Course

The Fundamentals of Substitute Teaching K-12: Certificate Course

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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,…

Instructor Mike Bronder
Units 11
Lessons 44
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Curriculum Structure 100%

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Course Overview

Course Title: The Fundamentals of Substitute Teaching K-12

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Required Text:

Substitute Teaching K-12 Simplified: Step into Any Classroom with Ready-to-Use Strategies, Quick Professional Growth, and Confidence

Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ1QQSWR


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:

  1. Understand the key responsibilities of a substitute teacher.
  2. Develop strategies for effective classroom management.
  3. Create and utilize a “Substitute Teacher Toolkit.”
  4. Engage students with diverse learning needs.
  5. Implement lesson plans effectively and adapt them as needed.
  6. Communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.
  7. 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 Curriculum

4 lessons
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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5 lessons
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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4 lessons
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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3 lessons
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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3 lessons
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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4 lessons
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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4 lessons
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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4 lessons
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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6 lessons
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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6 lessons
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. CONGRATULATIONS! You've Earned Your Certificate! But WAIT!!!
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  6. 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…
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1 lesson
  1. Using AI to Save Time Using AI to Save Time Discover safe ways to use artificial intelligence without compromising student data privacy or incurring extra costs. AI Tools & Resources Use ChatGPT to…
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