The Fundamentals of Substitute Teaching K-12: Certificate Course
LiveThis course empowers substitute teachers with the skills, strategies, and confidence needed to succeed in diverse K-12 classrooms. Participants will learn about classroom management, lesson planning, cultural responsiveness,…

Course Overview
Course Title: The Fundamentals of Substitute Teaching K-12
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Required Text:
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Duration: 10 Hours – The coursework should take 1-2 hours. Most of your time is spent on the assignments and preparing the Substitute Teacher Toolkit to ensure you can enter the classroom with ready-to-use strategies and confidence!
Format: Asynchronous Online Course
Course Description:
This course empowers substitute teachers with the skills, strategies, and confidence needed to succeed in diverse K-12 classrooms. Participants will learn about classroom management, lesson planning, cultural responsiveness, supporting students with diverse needs, and more. The course includes interactive elements, assignments, and a portfolio project to compile a “Substitute Teacher Toolkit.”
This course of study aligns with the eight Universal Standards for Education Support Professionals, providing a high level of understanding for success as a Substitute Teacher.
Expected Outcomes/Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the key responsibilities of a substitute teacher.
- Develop strategies for effective classroom management.
- Create and utilize a “Substitute Teacher Toolkit.”
- Engage students with diverse learning needs.
- Implement lesson plans effectively and adapt them as needed.
- Communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.
- Reflect on teaching practices to continuously improve.
Upon completing the course, the student will earn a Certificate of Completion.
Course Structure:
The course is divided into 10 modules, each approximately 1 hour long. Each module will contain lessons, activities, check for understandings, and assignments.
Course Resources
Course Curriculum
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Course Introduction Accessible Notes: Course Introduction Welcome to the Fundamentals of Substitute Teaching K-12 This course is designed to empower substitute teachers with essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to…
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Lesson 1.1: Understanding the Role of the Substitute Teacher Accessible Notes: Key Responsibilities Key Responsibilities As a substitute teacher, you're the linchpin that holds a classroom together. You step in when the regular teacher is absent, ensuring…
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Lesson 1.2: Developing a Substitute Teacher Mindset Mindset: Most important is believing in students' abilities Positivity: Maintaining a positive attitude, even in challenging situations. Having the right attitude can make all the difference in your day.…
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Module 1 Assignment: Creating Your Substitute Teacher Introduction Accessible Notes: Substitute Teacher Toolkit and Introduction Script Objective Develop a brief introduction script to use when entering a new classroom. This script should help you quickly build…
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Lesson 2.1: Understanding FERPA and Student Privacy Accessible Notes: FERPA and Student Privacy FERPA and Student Privacy FERPA Overview: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects student information. Confidentiality: Never share student information without…
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Lesson 2.2: Supporting Students with Disabilities (IDEA) Accessible Notes: Understanding IDEA and Supporting Students with Disabilities IDEA Overview IDEA Overview: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures students with disabilities get the help they need…
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Lesson 2.3: Being Professional and Ethical Accessible Notes: Professionalism and Ethics Professionalism and Ethics As a substitute teacher, you are a role model for students. It’s essential to act professionally and ethically at all…
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Lesson 2.4: Reporting Concerns About Student Safety Accessible Notes: Mandatory Reporting and Professional Conduct Key Responsibilities Mandatory Reporting: Understand your role in reporting suspected abuse or neglect. Professional Conduct: Maintain a high standard of ethics…
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Module 2 Assignment: Understanding Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Accessible Notes: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Objective Develop a comprehensive understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities, including student privacy and mandatory reporting. Instructions Review your state's specific laws…
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Lesson 3.1: Understanding Diversity in the Classroom Accessible Notes: Understanding and Celebrating Diversity Diversity Matters Diversity Matters: Each student represents a unique background, experiences, and ways of learning that add value to the whole classroom.…
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Lesson 3.2: Using Culturally Relevant Teaching Practices Accessible Notes: Culturally Relevant Teaching and Addressing Bias Culturally Relevant Teaching Connect to Backgrounds: Relate lessons to students’ cultural experiences. Avoid Stereotypes: Be mindful of cultural stereotypes and…
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Lesson 3.3: Supporting English Language Learners and the Gifted and Talented Accessible Notes: Supporting English Language Learners and Gifted Students Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) English Language Learners: Also referred to as Multilingual Learners. Gifted and Talented Students: Being…
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Module 3 Assignment: Creating an Inclusive Classroom Accessible Notes: Exploring Cultural Bias and Creating an Inclusive Classroom Objective Explore your own cultural biases and assumptions. Instructions Conduct a cultural self-assessment to identify your own cultural…
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Lesson 4.1: Understanding English Language Learners & Stages of English Language Learning Accessible Notes: Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) Strategies for Supporting English Language Learners Visual Aids: Use pictures, charts, and gestures to support understanding. Simplified Language: Use clear, simple…
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Lesson 4.2: Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners Accessible Notes: Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) English Language Learners English Language Learners: Also referred to as Multilingual Learners, come from diverse backgrounds and language experiences. Here are…
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Module 4 Assignment: Supporting Students Learning English Accessible Notes: Supporting English Language Learners Objective Develop strategies for supporting English Language Learners. Instructions Research and summarize at least three effective strategies for supporting vocabulary development in…
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Lesson 5.1: Understanding Different Abilities and IEPs Accessible Notes: Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans Understanding IEPs: Follow the accommodations and modifications outlined in IEPs and 504 plans. Differentiation: Tailor instruction…
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Lesson 5.2: Accommodations and Modifications Accessible Notes: Understanding Accommodations and Modifications Accommodations and Modifications Accommodations: Change how a student learns the material. Modifications: Change what a student is taught or expected to learn.…
