Five Tips for Preparing for Substitute Teachers

Jordan DeWilde

Here are five tips I hope will help you feel more prepared the next time you need a substitute teacher:

Your seating charts are essential for making sure the day runs smoothly for your substitute teacher. While you may have created seating charts at the start of the term, you have probably adjusted them since then. Consider creating blank seating templates for your classroom. This way, you can print fresh copies and fill in names the day before your absence.

Your goal when preparing for a substitute is to maintain as much consistency in your classroom as possible. You want your students to learn and create at their best. You want your substitute to be able to deliver the material and manage your classroom as smoothly as possible. We know that substitute teaching is challenging. Substitute teachers havenʼt had the opportunity to build the rapport that you have with your students. Taking proactive steps to support them ensures a positive experience for everyone.

While your typical day might involve juggling paints, oil pastels, and clay, your substitute will not be familiar with how you handle those materials in your classroom. Managing and cleaning up so many different art materials may be daunting for someone who isnʼt used to it. When preparing for a substitute teacher, itʼs helpful to limit the materials to a few dry-media choices.

You could leave buckets of materials stationed at each table for the days youʼll be absent. The substitute teacher will know just what to do if you’ve already selected and arranged the materials. Students can easily access and return the materials to the designated buckets at their table. Limiting the supplies minimizes confusion and reduces the substituteʼs need to manage different media for each class.

The key to an effective substitute plan is to craft a lesson that strikes the delicate balance between simplicity and engagement. I find that tapping into my studentsʼ interests helps to ignite their excitement.

Observing and listening to your students can provide valuable insights into their interests and preferences. With this knowledge, you can curate lessons that resonate with their passions, ensuring genuine engagement. For instance, a group that constantly discusses shoes might enjoy a sneaker design challenge, while anime fans could thrive on creating a new character guided by a step-by-step tutorial. Simplicity is key, but so is sustained interest.

Itʼs important to have a backup or alternative assignment prepared for the substitute teacher. Some of your students may disengage if the task doesnʼt pique their interest, while others might rush through their work to socialize. This could potentially disrupt the learning environment.

When selecting an alternative assignment, simplicity and relevance are key. Low-stakes tasks give all students an opportunity to experience success. For instance, if a class has recently explored symmetry, I might leave half of an image for students to complete. This assignment is straightforward yet still tied to the curriculum. By providing students with a partially completed design, the task becomes less daunting, making it particularly beneficial for those who may be less confident in their abilities. This approach reinforces learning and fosters a sense of accomplishment for all students.

Put away expensive or especially messy materials when you’re out of the classroom. Preventing these prized supplies from being damaged is crucial to maintaining a well-functioning classroom.

Itʼs not about expecting the worst from your students; rather, itʼs about eliminating opportunities for them to make ill-advised choices. You want to preserve the materials they love so that you can continue using them when you return.

While itʼs impossible to replicate the classroom atmosphere youʼve created, you can certainly help your substitute teacher succeed in your absence. Be sure to have a few lesson plans ready for emergencies or unexpected sick days. Whether youʼre taking a well-deserved vacation or tending to a loved one, the last thing you want is to be burdened with worries about school while youʼre away. By planning proactively, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your classroom will continue to run smoothly in your absence.

Jordan DeWilde is the community engagement officer for the Rockford Area Arts Council, overseeing youth programs and contributing to the Rockford Region Cultural Plan. Jordan was a K–12 art educator for more than twelve years, and his work has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Art Education Association, and the Lowell Milken Education Center. jordandewilde@gmail.com, @mrdewildeart