem can stand the assault of sustained thinking. (Voltaire) Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. (Winston Churchill) Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. (Theodore Roosevelt)
But having said all this, it's very difficult to overcome some of the struggles at the digital threshold. There are too many moving parts. Too many circuits and algorithms and scripts and wires shoved under a desk to expect it to go right all the time (or even most of the time). But instead of cowering away from technology in fear of failure, the better course of action is to ask yourself: What do I do when it happens?

Failure of Technology in the Classroom: Prepare for it

I'm not fatalistic. I'm realistic. Technology-be it phones, scanners, your house's water meter, your child's online report cards, the Smart TV you just purchased-fails often and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future. In that way, it is very human. Perfection is well outside of its programming.

Knowing that, bone up on the Law of Technology Failures: The reliability of technology is directly proportional to your needs. To decode that: Tech fails most often where it is needed most. Prevent failures by having backups-not just of data, but devices, hardware, systems. For example, if you're trying to get to Disneyland from Arkansas with three friends, each with Google Maps on their phones (or my new favorite, Waze), said devices will never run out of battery power. Ever. Redundancy. Install three browsers on your computer so if Firefox won't work, Chrome will. Build in time for system reboots (because that solves at least half the tech problems that plague a classroom) and pre-test relevant systems to become familiar with any glitches. Sure, tech will still fail, but not catastrophically in areas in which you are prepared.

Having said that, keep in mind the corollary to the Law of Technology Failures: The better technology works, the safer you'll feel with it, the less redundancy you will activate.

Be a problem solver

Dylan Thomas said this as well as anyone in history: Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Embrace problems. Own them.

Here are three basics that will get you through many a stressful tech day:

1. Know the basics. I've found there are only about 20 problems that account for 80 percent of the downtime. The top two: If the computer won't start, check to see if it's plugged in. If power isn't the problem, reboot. Those two solve about half of the tech traumas I face in the classroom. There are 18 more I'm equally prepared to handle. Track yours by writing each down as it happens. Soon, you'll find it's the same ones over and over-the tech version of Groundhog Day.

2. Google the problem. Lest you think that's too geeky (it's not). But I understand your fear. It's so common that it has its own website called LMGTFY.com. That's an acronym for Let Me Google That For You. Before you become that LMGTFY person, grab your keyboard, slam those words into the Google search bar, and see if there's a solution. There will be about 70 percent of the time.

3. Be a risk-taker. We preach this to our students, but does that mean teachers too? Well, yes. Make that who you are. Grin in the face of problems. Model solutions. As Edwin Cole famously said, "You don't drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there." Don't drown. Don't stay there. Stand up and you may discover it's only an inch deep.

Build in Alternatives
Many times this year during the nation's premier tech-in-ed conference-ISTE-the Internet didn't work and hence, presenters couldn't access their presentations. Most handled this with aplomb either with screenshots or animated descriptions of what might have been. No one quit and walked off the stage.

Let's face it, if you're over the age of 10, you know your life runs off of Plan B.

What else can you do?

Don't expect technology to remain unchanged. Links die, by some counts, about 4 percent a year. The website you bookmarked last week can be 404, your favorite software for years may be incompatible with system updates, and your new computer (probably) won't run a handful of the programs you use regularly. Prior to presenting, go through the tool you're going to use or the process you're teaching-see if it actually works as it should.

Use it as a teachable moment. Show students how you handle stress, problems, and frustration. It's a learning experience and an opportunity to stretch that magnificent big brain to devise a solution. It's also a chance to ask students, What would you do?

Don't apologize. Save apologies for something you caused.

