Tips for Substitute Teachers

Hi everyone! I hope you find this video helpful and please be sure to share some of your tips below.
IG: / amandaros3life
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Frequently Asked Questions
What grade do you teach?
12th grade
What subject do you teach?
Government and Economics
Where are you from?
NYC, I teach in Brooklyn
How long have you been teaching?
2019-2020 school year will make 8 years

[@andreyaaugst6247]

anyone else here 4 hrs before their first sub job with no experience scared out of their mind ?

[@theeririi3749]

How'd it go😏

[@andreyaaugst6247]

@@theeririi3749 it was actually really good ! XD

[@anatomicallycorrupt]

Me but it’s like a week beforehand. How did it go? What was it like? What grade did u sub for? Sorry I’m just nervous lol

[@andreyaaugst6247]

@@anatomicallycorrupt it was good and im still doing it now! i was overthinking way too much

[@andreyaaugst6247]

@@anatomicallycorrupt and i subbed for like lots of grades elementary through high school

[@blessedandfavored9242]

I’m a HS student....this is funny but she has great tips! We can smell intimidation

[@caseycontreras1521]

It’s my first day subbing at a high school tomorrow, I still LOOK like I’m in high school so I am worried that they won’t take me seriously, but I’m about to put on an Oscar winning performance cause I am not letting them know that I’m nervous!

[@amandaros3]

Hahah! 1. Good luck and you will be fine! 2. I subbed really young too (22 and looked like a HS student as well). It's all about your presence! It's ok to be nervous, just don't let the nerves control you. Good luck!

[@anatomicallycorrupt]

Pls I literally graduated high school last year😭 I’m 18 with no experience and I’m gonna start subbing at elementary level in about a week. I’m nervous but also excited. I’m excited for the overall experience but I’m nervous for the first few days because I know it will be awkward when I barely know how things work😭 any advice?

[@itoreolorunda]

@@anatomicallycorrupt if you’re in elementary don’t worry as much, students will look at you like you’re older!

[@hola.es.paola07]

Girl same! I'm starting high school tomorrow and I look super young, oh and I hate standing in front of people and talking jajaja

[@emilyhoekstra3103]

I am 19 and I will be subbing at a high school in a couple of days!!! ahhh!!!!

[@dominiquejones3206]

I substitute teach and I always leave a very detailed note. I will say most students are very respectful but I do think you have to gain that respect. If you don’t put your foot down THEY WILL run all over you. Some students will push and push and once you correct them everyone else calms down! Great tips 💕

[@MLizardkingfm]

I subbed for over a year but definitely fake it till you make it. Kids smell fear...

[@Slicersbaby08]

I wish I would have known this because I had my first two days and I was scared to death

[@MLizardkingfm]

@@Slicersbaby08 aawww it’s ok! Congrats to surviving!!!!

[@garnette396]

I substitute teach in Toronto. For the students they consider it a Free Day. It always runs differently than if their home room teacher was there. I’m fact, it tends to be more fun.

[@DorothyOzmaLover]

Being a hist/eng/music teacher I agree about stickers cuz I'd use em as incentives to get high school students--including seniors--to work on assignments, and as rewards for staying calm in their seats if they finished early or as rewards for doing clean up in the room. Specifically, I found stickers that are Emoji, comic book characters, food/desert, or hearts are very motivating to all ages of high school students. Regarding another tip for subs or teachers since I'm now a high school and adult school instructor, I know a tip about making a deal between teachers who have the best behaved/productive class and the best sub who keeps students on task as well as the room clean where the teacher and sub agree to work for another is useful to know. Since I was such a sub who was requested a lot by teachers, I'd make a deal that I'd be the reoccurring sub for a teacher if he/she would train the class on how to properly behave for a sub and if the teacher had all assignments including backups ready for me the day before which were emailed to me the afternoon before I had to sub so I could know exactly what I had to do before arriving at the school. Then, when other teachers see the best sub only working for a certain teacher, some will wonder how to get that best sub and eventually agree to make the same deal w/ the sub who has made it a bit easy to manage a class that might have been challenging if the teacher had not trained it to behave for a sub. Now, as a teacher I make the same deal w/ my preferred sub.

[@amandaros3]

Hi Dorothy! Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed response and providing so much detail to building relationships with the teachers in the building. It sounds like that school allows the teacher to have A LOT of input in who covers for their classes. I've never heard of that before but it's great to know that team work exists so greatly even with the sub and classroom teacher

[@ashleyc724]

Thank you for these wonderful tips! I subbed for 3. 5 years before getting a permanent position. I would also say that building relationships with the students is imperative. Walk around the classroom while students are working. See if anyone has any questions. Many times, a substitute teacher will sit down and take out a snack or something to eat while the students are working. I've even seen a substitute teacher once take out the newspaper! Students can tell whether you care about them or not. When they see that you are truly interested in helping them, that will go a long way. Students may even ask the permit teacher for you again if they truly like you.

