As a substitute coordinator, I have a confession: Yes, we will take on almost any competent teacher if weâre dealing with a serious enough teacher shortage.
When weâre not midcrisis, though, we get really choosy. Everyone wants the best for our studentsâand our teachers! So if youâre looking to get more sub work, here are some things we look for when we decide who gets those first calls, texts, and emails for jobs. Many of these may seem like no-brainers, but if you can meet as many of these as possible, I promise youâll get more sub work at the school of your choice.Â
1. Follow the lesson plan.Â
Imagine being struck with the seasonâs worst flu, a wicked dental pain, or some other miserable ailment. You muster every last drop of energy for a sub lesson plan, but when you return to the land of the living, you find out that your substitute didnât follow it or said they got through it in two hours instead of eight!
Itâs okay to take a little latitude with the plan, but always remember that someone put a lot of work into it. At a time when theyâd be best served taking care of themselves, they were taking care of their class ⊠and YOU. Ignoring that is a sure way to get passed over when your name comes up in the sub pool.
2. Keep an eye on the clock.Â
Be early, and stay all day. Itâs that simple. Coming in early gives you time to get yourself situated, hit the staff lounge, and review that lesson plan. Youâre ready and smiling when the kids start walking in the room, not rushing around trying to get your bearings.
Youâre confident and ready to workâand you stay that way: All. Day. Long. Just like the teacher whose shoes youâre trying to fill, you hang in there until at least that final bell. You show up for any extra duties assigned, and you never cut out early. Gold star.
3. Take good notes.Â
But donât overdo it. Your teacher just got back from who knows what. They want to know whatâs going on, but they donât have time to read a novel before they have to get right back in the swing of things.
4. Sprinkle kindness like confetti.Â
Having a chummy relationship with a certain teacher or group is great, but turning on the charm for all the folks you run into each day is a way to make a name for yourself. When youâre tempted to complain (about anything), donât.
People will remember you. Theyâll ask about you in the office. You are constantly building a reputation. Make sure itâs a good one by being a bucket filler instead of a bucket dipper.
5. Be flexible.Â
Sometimes things change during the time between you committing to a job and you walking through the door. Trust that administrators and staff are working on the best solution for the best coverage at all times. If youâre asked to switch roles on the fly, jump at the chance. You will instantly gain VIP status, because everyone loves a team player.
6. Take initiative.Â
You know that down time you find yourself with? When the teacher is usually doing prep? Use it to work on your own notes, clean up the classroom, or even ask team members or other staff if they need any help. Your energy will not go unnoticed.
7. Ask for help ⊠but not too much.
If your classroom is getting out of control, ask for help. Different schools have different ways of doing this, but most often good resources to have on hand are the teachers next door, other teammates, and the folks in the front office.
When you get in early, make sure you introduce yourself to those people and find out the best way to reach them when youâre in a pinch. But donât abuse it. Not doing enough troubleshooting of your own can lead them to wonder if youâre a good fit.
8. Stop bribing students.Â
Teachers spend every second with students building equity. Their relationships take a lot of work. Donât expect to step in for the first time and have instant connections and success. You may be tempted to bring them candy or gifts or offer special treatment. However, if itâs not in the lesson plan, itâs not worth doing.Â
9. Be there or be square.Â
Look, we donât always expect you to be able to drop everything for a last minute job, but we do expect the best subs not to ghost us. Whether you can or canât help out, make sure to stay in touch.
If we donât connect right away, call or message us back as soon as possible. If youâre not sure you can do whatâs being asked of you, say so. Keeping the lines of communication openâand being direct, honest, and fair when you doâis a great way to keep your options wide without alienating any certain school.
10. Make nice with the office staff.
They have the beat on everything (and I mean everything) throughout the school. Youâll want them on your side when it comes to getting that callâand prioritizing resources when you get to come in. Want the best gigs, the best tools, the most help, and the fastest responses when you need them? Get in good with the office folks to make all your dreams come true.
11. Know when to zip your lip.Â
The news of the day is closer at hand than ever before. Sometimes a student might inform you of some major story before youâve even heard about it yourself. Other times, there may be updates on an ongoing situation buzzing around. Whatever the topic, consider whether it is your role to discuss it with the class before doing so. Most often, it would really be most appropriate for their regular teacher to address it, if at all. Remember: When in doubt, stick to the lesson plan.
12. Dress the part.Â
Youâre a substitute teacherânot a student. Whatever grade level youâre there for, dress for success. You want to be comfortable but professional. Try not to leave room for the permanent staff to question whether youâre serious about working there. Itâs all about R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
What are your best tips to get more sub work? Share your best tips in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, check out nine ways to prepare a substitute for your tough class.