What NOT to do as a Substitute Teacher! | Tips for Substitute Teachers

[@ashleyluna4290]

Don't answer personal questions and don't let bullying slide should be added to the list.

[@eyaph]

I think the best subs are the one that dont care like: "Alright so your teacher is sick, so im his replacment for today. Just do your work and im fine with it"

[@medinaclarinetist6644]

If you are a mandated reporter (depending on your state/city) if you learn about any form of abuse you have to call the appropriate number not only report it to the counselor, if not you could be in legal trouble.

[@adrienneflowersscott9290]

Sure can.

[@1370sun]

There are number of messages in this video that freak me out. I'll touch on two. First is the snack issue. If the teacher says have a snack time, have a snack time. Snack time serves at least two purposes: One, feeding the kids. At least students have limited access to food at home, so it might be the only time of the day they get a snack. And, students do better academically when they have enough to eat. The second reason is snack time provides a brain break, AKA down time, for students and the teacher. Ten or 15 minutes of down time can make a world of difference. If a teacher is concerned about choking, talk to the district about first aid classes. The second message I'm highlighting concerns students sharing private details with subs. In most states -- if not all -- substitute teachers are mandated reporters, meaning they MUST LEGALLY report anything that may be neglect or suspected child abuse to the authorities. In most cases, substitutes would report to school administrators. This is a huge point! It's not a substitute's job to be a student's friend. It's to look out for the best interest of the student.

[@XI_ASMR]

Thank you

[@franciscocolin2008]

In California, we can be arrested and fined for not reporting something of that nature

[@davewebbtheauthor]

I agree with everything except snack. If the teacher has snack in the schedule, you give snack. Period. Some kids need the nourishment and may not have even had breakfast. If someone chokes you can get help from another teacher or adult. (It's never happened in my 35 year career btw)

[@my2cents49]

She isn't saying not to follow the teacher's schedule. She's saying that she has a fear of choking so she generally doesn't do it and recommends not giving food to students. It's mostly her personal preference. The school will usually give free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch to low-income students. As a substitute you don't know about dietary restrictions for reasons such as religion, allergies, etc. and kids can't always be relied on to tell you even if you ask. Especially young children. Personally if it's in the schedule I'd keep the snack time, but it won't help children who have no money for food because those students probably won't have a snack to bring. The teacher knows the kids and may keep things for them to eat, but as a sub one has to be careful with that.

[@davewebbtheauthor]

@@my2cents49 The teacher would know if she or he should give snack at that time. That's why they are the teacher and you are the sub. I stand by my comment.

[@bodhi1462]

Right. I like the "when in Rome..." as much as possible, but I only sub 7-12 so it is different.

[@ShilohTN1969]

We have to text our attendance to the clerk. Some districts are more relaxed about the phone.

[@jensmail7]

Thank you for the 4, 5, and 6 grade tips! I started subbing in November and have thoroughly enjoyed it until I subbed for 5th grade recently. I subbed for 5th grade twice before at a different school and had a great experience. The recent experience with 5th grade was enough to make me not want to sub at that school again. One male student was totally challenging me, being disrespectful, and worse rubbing off on the other students to act out. I was defiant and determined to not let him get to me or ruin it for others but I probably should have gotten another 5th grade teacher to come in or call the office to have someone come down and possibly remove the student. It really upset me because I didn’t quite know what to do. I was trying to be the adult and not let this unruly student get to me but he did after class was over. Now, I won’t hesitate next time to call for help.

[@arbitrarylib]

Yes, it's very frustrating when students do that because they don't understand that your core want for them is to be safe, and they keep fighting against that. Call for help next time, it's okay, but it's okay to make mistakes. When kids started punching each other I had to call admin, and you feel defeated either way but at least by calling for help you reduce physical harm and increase safety for the entire class.

[@CourageToLiveTrue]

No phone No food No giving money No clutter Not leave unattended Don’t let it slide To the office

[@marymartindale996]

Well! You have some very good tips. I have been a substitute teacher for a long time and have learned the hard way everything that you said thank you for the video. I look forward to seeing your others.

[@craftincrazykarri1880]

I recommend you look into classes for choking. CPR is a good one too. I think all subs should do them. Having them not have snack isent good. Some kids need to eat cuz they are growing, may not have snacks at home. I dont agree with you not doing it. Thank you for the video.

[@justMandy]

@@somethingsomethingmegan palease 🙄

[@rayva1]

One of the students in class was a Type I and had to have a fruit on her in case her blood sugar dropped. I came across a few students who were like that. Her guidance counselor tip was a good one though.