[@tracey6999]

Great Advice!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@fistoflegend1564]

This's good advice for subs to have a great day.

[@itoreolorunda]

going to put in my application soon to practice before i student teach this fall! thank you for the tips! :)

[@valeriemillette6982]

So so helpful- thank you for these tips!!

[@amandabarclay2954]

Thank you so much for sharing your tips. As a new sub, I’m always looking for ways to make the day better for the students and ways to encourage good behavior

[@davidginsberg6700]

Amanda I am a substitute teacher in Southern Maine in a high school setting and all of these tips are spot-on. I am one of the more requested substitutes in my building, yes at times I might come across as strict because like you mention you do need to have a strong presence but given enough frequent appearances in that same location some students have come to regard me just like any other teacher. This will also be my final year as a substitute before becoming a fully licensed classroom teacher, I think it will be so helpful for me as a classroom teacher who has had substitute teaching experience, thank you so much for your video!

[@amandaros3]

Great point. When you report to the same school frequently there is a greater likelihood that the students will respect you and treat you just like any other teacher

[@davidginsberg6700]

@@amandaros3 If Maine schools reopen this will be my third year at that school.

[@sp-gc2qg]

Can you share your responsibility as a high School Sub teacher?

[@Jmsanti80]

I will be a new sub this year and this video is a great help. Thank you for taking the extra time to break it down into sections so that the viewer can go back and re-watch certain parts that they might want/need to write down for themselves. Great tips!

[@stephanieschnobel6696]

Really good points for teachers anywhere I think and very articulate ♥️

[@lindseyhorsman5192]

I love to greet students at the door and do a high five or first pump and say hello welcome, then after introductions I like to do a quick few minutes of good things asking students if they have a good thing they would like to share. Usually breaks the ice and the kids know that I am a personable friendly person and I genuinely care. Thanks for these great tips!

[@beverlysimple411]

Thank you. I will definitely use this tips.

[@heatherm9889]

I know this is an older video, but I enjoyed your tips. I plan to become a substitute teacher in the Spring. I'm going back to school in the fall and want to get a couple important courses finished before I start subbing.

[@Belindasdiys]

Thank you for sharing your tips they were very helpful! Good job!!! This will be my first year in subbing so thank you once again this video was very helpful!

[@tanyas.9688]

This video was extremely helpful! I was just hired to sub teach and haven't even started yet. I will be SURE to keep all of your tips in mind. Thank you for being so generous with your tips!

[@romanm9718]

This is great advice. You cover all the bases.

[@smyrnasstory]

Great advise. Thank you!

[@keencrookston]

This video is amazing. Thank you so much for the insights. You were clearly made to be a teacher.

[@azhotmom]

"Be confident, even if you don't really know what you're doing." Lol that would be me haha thx for these great tips

[@LGKids]

Lol! But true! Peace!

[@Unique19Girlie]

Im about to start my first day as a sub on Tuesday and freaking out. I’ve worked with students before but never a whole classroom. Thanks for the tips

[@KAYLearningEnglish]

Congrats! I loved your tips

[@Daniel-et8dc]

Thank you Amanda 🙌🏻 🏫📚

[@terriray5993]

Awesome advice. I been in Education over 25 years. I'm a certified teacher but jus enjoy subbing. Great tips before a person goes into the classroom especially for the new ones entering the workforce of education.

[@blacgirl1980]

Thanks for the great advice, tomorrow will be my first day substituting. 🙏🏽🤗

[@jeylabrosher2417]

Thank you very much for your advice it is so big help for new substitutes teacher .🌹

[@kawaiifun4kiddiesgames]

Thank you so much this will be very helpful for me because I care about students but I’m also nervous 😅 so I want to make sure I do the best I can and this video helped me a lot!

[@andrevvve]

I’ve been looking around KZbin for tips and I think this has been the best one yet! Thank you for sharing.

[@LuisRodriguez-tm1ld]

Beautiful and well spoken ❤️

[@barbaraking4624]

Thank you, very informative and helpful!

[@hoosierlawyer]

I've watched several of these "tips to substitutes" videos. This is BY FAR the best. Full of useful tips beyond the 10 major points. VERY well done.

[@amandaros3]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

[@EverSoNina]

Great tips! Thanks so much!

