The Fundamentals of Substitute Teaching K-12: Certificate Course

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.Group and/or purchase orders, click here!

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Dr. Kathleen A. Dawson · September 4, 2024

Course Overview

Course Title: The Fundamentals of Substitute Teaching K-12

For multiple seats or to buy with a purchase order, click here!

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:

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

Along with Dr. Dawson's book.Substitute Teaching K-12 Simplified: Step into Any Classroom with Ready-to-Use Strategies, Quick Professional Growth, and Confidence, please see the following downloadable interactive PDFs to help create your personalized substitute teacher's success packet. Each form corresponds to a chapter in the book and lesson in our course, and will help make sure you're prepared and confident each day you step into a classroom!

Professional Growth Plan: A template to guide substitute teachers in setting professional development goals, reflecting on teaching practices, and planning future growth.
Resources for Lessons and Activities: A directory to help teachers quickly find websites and tools for lesson ideas and engaging activities across subjects and grade levels.
Substitute Teacher's Report: A structured form for substitute teachers to document the day’s activities, student behavior, and any notes for the regular teacher, ensuring smooth continuity.
Culturally Responsive Lesson Plan Checklist: A checklist to help teachers create lesson plans that respect and incorporate students' cultural backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and respectful classroom environment.
Ethical Decision-Making Framework: A framework that supports teachers in navigating ethical challenges, providing steps to ensure responsible and fair decision-making in diverse classroom situations.
Substitute Teacher Reflection Journal: A reflective journal for substitute teachers to capture experiences, insights, and learning goals, promoting continuous improvement in their teaching practice.
Multilingual Learner Support Strategies: This guide offers targeted strategies to help multilingual students succeed, focusing on language development and cultural inclusivity in the classroom.
UDL Lesson Planning Checklist: A practical checklist to guide teachers in designing lessons aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL), ensuring all students have access to inclusive, effective learning experiences.
Student Engagement Planner: A planner to help teachers design and implement strategies that keep students engaged, encouraging focus and active participation.