Lesson 1.1: Understanding the Role of the Substitute Teacher

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 students keep learning. Your main job is to follow the teacher’s lesson plans and keep the class running smoothly. But there is more to it than that!

Main Responsibilities

• Teach the lessons left by the regular teacher
• Take attendance
• Keep students safe and well-behaved
• Answer students’ questions
• Grade classwork (if the teacher asks you to)

Non-Teaching Duties

• Arrive early to check in at the office (Don’t forget to sign out at the end of the day.)
• Read and follow any special instructions left by the teacher, provided by the school’s staff or other staff
• Supervise students as assigned, including but not limited to during lunch or recess
• Leave a note for the teacher about how the day went

You are not a babysitter; you are there to teach and help students learn! Being a substitute teacher can be tricky sometimes, but it’s also full of opportunities to learn and grow.

Common Challenges

• Last-minute assignments (getting the call the morning of)
• Not knowing the students’ names or routines
• Working with students who try to bend the rules
• Teaching subjects you might not know well or at all
• Handling unexpected situations (like fire drills)
• Not having adequate or any lesson available for you

Exciting Opportunities

• Trying out different grades and subjects to see which you like best
• Meeting lots of teachers and students
• Learning new teaching strategies from other classrooms
• Honing your teaching and classroom management skills
• Discovering which schools you might want to work at full-time/permanently

Every day is different, which can be both challenging and fun.