It’s Gonna be May: A Substitute’s Survival Guide to the End of the Year

One might think that nearing the finish line of a long and busy school year would be a smooth-paved path of ease and simplicity. One might think that– but the complete opposite is true! Substitute teachers must find it within themselves to brave the chaos known as the end of the school year.

Here’s a brief guide for surviving the end of the school year as a sub:

Equip yourself with the essential supplies

I was wearing a lilac-colored Rayon dress covered in hibiscuses (the perfect outfit for covering a Kindergarten class in May, I thought) when I learned what exactly the day held.

After flicking on the classroom lights and grasping for the lesson plans in the free four minutes I had until first bell, I read that it was apparently “water slide day.” And I would get to experience it in all its overstimulating totality.

I’m not sure how I endured an essentially hours-long recess with a 20-pack of newly aquainted Kindergarteners, but I know I was able to round them up by blowing on my handy whistle.

And no, I didn’t happen to pack a wet suit/towel/water shoes for partaking in the water slides that day, like the other teachers, but I was equipped with the essentials.

In another article, I detail the basics of packing a substitute teacher bag.

A whistle is one of these basic supplies that becomes life-saving come May.

Need to wake a class up from a sleep-inducing standardized test? Whistle.

Need to wrangle a hyperactive class of first graders in a mosh pit of six other classes of first graders at field day? Whistle.

Need to break up a fight between fifth graders over slushied popsicles and sunbaked slices of cheese pizza? You are familiar with the drill…

A few well-chosen materials packed safely in your substitute teacher bag can carry you through many a tough situation. My personal recommendations include: A whistle, indoor attention signals such as a hand chime, positive behavior incentives, etc.

Mind over matter (and sometimes crying into a yogurt cup during your break)

We’re so close to the finish line at this point, I figure we should embrace the chaos.

Whether you’re assigned a graduation rehearsal, an end-of-the-year luau party, a literal field day, a water day, or a test proctoring session, it’s time to welcome what is.

Because the end, tired substitute, is nigh.

It’s okay to party (if that’s what’s on the lesson plans!) but it’s also okay to rein these energetic students in, too.

I’m not one who likes to encourage raucous rowdiness. I try to maintain a firm but flexible demeanor. Like, yes we have rules here, but also: I didn’t know we had to drop everything and head to the bleachers to watch the principal get pied in the face because it wasn’t written in the plans.

Normally, I’d get upset over the surprises. The utter unexpectability. The sudden change of plans or forgotten information or purely wild activities.

But I remind myself that the end of the year is so close– we all just have to make it a few more days.

And that really helps. Having an open-ish and optimistic mindset can carry you through many of the challenges hurled at you this time of year. If you need to count down the minutes until your next break, until lunch, until dismissal, do so– but know this situation will pass.

Try to enjoy the journey

I glanced over at my class, sitting criss coss in rows watching an intense volleying of a giant beach ball over a makeshift drapery of netting in a PE pavilion.

I swatted at a bug that alighted on my arm.

When I looked back up, the principal was striding toward me. I don’t always manage to remember what each principal looks like at all the schools I sub at, but they’re pretty easy to spot. They’re usually the ones dressed up in nice, business-casual clothing and a walkie.

“We don’t usually do this,” he said to me, gesturing to the game apologetically.

I was actually pretty stunned he’d felt the need to come over and explain anything to a substitute teacher. But in some weird way, I was grateful to know he cared about my opinion of the school.

As for the students vs. teachers volleyball game? I thought it was a fantastic idea, and a way to add interest and activity to the last remaining days on the school calendar.

The moral of this little story?

Try to enjoy it.

Try to enjoy the random field trips you’re suddenly assigned to go on. Try to bask in the sweet cacaphony of elementary students crooning karaoke in talent shows. Cheer with gusto for the class you just met five minutes ago as they plod mediocrely through field day challenges.

This can be a stressful time of year for teachers, admin, families, and substitutes. But in the midst of all of the chaos, that is where some of the most enduring and fun memories are made. Might as well enjoy the ride.

And if you really love it? You can sign up to teach summer school! Have a great end of the year, friends!

Substitutes: What is your favorite part of the end of the school year? What’s your least favorite part? Let me know in the comments!