Getting Started Training
Congratulations for investing your time into becoming a great teacher! Being great means being prepared for whatever the day will throw at you. As a sub, every day can be different, and being prepared can be the difference between an enjoyable experience, or a negative one, for both you and the students!The team here at HelloSubs wants you to enjoy your work and to help you excel in the classroom! Without proper training, this job can be tough so we've put together everything you need to get off to a great start.
Tips and Tricks from a school administrator
1. Stay off phones during class time
2. Ensure students are completing assigned work
Some more recommendations for effectiveness:
**What to Do** - Give specific, actionable directions rather than telling students what not to do. "Open your Chromebook to the assignment" vs. "Stop talking." Subs should narrate exactly what students should be doing.
**Positive Framing** - Assume the best and frame redirects positively. "I need to see pencils moving" vs. "You're not working." This maintains a productive tone even when redirecting.
**100%** - Expect and enforce full compliance with instructions. If 3 students aren't working, don't continue until all students are on task. The sub's presence matters.
**Threshold** - Meet students at the door. This sets tone immediately, allows the sub to greet each student, and establishes the classroom belongs to them for the day.
Subs should circulate constantly, check work completion (not just quiet compliance), and know where the assignment is posted before class starts. Phone should be in pocket, not hand.
SubSchool
Especially if you're new to subbing, start off with this free, fantastic course from our friends at SubSchool! This self-paced course covers a little bit of everything from understanding the role of a substitute, preparing for your first assignment, the day in the classroom, and more. The course will take roughly 90 minutes, when you're done send us a copy of your certificate and let us know what you think of it! Teachers that complete this training become eligible to receive priority job notifications.
Classroom Management Training
Want to learn more about how to manage a classroom? Check out our free Classroom Management course. This 35 minute course will provide you with specific strategies you can implement in the classroom to effectively create a safe and calm learning environment.
Additional trainings we love!
De-Escalation Strategies for When Students Push Your Buttons
10 De-Escalation Tips, Techniques & Strategies
Great tips to get started! (15 minutes)
Sub teacher tips and advice (16 minutes)
How To Be A Great Substitute Teacher
27 videos covering how to work with every grade level, special needs, lesson plans, discipline, and more! Check it out before starting any new type of assignment to make sure you’re ready and confident!