[@rayva1]

@@somethingsomethingmegan good judgment can also be exercised in some situations. Gen Ed teachers would sometimes warn if one of the students had a serious medical condition and might require accommodation. I also worked in a class where a student was a Type I diabetic.

[@jessesoriano8180]

Nice job. Very relevant points. Awareness sounds key.

[@ShilohTN1969]

In some high schools, things are more relaxed about phone use. If there are 8 AP Cal students, there is no reason to sit there and stare at the walls. If they are general freshman, keep your eyes on them and stay on their case. AP students in the upper grades don't require that kind of intense supervision or structure.

[@bodhi1462]

Exactly. You have to adapt to what you get.

[@fotismichael1877]

I wear a safety pin with dangling ornaments on my lapel and tell students each one represents a body of someone who disobeyed my orders. Works like a charm... Yeah, so are any of your districts hiring? :)))))

[@roberthutter74]

Thank you for sharing. After a career in law enforcement, I decided to Sub full time. I wish I did it sooner. I really enjoy it.

[@AshleyBarron]

Aww! That's so awesome! Congrats!!! Wishing you nothing but the best!!(:

[@francescaraballo2248]

At least you enjoy it. I hate it

[@deviantsemicolon618]

Imma just screenshot this comment so there’s no context for it whatsoever.

[@rayva1]

Well if the students are using their phones in class to access their class course, what’s there to tell on the teacher for?

[@vanessabayardo9788]

What would you do on the day that u arrive and parents tell you that they need to turn in money for whatever and they don't have change? I just told them I didn't have change and try the main office. Fortunately it worked but shouldn't it be their responsibility to bring exact change??? I'm sure they don't do that to the full time teacher. I am sure.

[@nadiakurdi570]

I have started just today as a subteacher and I have to admit that was so terrible day.. Kids ask a lot to go to the bathroom and actually I did not know what to do and what to say to them. And please how can I report what serious issues that kids sometimes tell?

[@AshleyBarron]

Hi Nadia! I'm so sorry you had a terrible day! It will get better and become easier! If you need to report any serious issues that a child tells you I would let the teachers in the same grade know about it and I would also let the front office know! You want to make sure you let someone else (who is in a higher position than you) know! Always report! If they're asking to go to the restroom alot let them know before class that they will only be allowed to go to the restroom one time throughout the class and that is all. Also tell them that they only have two minutes to go to the restroom if not you will have to send them to the office (you're not going to really send them if they take more than two minutes, its just a way to make them hurry up!) If they say that their teacher lets them go as many times as they want, let them know that you are your own person and you make your own rules!! Let me know if you have any more questions! Im more than happy to help! Wishing you the best in your journey!!! Have a great week!

[@vanessabayardo9788]

"You're teacher is not here today. I'm here. My rules are..." is always followed with "but our teacher let's us". It's a never ending cycle.

[@klassycountryk]

"Look at me. I am the teacher now." 😂

[@qj9673]

"Yeah , YOUR teacher let you ..but now I'm the teacher so if you aren't following the rules on the board a certain someone might be staying after class :)" . 💀

[@Shared-Experiences]

Yea and the questions omg the questions

[@HoloHoloAdventures]

Great information. I appreciate it

[@smyrnasstory]

Great advise. Thank you!

[@JENNerationX]

As a former full time classroom teacher - I have had nightmare subs - I was only absent when I was a few days dead 💀 rather than have to deal with that again. Great tips -

[@juztnlast953]

How specifically did you deal with the student who made the ugly remark about the teacher?

[@Sanakkk]

Thanks for the video. It is very informative.

[@divagirl10]

Great tips! Embarrassed that I am probably 18 years older than you and u know more than me!!

[@svme2323]

Thank you.

[@heidihiyalaschleicherindig3006]

Sub lessons are on my phone!!

[@kenszymkowiak6437]

If you don't know how to save a person who is choking, you can learn. I wonder if other teachers are not sure. If that's the case, then the school can have an in-service training on the techniques. They're not difficult, but they can save a life. Would you want to know you could have saved a life but didn't because you didn't know how? You strike me as a person who would carry that incident for the rest of your life.

[@emmanuelfatokifatoki2917]

miss Ashley can I use my phone to check the time in class at school as a substitute teacher(sub)

[@syedalam6979]

I wanna be a teacher when I grow up

[@AshleyBarron]

That's awesome! Teachers/Educators are always needed and I believe it's a very great field to go into!(:

[@BethanyThiele]

I’m glad to see a video about this stuff! I’m a teacher and I’ve have some wonderful and horrible subs. I wish they would all watch your video!

