Becoming Requested as a Substitute Teacher

Becoming a substitute teacher who is requested is a goal for many. Recently I asked substitute teachers what they did to become requested, and here is a list of their suggestions. What would you add?

  • Go the extra mile.
  • Ask if you are needed to perform extra activities, i.e. bus duty or lunch duty.
  • Email or leave a very detailed report of how the day went.
  • Volunteer to help in other classes when on a prep period.
  • Be positive to students, other teachers, administrators, and office staff. Smile and say “thank you” a lot.
  • Develop a business card with your name and contact information.
  • You could also note that you are, “Available on short notice.”
  • Introduce yourself to other people in the building.
  • Leave a list of students who were on-task and helpful instead of a list of students who were off-task.
  • If you have a degree in music or art, or some specific skill, be sure to contact teachers who teach that content area specifically.
  • Attend conferences and things that you know teachers where teachers will be.
  • Work to improve your classroom management skills.
  • Dress professionally. Even on “casual Fridays.”
  • Follow the lesson plans.
  • As a substitute teacher I am not sure how important the work is for the whole unit, so I do exactly what the permanent teacher asks me.
  • Leave the classroom as clean as you found it.
  • Ask the secretary if there is a preferred list and if s/he would put you on it, if s/he feels comfortable.
  • It takes time to become trusted as a substitute teacher, so go to the same schools as often as you can.
  • Be positive when in the teacher’s lounge.
  • Grade papers when possible; alphabetize assignments to make grading easier for the permanent teacher.
  • Arrive 20 minutes early to substitute teaching assignments.
  • Volunteer time without pay.
  • Network with teachers.
  • Always have extra activities available in case there is extra time in the class period.
  • Teach in special education classes.
  • Be cheerful when the school secretary calls you.
  • Thank him/her for giving you the opportunity to teach.
  • Tell the students if they want you to come back to let their teacher know.
  • Be a team player.
  • Be more helpful than is required.
  • Attend extra-curricular events so teachers, students, and staff can get used to seeing you around.
  • Brush up on your math skills, not many substitute teachers enjoy teaching math.
  • Carry a SubPack with you to substitute teaching jobs.
  • Just do a really good job.

What else would you add? Share your ideas below.

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