[@marymartindale996]

Excellent video. It was really great to hear from a regular teachers' point of view about what they need subs to do. Even I, with 25+ years of subbing experience learned a thing or two.

[@SalmaVilla]

Thank you Amanda! Tomorrow’s my first day and you’re the type of teacher I aspire to be.

[@tomover9905]

How is your substitute teaching going?

[@HoloHoloAdventures]

Great tips. I appreciate it.

[@cindylu607]

This put me at ease (a little). Thank you!

[@amandaros3]

lol You're welcome!

[@kimbriaearl2468]

I start subbing Monday and needed this video!

[@amandaros3]

Good luck!

[@jennyadams274]

I love this!! I’m about to start subbing next week. Thank you!!

[@chanchanlove111]

First day subbing is in 2 weeks and am super nervous!! Your video was extremely helpful :)

[@jeannelle_]

I love these tips! I'm planning on subbing after I graduate, during spring semester (I have no idea what subbing will look like due to covid). I was engaged the whole time, you were spot on, to the point, and detailed at the same time. Thank you!! Saving this video!

[@amandaros3]

Ugh I know! Hopefully we can get some normalcy soon and thank you! Good luck with everything

[@taylortimeless]

I’m going into orientation next week. I got finger printed today. I had anxiety yesterday but now I am extremely excited. This video got to the point and told you exactly what you needed to know!

[@martit5381]

Thank you so much for this! I’m starting substitute teaching tomorrow and this made me feel so much better :)

[@tomover9905]

How's your sub teaching going?

[@paramedicchrisbookseries]

Thank you for all you do

[@nadfoy]

Very good and practical tips! Thanks for your useful and clear-cut video.👍🙏

[@natasadhar938]

Thanks a lot for all the little details you share. Really helpful.❤️ From India.❤️

[@therevolvingmonk]

Here in Iowa, they've eased the requirements for substitute teaching. The state now requires either an AA or a Para Certification + Sub Auth instead of a BA + Sub Auth/Certificate. I'm going to do the Substitute Authorization class in October. All of the districts in the area are desperate for subs and with where I live, I'll have the added benefit of variety as far as the type/size of school I could sub at. I live in an area with well over 100k+ people so there are two good-sized districts but I can also just as easily go to one of the smaller, more rural districts without having to go very far out of the way. I have a bunch of friends who are teachers and my mom is a retired middle school teacher who currently subs. My mom subs at one of the smaller districts and loves it compared to the rough schools she taught at in one of the big districts before she retired. I used to work overnights at a residential treatment facility for teens with behavioral/drug issues. It was a very mixed experience and I hated the hours but when things were going smoothly, I did enjoy it and working with the kids. I think working in a more normal environment and hours would be more to my liking. Thanks for the tips!

[@ashleyvideoproductions3591]

Awesome 👌 I start next week so excited!! Great tips.

[@amandaros3]

Good luck!

[@ashleyvideoproductions3591]

@@amandaros3 thank you! I'm going to be subbing on the first day of school! I feel so ready now watching your video. Thank you!

[@SquiddyJ]

I'm starting very soon, I'm so glad I found this! I'm so nervous

[@ShilohTN1969]

In rural districts, you have to be careful lest you be too strict. Being too strict is like not being strict enough. Be careful about escalating issues. Learn to pick your battles. And some schools have slightly different expectations than others. Some principals don't like subs writing too many students up or calling the secretaries/other teachers about every little issue in the class. With upper grades in high school, I would avoid being in their face too much. Take attendance, explain the assignment...relax. Trying to be overly strict can backfire. Major problems deal with but little silly comments from students are best ignored. Dont take every little comment to serious. Don't complain too much and keep a low profile...avoid gossip and drama.

[@ChrisRod78]

Amanda, I’m getting ready to start substitute teaching next week. This video was amazing! I had to grab a pad of paper and start taking notes shortly after the first few minutes. Thanks for your insight, I'll definitely use your suggestions as I go forward.

[@amandaros3]

So glad it was helpful! Good luck with starting your position

[@tainajohnson-silva5444]

This was the best most useful substitute teaching tips video I have yet to see! Thank you so much :)

[@amandaros3]

Yay! I am so glad you found it helpful! Good luck on your education journey!

[@ownyourfunk9282]

Food educator entering a real classroom for the first time... BEST + most informative video I've watch, thank you Amanda

[@amandaros3]

That's awesome! So glad I could help with that extra bit of encouragement. Good luck!

[@edwardrossman9448]

I'm hooked. You got me on The BeaTles T shirt.

[@lesliecastillo6545]

Thank you so much for the tips😊😊

[@nadiaraees]

Thank you , u r just wonderful and ur tips r really helpfull! Ty

[@amandaros3]

I'm glad they are helpful!

