10 TIPS FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS & THINGS TO CONSIDER | Tips for Subs

Interested in substitute teaching? This video highlights 10 helpful tips for subs and important things to consider before committing.
Check out my last video for reasons why subbing might be the perfect job for you! • Video
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[@TheTimeCrunchedTeacher]

These are great tips! As a classroom teacher, I’m so appreciative of on-call subs. I’d also recommend for subs to look at teaching in the after school programs for supplemental income. The pay can be really great and it allows you to finish schooling or a credentialing program during the day. Plus, you can make really good connections with the school, students and staff that may help with a job placement down the road.

[@christinepia]

I appreciate teachers like you 🥰 thank you for your awesome suggestion! I’ll pin it for my fellow subs to see.

[@TheTimeCrunchedTeacher]

@@christinepia Awesome! I just thought of another tip. Ask the office staff to print you a roster WITH PICTURES. It's super easy to do from most LMS systems and it will prevent you from dealing with sneaky kiddos who try to switch around names or seats. I've also found it can help with learning students' names quickly.

[@Discovery_and_Change]

I occassionally have recurring nightmares/'trauma' of out of control students who won't listen, won't quiet down, and won't sit down, based on true experiences 🙁

[@thehighllama8101]

I've been subbing for 5 + years. Another important tip: Always leave a note for the teacher and don't say in your note, "Everything went great. No issues. The class was fun." As one teacher told me, if you don't leave a note specifically addressing the misbehavior of at least one or two students, she knows you're lying. The teacher knows her students. She knows the troublemakers, kids with issues, etc. Be honest. In fact, the only way I ever became a "preferred" substitute for certain teachers, is by being by honest about students and behavior issues. Don't get me wrong. If your honesty comes across as a complaint or crticism, the teacher or school may never want you as a substitute again. I speak from experience. I left an honest 2 page letter to the teacher at one school, and I never received a job request from that school again. Just make sure you let the teacher know of what you've observed, but don't word your note or letter as if you're laying blame on, or criticising, the teacher or school administrators.

[@WILDANDPEACEFUL23]

Yup! But realistically, what do you want the teacher of record to do about kids that misbehave with you ? we yell at them then what ?

[@thehighllama8101]

@@WILDANDPEACEFUL23 One thing the teacher can do: take away from students free time, if possible. Make students lives a bit miserable for making the substitute's life miserable. E.g., I just had a middle school class last week, three double periods (i.e., each class was two periods). The teacher had a chart on the board with each class. Every time I put a checkmark next to a class for getting out of hand, that was one essay page the class would have to write when the teacher got back (up to four checkmarks/four pages), instead of getting some free time during the last two days prior to Xmas vacation. Also, any student named specifically for bad behavior would get 5 days loss of recess (i.e., the student would have to spend recess with the teacher). Finally, the teacher made me grade each class for behavior (A+ to F). The class with the highest grade received two homework passes. Did it work? Yes. First two classes were very well-behaved. The third class did receive a checkmark, but after they received that checkmark, they were dead silent for the rest of the class, hoping I would take the checkmark away. I understand, though, that not all schools I've been at will allow a teacher to take a student's recess away. And there's the matter of whether a teacher wants to spend his/her break watching students for detention. And, of course, some classes simply don't care and will be out of control no matter what the teacher does.

[@boblangford5514]

I disagree. I have been a sub and a full-time teacher. The teacher does not need to know every detail that happened while they were gone. Now, if there’s a fight, or someone gets hurt, of course, let the teacher know, but you don’t need to tell them things like “Chris gave me a bit of attitude during math.”

[@user-tt7lq3md7f]

I taught middle school for 14 years, been subbing for three. Tips are great. I offer kids "Fun learning brain breaks" for every so many minutes of good behavior and hard work. Always works! We do trivia contests (learning trivia, but interesting) I reward the winners with fun stickers I get from the dollar store . I teach younger kids to draw animals using shapes and I teach them the names of the shapes as we draw. I found a book at the library that teaches step by step drawing. Students who won't behave do not get to participate. This usually improves their behavior because they want to participate. When kids are very bad, I don't address them, but I stand near them as I teach and they usually stop what they are doing. If the class is loud walking in in the morning, I make them go in the hall and come in quietly. This sets the tone for the day letting them know I expect them to behave for the day. I reward the first three or so kids with a sticker first thing when they come in that are quietly doing what they are supposed to be doing and I let the class know. Even the older kids like stickers.