I've learned you can tell a lot about a teacher by the way s/he handles three things: A rainy day, parents who drop in unexpectedly, and a lesson plan that explodes. Fortunately, with these tips you'll have far less explosions on the tech side of your classroom. Remember, tech is the third leg to the "inevitable experiences" stool, along with death and taxes. You know it's coming. The only thing you can control is how you react to it.
What was your last tech failure and how did you handle it?
has been teaching K-8 technology for 15 years. She is the editor of a K-8 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum, and creator of dozens of technology training books that integrate technology into education. She is webmaster for six blogs, CSG Master Teacher, an book reviewer, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, a tech ed columnist for , and a weekly contributor to . Currently, she's editing a techno-thriller that should be out next summer.

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Technology in the Classroom: What Happens When It Fails?

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Has this happened to you? You spend hours rewriting an old lesson plan , incorporating rich, adventurous tools available on the Internet. You test it the evening before, several times, just to be sure. It's a fun, self-paced lesson with lots of activities and meandering paths that students undoubtedly will adore.

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This is a list of useful ideas and links to resources.

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This is a list of useful ideas and links to resources.

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5 Tips for Being a Successful Guest Teacher | Work With Insight

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Being a guest teacher can be a difficult job, but Insight is here to help. Visit our blog to find 5 of the most common tips for success as a substitute..

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Each day, substitute teachers walk into a new classroom faced with the unknown. They do not know if they are walking into a classroom that is willing to listen and work, or a classroom that is hostile. Therefore, it is essential for a substitute teacher to have a variety of tricks and tools up her sleeve to help her in any situation that she may have to deal with.

The following classroom management tips provide specific ideas from seasoned teachers that have been substitute teachers for years. Use these tips and ideas to help you maintain classroom management and keep students on task.

Review Classroom Expectations, Discipline Plan

The half hour or so that you must arrive at school is mandatory for a reason. Use this time to familiar yourself with the classroom rules, procedures and discipline plan. The regular teacher has taken the time to teach these students these rules, so it is your job to reinforce them. If you want to add on to these rules, that is OK, as long as it doesn't confuse the students.

Set the Tone by Taking Control

Children know from the second that you enter the classroom if you are a pushover or not. The way you carry yourself will help the students determine if they can try and push the limits with you. If you are not confident and show any kind of weakness, then you are in for a very long day. If something doesn't go as planned, don't fret: Pretend it was supposed to happen that way, or better yet pull out an activity that you brought with you in case this kind of thing happened.

You are not Their Friend

Remember you are not their friend: You are there to replace their teacher for the day. It is fine to smile and be polite, but try and avoid being too friendly. Make sure to be firm in your expectations and follow through with your consequences. Praise the behaviors that you want and model politeness towards all students.

Do Not Lose Your Temper

Keep your cool in all situations. Do not raise your voice and yell at any time. Think of subbing like a job interview: There is always someone watching you to see how you behave and handle every situation that is thrown at you. If a problem does arrive, handle it with kid gloves and quietly pull the student aside and talk to them quietly and calmly.

Do Not Bribe with Food

A lot of school districts have strict rules on allowing students to have candy, or a student may have an unknown food allergy. So make sure not to bribe students with any kind of food. However, you can explain to students that they must work in order to play. You can offer them small incentives for good behavior, such as 10 minutes free time at the end of the day, or time to watch a video, do their homework, or read a book.

Make Transitions Smooth

One of the hardest times of the day for a substitute teacher is during transition periods like lunch, specials or in-between activities. This is when students tend to get noisy and the teacher finds herself unable to manage the classroom. If the classroom teacher doesn't already have an attention signal, then make sure you state what yours is first thing in the morning. For younger students, choose something like a fun saying: "When I say Marconi and cheese, you say everybody freeze," or "When I say one, two, you say eyes on you." For older students, you can try a non-verbal cue such as raising your hand for students to give you five, or ringing a bell or timer. Practice these cues several times so students can learn them quickly.

Keep Students Busy

When students have nothing to do, that is when the classroom becomes utter chaos, and you will have a very hard time managing it. If a lesson or activity ends early, then try a quick five-minute filler like any of these:

Challenge students to name five alike things (flavors of ice cream, types of automobiles).

