Substitute Teacher

Work Responsibilities:  A substitute teacher is expected to project a professional demeanor at all times and to possess the necessary education, skills, good judgment, and common sense in order to manage and lead a class.  Substitutes are encouraged to contact the regular teacher if the assignment is for an extended period of time or whenever appropriate, for any clarification.  Building staff are also available for assistance and many teachers may maintain a collection of teacher "tested ideas" for your teaching area.  Vector K12 Training, the district online training program, may provide useful training to substitutes.

Preparing for Work Assignment:  Substitute teachers are expected to report to the school office prior to starting each day and remain at school until after students have been dismissed, unless prior arrangements have been made with the Principal.

• Before classes begin, the following should be checked:  fire drill and other emergency evacuation procedures; crisis commands; locate the class seating chart(s) and lesson plans; locate the materials and supplies needed during the day; find the library, restrooms, cafeteria, and staff lounge.  Information on these items should all be contained in the substitute packet provided to you at the school.
• Enjoy our students!  Friendly introductions, establishing clear expectations and consequences at the beginning of class sets a tone and helps students know what is required of them.  Learning student names enriches learning and encourages positive relationships.
• Looking at the assignment as a "challenge and an opportunity" conveys the message that learning can be fun.  Students will sense immediately whether the substitute has their best interests in mind.
• Follow the regular teacher's lesson plan, however, lessons may be enriched with information that is pertinent to the subject.
• Individual schools/departments may have additional procedures to be followed. Please inquire in the school office upon arrival.

End of Day Responsibilities:  At the end of the assignment, it is helpful for the substitute to write the regular teacher a note detailing what activities were attempted and/or completed, his/her contact information, as well as information pertaining to any problems that occurred.  The District values constructive comments on any aspect of school operations.  Leave the room as organized as when found in the morning and all doors and windows must be closed, the lights turned off, and all audiovisual equipment must be turned off.  Check in at the school office before leaving.