[@cedriciibullard3280]

I’ve been a substitute teacher for a year going into my second year. Some rules I didn’t even think about until now. Thank you so much!

[@elissa8242]

I just had my first sub job today with zero training and it was kinda chaos with the 6th graders! I came in an hr into school already as an emergency sub and I really should’ve watched your great tips first.

[@christinepia]

I’m sure you did great! Congrats on making it through your first day. Coming in last minute on emergency, ESPECIALLY for 6th graders, can be chaotic for even a seasoned teacher!

[@dialecticalmonist3405]

What is your salary? I am dying to know.

[@elissa8242]

@@dialecticalmonist3405 $190/day and it goes up to $200 after 40 days worked in the district in the same school year. Edit: I work in eastern Los Angeles County. And some days, I work longer hours than others but the pay doesn’t change to my understanding (only get paid once a month on the 10th, which sucks, so I haven’t been paid yet!). But some days are shorter like yesterday I went from 8-2:30 and had breaks of course.

[@DominiqueMassey]

@@dialecticalmonist3405I make $265 a day, in Camden, NJ one of the most difficult school districts. If I wanted to work in my county, they only was going to offer me $125, so I opped in for the challenging kids.. I wouldn’t recommend being white taking on the more challenging students. I feel like the students have more respect for me because I am a black woman who they feel they can relate to. I have thicke skin.

[@DominiqueMassey]

Ok, I will say this. I am a black woman 27 and I wanted to work in a district with the challenging kids because they were offering $265 instead of $125. I find it to be easy, I think when inner city kids see another black person, they have more respect for them. They know they can’t walk over them, I never was perceived as “soft”. I’m a sweet person and the kids respect me. I sub middle school, behavioral children.

[@vanessab3391]

Do yourself a favor and bring your own lunch. It will save you from the long lines, the salad bar which is breeding with germs, and you will avoid tiny portion sizes. After 3 days of eating cafeteria food, I got sick with a really bad cough.

[@christinepia]

Talked about bringing your own lunch in the video!

[@vanessab3391]

@@christinepia and I agree!

[@stephanieikonomou9453]

thanks so much! I just graduated college and want to experiment in classrooms !

[@WinWithKeshia]

These were great tips. I used to teach full time and now I’m a sub. I agree with all of these tips. ❤

[@jenniferflint188]

Great practical tips. Thank you!

[@linalee2135]

These are very helpful and practical tips.

[@DP-xz7pm]

Really appreciate this video, best one for me that other ones have not mentioned. Thanks so much!

[@christinepia]

So glad you found it helpful :)

[@JpegDog]

Seriously, thanks so much. I’m starting tomorrow at a high school and it’ll be my first time outside of student teaching. I emailed the teacher today, and still haven’t gotten a response but I suppose it’s reasonable that they will have a sub plan prepared for me before hand. I was so nervous but this video made me feel somewhat prepared.

[@Mslovely42]

How is subing going for you so far ?

[@JpegDog]

@@Mslovely42 It’s been a little over a month since I started. So far it’s been great. I’ve gotten recognized since then and some students greet me when they see me. Yes, there have been some disruptive students here and there but that’s just the kind of stuff you expect and you have to prepare yourself to correct that sort of behavior. I usually show up half an hour early to prepare by reading the sub plan over and writing what I can on the board. I also use the computer to brush up on subjects that I have not practiced. The pay is as expected, but I’m satisfied

[@ranamohammed4166]

Any tips for me l have interview next Monday for sub teacher in high school and Iam nervous what they will ask me

[@JpegDog]

