Five Qualities of Top Substitute Teachers

Source4Teachers
Aug 9, 2017 · 2 min read

Sources4Teachers operates out of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and provides a comprehensive range of educational staffing services that includes recruiting, credentialing, and training. A leader in substitute teacher staffing, Source4Teachers strives to recruit substitutes with the ability to improve the classroom experience. The following list covers some of the top qualities for a substitute teacher.

1. Compassion: Demonstrating compassion to all students equally is essential for an effective substitute, regardless of whether certain students act out or unintentionally cause problems. The role of substitute places you in a position of authority and as a role model, making it your responsibility to model fair and compassionate behavior.

2. Creativity: Keeping students on-track and focused is a key part of a substitute’s job, meaning you may need to use creative strategies and approaches to keep students’ attention, since you lack the rapport the students share with their regular teacher. Additionally, you may need to create our own lesson plan if the regular teacher doesn’t provide one.

3. Communicative: The students in your classroom will be unaccustomed to your teaching style and classroom expectations, which leaves no room for miscommunications. Clearly articulate your expectations and deliver lessons in a manner that allows for student interaction and questions. Good communication will also help you relay information and feedback to their regular teacher upon his or her return.

4. Classroom management: Regardless of how well you prepare for a lesson, your students will retain nothing if you cannot control the classroom environment. Students may act out if a substitute fails to establish themselves as an authority figure. Begin the class by introducing yourself and clarifying your expectations and objectives for the day.

5. Insight: The ability to discern if a student is being truthful or dishonest is an important skill for a substitute. Students know what tricks and behaviors they can and cannot slip past their regular teachers, and may attempt to take advantage of perceived naivete.

Source4Teachers

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Source4Teachers provides highly qualified substitute teachers and faculty to more than 170 clients throughout the United States.

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