13+ Essential Substitute Teacher Tips to Thrive in Any Classroom

Being a substitute teacher can be both exciting and challenging. The key to thriving as a substitute teacher lies in proper preparation, building strong relationships, and implementing effective classroom management strategies. As a substitute, you have the opportunity to step into various classrooms and make a positive impact on students’ lives. However, the lack of familiarity with the students, curriculum, and classroom dynamics can present its own set of difficulties.

In this comprehensive guide, VTJ will share 13+ essential tips for substitute teachers to help them navigate these challenges and thrive in the classroom. From building rapport with students to effectively managing classroom behavior, these tips will equip substitute teachers with the necessary tools to create a productive and engaging learning environment.

Essential Preparation Strategies for Substitute Teachers

1. Get There Early To Prepare

Arriving early is the most effective strategy for substitute teacher success. Getting there ahead of learning time allows you to familiarize yourself with the classroom layout, instructional materials, and any specific instructions left by the regular teacher.

Key benefits of early arrival:

• Review lesson plans thoroughly
• Gather necessary materials
• Set up the classroom for the day’s activities
• Address any unforeseen challenges promptly
• Build confidence through preparation

Early preparation also allows for any unforeseen challenges to be addressed promptly, contributing to a smoother and more successful day.

Continue Learning: How To Become a Kindergarten Teacher in 5 Simple Steps

2. Get To Know Your Colleagues

Building strong relationships with colleagues is fundamental to substitute teaching success. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to fellow educators, administrators, and support staff. Cultivating positive connections with other professionals enhances your sense of belonging within the school.

Benefits of networking with colleagues:

• Access to helpful resources and materials
• Insights into student characteristics and needs
• Better classroom management support
• Enhanced instructional delivery
• Professional development opportunities

Regular communication with colleagues can also offer insights into the unique characteristics and needs of the students you’ll be working with, aiding in better classroom management and instructional delivery.

View Similar Articles: 4 Reading Levels | How They Are Evaluated?

Classroom Management and Structure

3. Create A Routine For The Beginning Of Class

Establishing a consistent and structured routine at the beginning of each class sets a positive tone for the entire lesson. Start by greeting the students as they enter the classroom, introducing yourself, and briefly explaining the plan for the day.

Essential components of an effective routine:

• Greeting students as they enter the classroom
• Self-introduction with brief background
• Daily plan overview to set expectations
• Attendance taking for accountability
• Important announcements review
• Icebreaker or warm-up activity for engagement

A well-structured routine helps students feel secure and provides a smooth transition into the learning process. When implementing a routine, substitute teachers not only manage the classroom effectively but also create an environment conducive to learning.

Discover Related Guides: Learning Gaps: Types & How Teachers Can Identify and Solve Them

4. Build Rapport With Your Students

Building strong rapport with students is the foundation of successful substitute teaching. Show genuine interest in their lives and experiences, as this helps foster a sense of trust and respect. Additionally, actively listen to their thoughts and concerns, and provide encouragement and support when needed.

Effective rapport-building strategies:

• Share a bit about yourself to create relatability
• Acknowledge and praise student efforts
• Be attentive to individual needs
• Show genuine interest in their experiences
• Provide encouragement and support
• Listen actively to their concerns

Establishing a positive connection fosters a supportive learning environment and makes students more receptive to instruction. A well-established rapport not only facilitates classroom management but also contributes to a more enjoyable and enriching educational experience for both the substitute teacher and the students.

Try This Article: Motivation Letter: How to Write & Examples in 2025

5. Familiarize Yourself With The School’s Systems & With Your Students

Understanding the school’s systems and knowing your students are crucial foundations for effective substitute teaching. Before stepping into a substitute teaching role, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the school’s systems and policies.

Essential school information to review:

• School handbook and policies
• Emergency procedures and protocols
• Behavior and discipline expectations
• Technology systems and platforms
• Administrative contacts and procedures

Student information to gather:

• Individual learning needs
• Behavioral challenges or accommodations
• Special requirements or medical needs
• Classroom dynamics and relationships
• Previous learning progress

This knowledge will help you understand the school environment more effectively and ensure a good experience for both you and the students. This information will enable you to provide a more personalized and inclusive learning experience, ensuring that each student feels seen and supported.