@@ranamohammed4166 They might ask you if you know what your tasks will be. Make sure you know to show up at least 30 minutes before class starts, take attendance, and especially have backup plans. Sometimes the internet can go out, or the teacher might not leave you with any plans. It may help to prepare in advance by emailing the teacher ahead of time. Most of the time, they will have sub plans for you on their desk. But if they don’t, you can have a movie or KZbin video prepared for the students to watch. Don’t be afraid to ask the students what they did yesterday so that you have an idea about what they need to work on today. Another thing they might ask you about is why you want to teach. For me, it was about the experience of learning about evolution for the first time. It made me want to go to college and get a degree in evolutionary biology, and I wanted to share that knowledge with others. Looking back at everything else I learned, I figured out that everyone deserves a chance to obtain knowledge, and every subject can lead to opportunities in the futures of the students. They might ask you about previous experience teaching. The only experience I had prior to substitute teaching was when I apprenticed for 5th and 9th grade teachers as part of my undergrad curriculum. A lot of teachers will recommend substitute teaching if you say that you are interested in teaching, just so you can see if the career is right for you. That is why it’s okay to say you don’t have any prior experience, but you have prepared for the job by studying pedagogy and classroom management.

[@BangkokBound]

Thank you for this video, great information.

[@christinepia]

Glad it reached you :)

[@tileyahjudkins22]

☺️ Thank you so much for the helpful tips. 👍 I find-Tips that others have learned, to be 2nd to best-ly helpful because they too come from personal experience. I was thinking of becoming a substitute teacher for middle school because of the experience that adults had when I was younger.

[@christinepia]

That’s so thoughtful of you! Thank you for watching :)

[@tomiwafaith]

Hey thanks for this video! It was very helpful for me & thanks for all the great tips. I just got a sub position & I start soon. I’m so excited

[@christinepia]

Yay how exciting!! Glad you found it helpful :)

[@Talking_With_Gabrielle]

This was an amazing video!!

[@christinepia]

Glad you found it helpful! Thank you for your feedback :)

[@jenniferhofferth4816]

Seems intuitive….so cool to see it play out! I’d love to understand the thought process behind incentivizing defection over cooperation?

[@tomshowen8363]

Hired as a full time sub by a district. Third year. Tutoring after school can also help supplement pay.

[@christinepia]

That’s awesome! Thank you for sharing :)

[@GTA_500]

Some schools just sent you to the cafeteria in the morning with zero time to look over the lesson plan.

[@HoloHoloAdventures]

I appreciate the information. I’m about to start a sub position and I’m excited about it

[@christinepia]

Yay! I’m glad you found it helpful. Did you start already? 😊

[@HoloHoloAdventures]

@@christinepia YES! I've been subbing now for a month. Lots of great info.

[@christinepia]

Awesome 👏🏼 do you have any experiences to share?

[@KitKatB83]

Thank you! I'm working towards becoming a professor. First step, sub k-12 and TA while in grad school 😂

[@johnsaldana742]

Thank you so much for sharing the helpful 10 tips for being a substitute teacher !! I just got approved , and will be subbing very soon !! Looking forward on your next video. Thanks again !! =)

[@christinepia]

Awesome! Thank you for watching :)

[@Stem-Ja]

@@christinepia Hi I just recently graduated from CSUN and I am looking to start subbing, next school year. I live in Los Angeles and am having trouble finding my credential office to see if my Bachelors have courses that can exempt me from taking the CBEST. If you could please point me to the right direction, that would be great. By the way, your videos are such great resources. Thank you.

[@Babyboy_Matt]

Same here

[@mileycyrusfan4ever21]

thank you for this!! i am about to start subbing and this helped me a lot :)

[@christinepia]

Yay! Excited for you! Thank you for watching 😊

[@honestlygio7830]

Very true and on pt. I have been Subbing for years and watched this just out of curiosity.

[@jonathankhuzkian6419]

I'm 4 days away from my first sub job, and I dont know what im doing, lol

[@joannagipson12]

Same❤

[@user-yh2gv7tn7r]

Thank you for doing this because nobody wants to help anybody anymore.

