Advice for New Substitute Teachers

Substitute teachers help districts keep moving forward. A necessary resource in education, they allow full-time teachers to address personal needs, attend professional development opportunities or simply take a mental health day.

Having enough substitutes available to cover these needs has been a challenge, however. During the 2022-2023 school year, 77% of schools reported more difficulty finding substitute teachers, with 61% saying finding coverage is harder since the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is an obvious need for substitute teachers across the nation, including New Jersey. Earlier this year, Cherry Hill School District began recruiting parents to become substitute teachers with a mass email in January. Other districts have increased substitute teacher pay in effort to encourage more New Jerseayans to consider going through substitute teacher training.

For many people, substitute teaching offers the benefits of teaching with more flexibility. Subs can choose which subjects they cover and which buildings they prefer to work in. Additionally, there is no full-time requirement—substitute teachers can work as many as five days a week, as little as one day a week, or even a couple days a month.

For anyone who is eyeing substitute teaching as a job option, we’ve compiled tips to encourage a strong start. 
 

Advice for new substitute teachers

These tips will help new substitute teachers feel more prepared in their role. 

Get there early

Fifteen minutes is the recommended time to arrive at a new building, however, the reality is new substitute teachers will need closer to 20-30 minutes to get settled.

On arrival, the first five minutes are devoted to checking in and locating the classroom. Ask if there is a sign-up sheet and for any emergency protocol. Always have an official identification document, as some buildings will ask.

Each building has unique procedures, so plan for a different experience each time. 
 

Have a backup plan

Many teachers leave plans for their substitutes, with some even having a binder dedicated to their substitute guests. Sometimes, substitute teachers will only have an attendance sheet to work from, meaning they must get creative.

A backup plan for these once-in-a-while moments will be the difference between a smooth and stressful day. Research simple games to engage with the appropriate ages, or browse the Rutgers Alternate Route blog for research-backed and expert-supported strategies. 
 

Bring allergy-free treats 

Positive reinforcement works!

Rewarding the class for positive behavior is a great way to support student engagement, attention and respect. Allergy-free candy like Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, Nerds, Smarties, Dum Dums and Starbursts are the perfect size to give students a little classroom perk.

Reward students focusing on their work with a piece of candy so their peers follow suit. Candy can also be used for classroom games, with the winners receiving a tasty reward. 
 

Greet the students at the door 

A substitute teacher has limited time to connect with their students, and greeting students at the door as they come into the classroom is a strong way to build a connection early.

A few greetings that help students feel welcomed include:

“It’s good to see you!”

“I look forward to today!

“I’m excited to work together!”

“I can’t wait to show you what we’re doing today!”

Throwing in some high-fives to consenting students is also helpful. 
 

Try to learn names

Anonymity is a tool some students use to push the boundaries. If a substitute teacher cannot identify them by name, it is easier for students to slip by and not be held accountable. Knowing how to match faces to names takes away that cover of anonymity.

Some teachers will create seating charts to help substitutes, but it's best to go in expecting to do a little work to get to know the students. 

The best way to learn names is to introduce yourself and ask the student’s name, creating a human connection. A great time to do this is while greeting students as they walk into the classroom. 

Catch students being good

As mentioned earlier, positive reinforcement is key to substitute teacher success. Students become discouraged when all they hear is negative feedback, so hold students accountable in a positive way by recognizing good behavior more than calling out bad behavior.

Small treats like allergy-free candy are helpful rewards for students following directions; however, positive validation and attention are also effective to keep students on track with their work.
 

Ask for help 

If a class is chaotic, there is likely a root to the chaos. One or two students can set the tone of a class, creating an environment that’s challenging or a substitute teacher to navigate.

Administrators are in their positions because they know how to work with students who encourage classroom disruptions. Relying on them helps the substitute teacher, plus puts the student in a safe environment where a professional is addressing their needs.
 

Leave detailed notes for the teacher 

Notes from the substitute help teachers manage the classroom, keep students up to speed with learning goals and provide appropriate accountability to the students who were either being disrespectful or following directions.

Try to take notes whenever there is a free moment so the day’s main touchpoints are all addressed and nothing falls through the cracks. 
 

Remember, it gets better with practice

Teaching is unique because, like medicine, it is a practice that requires in-the-field experience. A substitute teacher’s first day is much different from their fifth, and the job will feel smoother after a few months pass.

School administrators and fellow teachers are great resources for substitute teachers who feel lost or overwhelmed. Seek out the experts in the building and ask for their advice. 
 

A program that caters to substitute teachers

If new substitute teachers in New Jersey want to take the next step, there is an accessible option available.

ParaPreppED is a new teacher apprenticeship program that provides necessary resources for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals to become certified full-time teachers.

“Though the need for student support professionals is exceptionally high, individuals who serve as teacher aides and paraprofessionals face significant professional barriers, which impact recruitment and retention,” said Kwamé Floyd, founder and executive director of Teacher Apprenticeship Network.

The program’s format accommodates the unique experiences and needs of substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, making the appropriate channels easy for them to reach.

Overall, the program aims to:

• Increase the number of Registered Teacher Apprenticeships in the state;
• Expand the teacher pipeline, leveraging the existing district talent;
• Address barriers for aspiring teachers through targeted support like Praxis prep; and
• Conduct and disseminate ongoing research on the implementation and impact of the initiative.

“Investment in these professionals is not only a moral imperative, but it is also our most viable path to saving the teaching profession,” Floyd said.

If you’re considering following your dream of teaching, Rutgers Alternate Route can offer you the support and training you need to succeed. Be sure to follow Rutgers Alternate Route on Twitter and sign up for Alternate Route’s monthly newsletter for more information and stories from the field of education.