Explore More Teaching Tips: 20 Qualities of a Good Teacher: How to Improve?

Flexibility and Adaptability Strategies

6. Have A Backup Plan

Flexibility and having a backup plan are indispensable strategies for successful substitute teaching. Unexpected situations can arise, such as technology malfunctions or missing teaching materials. Prepare alternative activities or supplementary materials that can be easily integrated into the lesson.

Essential backup plan components:

• Educational games related to the subject
• Group discussion topics
• Short educational videos
• Interactive worksheets
• Creative writing prompts
• Review activities for completed work

To avoid disruptions and keep the students engaged, prepare alternative activities or lessons that can be easily implemented. These backup plans can include educational games, group discussions, or even short videos related to the subject matter. A backup plan not only ensures a smooth flow of instruction but also demonstrates adaptability. Being ready for unforeseen circumstances enables substitute teachers to maintain control of the classroom.

Dive Deeper Here: What is Effective Teaching? 13 Effective Teaching Practices

7. Make Discipline Fun

Transforming discipline into an engaging experience is an effective strategy for maintaining classroom order. As a substitute teacher, it can be challenging to establish discipline without the familiarity and rapport that regular teachers have with their students. However, one effective strategy is to make discipline fun.

Creative discipline strategies:

• Reward systems with points or stickers for good behavior
• End-of-day exchanges for small prizes or privileges
• Interactive games that reinforce positive behavior
• Group challenges that encourage cooperation
• Recognition ceremonies for exemplary conduct

By incorporating elements of playfulness and creativity into your disciplinary approach, you can engage students and encourage them to follow the rules. When discipline is approached with a sense of fun, students are more likely to respond positively and actively participate in maintaining a harmonious classroom atmosphere.

Explore This Topic: How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher? Complete 2025 Guide

Active Engagement and Supervision Techniques

8. Use Active Supervision

Active supervision is crucial for ensuring student safety and maintaining classroom effectiveness. As a substitute teacher, maintaining active supervision involves being present, attentive and engaged with the students at all times.

Key active supervision techniques:

• Circulate around the classroom constantly
• Monitor student behavior proactively
• Provide guidance when necessary
• Address issues promptly before they escalate
• Establish positive relationships through interaction
• Maintain visual contact with all students

By actively supervising the classroom, you can prevent potential disruptions and address any issues promptly. One effective technique is to circulate around the classroom, constantly monitoring student behavior and providing guidance when necessary. This hands-on approach contributes to effective classroom management and ensures a more successful teaching experience.

9. Create Opportunities To Respond

Encouraging student participation is a fundamental element of effective substitute teaching. Create a classroom atmosphere that encourage students to share their thoughts, ask questions, or contribute to discussions.

Effective participation strategies:

• Group discussions on relevant topics
• Individual reflections with sharing opportunities
• Interactive exercises that engage all students
• Question and answer sessions throughout lessons
• Collaborative activities that promote interaction
• Think-pair-share techniques for broader involvement

Design activities that provide diverse opportunities for students to express themselves, fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Whether through group discussions, individual reflections, or interactive exercises, creating opportunities to respond not only enhances student engagement but also allows the substitute teacher to assess comprehension and tailor the lesson to meet the students’ needs.

Expand Your Understanding: What Is An Assessment Tool? 11 BEST Assessment Tools for Teachers

Motivation and Recognition Strategies

10. Leverage The Power Of Praise

Praise serves as a powerful tool for substitute teachers to motivate and encourage students. Recognizing students’ efforts and achievements can boost their self-esteem and confidence, leading to improved academic performance.

Effective praise strategies:

• Provide specific feedback highlighting particular achievements
• Offer genuine recognition for effort and progress
• Acknowledge strengths and individual accomplishments
• Create public recognition when appropriate
• Use varied praise methods (verbal, written, symbolic)
• Time praise appropriately for maximum impact

Substitute teachers should make a conscious effort to provide specific and genuine praise to students, highlighting their strengths and accomplishments. By doing so, substitute teachers can create a positive classroom atmosphere where students feel valued and motivated to excel. Additionally, praising students for their hard work and progress can help build a supportive and nurturing learning environment that fosters student’s growth.

