As a teacher, it can be difficult to leave your classroom in the hands of a substitute teacher, especially if your class has behavioral challenges. However, there are steps you can take to help your substitute be successful, even in the face of challenging behaviors. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies to help your substitute teacher be successful in a behaviorally challenging classroom.
1. Provide Clear and Detailed Instructions:
One of the most important things you can do to help your substitute is to provide clear and detailed instructions for the day. This should include information about classroom rules, behavioral expectations, and consequences for misbehavior. Be sure to communicate any strategies or techniques that have worked well in the past for managing challenging behaviors.
2. Build a Relationship with Your Substitute:
Another important step is to build a relationship with your substitute teacher. Be sure to introduce yourself and provide contact information in case they have any questions or concerns throughout the day. This will help to establish trust and open lines of communication.
3. Establish a System for Managing Behaviors:
It is important to have a system in place for managing behaviors in the classroom. This could include a behavior chart, a rewards system, or a plan for consequences for misbehavior. Be sure to communicate this system clearly to the substitute teacher and provide any necessary materials, such as a behavior chart or rewards stickers.
4. Make Accommodations for Students with Special Needs:
If you have students with special needs in your class, it is important to communicate any necessary accommodations to the substitute teacher. This could include things like seating arrangements, visual schedules, or sensory tools. Be sure to provide any necessary materials and explain how to use them.
5. Check-in with Your Substitute:
Finally, it is important to check in with your substitute teacher throughout the day. This could include a phone call or email to ask how things are going, or check-in during planning periods if you are able to visit the classroom. This will help to ensure that everything is going smoothly and provide an opportunity to address any concerns.
While leaving a behaviorally challenging classroom in the hands of a substitute teacher can be stressful, there are steps you can take to help ensure their success. By providing clear instructions, building a relationship, establishing a system for managing behaviors, making accommodations for special needs, and checking in throughout the day, you can help to set your substitute teacher (and students) up for success.