[@divagirl10]

Be careful! Choose your district wisely! I work in a low income district with really bad behaviors..and despite 5 years of experience and almost 3 degrees I STILL struggle

[@maryjeanholt57]

Thank you for this very informative video. Just hired as a Substitute Teacher, and I am still completing the paperwork. I am not done yet with the orientation yet, however, I just want to have an idea as to what to expect. I have some few questions: 1. Do you need to ask for the Employees' Manual for that particular District your Subbing? I am hired by a Third-Party Staffing Company, and they have their own Manual. I am just wondering, if in case of conflict, which policy we will follow. 2. On your first day, of course, you will go to the office to clock in, right? My question, does the staff or secretary will give you some brief directions? For example, where to get the lesson plan. What will be the right questions to ask? Thank you very much.

[@AshleyBarron]

Congrats on getting hired!👏🏻 If I were you I would ask for their rules and guidelines but you are free to ask for them if they will ease your mind. I would probably ask the company to confirm as to which policy you should follow. On your first day, it's best to go to the office, there they will tell you which classroom you are in and they tend to tell you how to get to the class. Some even have maps of the campus. The lesson plans are typically always on the teacher's desk. I never had a teacher not leave me any work/lessons for them. For whatever reason you find yourself not having anything for the students, I would simply go to the teacher next door and see if she has any extra work for them. The next-door teachers are most of the time very nice and helpful. Hope this helps! Best of luck and congrats again!😊

[@elijahmccoin527]

RICHARD -I am a high school sub- agree with all of your tips.I will be going on my 4th year. We have all of what you mentioned.

[@saramclaughlin958]

I made the mistake to give a kid some money for lunch; not as a substitute but as a lunch assistant needless to say that kid started asking for money. So I just had to tell him, I don't carry cash, which is true but oh,boy, i learned the hard way...

[@irwinsaltzman979]

In intermediate or lower grades It is mandatory to move around the room. Your physical up close presence is very important to maintain discipline( keep order in class) . Donot talk about yourself. Kids ask you these questions to get out of doing work. The kids are not interested in your biography.

[@divekatdreaming]

Hey teacher! Affirmative means consenting to a statement or being supportive or encouraging. You were saying that subs should not let kids get away with things but to be affirmative ie. encouraging. You meant to say that sub should be firm or unyielding, steady or resolute with them. As a teacher, it is important to have a good grasp of vocabulary as you are, indeed, always teaching.

[@ReginaldKennedy-s9n]

Awesome wisdom Ashley. Very much appreciative of your tips. Can you send me information to me about the $1,000 in 2 hours job? Thank you very much Reginald

[@AshleyBarron]

Hi Reginald! They are actually hiring right now considering summer is fast approaching. I would definitely check them out. I believe I have a link in that other video you are referring to. I do know their requirements have changed. As of recently you would need a teaching certificate and a Bachelor's degree in order to get hired. Just a bit of a heads up if you are thinking about applying. Their hiring process though is pretty easy and straight forward and they are super nice! I hope you it all works out for you! Let me know if you have any more questions! (:

[@alexazuewsky7658]

Damn if a sub told me no snacks at snack time, I’d be tight

[@werywickedwitch7822]

And then WWIII breaks out because I don't let kids have snacks at snack time. Yeah no. I don't know what school district in America allows teachers to skip snacks. I mean that's nice for you, but no way I could forbid snacks.

[@justMandy]

You seriously skip snack time? Children NEED snack time. I would be so mad if a sub didn’t give my child their daily snack. Deff if they are small. It helps re boost the brain. Small children and even big children need snacks. Stop living in fear. Anything could happen. They could break their arm on the playground, are you going to not let them have recess? Sheesh.

[@AshleyBarron]

Each substitute teacher sets their own rules. If a student needs to have a snack (for medical reasons) the teacher can leave the substitute a note about the particular student and the substitute can send the student to the nurse so she/he can eat their snack. They’re not gonna die if they don’t have snack time. And breaking their arm during recess? That’s an extremist point of view. It’s not living in fear. It’s being smart and cautious. Again, each substitute teacher can and should set their own rules as they want.

[@seanhein6599]

@@AshleyBarron My districts have snack time and recess combined and there's no skipping snack and it's not the sub's decision to make. It also illustrates the importance of a snack time. Breaking their arm during recess is totally possible and choking can also be seen as an extremist view.

[@hayley1868]

Man......you don't know my school students mother Teresa school ranjhi jabalpur india

[@lindag3650]

It seems like you have a lot of common sense.

[@RebeccaLynnMusic]

👍🏽 💕 Attention span, not spam. ;)