How is performance for substitute teachers and support staff evaluated?

No matter what job you have, developing in your role is important to success. One way to grow is to get feedback both formally and informally. So, how is job performance for substitute teachers and support staff evaluated—and by whom? 

Who’s watching? The informal evaluation. 

Informal evaluations are the most common way substitute teachers, paraeducators, and support staff are evaluated. From the moment you arrive until you leave, faculty, staff, students, and administrators in the school are observing your work and interactions. 

Depending on their perception, your likelihood of returning to the school for future assignments is impacted. It’s up to you to ensure your impact is positive. 

Co-workers

The front office staff are the first people you communicate with when you arrive at school. They are busy people, but they will notice whether you have a warm or cool greeting, professional appearance, and seem flustered or confident. If you’re late, this may negatively impact their impression.  

Other teachers, especially those in close proximity to the classroom in which you are working, may evaluate your effectiveness based on how well you manage your class. For example, if they hear you yelling or if noise from your classroom echoes through the hallway, they may report it to an administrator. The teacher for whom you are covering will also note if you followed their instructions. 

Paraprofessionals within your classroom will observe how well you manage the classroom, execute the lesson plans, and engage students in learning. If you make an excellent or poor impression, it will likely be noted and shared. Likewise, district teachers may share their impression of substitute paras with the principal. 

Co-workers will also note their interactions with you outside the classroom.  

• Were you a professional at the lunch table?  

• Were you polite to others during the day?  

• Did you offer to help when there was a need? 

Students and parents

Students will give feedback to the returning teacher and/or their parents about their day with you as their substitute teacher. They will also share with their parents. Parent complaints won’t help an administrative evaluation of your work. Here are a few tips: 

• Don’t yell if you become frustrated. Students will know if you can’t effectively manage the class. 

• It’s not always what you say, but how you say it. 

• Ensure you stick to the lesson plans. This will help ensure classroom conversations stay on topic. 

• Don’t break policies–like using your cellphone during school hours. 

• Be respectful of differing viewpoints. Avoid talking about politics, religion, or other sensitive topics (like Santa Claus). Students look to you as a role model.  

• Always treat students with respect while supporting their learning. You don’t know their learning style, or what they may be dealing with at home or in their personal lives. 

• Allow students to go to the nurse or restroom when they ask. 

 Administrators

Principals want the school day to run smoothly. They will hear and process information from other school employees and students about substitute teachers who are amazing or cause disturbances. It is likely that substitutes who don’t fit into the school culture won’t be invited to return. 

Make an effort to introduce yourself to principals and contact them for support and recommendations. 

Substitute support staff evaluations.

Most of the information above also applies to support staff, like food service workers, custodians, and nurses. For many of these roles, certain policies, such as OSHA regulations, must be followed.  

• Are you wearing appropriate dress when required, like hair nets, rubber sole shoes, gloves, and masks? 

• Are you following the rules and protocols to keep yourself and others safe?  

• By ignoring rules, you are putting the school at risk for an official violation. 

Familiarize yourself with the rules and restrictions involved in your position, and don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify — your initiative will make a good impression. 

What if I work for an education employment agency?

If you work for a staffing partner, like Kelly Education, you are accountable to them because they are your Employer of Record. That means you should report to them (not the district) if you need to call off an assignment, have an injury at work, or experience something unusual. When you break policies, the district may informally or formally report it to the agency. 

At Kelly, we pride ourselves on providing schools with top-notch educators and school support staff (custodians, food service, etc.). Informal and formal evaluation is a key component of maintaining our reputation for success.  

How do formal evaluations occur?

School districts typically work through the processes set up by human resources departments to evaluate their team members.  

There are also ways for the principal or district to submit more formal evaluation to a staffing partner. Kelly Education uses a risk management system that allows school officials to make reports regarding potential disciplinary actions that may be necessary if a substitute breaks school or Kelly Education policies. This system is available online 24/7.  

At Kelly, we also have a formal way to collect positive feedback about our employees. Our A+ program recognizes great educators who go above and beyond. Additionally, our Substitute Educator of the Year (SEOTY) award program receives hundreds of nominations annually! 

Improving your practice.

There are a few ways to make a good impression: 

• Follow the school dress code. 

• Treat everyone the way you would want to be treated.  

• Read and deliver the lesson plans as instructed by the regular teacher. 

• Understand and deploy effective classroom management. 

• Come prepared. Have a game plan for challenging situations. It’s always a great idea to have a few backup activities on hand for early finishers, or if the whole class gets work done early. 

Grow with Kelly Education.

If you or someone you know is interested in substitute teaching jobs, fill out our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions. We’ll also share more about opportunities to become a substitute teacher or support staff with one of our school district partners. 

I’m interested