As teaching in general is pummeled with more and more challenges, the difficulties for a substitute are that much more magnified.
Classroom teachers don’t think their students are giving them a modicum of baseline respect?
Try being the stranger stepping into the classroom.
With kids testing, disrespecting, or plain ignoring the stand-in teacher, it can be a survival tactic to play the part of the tough sub– the no-tolerance policy sub, the yelling sub, the mess-around-and-find-out sub.
Is this rigid approach the best, or there another way?
Should you be a doormat teacher or tough as nails?
If we think of our substitute persona as a spectrum, with Mrs. Doormat on one end and the Drill Sergeant on the other, I think it’s best to avoid both extremes.
Being totally tolerant of student behavior, no matter how destructive, can devastate a classroom. Not only will learning not likely take place, but the students might then affect and interrupt other classes from learning. And you could wind up with some serious safety issues on your hands.
This extreme is usually deployed in a well-meaning way– in an attempt to be loving or compassionate, a too-permissive teacher can end up with numerous behaviors not being handled efficiently or appropriately. This approach doesn’t tend to last long– how can it stand up to the wild mayhem that will ensue?
On the other end, a tough-as-nails substitute can turn out being a bit tone deaf. I’m all for accountability and follow-through, but barking out orders and not even giving nuance a chance really isn’t it.
I find that sometimes as a sub, I need to make concessions. The teacher who never does this is being too inflexible, in my opinion.
The authoritarian teacher, while maybe gaining greater chances of leading the class in an orderly and safe fashion, runs the risk of taking things too far. Screaming at and belittling students can backfire.
So what’s my advice, then?
Avoid these extremes, and traverse the spectrum of strictness based on the situation.
Every classroom will be different, and they’ll respond in various ways. The class that needs the hammer brought down one day can be a world away from the class that needs some gentle prodding, second chances, and boo boos kissed.
How to earn respect as a substitute teacher
I have seen some tough, tough crowds in my day.
I fully emphathize with any sub in those classrooms that just totally seem to bolt off the rails, leaving you defeated, demoralized, and utterly void of energy by the time you clear yourself from the debris.
If the students are engaged in extreme behaviors, such as safety-compromising or bullying or total disruption, make the call to admin or behavior specialists. They need to assist you.
As for the other misbehaviors, I strive to be moderately strict. If a student has broken a rule more than twice, I need to administer a consequence. (Here’s where I usually try to talk myself out of it, because my personality tends toward doormatism). But that is where I see the most respect being gained– by keeping the students accountable.
My sub persona these days looks like firm but friendly— I stand at the front of the room and give directions clearly, authoritatively. I expect the students to complete the work assigned to them in the teacher’s lesson plans. I don’t hedge directions with “maybe” or “if you feel like it.” And each class is expected to call me by my name, which consists of Mrs. and my last name. Going by one’s first name is invitation for disrespect, in my opinion.
Even using all of these tips, I still struggle with gaining total respect. I make peace with the fact that it’ll never be perfect. But it is manageable.
Do what you can and surrender the rest, substitute
Dear substitute teachers, I totally get it.
It is miserable to be stuck in a trainwreck room with hours still left on the clock.
There’s a host of articles on this site in which I give tips for managing classroom and student behaviors. I recommend working through them and seeing what resonates. I have a comprehensive behavior guide as well as a quick printable cheat sheet you can take it on the go.
My best advice is to learn and hone what you can– there are techniques that can truly make a difference in your day substituting. Put on a firm-but-pleasant demeanor, erring on the side of strict without taking it to the extreme, and do what is possible. Celebrate any wins that you can.
Because ultimately, if you’ve kept the class generally safe and orderly, I’d consider that a victory in today’s educational climate. Learning is the cherry on top of this strange and melty sundae.
I’m rooting for you, subs.
From, Charmaine at Chocolate for the Teach