Invite students to think of 5, 10 or 15 things that are found on a farm, a zoo, or school.

Teach students a few signs or words from a different language.

Play "Guess Who": Describe a student and see if they can guess who are talking about.

Read a headline from the newspaper or a title of a book and have students try to guess what it is about.

Substitute teaching can be a very rewarding experience. This is the time when you learn what you like and want for your own classroom. Have fun and make sure not to sweat the small stuff.
Do you have any classroom management tips for substitute teachers that you find work great? Please share them in the comment section below. We would love to hear your ideas! Janelle Cox is an education writer who uses her experience and knowledge to provide creative and original writing in the field of education. Janelle holds a Master's of Science in Education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. She is also the Elementary Education Expert for , as well as a contributing writer to TeachHUB.com and TeachHUB Magazine. You can follow her at Twitter , or on Facebook at Empowering K6 Educators.

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Classroom Management for Substitute Teachers

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Each day, substitute teachers walk into a new classroom faced with the unknown. They do not know if they are walking into a classroom that is willing to listen and work, or a classroom that is hostile.

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An article of 50 "tricks" and ideas to help the substitute teacher

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An article of 50 "tricks" and ideas to help the substitute teacher

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If you're looking for inspiration for substitute teachers, look no further! Whether you're a seasoned sub or a total newbie, we've got you covered with these 55 tips, tricks, and ideas from our very own WeAreTeachers HELPLINE! and around the Internet.

1. Start with a positive attitude

"I only ask three things from my substitute teachers: Enjoy my kids, respect my kids, and be firm with my kids." -Kaye D.

2. Follow the plans

"Follow the teacher's plans to a tee ... they took the time, energy, and effort to leave those plans for a reason." - Terri Y.

Source: WifeTeacherMommy

3. Go in early

"Go in a little early! Let them know it's your first day & that you are excited to be there! Say, 'Any advice or first-day directions?' Introduce yourself to the teachers in the adjacent classrooms and say the same things." - Sandy M.

4. Have some time-fillers in your back pocket

Source: Responsive Classroom

However, if you finished those plans and the kids are getting antsy, here are 24 awesome ideas to make sure your students are engaged and learning, even when you only have a few minutes.

5. Make the last few minutes memorable

Need even more ideas for substitute teachers to fill time? These are perfect for the awkward few minutes right before the bell rings.

6. Try a fun math activity

Try one of these quick Popsicle-stick math time-fillers from Journey of a Substitute Teacher.

7. Be sure to take attendance

"Take attendance after you get the kids started on the work, so they have time to get things completed." - Terri Y.

8. Stay on task, and leave a record

"Follow the lesson plans as much as humanly possible, leave detailed notes for the teacher about what got done or didn't get done, which students were awesome and not so awesome, and leave your number if you really enjoyed the class." - Dawn M.

9. Stay professional

"Be pleasant in the faculty room if you eat there. Never say anything negative about the school, teachers, or students." - Donna N.

10. Dress in layers

"Some rooms are freezing, and some are hotter than heck!" - Edith I.

11. Turn on a movie

We've gathered the top Netflix educational shows that you can pull from. Stick with G-rated!

12. Don't be afraid to be picky

"I have a list of teachers I won't sub for because no matter what, they always seem to have 'that' class. In other words, not very good behavior management, which means subbing for them is a nightmare." - Eric D.

13. Bring your own supply of comfort items

"Three essentials I always carried when I was a substitute teacher were hand lotion, Dove chocolates (for me!), and tea bags. Somehow it helped my day feel more comfortable if I knew I had those things with me." -Shayla K.

14. Manage the classroom

Even substitute teachers have to manage the classroom. We love these classroom management tips, especially for substitutes, from The Cornerstone.

15. Bring a teacher bag with your favorite supplies

Bring either a backpack or a "just-in-case" bag. Check out these suggestions for what to stock up on. And check out our list of favorite teacher bags to hold everything you need!

