@_simonspurplehoodie: Question for teachers: I was just accepted as a substitute teacher & my first day is this Friday! I only know the teacher’s name, grade, and arrival time. What should I expect? Any tips for being a good sub? Should I leave a note summarizing the day?
On the board id write my name, date, and a set of class rules I use for every class I subbed for. Were along the lines of 1) seated before bell rings in assigned seats or you will be marked tardy 2)get your work done 3) be nice to me :) 4) and be nice to each other! plus id add whatever other class rules the teacher outlined. Then I'd say that I leave a long detailed essay about good kids, bad kids, those listening and getting work done and those not. And type it vigorously in front of them 😁 teachers loved the note and if I came back, kids new I wasn't messing around lol
2026-10-10 01:21:09
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Dr. D PhD :
don't ever let students choose where they want to sit. follow the seating chart.
2026-09-20 16:32:28
377
alexacbutler :
Former substitute and current English teacher, if they ever tell you that their teacher lets them do it all the time they’re lying💀
2026-10-09 16:39:50
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Hipmomellie :
I am a full time sub. I always bring a full “what if” activities. You can actually find them all on TikTok. Keep a list on my phone in the note section, one for grades one through three and another one for grades three through six. Do a search for silent Ball (you can order a dodgeball on Amazon), green glass door, drawing chain, stop the bus, password, silent artist etc. I use the games if we run out of lesson plan activities but also as a reward when the kids are good and complete work (bribe them with a fun activity if they are quiet and do their work well).
2026-09-22 03:23:41
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lettydavila612 :
Just a thought: Hi kids, my name is Ms. Kind and I will be your Sub for today. Your teacher letf an assignment for you and I will be pick it up at the end of class. Also, I will leave a note for (Name of teacher) so she/him knows what a great job you did. Of course, if you choose not to work or don't turn in an assignment. (Name of teacher) will find out. Let's have a beautiful day and let's get started. *** Walk around the classroom as they do their work. This keeps them on their toes, lessens the noise level and they know you're in control. Best of luck. From a recently retired history Middle School teacher (32 years). You've got this.❤️❤️
2026-09-21 03:48:44
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trini_macoing_4so :
put a bottle of wine in the fridge for when you return home. trust.
2026-09-23 23:51:02
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lisaleinen18 :
If they leave you a detailed plan, please follow it. It takes hours to write good plans and notes for a sub! Good luck!
2026-09-28 23:28:39
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Megan rokes💖 :
Leave a note!
2026-10-09 18:37:13
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Heidi G N :
Please leave a note for the teacher! Let them know how each class went.
2026-09-20 20:34:17
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kj72 :
Don’t believe the kids if they say something different than what the teacher left in the note. ALWAYS jot a few notes summarizing! Keep them busy they will stay in check!
2026-09-20 19:55:44
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Taylore's Version :
Follow their notes exactly, do not take their personal stuff out of the cabinets, don't let the kids help themselves to anything that seems nicely put away, and leave the room exactly how you found it. I'm not a sub, but this is what I see the most of when a teacher posts a video complaining about a sub. 🤷♀️Good luck I hope you love it! ❤️
2026-09-23 15:10:10
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K F :
Just show up, keep kids alive and follow plans as best as possible. You’ll be asked back loo
2026-09-20 20:51:05
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Kenz :
idk i’m not a sub anymore but if i ever need to cover classes for a few minutes, i always carry a harmonica in my pocket 😭 i hate yelling and the kids love it. gets their attention in a nicer way
2026-09-22 22:18:52
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leahgross5346 :
Look for the most difficult kid & turn them into your assistant
2026-09-20 21:54:26
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user4317368520515 :
Bring your lunch, some snacks and a good attitude! Don’t stress the small stuff don’t let the kids take advantage of you and ask for help if you need it
2026-09-20 15:43:22
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sadiya ♥︎ :
i LOVE when subs leave notes and actually walk around to make sure kids are working. obvi not to the point where it becomes a power struggle, but gentle reminders for my distracted kiddos are so helpful. i’ve been a sub and actually enjoyed doing this bc i got to know the kids. if a sub is on their phone the whole time, doesn’t pass out the assignment, or is rude to my kids, immediate do not book list
2026-09-22 03:07:55
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hfabulous :
My favorite game to play is “magical piece of trash” where I tell them that one piece is magical and if someone picks it up we can watch a really cool video! Sometimes I put like a 2 minute timer on for them to pick up. Then I make a HUGE show of walking around the room to see if the “magical” trash was picked up, which of course it was. Then I play my favorite YouTube video 😂😂
2026-09-27 03:31:23
1
justjamielyn❌ :
I am a retired teacher… 30 years. This is my 4th year subbing. Agree with everything said already but also, know how many kids are in your class and have a class list ready. As a veteran, I was subbing for K in the 2nd week of school and we had an unannounced fire drill. When I took attendance, a kid was sitting in the wrong seat. When we had the fire drill I thought one was missing but they were actually absent. I felt so incompetent. Everyone was very nice but honestly in today’s world keeping them safe is your #1 job!
2026-09-21 00:02:38
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Ctdl :
Def leave a note saying how far you got on each activity, etc. also leave names of kids who were great helpers and those who weren’t so great. We want that!!
2026-09-20 18:51:48
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Wm1223 :
Yes leave a note. Check off what completed in plan and I like to leave a compliment list of super kids
2026-09-21 01:07:03
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Not_Mr_Wickham⁷ :
If you are asked to collect work have the students give it to you in alphabetical order and note who did not turn in.
2026-09-20 22:28:16
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Jennie Viner :
Good luck..
2026-09-20 22:00:38
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nikpie :
Im not a teacher, but if I were in your shoes. I'd try to start the class with a fun story or something along those lines to get them to feel comfortable...and after some mutual exchange...I'd then proceed to the curriculum.
2026-09-20 22:34:46
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M :
Bring a book to read to the class. Make sure the book is not banned by emailing the librarian. If you can bring a coloring or puzzle sheet so if you need something you have it.
2026-09-21 01:00:44
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Tiredteacher :
Have a bag of tricks- back up lessons just in case you’re walking into a room with nothing prepped, sharpened pencils, maybe some stickers for the kids (depending on their age).
2026-09-20 17:24:12
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