Effective Classroom Management For Substitutes
Taking Control of a Foreign Classroom to Enable Learning and Respect
Dec 12, 2008
While teaching in general is difficult, due to the rising amount of disrespectful and disruptive students, the stress put upon a substitute teacher is magnified times ten. It is very important to stick as close as possible to the classroom regulations that the teacher has already put in effect as students are more likely to respond to something familiar. It is also very important for a substitute to maintain composure because once the students notice that their behavior is making an impact, the game is over.
The major (and essential) tools for a substitute teacher are a positive demeanor and strict adherence to classroom rules and regulations. It is also very important to follow through with the proper consequences for poor behavior. If a substitute can maintain control of the classroom, students will grow to respect his/her authority in a short time.
Have a Positive and Authoritative Demeanor
Kids have the handy ability to be able to tell if a teacher is not confident. Once they've realized this, they will take advantage of the situation – attempting to get away with everything, making poor choices, being disrespectful or disruptive.
As a substitute, it is important to be confident while in front of the classroom. Students will recognize this characteristic and be naturally inclined to listen or behave. It is also important for a substitute teacher to respect the students and treat them with the same respect that he/she is seeking in return.
Change impacts most students adversely. So, be sure to make a proper introduction, explain that the rules are no different than when their regular teacher is present and that the standard of classroom behavior should be the same as any other day. Students will naturally test the substitute's dedication to implementing punishments. So, if someone steps out of line, punish him or her. Students are sure to fall in line once they realize the substitute is serious.
Follow the Lesson Plans as Close as Possible
Since consistency is something that students will respond to, try to adhere as closely as possible to the lesson plans provided by the classroom teacher. Students will try to delay lessons, or feign understanding of course material to get out of doing an assignment or learning a lesson, but this should be ignored. If students are having trouble grasping a concept, explain it in a clear and concise manner and move on. It is important to get through as many of the lessons as possible.
Students are in the classroom to learn and as an educator, the substitute teacher has a responsibility to ensure proper learning in a proper environment.
Behavior Plans and Reward Systems
Be sure to adhere to a behavior plan. If a few students are a bit out of line, be sure to let them know what they can do to fix their situation and what the consequences/rewards for their actions are. If the students persist, enable the behavior plan and dish out the punishment. If the behavior improves, be sure to give out the promised rewards.
Often times, if a teacher receives a good report from a substitute, the class receives an award (ie. an extra recess, a movie day, a special treat, etc.). So, make sure to remind the class of this unique opportunity. Also, make sure to be honest in evaluating the class. If a class is trouble, make sure to let the teacher know. If the class was wonderful, be sure to notify the teacher.
Substitute teaching is a unique creature different from any other form of teaching. The substitute needs to be ready for everything and also needs to have the know how to deal with whatever is thrown in their direction. It is essential to bring backup plans in case of emergency and it is essential to take control of the classroom. By providing clear, consistent expectations in an authoritative and respectful manner the substitute is sure to gain respect and admiration from even the most wily of classes.
