Do substitute teachers make lesson plans?

Substitute teachers usually follow lesson plans left by the regular teacher, but for short-term absences, they often need to be prepared with their own backup activities, while long-term substitutes frequently create their own plans to maintain curriculum continuity and adapt to student needs, adhering to school standards. The extent of planning depends heavily on the duration of the substitute role and the preparedness of the absent teacher, ranging from simply executing detailed plans to developing entire units.

Do substitute teachers have to make lesson plans?

Do subs need to write lesson plans? Substitute teachers don't need to write lesson plans. Taking on this duty is for teachers, so one should be paid like a teacher. I wrote an entire three months of my own plans long-term subbing for an unplanned leave. I wouldn't recommend it.

What exactly are substitute teachers supposed to do?

Position Overview. Substitute teachers are vital for maintaining continuity in education when primary teachers are absent. They ensure that students' learning progresses smoothly and foster a positive learning environment. On a daily basis, substitute teachers manage classroom lessons and ensure student progress.

What should substitute teachers not do?

As a substitute teacher, avoid being unprofessional (using phone, snooping, rearranging rooms), getting too friendly or too strict, taking misbehavior personally, making threats, leaving students unsupervised, or failing to follow the original teacher's plans/notes, as these actions create chaos, erode authority, and can lead to safety issues or complaints. Focus on maintaining a firm but kind demeanor, enforcing clear expectations, and ensuring student safety and learning. 

What to do if there are no lesson plans for substitute teachers?

Have Go-To Resources on Hand. Like a magician, substitute teachers are always better off if they come to work with a bag of tricks they can dip into in when there's no lesson plan. Take some time to build a list (physical or online) of credible, go-to resources that you can bring with you to every class.

5 mistakes I made as a substitute teacher

Is subbing harder than teaching?

Subbing is often considered harder than full-time teaching because of the constant unpredictability, lack of established relationships, and pressure to manage classrooms with unfamiliar students and often incomplete lesson plans, requiring immense flexibility and quick adaptation, whereas a full-time teacher benefits from knowing routines, students, and curriculum, though they face the demands of planning and grading. While subbing offers flexibility (no grading/planning outside work), the day-to-day chaos, testing by students, and logistical hurdles (like finding the bathroom) make it extremely demanding. 

Can you make your own schedule as a substitute teacher?

For substitute teachers, one of the perks of the job is having the ability to choose your own schedule. Unlike full-time teachers, substitute teachers have more flexibility in determining when and where they want to work.

What is the #1 most important trait in a substitute teacher?

The number one common trait of successful substitute teachers is adaptability or flexibility, allowing them to quickly adjust to different classrooms, subjects, age groups, and unexpected challenges like missing lesson plans or behavioral issues, while maintaining a positive attitude and strong classroom management to keep students engaged and learning. 

What is the 70 30 rule in teaching?

The 70/30 rule in teaching is a principle that shifts focus from teacher-led instruction to student-centered, active learning, suggesting students should do 70% of the talking/practice and teachers 30% of direct instruction, or that teachers plan 70% for activities and 30% for content, promoting deeper engagement and skill development over passive reception, particularly in language learning. 

Why are substitute teachers quitting?

Substitute teachers are quitting due to low pay, lack of benefits, and poor working conditions like unmanageable student behavior and inadequate support, coupled with better-paying alternatives in other industries, leading to high burnout and leaving many feeling unprepared for challenging classrooms, especially in special education. The inconsistent work, lack of job security, and increasing demands make it a difficult, unrewarding job, driving experienced and new subs away. 

What are the disadvantages of being a substitute teacher?

Con: Subs have fewer days available to them to work.

While having a flexible schedule is definitely a perk of subbing, the downside is that there are many days you cannot work, even if you would like to, resulting in fewer opportunities to make money.

How many hours does a substitute teacher work in a day?

Most school days are about 6 to 7½ hours long, with time for lunch and often an open period. No matter what, you'll always have a story to tell from a memorable moment of the day. Most school days are about 6 to 7½ hours long, with time for lunch and often an open period.

Can substitute teachers leave for lunch?

Substitutes are entitled to the same lunch period as the regular classroom teacher whom they are replacing.

How do you write a substitute lesson plan?

What Teachers Should Include in a Strong Substitute Plan

1. Clear Lesson Instructions. Provide step-by-step directions for each class or period, including estimated timing. ...
2. Class Routines and Procedures. ...
3. Behavior Expectations. ...
4. Materials and Resources. ...
5. Emergency Contact Info.

What is the most difficult task for a substitute teacher?

For newer substitutes, one of the most daunting challenges is managing student behavior and dealing with an unfamiliar classroom environment. New subs often worry about whether students will listen to them and how they will handle behavioral issues.

What to do as a sub if no plans are left?

What To Do When There Is No Sub Plan

1. Ask Around. ‍ ...
2. Ask What Can Be Done. ‍ ...
3. Drawing / Coloring. ‍ ...
4. Fun Writing. ‍ ...
5. Seated Class Games. ‍ ...
6. No Personal Devices. ‍ ...
7. Pre-Printed Materials. ‍ ...
8. Movement and Competitive Games. ‍

What is the Goldilocks principle in teaching?

The 'Goldilocks principle' states that teachers should focus on material that is not too easy or too hard, but 'just right'.

What are the 5 P's classroom rules?

The 5 Ps of classroom management are common behavioral expectations: Prompt, Prepared, Polite, Productive, and Positive (or Patient), creating a framework for a respectful and efficient learning environment where students arrive on time, have materials, respect others, stay on task, and maintain an optimistic outlook. These principles guide student conduct, helping minimize distractions and foster a positive classroom culture focused on learning. 

What is the 10 minute rule in teaching?

The "10-minute teacher rule" generally refers to two different concepts: a homework guideline suggesting 10 minutes of homework per grade level per night, supported by the NEA/PTA, or a classroom management technique where teachers switch activities every 10 minutes to maintain student attention, reflecting brain research on focus. It can also mean a classroom policy (often called the "10/10 rule") preventing student interruptions or departures during the first and last 10 minutes of class to ensure clear instruction and wrap-up, notes Eastern Washington University.
 

What not to do as a substitute teacher?

As a substitute teacher, avoid being unprofessional (using phone, snooping, rearranging rooms), getting too friendly or too strict, taking misbehavior personally, making threats, leaving students unsupervised, or failing to follow the original teacher's plans/notes, as these actions create chaos, erode authority, and can lead to safety issues or complaints. Focus on maintaining a firm but kind demeanor, enforcing clear expectations, and ensuring student safety and learning. 

Why is subbing better than teaching?

It's a wonderful way to gain experience while you're on the path to becoming a certified teacher. Substitute teaching is also perfect for those who want a flexible schedule that suits their lifestyle. Subbing can give you exposure to various schools, grade levels, subjects, and locations.

How many days a week do subs work?

While substitute teaching is a flexible job where you can set your own schedule, some guest teachers really want a long term substitute teacher job that resembles full-time employment. At most school districts across the country, substitute teaching hours are scheduled to be 6-7 hours a day-up to five days a week.

Can you make a living off of being a substitute teacher?

Yes, you can make a living as a substitute teacher, but it depends heavily on your location, willingness to work daily, qualifications (higher pay for certified/degreed subs), and ability to find long-term assignments or work consistently in a high-paying district, with some areas offering over $200/day or even substantial annual incomes in metropolitan areas, while lower-paying regions might require a second job or frugal living. 

Do long term subs have to create lesson plans?

While full-time teachers and long-term substitute teachers typically have to create exciting lesson plans weeks in advance and correct the work their students submit, you won't have to if you work part-time.