[@nadiaraees]

@@amandaros3 can u also help how to be a permanent teacher which course is REQUIRED? i am in NJ and currently subbing in elementary? If possible can u share ur contact so can text or talk on fb mess for details TIA

[@missky4316]

Thank you!

[@tekinah]

I start substitute teaching in brooklyn next week and i’m so nervous 😬 . This video helped a lot !

[@sarahkhalil6789]

So how did ur first day go?

[@tekinah]

@@sarahkhalil6789 great ! i really enjoy it, even amongst the pandemic

[@franciscocolin2008]

@@tekinah how often do you sub per week?

[@feathersketch4843]

I’m going to a substitute teaching workshop as a prospective sub tomorrow, and these tips put me at ease! I’m very new to teaching and fresh out of my second clinical semester, so all this is still new to me. Hopefully, subbing can be an opportunity to help me grow for student teaching in the Spring!

[@anastasiae.9110]

I think I want to start out as a substitute teacher because I think I will grow from that as a real teacher

[@amandaros3]

It's definitely a great experience to have under your belt

[@positivevibes3351]

Thank you for your advices I'm New here so I appreciate your channel and what are you doing thanks a lot and good luck

[@amandaros3]

Thank you, you too!

[@DanielCarlos-uw7wf]

Nice video greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@NeneMiko22]

Helpful.. thank you! :)

[@agsheena]

Thanks for sharing

[@popgaming2212]

I showed this to my mom who will become a sudstitute teacher this video is verey helpful my mom is a American teacher who subs hover elementary and abram Lincoln elementary and thank you

[@Kevfactor]

going to start in 2 weeks. i feel i had no training at all going into this lol

[@tynyralewis7124]

i am about to be a substitute teacher very soon! i'm also going to school for my bachelors degree to be cairn a real teacher one day! i'm so scared but excited

[@mohammedbinfahad9965]

nice I wish all the best for you good luk

[@corettejones]

Awesome tips, 30mi is a lot. But everything was on point.

[@olivershipley2461]

In England we call a semester a term and we are in a Easter break after Easter my sis subs she has a part time job in a school and will sub the rest she teaches history and geography

[@theonetruth1478]

I used to love having substitute teachers mainly cause I would swap classes with a friend on those days if they had one too XD I remember having theater class when I wasnt even in theater. Fun times!

[@Hramirez18]

Lol good one, like how would they know that’s not you? 😂😂😂😂

[@kimoramicheal8353]

Did you take the edTPA exam? If so, would you be able to make a video of that?

[@MudassarAbbas-bz8ri]

Mme, nice sharing. Thanks

[@jayjoy8134]

Hello I don’t know if you’re going to see this but I wanted to know how to practically make those sub cards that you were talking about. Like what should be on it and how should I make them. When I was In the sub in program for Monclair. I’m actually starting my Subbing experience Monday

[@ramseypietronasser2]

Very good

[@tacorriejohnson2138]

Thanks for the video. I’m a first time Sub in a area where I’m literally the minority.

[@bnmce123]

Hi Amanda. Do you have any other suggestions to add to student expectations that have worked for you?

[@phyllisareynolds803]

Y’all I’m an 18 year old girl bout to start subbing and I’m so scared 😂 I literally look 12

[@John-vc8qr]

Howd it go?

[@nathanjw940]

Thinking of going back to school in teaching. Thinking of giving it a taste as a sub. Special education is the direction I want to go into for personal reasons I think I can really help.

[@melissacoburn4440]

im just now starting

[@Tam-fu2ki]

I just became a substitute teacher, I’m so nervous I need to know what should I do from the minute I enter the school building

[@vanessab.c.7806]

I have about 5 years of substitute teaching experience. I started again this week. Without my previous experience, I would have been so upset to get their and find out, I would have a co-teacher (trust me, it can get frustrating), but I decided ok just, you know, do what she tells you, and when she clapped at me to hurry up, OMG, I was like ok I am just not coming back to this grade. And the following day of the week, I had middle school. Yikes! I already knew what I had signed up for. All I did was asked them to at least be quiet while I took attendance, so no one who was actually there would be marked absent. They were loud as can be, but I already knew that would happen. And in my experience, teachers do not like pages and pages of sub notes. So I kept it as short as possible, about 1 paragraph per class, where it was pertinent.

[@nyxdragoness488]

Are there any worksheet resources/websites in case there is no teacher plan for the day. I’m starting out as a sub soon as well 😅

[@kimoramicheal8353]

Hello! I actually just finished my masters degree in education! 🥳🧨. However, I just realized I am not in a rush to become a teacher. I definitely want to explore subbing first. So my question to you is, more than likely the pay will be a lot more so I plan to sub with a masters degree right?

