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Chapter Two Summary of Suggestions*

1. Schools should provide substitute folders to substitutes, containing:

  • The time schedule of classes for that day
  • The class schedule and room or room numbers of the teacher for whom the substitute is substituting
  • Where the absent teacher's lesson plans are located
  • Name or names and telephone numbers where the substitute can find help
  • Referral forms and/or discipline procedures
  • A school map with the faculty restrooms and faculty lounges clearly marked
3. If you have time before class, locate seating charts and study the lesson plan.
4. You should write on the board, preferably even before the students come into class, that the regular teacher is out, thank the students for their expected cooperation, and sign your name.
9. Regular teachers should leave a substitute room to write on the board.
13. Start the class with a positive, pleasant attitude, if possible.
15.Quickly switch to strict discipline with middle school students who are getting out of control.
17. Set a tone of cooperation and good will at the beginning of the class, but modify your behavior and attitude toward the class if it becomes necessary to modify their behavior.
21. Realize that you are only holding the line on discipline for the length of your substituting assignment; it is the job of the regular teacher to set the standards and hold the line on discipline all year.
23. Regardless of how permissive the regular teacher is, don't tolerate behavior that is obviously unacceptable.
26. When on hall duty or some other supervision duty, have a pleasant manner.
28. Don't get into verbal or physical confrontations with students.
36. Be aware of the current reality of education and adjust to it.
* Includes 12 of 36 suggestions

Excerpted from The Substitute Teaching Survival Guide, Grades 6-12: Emergency Lesson Plans and Essential Advice, by John Dellinger (March 2005, $19.95, Paper) by permission of Jossey-Bass/A Wiley Imprint.

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