How to Minimize Stress While Substitute Teaching

Last updated on October 7th, 2023 at 04:28 pm

Substitute teaching has to rank in the uppermost echelons of the random/chaotic jobs list. With each assignment, one is being catapulted into the unknown– a new classroom, new set of kids (or multiple sets!), fresh lesson plans to imbibe and understand and fluently teach within minutes.

It’s no wonder so few take up the task.

I’ll go into detail on why subbing is worth it to me, but for now, rest assured that even though my temperament is not the spontaneous kind (I crave stability, quiet and comfort!) I have found a way to jive contentedly with what can be a truly harried gig.

I have found a way to jive contentedly with what can be a truly harried gig.

Charmaine, Chocolate for the Teach

Ways to reduce stress as a substitute teacher

Here are my favorite tactics for surviving the job. Most are pretty simple yet important to implement.

Stick to a core group of schools to substitute at

In other words– establish a school beat. My first year subbing, for curiosity and personal research reasons, I subbed at every elementary school in my city, and then some extras the next town over and a middle and high school. I wanted to try a bite of everything. I quickly learned which flavors (schools! grade levels!) resonated with me. From there, I honed my list of favorites. I’d suggest narrowing your range down to five schools or less. In my system, you can even opt only to be notified about the schools you choose, which I recommend. Receiving notifications about all schools at all times of day can be an added stressor.

Grooving in your small, hand-picked collection of schools means you can get familiar with the school, the staff and, eventually, the kids. I find this familiarity significantly lowers the stressors with the job. It means I’m not trying to learn a new route to the school or being hit with a surprise parking situation or have no idea where the room is or who anyone is. And I know that the more I sub at a certain school, the more predictable it will get. Substitutes need to hold onto any and every scrap of predictability in this unpredictable job.

Build a before-class routine that sets you up for success

I may have 15 minutes in the classroom before the students start showing up, so I need to be strategic with the time so I’m not fumbling later on. When I first get to the room, I test my key in the lock and make sure I’m adept with the lock and door. Next, I flick on the lights and find the lesson plans. When reading the plans, I first scan through the entire plan. Then I read my first chunk of time again very closely. For example, if we have 2.5 hours from class start to my first break at planning time, then I need to have a good handle on getting through those first 2.5 hours. At planning, I can study for my next chunk. Sectioning my day like this helps me to stay focused and remember the items in the plan.

I also locate the safety plans and the phone. Ideally, the teacher would have key numbers highlighted on a phone list right next to or above the phone. You need to know who and how to call if there is an urgent situation.

Then, if there are name tags on the desks, I find a random piece of paper and draw up a seating chart. (This isn’t necessary if the teacher includes a seating chart, but I find this is not often the case). This seating chart is absolutely crucial for maintaining order. Being able to direct the student by name is 1,000x more effective than trying to point or say “Hey, you…” or anything similar. Don’t. Skip. the. Seating. Chart. Once the kids roll in and you take attendance, tally up the number of students for the day and remember that number– don’t forget to change it every time a student leaves or comes late. I usually take a head count of the students after a transition, i.e. picking them up from lunch or calling them in from recess.

Create successful classroom routines

Find some healthy rhythms to incorporate into any day and use them over and over. For example, I use more or less the same intro when I first meet a class. I keep the same expectations, just adjusted by grade level. Then I mentally divide the day up into time chunks until each break from teaching– so our work until lunch, until recess, and until specials. I have an arsenal of motivators ready to go to propel the class from our first portion of work to the break. Repeat chunk after chunk, day after day, and you just might not go insane.

Know who and when to ask for help

Some situations will warrant extra help: safety issues and extreme disruption, for instance. I find that staff are more than happy to help if the circumstance is truly pressing. Rely on your stash of classroom management strategies to get you through the day and don’t call admin to rush down to the room for minor issues, but also don’t be afraid to call in for reinforcement if all other options have been exhausted and an intervention is necessary. Check with another teacher on the team or the teacher next door first, if possible. They can be a great resource. Locate the numbers for front desk personnel and explain the situation to them– they’ll probably have a good idea of which staff member can help you the most.

Reduce stress by taking care of yourself, sub!

Pack a good lunch and multiple liquids. (There’s no use dying of thirst on this job!) Do this the evening before the job so you’re not caught running around in the morning. Your future self will thank you, and your the stress level will be lowered for sure!

Create a schedule that works well for you. One of the beauties of subbing is that you can plan your schedule to tailor to your life needs.

While subbing, enjoy the sweet moments. Sure, there are plenty of unpleasant moments with the job, but on the occasion that a student is especially kind or insightful. Soak these times in and appreciate them!

Lastly, join the Chocolate for the Teach community here on the blog and on social media. I’m rooting for you!