A day in the life of a substitute teacher.

Are you interested in substitute teaching, but not sure it’s for you? Maybe you remember having substitute teachers when you were in school — but as a student — you didn’t think about what their job really involved? 

Before you apply to be a substitute teacher, you’ll want to know what a day in the life of substitute or guest teacher might look like. 

At Kelly Education, we’re the experts in hiring and training substitute teachers. So, we provide prospective substitute teachers with a realistic preview of a school day from start to finish. Let’s get started—just keep in mind that there will be nuance depending on the grade level and unique needs of your classroom. 

Head to school.

Arrive with sufficient time to prepare for the day. If it’s your first assignment as a substitute teacher at a particular school, you’ll want to leave plenty of time to pack lunch and troubleshoot logistics like traffic, parking, and locating your classroom. 

Once you arrive at school: 

• Locate the front office and introduce yourself to the school secretary or principal. Depending on the school’s security procedures, you may need to sign in, get keys, or obtain a temporary ID badge. 

• Learn staff names, make good eye contact, and be friendly. 

• Ask for directions to your classroom, staff restrooms and lounge, and the student lunchroom. Front office staff might even have a school map. You might need it to find the library, gym, or art room. 

• Be sure to ask about emergency protocols, disciplinary recommendations, and student dismissal procedures. 

• Obtain contact information for at least two people at the school, such as the principal and a fellow teacher. You might need to call on them during the day. 

• Introduce yourself to your colleagues. Your classroom neighbors will be vital if you encounter questions. You can ask them for tips or recommend one or two dependable students. 

• Remember to keep it professional and don’t linger too long. After all, mornings are often the busiest time in a school office. 

Get situated.

Now that you’re in the classroom, it’s time to get situated in your space and prepare for class. In most cases, the full-time teacher will leave you an outline and related materials for the day. However, it’s always wise to bring a backup lesson plan. 

Once you’re in the classroom: 

• Review any notes from the full-time teacher. Look for a list of established classroom rules so you can provide consistent structure. 

• Locate materials for the lesson plan, including technology and classroom equipment. Pro tip: find the room’s electrical outlets. 

• Reconfigure the room to best accommodate the day’s lesson. For example, small group discussion requires a different arrangement than a standard lecture. 

• Read through the bell schedule and double-check for warning bells or emergency signals. 

• Write your name on the board. Don’t use your first name. Instead, write Mr., Mrs., or Ms. and your last name.  

Execute the lesson plan.

The flow of your day will vary depending on the grade. Here are some quick tips with links to more details within each grade-level section.

Elementary classrooms

For elementary students, you’ll likely stay with the same group throughout the school day and cover all general academic areas (math, social studies, language arts, and science). It’s more manageable to keep younger students contained in one classroom space, though you’ll probably relocate for lunch/recess. Elementary learners are still practicing basic social and academic expectations, so it’s important to lean on classroom rules and redirect when needed. Part of your role as an elementary substitute teacher is to provide the structure and routine young students need to succeed. Remind students to work quietly, stay seated, be polite, and respect personal boundaries. 

Middle school classrooms

Middle school students may move between classrooms throughout the day. As a middle school substitute teacher, you will generally facilitate just one subject and repeat that lesson plan to different student groups. Middle school can be a challenging transition for adolescent students, so be extra mindful of their social interactions. Teenagers are likelier to push back on authority or test boundaries with their peers. Pro tip: know your school’s cell phone policy. 

High school classrooms

High school students will move to different classrooms throughout the day, typically following a schedule based on a bell system. A high school substitute teacher is responsible for teaching a similar lesson plan to different student groups. The lesson may change slightly to accommodate age or academic level, but the subject should stay the same. High school students’ maturity levels will vary, and they may test your patience (especially for younger substitute teachers). Always role model respect and establish healthy boundaries. 

Don’t forget lunch.

Substitute teachers will have a lunch break at some point during the day. Plan to pack lunch and eat in the staff lounge. Teacher lunch breaks are brief (usually 30 minutes), so you won’t have time to leave campus. 

Wrap things up.

Great work! You made it through the day. Now, it’s time to reflect on it and prepare the full-time teacher for success. 

Write or compile your notes. 

Your notes for the next teacher should be clear and professional. Ideally, the transition between teachers is seamless to maximize consistency for students: 

• Present the facts without prejudice. 

• Mention exemplary students and share any behavioral issues you witnessed. 

• Prepare a summary of completed lesson plans and any homework you assigned. 

Organize the classroom. 

Many educators might use the classroom, so tidy up the space: 

• Erase the blackboard. 

• Store and lock all equipment per school procedure. 

• Return any borrowed library items (i.e., laptops or tablets). 

• Organize and label student work. 

Before you leave the building. 

Check out with the front office, as you will need to sign out or return your keys. Discuss any serious behavior issues with the principal and provide your corresponding documentation if necessary. Finally, double-check that you don’t accidentally take school property with you. 

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education. 

Want more substitute teacher tips? From substitute teacher dress codes to what to bring on your first day and how to introduce yourself to the class, Kelly Education has a whole library of career advice about substitute teaching so you can confidently lead your class. 

Looking for substitute teacher jobs? Fill out our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions and share more about great opportunities with our school district partners. 

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