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Module 5 Assignment: Helping Students with Special Needs Accessible Notes: Supporting Students with Special Needs Objective Develop strategies for students with special needs. Instructions Create a list of five strategies for supporting students with special needs.…
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Lesson 6.1: Why Student Engagement Matters Accessible Notes: Building Positive Relationships and Engagement Warm Greetings and First Impressions Warm Greetings: Start the class or day with a smile and a positive attitude. Quick Introductions:…
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Lesson 6.2: Making Lessons Interesting and Encouraging Student Participation Accessible Notes: Boosting Interest and Motivation in Learning Interest and Motivation Interest: Students will engage more with learning if they are interested in the what and how they…
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Lesson 6.3: Offering Choice and Positive Reinforcement Accessible Notes: Promoting Student Agency and Using Positive Reinforcement Student Agency Student Agency: Empowering students to take ownership of their learning. Students are more motivated when they have…
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Module 6 Assignment: Keeping Students Interested and Motivated Accessible Notes: Student Engagement Objective Develop strategies for engaging students. Instructions Design a generic lesson incorporating at least three engagement strategies for any subject or grade level. Create…
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Lesson 7.1: Planning Your Lessons and Starting Strong Accessible Notes: Effective Lesson Planning and Starting Strong Good Planning Makes Lessons More Effective Effective lesson planning can significantly enhance the impact of your teaching, even as a…
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Lesson 7.2: Explaining New Concepts and Checking for Understanding Accessible Notes: Explaining New Concepts and Checking for Understanding Break It Down, Use Examples, and Visuals Break It Down: Divide complex concepts into smaller, manageable parts. Use Examples:…
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Lesson 7.3: Guided and Independent Practice and Using Technology Accessible Notes: Guided Practice, Independent Practice, and Using Technology Wisely Guided Practice After explaining, give students a chance to practice with your help: Model the task first (show…
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Module 7 Assignment: Teaching Strategies That Work Accessible Notes: Teaching Strategies That Work Objective Develop teaching strategies that work. Instructions Research and find lesson plans that include all elements of effective instruction (e.g., objectives, activating…
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Lesson 8.1: Setting the Tone and Establishing Routines and Expectations Accessible Notes: Lesson 8-1 - Setting the Tone Setting the Tone As a substitute teacher, how you start the day or class sets the tone for everything that…
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Lesson 8.2: Strategies for Managing Student Behavior Accessible Notes: Classroom Management Techniques Classroom Management Techniques Positive Reinforcement: Use praise and rewards to encourage good behavior. Non-Verbal Cues: Utilize gestures and signals to manage the classroom…
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Lesson 8.3: Handling Common Challenges Accessible Notes: Handling Common Challenges and Building Relationships Respect and Handling Common Challenges Respect: Start with showing students respect to earn their respect. Handling Common Challenges Here are…
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Module 8 Assignment: Managing Your Classroom Effectively Accessible Notes: Classroom Management Plan and Strategies Objective Create a classroom management plan that includes strategies for setting expectations, managing behavior, and engaging students. Instructions Create a classroom…
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Lesson 9.1: Understanding Grade-Level Differences and Preparing an Emergency Plan Accessible Notes: Classroom Preparedness and Grade-Level Differences Classroom Preparedness Key Items: Include basic supplies like pens, paper, a whistle, and a timer. Emergency Plans: Have a few backup…
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9.2 – 9.5: Elementary, Middle, High School and All-Purpose Resources Accessible Notes: Elementary School Resources Elementary School Resources For younger students, engaging, visual resources work well: Education.com: Free library of digital and printable resources for grades Pre-K-8 (https://www.education.com)…
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9.3: Middle School Resources Middle School Resources For middle schoolers, look for resources that challenge and engage: - Khan Academy: Free online courses in many subjects (https://www.khanacademy.org/) - Newsela: Current events articles…
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9.4: High School Resources High School Resources High school resources should be rigorous and relevant: - CK-12: Free, customizable textbooks and resources (https://www.ck12.org/teacher) - TED-Ed: Educational videos on a wide range of…
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9.5: All-Purpose Resources All-Purpose Resources These resources work well for multiple grade levels: - BrainPOP: Educational videos on many topics (https://www.brainpop.com/) - Khan Academy: Free online courses in many subjects (https://www.khanacademy.org/)…
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Module 9 Assignment: Helpful Resources for Different Grade Levels Accessible Notes: Emergency Lesson Plans and Resource Collection Objective Create a collection of flexible lesson plans for various grades and subject areas. Instructions Explore the provided resources or…
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Lesson 10.1: Continuous Learning and Seeking Feedback Accessible Notes: The Importance of Continuous Learning The Importance of Continuous Learning Even as a substitute teacher, your growth as an educator continues. Here's why ongoing learning matters:…
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Lesson 10.2: Building Your Network and Pursuing Professional Development Accessible Notes: Building Your Professional Network and Pursuing Professional Development Building Your Professional Network Connecting with other educators can provide support and opportunities: Introduce yourself to other teachers…
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Lesson 10.3: Staying Updated and Reflecting on Your Practice Accessible Notes: Staying Updated on Education Trends and Reflecting on Your Practice Staying Updated on Education Trends The field of education is constantly changing. Stay informed about: New…
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Module 10 Assignment: Assembling Your Substitute Teacher Toolkit Accessible Notes: Creating a Substitute Teacher Toolkit Objective Create a portfolio with a comprehensive "Substitute Teacher Toolkit" that includes essential resources, emergency plans, and a personal portfolio. Instructions…
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CONGRATULATIONS! You've Earned Your Certificate! But WAIT!!!
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Reality Check: What happens when none of this works? Accessible Notes: Substitute Teacher Strategies for Success Last-Minute Classroom Success It’s easier said than done, but a well-prepared substitute teacher has a better chance of making it through…