[@231mac]

Concerning substitutes, most schools only care if you have a Bachelors, and that usually gets you an additional $20 a day. In Texas, a Masters normally gets you an additional $1000 _annually_ for full-time, certified teachers.

[@kayleegoff141]

Some students may trick the substitute teacher by saying our teacher let's us do anything we want. In college when I took music in the curriculum and the instructor would only allow certain people to sub because there were the only people that he trusted with his students because he also teachers in different places. I had a substitute in collage for a math class that was the instructor's mom and she covered for the class and she pointed at the computer. Screen and I had no idea of what she is saying. The next week the instructor asked us how was last week and we told him. A tip for teachers is to ask your students how was it with the substitute teacher.

[@amandaros3]

Oh yes! Very good point! Teachers should get feedback from their students as well

[@mrincredible7701]

How many days a week can I expect to work as a sub? I just got hired in late May. I worked a day right away, then like the first week of June I worked the entire week. I haven’t worked since though and it’s bummed me out. I’m not sure if it’s slow right now because of summer, but there are hardly any postings. And when a job does get posted it gets taken in seriously under a minute. Will it always be like this? Or will it get better during the normal year? I really would like to quit my other job that’s why. So I’m curious to know about how many days a week I will work assuming I never turn down work. Thanks

[@guidofeliz8384]

I wanted to be a math teacher but school officials, particularly the DOE, discouraged me from chasing my dream. I also recall CUNY guidance counselors discouraging me from pursuing my academic objectives. This was all done in an effort to keep certain minorities from reaching success and job security. So, I did others things with my life. Now at 59 years old with three college degrees, I find myself working as a security guard making peanuts for a living in a dead-end job. How about that for a story? Note: I also worked as a sub teacher in NYC for 8 years (2000-2008).

[@Ms.NigeriaParker]

I'm watching this during planning period. This is the first time I'm substituting for this high school.

[@amandaros3]

Good luck!

[@Ms.NigeriaParker]

@@amandaros3 it went well, thank you

[@ranamohammed4166]

Any tips for me l have interview next week for sub teacher for high school and also for the first time .

[@Ms.NigeriaParker]

@@ranamohammed4166 Just be honest. If you're in it for the money it's the wrong job. Your pay isn't a lot. At least where I live. But I had a few great teachers and I wanted to be someone's great teacher

[@neekaah1]

Hello what kind of stickers do u recommend? And where do u get them? I don’t want them to be childish or dumb or something kids wouldn’t like

[@kailynnickerson8905]

I'm subbing tomorrow at a middle school and I look 12 although I'm 20 lol I'm so nervous 💀

[@victorsheppard8305]

I recently like 20 minutes ago signed up to become a substitute teacher.

[@ShaShaNess]

Subbing at a elementary school wasnt bad. I cant imagine middle or high school. At least I was just a assistant so I had help

[@crystalmartinez4370]

Im nervous. I applied for a substitute teaching job and I have an interview tommorow and I filled all the papers requieres but I’m only 19 and I hope my age dosnt change my chances of getting the job. I think I would be great

[@BB-ps6of]

How do you use stickers as incentives? You put it on their assignments or the students shirt?

[@amandaros3]

Usually on their assignment. But if they are big and really cute ones I hand it to them and they can decide where they want to put it

[@harneetkaur6567]

Hi , i am new EA subsitute..its great vedio

[@juliabrown7600]

I'm a very shy person and the students knew it and they walled all over me. 😔😅 I subbed two middle school teachers so far. Some students were excellent, but a couple were bad. One yelled "no" back at me when I told everyone to keep it down the 4th time. I wasn't sure who said that so I just let it go.😒

[@juliabrown7600]

*walked

[@Jennaizm]

Mannnn you're not alone I'm subbing for elementary and these kids will literally walk over you if you let them! I'm having to put my foot down and I really don't want to do that. I really just want to relax and chill but you have to be stern or overlooked... I don't plan on subbing for long thank god!! Because it can get really stressful.

[@silviacarrasco9415]

Hi Amanda! Thanks for sharing this video. I just got hired as a short term substitute teacher here in IL but I am nervous and I have questions. I’ve already accepted an assignment but I haven’t been called from the school to confirm that I will be subbing for them or anything like that. Do I just keep waiting for someone to call me or should I call the school?? I don’t even have a school badge. Where could I get one? What do you recommend substitute teachers should take with them to work besides snacks and backup work for students?