[@laymilly]

its so crazy that i’m watching this. i literally student taught but am taking a year off after graduating college. i decided to sub and i’m nervous. idk why when i took over 2 classrooms before 😭

[@uncledoug9934]

I am going for the last part of getting approved to sub and asked the district's HR contact about liability coverage. The HR person said she had never been asked that question! I am waiting for an answer before stepping foot in a school as a sub. I do have a personal liability policy but it may not cover me as paid contractor. My insurance carrier is investigating this as well and a occupation rider may be required. And it may be expensive. After going through the training modules that outlines that YOU are responsible for everything and then on a chance little Johnny goes home and makes a false claim against you for something such as a reprimand, and little Johnny's parents sue you, YOU had better have some kind of liability coverage- especially subbing in a shop class. Has anyone else thought about liability possibilities or issues? Full time teachers have the benefits of liability coverage through the district and union representation including lawyers. What would you have if by some chance things went sideways?

[@davidalberty8951]

Oh wow I never thought about this.

[@arbitrarylib]

Very helpful

[@goldmagnillia]

i never saw the last video, but i was looking on yt for videos about how to become a sub. some of these things i’ve never thought to ask myself, so this video was very helpful. but i was wondering what degrees or certifications i would need to apply.

[@davidkist77]

First day 2morrow!!! Paramus, NJ

[@vanessab2392]

I have been a substitute teacher since Spring of 2017. And it is now Fall 2023. I went to a job as a P.E. coach. They could not find the sub plan so they sent me to Transitional Kindergarten, which was okay. In the middle of teaching, they came to look for me, and told me I actually needed to go to a school half an hour away, driving. I was going to open up the sub system, but instead I barely opened up my email. I showed them see this is my school. And they said on special instructions. I went to the other school, but I will never again sign up for P.E. or extra curricular ones. I don't like these shenanigans.

[@boblangford5514]

I have subbed in the past, and being moved from one grade to another does happen occasionally, but I have never been asked to drive to a different school. That is beyond ridiculous. Personally, I really liked the software that allowed me to choose which jobs I wanted to accept. I prefer the PE, Music, Art classes because I like having multiple classes for short periods of time. If a school moved me from the position I accepted to a grade that I do not like, I make a note of it and avoid that school in the future. I eventually had my favorite schools narrowed down and was still easily able to work 4-5 days a week. It’s also nice when the students get to know you and get excited when you are in their class for the day.

[@carolparker2868]

I no longer sub because of the challenges with too many disrespectful students, and too many students that are intimidating.

[@ambitiousbeauty1013]

Do you recommend elementary, middle or high school for new subs?

[@7ahadventure]

I have an interview tomorrow and I know I will do amazing but my anxiety is making me overthink too much , I am autistic and now sure how they will treat me if I am a permanent sub .💔😞

[@user-yh2gv7tn7r]

Can start subbing before you graduate. In other words, April is my graduate date. Can I start before. The only why I'm thinking subbing is because I just happened to see the video about Newsom and not having to take C-Best. I hard get all the information and make so you can't get hold of anybody,I'm going to use you as my go to. If you don't mind. Thank you.

[@davidgriffin1967]

What if you are asked your favorite color? How do you deflect this personal question?

[@cindyriehm7411]

Yes you want these things. But seldom get them!

[@vanessab2392]

When they ask you, "How much do substitute teachers get paid?" Do you answer or do you say I can't tell you?

[@CALIFORNIALOV]

Can you share advices what to do when you don't have a lesson plan ? That will terrifie me , I've never been a sub before but I will next year

[@DocLobster94]

Well in the South if it’s March and no lesson plan ncaa basketball is always on 😂

[@boblangford5514]

I subbed for years, and only once did I not have any lesson plans. I talked to one of the other teachers, and he threw something together for me. Other teachers will usually be very happy to help you. They want to create good relationships with subs.

