Here we go again; August/September is just around the corner. That means school will be in session. Every grade and educational level will start fresh. So, if you just barely passed your classes the year before, a new year brings a new opportunity to challenge yourself to improve.
As a substitute teacher, I often have a difficult time covering a class where the children lack the supplies they need to get through the day. The items needed for the most part are pencils, ink pens (black or blue), glue sticks for the lower grade level classes, scissors, crayons, and lined paper. The one thing that is frustrating to me is that I often find myself going on a scavenger hunt through the class, just to look for supplies that should be clearly in eye’s view. I could waste at least 5 to 10 minutes of instruction time looking around the class for more glue sticks!
Studies show that students who are prepared have better academic achievement. As a substitute, I’ve witnessed this at every grade level. Students who carry a pencil case or box, filled with pencils, pens, crayons, glue sticks, and scissors; sit at attention, are alert, are not disrupting the class, have their homework completed, and are eagerly willing to turn it in, are finished their class assignments first, will walk around to help others, and are generally quieter. On the other hand, students who are not prepared are disrupting the class for most of the day. They consistently call out, walk around the classroom, or unnecessarily walk out of the class, start fights with the other students, and refuse to finish the assignment because, and I quote, “No one will give me a pencil!”
Since I’ve been working for the educational system for over 20 years, I feel I have good authority to know what students may need to be prepared for the school year. It also helps that I’m a parent of three, which means I’ve gone down the school supply road for several years. I hope that every student is fully equipped with supplies and ready to learn in the 2025/2026 school year. I wish everyone the best of luck and great success!
To help substitute teachers manage the classroom more efficiently, here are some additional ideas and resources:
- Classroom Management Strategies: Effective classroom management is crucial for maintaining a productive learning environment. Substitute teachers can benefit from familiarizing themselves with various strategies such as setting clear expectations, using positive reinforcement, and implementing consistent routines. Resources like “The First Days of School” by Harry Wong and Rosemary T. Wong provide valuable insights into classroom management techniques.
- Organizational Tools: Keeping the classroom organized can save valuable instructional time. Substitute teachers can use tools like labeled bins, supply caddies, and checklists to ensure that materials are easily accessible. Websites like Teachers Pay Teachers offer printable organizational resources that can be customized to fit the needs of different classrooms.
- Engaging Lesson Plans: Having a repertoire of engaging lesson plans can help substitute teachers keep students focused and on task. Websites like Education.com and Scholastic provide a wide range of lesson plans and activities for various grade levels and subjects. Additionally, having a few “emergency” lesson plans on hand can be helpful for unexpected situations.
- Building Relationships: Establishing a positive rapport with students can make a significant difference in classroom management. Taking the time to learn students’ names, showing genuine interest in their well-being, and using positive language can help create a respectful and supportive classroom environment.
- Professional Development: Continuous learning and professional development can enhance a substitute teacher’s skills and confidence. Many school districts offer workshops and training sessions for substitute teachers. Online platforms like Coursera and edX also provide courses on classroom management, teaching strategies, and educational psychology.
- Utilizing Technology: Technology can be a valuable tool for substitute teachers. Interactive whiteboards, educational apps, and online resources can make lessons more engaging and interactive. Websites like Khan Academy and PBS Learning Media offer free educational videos and interactive activities that can supplement classroom instruction.
- Communication with Regular Teachers: Maintaining open communication with the regular classroom teacher can provide valuable insights into the students’ needs and routines. Substitute teachers can leave detailed notes about the day’s activities, student behavior, and any issues that arose. This communication helps ensure continuity and supports the regular teacher in planning future lessons.
- Self-Care: Teaching can be demanding, and it’s important for substitute teachers to take care of themselves. Practicing self-care techniques such as mindfulness, exercise, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
By implementing these strategies and utilizing available resources, substitute teachers can create a positive and efficient classroom environment. Being well-prepared and organized not only benefits the students but also enhances the substitute teacher’s experience. With the right tools and mindset, substitute teachers can make a meaningful impact on their students’ learning journey.
