Substitute Teaching: How to Endure (and Maybe Even Enjoy!) the Mayhem

Substitute teaching can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the profession.

I’m a substitute with a few years of full-time teaching and subbing experience under my belt, and I’m still wracked with worry at times. The purely random events and responsibilities that can be thrown at you throughout the day can make you feel like you’re racing the clock on one of those anxiety-inducing game shows– and with no flashy prize at the end.

Still, by changing my mindset and making a few essential preparations, I’ve found substitute teaching to even be enjoyable and fulfilling. And I think you can, too.

Setting the Stage for Success

1. Show Up as Your Best Sub Self: Mindset Matters

Though this is a gig rife with new sets of challenges, be determined to take them on.

As a substitute teacher, you have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives. But to do that, you need to bring your A-game to the classroom. Don’t be afraid to try different strategies to get through to the kids (as long as they’re reasonable).

If something flops, move on. The kids will usually forget your mishaps faster than you will. Consider each classroom your laboratory for testing what works and what doesn’t. Having a sense of humor and a uniqueness about you can help not only lighten mood but to connect with the students and set you apart as a fun/memorable/wacky sub.

That’s how I got known around some schools as the Pigeon Lady (I explain my whole stuffed animal tactic in this article)!

Even if you have to fake it, show confidence in your abilities. The mantle of the substitute is not taken by just anyone– in fact, all of the former teachers I know make it a point to stay galaxies away from this gig.

It’s tough, but so are you. Have a little pride in that. Don’t be afraid to take charge of the classroom and lead the students in their learning. They’ll be thankful for the leadership.

If you’re having trouble mastering your mindset, fall back on why you’re doing this in the first place.

Yes– I’m telling you what most teachers are told in long stretches of professional development with styrofoam cupfuls of bad coffee in their hands. Remember your why!

But truly. If it feels like the room is spinning around you: 1. Breathe in actual air, deeply. 2. Remember the reason you’re doing this, and cling to it like a toddler with an iron grip on a coveted toy.

Even if you have to envision literal dollars floating into your bank account from this day of work, motivate yourself to keep trudging along.

Because you have big goals, and subbing is helping you achieve them. Remember your “why.”

2. Prepare What You Can and Take the Rest in Stride

Preparation is key to success as a substitute teacher. Because schools sometimes have the power to move your assignments around, you truly can be surprised with any classroom, so it’s important to be prepared for anything.

One way to prepare is by doing your research. Before you step foot in the classroom, find out as much as you can about the school, the students, and the subject matter you’ll be teaching. This will help you feel more confident and prepared when you’re in front of the students. It’s even better if you can repeatedly take assignments at the school or schools you like best.

Another way to ensure you’re ready for the day is by bringing your own supplies– including a tasty sub lunch! Put together a reliable sub bag, and keep that within easy reach in your home or vehicle for easy access. I have a whole post about what’s in my sub bag, but in short, it’s a few essentials for the class, and myself.

Keep a system for organizing your sub assignments, school start/end times, how far you need to travel to each school, etc. Put this info in a calendar or digital planner to avoid forgetting a job.

Finally, be flexible and adaptable. Judging from the horror stories I see on the Substitute Teachers Reddit, I can say we’ve all been there amongst the chaos. Though we can never predict every single thing about our day subbing, we can make preparations ahead of time to hedge surprises and minimize stress.

There are myriads of happenings in a single day of substitute teaching. Some are within your control and some are out of your control. It can get dizzying confronting all of the events at once. But I find that when I take control of those factors I can (the x’s in the diagrams above) I have a much less stressful day.

Manage that Classroom Like a Pro

As a substitute teacher, I know that classroom management can be one of the most difficult factors of the job. But over the years, I’ve had to endure hundreds o sink-or-swim situations in all kinds of classrooms. I have a whole section of the blog dedicated to classroom management tips. Here are my key takeaways:

3. Hold Students Accountable

Setting up accountability is key to maintaining order in the classroom. But as a substitute teacher, it can be difficult to establish authority with students you don’t know. Here are some strategies that have worked for me:

• Be firm but fair: Explain your expectations right away in a clear way. This could involve modeling, or acting out, the expectation in detail. Just be sure that students are crystal clear on what is expected of them and what will happen if they do not meet that standard (the consequences). Here are some ideas for consequences for student and whole-class misbehavior.
• Focus on positive reinforcement before giving out consequences: Since you’re guest teaching, students are expecting something of a break from their normal school day. That doesn’t mean you have to accept mayhem just because that’s what they want. But don’t be afraid to be goofy and reward students when they’re doing the right thing. I have a few articles on the blog about class rewards, but these days I like to keep it simple with either positive notes to the teacher, thanking and praising, or a whole-group game at the end of the day.
• Stay calm: I know this is hard, but don’t let it rattle you. If a student is acting out, take a deep breath and respond calmly and rationally. Remember, you can call for assistance as well. Try to look up phone extensions before the students come or on breaks so you can know exactly what to dial when you need support.

4. Build Rapport with Students

Substitute teaching is a much more enjoyable job when you can truly enjoy the students!

It may seem obvious, I know.

And there are is a ton of disrespect and unacceptable behavior running rampant in our schools– I’m not blind to it.

But when students are honestly trying and need a little more support? I need to remember to give that to them. Within reason, and within the expectations laid out, I can choose to extend grace.

When the day is starting to fill with challenges and I feel myself slip into a curmudgeonly state, it’s up to me and only me to flip that around.

In spite of the difficult students you encounter, there are still ways to make the best of things. Focus on one or two students who made you smile, and be grateful for them. Learn the students’ names and, at those random in-between moments throughout the day, be open to chatting or hearing what they have to say. You never know what you might learn about someone. And you’ll create rapport, positive memories and a better work day for yourself.

After a Day of Substitute Teaching: Sweet Celebration

5. Reward yourself!

Write up your sub note to the teacher and perform any finishing touches on the room. Reflect on the day, what worked and what didn’t. Each day is a learning experience.

And then celebrate! You did it!

When I was studying life change and habit formation, I learned that celebrating after getting through a task helps cement the habit. So even if subbing isn’t the easiest gig, I can incorporate a little bit of excitement at the end in order to wire it in as a positive in my mind. This will make it easier to wake up and do it all over again.

Some reward ideas include: cracking open a cold can of soda, veering into the drive-thru lane at the coffee shop, doing a little celebratory dance, and bear hugging your dog/child/spouse– after you’ve disinfected, preferably.

Successfully getting through a day of substitute teaching is definitely worthy of much to-do. Go you!

6. Try to Connect with Other Subs and Teachers

I’ve gone days some subbing days without talking to another adult.

Blame it on my introvertedness, or just the isolated nature of the job.

But other times, when I meet fellow substitutes at dismissal duty or while dropping off my keys, I’m pleasantly surprised. Substitutes are a diverse bunch, and we all have our varying reasons for taking up the position. It’s really fascinating to when I get to connect (and commiserate!) with others.

If you can, greet someone on the way out. Maybe they’ll brighten your day, or you might brighten theirs. And you never know where that connection might lead you.

Not Just Surviving Substitute Teaching– Enjoying It!

I’ll be the first person to admit that substitute teaching is no tea party. (Maybe closer to the Boston Tea Party…)

We all have our reasons for going into this gig. We’ve determined as a family that this is my best option for earning extra income right now, in this season of raising young ones.

Since I’m in this, I might as well make the most of it, and yes– enjoy it!

I hope you can take these tips and use them to increase your joy in this job. I’m right there with you!

Substitutes– are there any other joy-filled substitute teacher tips you’d like to add? Share it with me in teh comments below!