Sub Teacher Tips for New Substitute Teachers

8 Tips for Substitute Teachers plus a few bonus tips as well! I was a K-12 emergency and substitute teacher for over 2 years and gained a lot of valuable experience. Check these top tips to have a great guest teacher experience for all grade levels and subject areas.

0:00 - Intro
00:13 - How to get started as a substitute teacher
05:32 - Tip #1
05:52- Tip #2
07:20 - Tip #3
08:40 - Tip #4
09:15 - Tip #5
09:47 - Tip #6
10:53 - Tip #7
12:02- Tip #8
13:14 - Bonus Tips

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DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for support!

DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for support!

[JeffreyHorne-ikcy]

I really enjoy your video because you covered everything to be a successful sub teacher. You covered everything a sub would need so they wont be blindsided. My favorite part is you explaining to have worksheets, tell a story, have your own supplies, and tell jokes at the end. I just would add to be friendly without being the kids friend. Be nice not too nice so they don't take advantage because 5th grade and middle school love to do that. Dont let kids come to your classroom to greet their friends, if they do keep it brief to a minute. If you let them stay as long as they want in class, they will turn one minute into 5 minutes, which is too long. I know you got to pick your battles but dont let the kids play you too where the principal or vice principal comes him, which will make you look incompetent. Alot of unnecessary things can be avoided if you stick to guns, I know it can be tough but it is necessary. Best wishes. God Bless.

[vanessab]

In 5 years of subbing, I had never had this problem: I got a job offer that said 7:00 to 2:35pm. Once I got there and was given my sub folder it said dismissal at 3:35pm, so I stayed but I really needed to leave at the time the email said. This happened yesterday. I sent an email to our top boss today and explained why this was an issue. Of course, I will double check on every school website from now on, but in reality they should fix that in the system.

[charliemoreno]

I just got hired as a sub. Haven't had my first day yet, but I'm terrified of the younger elementary school jobs. I feel like they are so hyper, I could lose one.

[ese]

These were great tips, thank you so much! I start my first sub job tomorrow! I'm nervous but thankful I get to work :)

[ashleygarcia]

I'm subbing for the first time in two days, 5th grade students, this helps so much.

[AstridCeleste]

*me, dealing with the anxiety of entering the teaching profession and becoming a substitute through YouTube research*
also me: I wish I could get my make-up like that. AND THOSE TEETH!
Great tips, and thank you for helping prepare me!

[sylviashipp]

Thank you for making this video; you have a warm presence. I’ve been thinking about subbing for a while but I still have hesitations, maybe b/c the school districts near me have a reputation for having some rough students. You mentioned at 4:45 that you were comfortable subbing students with challenging or behavioral problems b/c you were also a challenging student. Could you reply with a couple tips on how to deal with that and/or make a video on how to deal with students with challenging behavioral problems? Many thanks!

[CatherineNunez-mt]

Very good suggestions. In September, I'll be substituting for the first time. I appreciate your ideas and help. Will I need to know how to operate a SmartBoard?

[Princesskyleigh]

Thank you for posting this video!!

I've picked up a three-month sub shift for a teacher on maternity leave at a high school where I've previously subbed. Most of the students here are respectful. I've only been a substitute for about four months so I can't say I'm that experienced. The only instructions I received are, 'This is my maternity leave. All assignments and activities will be posted on Canvas. Students will be instructed to check Canvas for their tasks each day.! So basically I only have to manage class behavior while she's away? For the first day, should I create a slide to introduce myself? Also, is it a good idea to do something fun to familiarize myself with the students' names since I'll be there for a while?

[rg]

I can't get kids to be quiet while taking roll and giving out the assignments. I now grab a desk next to the door and greet the students as I'm taking roll. Seems to work.

[RoSpurs]

Thanks for the tips and suggestions! I'm switching careers from working in Corporate America for 20 years (digital and web) and transitioning to becoming a teacher in ATL area. I'm getting my master's in teaching and have never stepped foot in a classroom before as a sub teacher. My first assignment is next week (I am getting my master's in secondary education, 6-12 grade in history). So, I'm focusing on middle school subbing and high school, I've heard the horror stories of subbing in middle school, and it petrifies me, and I'm a nervous wreck. I hope it goes well enough, but I know won't be a breeze!

[tanvirEdu]

Some technical tips have been discussed - really important

[lexqbeanable]

Great tips. Thanks for taking the time to make the video! Where do you get your connect the dof sheets from for once the students are finished their work? Does the office provide them? Or would they make copies for you if you brought in a worksheet?

[HoloHoloAdventures]

Great tips. I’m getting ready for my first sub job.

[Cupcakex]

Thank you! I am currently doing the onboarding process for becoming a sub! I am very excited!

[btfields]

I start nxt week. I'm kindof nervous

[KarolinaGirllife]

I just applied for a sub position. Hoping I get a call soon. Fingers crossed.

[TheChinesewhitelady]

My first assignment is in a few days and I’m super nervous. I don’t have any classroom experience and I’m scared I won’t be able to teach the students correctly because I won’t really have time to prepare is the lesson plan includes something I don’t know very well

[shlynea]

just started as a sub!!!! im nervous lol! I just finished my second Para day!

[HeronPoint]

The state, province, or canton varies a lot. From my school run out of Ontario, Canada to Tulsa, Wichita, Los Angeles, and British Columbia. Protocols in some state/provinces/cantons and Districts are very well laid out and clear. Others? Not so much.