16. Create a mobile desk

"I have a mobile 'desk.' I carry extra paper, pencils, Post-its, paper clips, pens, pencils, Band-Aids, Tylenol ... anything I might use, because I don't like entering a teacher's desk if I don't know them." - Jennifer G.

17. Act confident

"Even if you don't feel it. 'Fake it till you make it!'" - Tanya M.

18. Find a student ambassador

"Find a trustworthy student to help locate or explain certain procedures." - Heather R.

19. Read books about substitute teachers with the students

We love The Berenstain Bears and the Substitute Teacher and Miss Nelson Is Missing!

20. Be honest

"If I didn't understand the math lesson (2nd grade, for example), then I would just teach them something math related. I may have them grab rules and count by two's, five's, measure items in the room, etc. I always leave a note for the teacher letting them know who was a big help, who I had issues with, what I got through on their lesson plans, and what I didn't understand and improvised. Sometimes teachers know what needs to be taught and how, but it's hard to explain on paper. I've never had a teacher tell me I should have just figured the math lesson out instead of teaching math my way." - Hannah T.

21. Listen to a read-aloud

These days, you'll find the biggest selection of read-alouds on YouTube. We've gathered our favorites here.

22. Be flexible

"No matter how organized the teacher is, and even if they leave you amazing plans, stay flexible because sometimes things just don't work out!" - Karen M.

23. Remind kids to be flexible too

"Oftentimes kids feel uncomfortable with change. They may say they don't do things a certain way, and I just tell them to be flexible, we're going to switch things up today!" - Lloyd C.

24. Make feedback fun!

Check out these free, adorable "While You Were Out" templates for substitute teachers from Teachers Pay Teachers.

25. Bring some fidget toys

Even the best of students can use a little bit of help. These fidgets are easy to bring along with you, or try these DIY fidgets.

26. Be strong early on

"Don't be a pushover. Assert your authority early. You can always become a little more lax later, but they need to know they are not going to get away with stuff while you are there." - Jillian E.

27. Honor the teacher's seating chart

"Please don't mess with my classroom dynamics by doing things like letting my students change seats." -Susan K.

28. Bring a game

"Have a backup plan if possible. My plan was Boggle. It's educational and quick to put on the board. It can be played as a whole class, teams, or small groups." - Katie W.

Check out our favorite educational games for the classroom!

Source: ParentMap

29. Advertise to get more jobs

"Make up a flier you can put in the teachers' mailboxes to let them know about your experience and how to get a hold of you to sub. If you want to sub at one school in particular, put it in every mailbox." - Jen M.

30. Be social

"Eat in the lounge and be the one to introduce yourself to teachers as they come in." - Jay O.

31. Ask for help if you need it

"If you don't understand a lesson, ask one of the other teachers. Not all teachers leave enough material planned. Have some extra activities that you can use as fill-in." - Leah W.

32. Try collaborative art

Get the entire class involved on the same project with one of these collaborative art ideas.

33. Prepare with videos

Check out the YouTube Channel How To Be a Great Substitute Teacher. There are videos on starting class, discipline in different grades, and more!

34. Draw boundaries

"NEVER let students take anything off the teacher's desk unless you know from the teacher what he or she allows, and ALWAYS leave a note for the classroom teacher!" - Laura R.

35. Try rewards for good behavior

"I carry some small prizes. In middle school, I use mechanical pencils. When I ask for them to help clean up, the most helpful ones get a prize! They remember and will cooperate better the next time." - Seorin Y.

36. Use the sub tub

Many teachers leave a sub tub with emergency activities, lesson plans, outlines, student information, and more. Use it!

Source: Wife Teacher Mommy

37. Assign classroom jobs to students

"I always give the disruptive kids jobs! It helps them to focus." - Jody H.

38. Bring name tags

"Most substitute teachers really appreciate desk name tags so they can call kids by name. I even bring stick-on name tags from the Dollar Store and let kids write their own and decorate them." -Melody D.