[@discotechsam]

Hey Christine, I was told you do get benefits with LAUSD. Not sure if you know anything about this

[@christinepia]

I think that’s common in most districts unfortunately

[@laurelg6727]

Many districts offer benefits if you work a predetermined, minimum number of hrs each week/month. They may offer coverage, & u may have to pay full premium (district might not contribute).

[@bukunamatata]

where are good websites to find substitute teaching? I saw willsub plus but i didn’t know if it was legit?

[@LoveLupe300]

Love from Chicago ❤ I am new to this , getting my feet wet! Ahhh

[@ambitiousbeauty1013]

Do subs have to grade papers and make lesson plans?

[@christinepia]

It depends on whether you’re on a long term assignment or not.

[@Discovery_and_Change]

2:08 Tips begin

[@dialecticalmonist3405]

And they list the salary range anywhere from $18 to $51 an hour. Saying "it depends" is not useful. Having "no benefits" is only bad if the SALARY is also bad. So everything depends on the SALARY, yet this is the hardest information to obtain.

[@christinepia]

call the district you want to work for and ask.

[@tatyanaharvey2847]

Do substitutes receive a pension?

[@thehighllama8101]

I've been a sub in the Central Valley of California for the past five years. Here, you can become a part of the teachers' pension plan, called CalSTRS (California State Teachers' Retirement System). When you apply as a sub in a school district, they ask you if you want to opt-in for CalSTRS, although one school district I sub in forces you to join CalSTRS after a certain amount of time. I don't plan on being a sub, or in the education field, much longer, so I always opt-out.

[@user-yh2gv7tn7r]

I have to say it again,Im older so im with hands on and this age of new technology im not with it. The you say put a person up on game (information). Thank you.

[@angelcarroll2926]

So far all any school has called me in for was to be a custodian. My last job I was a janitor and I got so burnt out and depressed I don’t clean much. But I need the money I just wish they’d call me to help in a room not to clean the whole school

[@lancecarreno5260]

I think I'm in love with you 😍

[@boblangford5514]

Many districts allow you to go online, see available sub positions for the day (and future days) and you get to choose where you work. Look for a school district that does that.

[@davidramos1826]

Are you still a sub?

[@jasonlemons3045]

My wife was a sub.. No teaching involved. Teachers left a list list a list of crap for the kids to do. None of them wanted you to teach anything. She was a retired chemical engineer from a fortune 500 company. Subs are bull shit.

[@i.m.2bizee569]

I’m also a sub but applying to a different agency due to the fact that 80% of the schools in my city have blocked me. It will be a learning lesson in my future job and I have to work on assertiveness and worry less about a student’s feelings even if I’m doing the right thing. BTW you’re hot ❤️

[@onephatdude]

You're beautiful girl. Love your tips! You're really on point. Folks need to figure out how to generate income while the schools are on breaks because the schools do not give a damn whether we eat or not during their long breaks. I am tired of subbing also. It's a thankless job and we are not paid or appreciated near enough by the schools we serve. They make it too hard for educated people with degrees in something other than education + teaching experience to get licensed to teach. It's ridiculous really. I'm passionate about teaching and come from a family of educators and have taught for six years now (including teaching English fulltime in Korea), but the schools could not care any less! Honestly, i am probably just too much of a rebel and I don't kiss @$$. That's my biggest problem in addition to having a degree in journalism and not education. lol

[@SergioGomezSr7]

Lol

[@boblangford5514]

Here’s the life of a substitute teacher in a nutshell. During training: “Don’t EVER tell a child they cannot go to the bathroom. You let those kids go to the bathroom no matter how many times they ask.” Your first day: Student: “May I go to the bathroom?” You: “Yes.” (30 seconds later, another teacher comes into your classroom with the student) Teacher: “They know they are not allowed to go to the bathroom until 10 o’clock! Don’t let them walk all over you! Put your foot down!”

[@starpowerfitness9651]

Good looking

[@GTA_500]

In Texas they pay $75 a day.

[@neeshalove9922]

The district I'm in pays $117 a day.

[@ludielizsilaya7207]

My district is $110

[@michellejones9399]

Mine is $144

[@TheGirlElement]

Nooo way