How to build rapport with students as a substitute teacher.

As a substitute teacher, the impression you make on students doesn’t just determine what kind of day you’ll have—it also determines how much your students will learn. Creating positive rapport with your students is key to developing mutual respect that leads to pleasant and productive days in the classroom. 

Here, we’ll look at what to do—and what not to do—to build positive rapport with your students while you’re substitute teaching. 

Building rapport with students: what do to. 

Do learn names quickly. 

Learning student names quickly builds rapport and shows you care. Don’t let the fear of making a mistake stop you from attempting to call students by name. If you have trouble with names (many teachers do), it can be helpful to make a game of it. Tell students that you’d like to try to learn each of their names by the end of the class period, and spend the last minute of class saying “see you next time” to each student by name. 

Do be approachable and friendly. 

You can carry yourself with an air of authority and still be kind to your students. Welcome them into class, introduce yourself, and remember to smile when you interact with both students and other staff members. Even when you feel overwhelmed, stay calm and patient when a student asks you a question or strikes up a conversation. 

Do set clear expectations early. 

State your expectations and tell the students the consequences if they don’t meet them. When you hold them accountable, they’ll learn that they can trust you to follow through. While it can be tough to stick to the rules on your first day as a substitute teacher with a class, it’s much easier than trying to undo a lackadaisical attitude after the fact. 

Do show interest in what they’re learning. 

One of the best things about being a substitute teacher is that in many cases, you get to be a student again. You’re likely not a subject matter expert in the classroom you’re teaching in—and that’s okay! Being curious about the subject helps students explore new knowledge with you, grow their confidence, and approach the material from a new perspective. 

Do acknowledge positive behavior. 

Narrating the positive can be a fantastic way to get students on the right track—and to show students who aren’t ready to learn that you’re paying attention. 

This can be especially simple, as you’re learning the names of your students, and may sound like: 

• “I see four students have taken out last night’s homework, thank you!” 

• “Almost all of us have our books opened to page 42, check your neighbor and make sure they’re ready!” 

• “I see Erica, Charlotte, and Matt have the correct answer to our warm-up problem!” 

Pro tip: If you don’t see any students doing the right thing, make it up. 

• “Six of you have your pencils out and are getting started.” 

This can work like magic in a class where no one is taking the initiative to begin their work. 

Do be patient and flexible. 

It’s important to remember that you don’t know your students well, and you don’t know what types of issues they are facing at home and school. Anxiety, depression, home issues, learning disabilities, and other factors can affect the ability of your students to stay on pace with the class. Make accommodations when you can, and if a student seems especially out of sorts, leave a note so that the teacher can address the issue with the student when they return. 

Building rapport with students: what NOT to do. 

Don’t try to be the “cool” teacher. 

As a substitute teacher, it can be tempting to let things slide when your students are already giving you a tough time. It’s easy to look the other way if a student is dishonest, or to ignore a student’s late arrival to class. Doing so will however only make students see how far they can push your easygoing attitude. 

There’s no need to be “over the top” when it comes to adhering to school policies. Show that you know the rules and are sticking to them. This can help students see that their day will not deviate from the norm just because they have a substitute teacher. 

Don’t try to act like a student to fit in. 

You don’t need to know the latest in teen pop culture. Be yourself—and own your interests. Don’t pretend to have the same interests as a teenager. This will go a long way in showing that you’re confident, trustworthy, and not susceptible to trying to fit in. Of course, be interested in learning from them about hobbies and culture. It may be fun to compare from your years as a student. 

Don’t deviate from the classroom teacher’s list of substitute teacher duties. 

It isn’t always easy to stick to the rules laid out by the teacher for whom you are substitute teaching. Know the rules are there for reasons. Sticking to them is key to gaining the respect of your students. 

When students see that you’re going to do the right thing, they’re less likely to try to take advantage of the situation. They’ll also know that they can trust you and feel comfortable that you don’t deviate from the expected routine. The teachers will appreciate it too! 

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education. 

For more guidance on working as a substitute teacher, check out our library of articles, including: classroom management for substitute teachers, social media guidance for substitute teachers, and how to introduce yourself as a substitute teacher. 

If you’d like to make a difference as a substitute teacher, we’d love to talk to you. We’re proud to provide comprehensive training that sets you up for success on your first day in the classroom and beyond. Fill out our interest form to talk to a recruiter about substitute teaching jobs with one of our school district partners. 

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