A Guide for Substitute and Interim Teachers

Practical Tools for Success

Barbara Washington

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9781000294712
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Classroom Management

If you're a substitute or interim teacher, or thinking of becoming one, you won't want to miss the techniques and strategies in this user-friendly, easy-to-read book. Author Barbara Washington guides you through every step, including the application process, lesson planning, classroom management, and school safety. Each chapter offers practical examples and current best practices to support you on your way to success. The book also includes essential tools such as reproducible lesson plans, worksheets, graphic organizers, and more. Concise but complete, this is an ideal resource for substitute teacher professional development.

1
Working in Schools

• The Benefits of Substitute Teaching
• The Application Process
• Accepting Assignments
• The School Environment
• Grade Levels
• Subjects/Courses
• Working With Students
• Working With School Staff and Community
• Ten Basic Rules for Working in Schools
• First Day Checklist

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

King Solomon¹

The Benefits of Substitute Teaching

Congratulations on your decision to work as a substitute teacher, and welcome to the profession! Teaching is often very rewarding. One of its greatest benefits is the opportunities you will have to help young people learn and make a positive impact on their lives. Another great advantage is the ability to set your own work schedule. There are many rewards and benefits of substitute teaching, including the following, to name just a few:

• Setting your own work schedule
• Selecting your preferred school(s)
• Choosing the grade, subject, and class you prefer
• Being in high demand
• Earning a high salary (in some locations)
• Earning health benefits (in some locations)
• Getting prepared for a permanent teaching position
• Enjoying a variety of activities
• Staying active as a retired educator
• Helping students to learn

Teaching can be both exhilarating and exhausting as well as rewarding and challenging. But I think the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Although the duties include teaching, protecting, and supervising children all day, you will enjoy the energy and enthusiasm that young people bring. While your day may involve a lot of standing or walking, you will be perfectly fine. At times, a first grader may need you to wipe his/her nose, sixth-grade students may exhibit boundless energy, and an eleventh-grade student may challenge your authority, but sometimes a challenge can be good for the soul. You might have to make your way through a large building to get to your next class within four minutes or less. No worries—you will make it there on time, and you will be that much closer to getting in 10,000 steps when you arrive! You might have to carry the equipment in Phys Ed class or help feed the rabbits in Animal Science class in the barn. Even so, you will still have the advantage of being able to choose which class suits you the best. Simply consider your own strengths, personality, and age/stage, and you will thoroughly enjoy the journey ahead. Table 1.1 summarizes some of the characteristics of those who make the best, most sought-after, and most successful substitute teachers.

Table 1.1Characteristics of Successful Substitute Teachers

Patient	Excellent communicators	Dependable
Reliable	Resilient	Punctual
Ability to teach	Enjoy young people	Adaptable
Flexible	Excellent people skills	Confident
Sense of humor	Good listeners	Attentive
Technology literate	Compassionate	Problem-solving skills
Attention to detail	Goal oriented	Professional attitude

The Application Process

Once you have decided in which school or school district you want to work, you are ready to start the application process. Most schools and districts require that you have a high school diploma, and most use an online application process. Some large school districts employ a third-party education placement service to screen, hire, and place their substitute teachers, and most placement services utilize an online application process as well. The online application usually requires proof of education and certifications. There are school districts that also require substitutes to have a substitute teaching certificate or substitute permit as well. To be eligible for a substitute teaching certificate or permit, applicants are usually required to have at least 60 college credits.

In addition, schools are required to conduct thorough background and health screening for all new hires, including the substitute staff. It will generally take three or more weeks to obtain the documentation and clearances to complete the application process, and there are fees involve...