39. Try a team-building activity

Team-building games and activities are a great tool for helping students learn to work together, listen carefully, communicate clearly, and think creatively. You can get to know them too with one of these team-building games.

40. Work the room

"Being up and circulating always helps. Proximity is my best weapon for disarming mischief." - Eloise P.

"Madeline Hunter created the term 'sponge activities' to describe 'learning activities that soak up precious time that would otherwise be lost.' The best sponge activities are fun and engaging and have an academic component without seeming too 'school-ish.' That's my favorite way to use an extra five minutes!" - Jessica

42. Dress the part

"I always try to dress professionally but comfortably. I like to be dressed as nicely as the best-dressed teacher." - Lori Z.

43. Take them on a virtual field trip

Substitute teachers can still go on field trips without stressing about parent permission slips and bus assignments. Take them on a virtual field trip to the zoo, museum, aquarium, and more.

44. Build relationships

"Build relationships with the students. You most likely will see them again at some point and will be happy when you remember their names and something they told you." - Colleen F.

45. Stay confident

"It's all about your attitude. You can't let them sense fear, nervousness, or uncertainty. They feed on it!" - Jesse B.

46. Keep it clean

"Keep the room at least as tidy as you found it. Especially if you plan on going to that school regularly, you don't want to be known as the messy sub!" - Megan F.

47. Document feedback

"I always bring a set of blank notecards so that even if the teacher doesn't have a 'feedback sheet,' I can fill them in on how the day went. And thank them in the note for letting you have their class (no matter how the day went!)." - Kim C.

48. Leave a business card

"Leave some sort of business card ... more than just scribbling your contact info on a note. When I would get a call for a new school I hadn't been to yet, I always left extra cards and said they could pass them out to others. Now that I am a teacher, I love when subs do that! It is so helpful. I am always looking for a sub who can keep the class going while I am gone, instead of taking my chances with a random sub!" - Jessica L.

49. Play an old-school recess game

Substitute teachers may have to do recess duty too! Get the kids outdoors and having fun with one of these games you played as a kid.

50. Take control

"Take control of the class so that you can get all of the lesson plan done. Lessons stack from day to day, so getting that day's plan done helps the absent teacher in a tremendous way. When I was a sub, so many teachers praised the fact that I actually taught the lessons, and once word got out that I 'got it all done,' I got called every day." - Angelique P.

51. Leave the room better than when you found it

"It is courteous if you can grade papers or leave some type of feedback on student academic performance and straighten the desk up-leave everything there just make it look neat." - Kimberly J.

52. Lean on the aides

"From a special education viewpoint, be firm, but please do not be so firm that students engage you in a power struggle. If there are aides, trust that they know the students and routines well. Let them help you." - Jennifer W.

53. Incentivize the students

"When I sub, I usually do a Mad Lib or two as an incentive to get the room ready at the end of the day. You can find free ones online. Mad Libs go a long way and are a great tension or ice breaker. It only takes about 5 minutes, and the kids get super into it!" - Madison T.

54. Learn from other substitute teachers

Follow this teacher's blueprint for surviving as a sub!

55. Bring stickers

"I used to bring stickers. No allergy issues. I also brought a book to share and some brain-break ideas to fill extra time." - Lauren S.

What are your tips for substitute teachers? Tell us in the comments below!

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55 Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for Substitute Teachers

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If you're looking for inspiration for substitute teachers, look no further! Whether you're a seasoned sub or a total newbie, we've got you covered with these 55 tips, tricks, and ideas from our very own WeAreTeachers HELPLINE! and around the Internet.

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Tips to become a "preferred Guest Teacher"

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Tips to become a "preferred Guest Teacher"

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How to be a Preferred Guest Teacher in a District

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Some tips on what makes a rememberable Guest Teacher.

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How To Stand Out As A Substitute Teacher