Substitute Checklist for Teachers

Are you prepared for a substitute?

I've been both a substitute and a teacher. I was a substitute over 20 years ago, before having my own classroom. After 17 years in my own classroom, I'm back to subbing, and this checklist was put together based on things I've experienced.

Every classroom I enter as a substitute is very different from the last. I've found it difficult to do some things in different classrooms. For example, not every school uses the same kind of technology. I've entered many classrooms where using technology is part of the lesson plans, yet I have no idea how to use it. I've had to rely on students helping me. It could also be as simple as having paper for the substitute to use. I've entered classrooms where I can't find any paper, and the students have no idea where paper is either.

It's important as a teacher to know that substitutes encounter many challenges. The biggest is student behavior. If we don't have all of the tools necessary to have a successful day, the students will notice that, and behavior problems will arise even more.

This checklist is a good reminder for teachers to make sure when they have a substitute, the day runs as smoothly as possible.

This is a checklist to help you make sure you are prepared for a substitute.