See More Strategies: Meaningful Feedback for Students: Importance, Tips and Examples

Personal Connection and Professional Growth

11. Let Your Personality Shine

Embracing and showcasing your authentic personality greatly contributes to positive classroom atmosphere. While maintaining professionalism, allow elements of your authentic self to shine through.

Ways to show personality professionally:

• Share personal anecdotes relevant to lessons
• Incorporate appropriate humor to lighten the mood
• Express genuine enthusiasm for subject matter
• Connect with students on a personal level
• Create relatable experiences through storytelling
• Maintain authenticity while staying professional

Share personal anecdotes, incorporate humor where appropriate, and express genuine enthusiasm for the subject matter. Connecting with students on a personal level creates a more enjoyable and relatable learning experience. Letting your personality shine not only fosters a connection with students but also makes the classroom a vibrant and inviting space, enhancing the overall teaching and learning dynamic.

Professional Communication and Responsibility

12. Leave A Note For The Teacher

Leaving a comprehensive note for the regular teacher demonstrates professionalism and ensures continuity. Leaving a note for the regular teacher is a thoughtful gesture that shows your professionalism and dedication as a substitute teacher.

Essential note components:

• Brief summary of the day’s activities
• Important information about student behavior
• Incidents or concerns that occurred
• Outstanding assignments or unfinished work
• Student achievements worth noting
• Recommendations for follow-up actions

In the note, you can provide a brief summary of the day’s activities, any important information or incidents that occurred, and any outstanding assignments or concerns. This proactive communication not only helps the regular teacher stay informed but also demonstrates your commitment to the continuity of the learning experience. Leaving a thoughtful note establishes a sense of collaboration and professionalism between substitute teachers and the regular teaching staff.

Consider This Perspective: What is Independent Learning and How it Works: A Teacher’s Guide

13. Clean Up The Classroom

Maintaining a clean and organized classroom environment is a fundamental responsibility of substitute teachers. Before leaving at the end of the day, take a few minutes to tidy up the classroom.

Classroom cleanup checklist:

• Arrange desks neatly in proper formation
• Push in chairs to designated positions
• Return materials and supplies to designated places
• Organize teaching resources for the next day
• Check floor cleanliness and address any issues
• Ensure technology is properly shut down

Ensure that desks are arranged neatly, chairs are pushed in, and any materials or supplies used during the day are put back in their designated places. Additionally, encourage students to clean up after themselves and remind them of the importance of respecting the learning space. By leaving the classroom clean and organized, you not only demonstrate professionalism but also set a positive example for the students, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in their learning environment.

See Also This: 13 Types of Students in the Classroom and How to Deal with Them

Keys to Substitute Teaching Success

Strategy Category	Key Tips	Expected Outcome
Preparation	Early arrival, colleague networking	Increased confidence and support
Classroom Management	Structured routines, rapport building	Better student engagement and behavior
Flexibility	Backup plans, creative discipline	Smooth lesson flow and positive atmosphere
Engagement	Active supervision, participation opportunities	Enhanced learning and safety
Motivation	Strategic praise, authentic personality	Improved student motivation and connection
Professionalism	Detailed notes, classroom organization	Strong relationships with regular staff

Substitute teaching success depends on combining thorough preparation, effective classroom management, and genuine student connection. Substitute teaching presents a unique set of challenges, but armed with these 13+ tips for substitute teachers, teachers can not only navigate the complexities of the classroom but truly thrive.

In the dynamic world of education, adaptability, enthusiasm, and a commitment to fostering a love of learning are the keys to not only surviving but thriving as a substitute teacher. By implementing these strategies consistently, substitute teachers can create positive learning experiences that benefit both students and the educational community.

Special Opportunity for Teachers in Vietnam

🌟 Are you facing difficulties in finding and securing teaching positions in Vietnam? Are visa procedures causing you trouble? Feeling overwhelmed and directionless upon your arrival in Vietnam for teaching assignments?

Don’t worry, VTJ’s English Teaching Placement in Vietnam (EPIV) Program 2024 provides comprehensive support to solve ALL the matters.

👉👉👉 Click HERE to request free consultation