Substitute teacher tips: What to ask when working at a new school.

It’s your first time substitute teaching in a new school, and while you’re excited, you also know there’s a lot to learn. Each school has its own policies, culture, and routines.

Asking the right questions the first time you substitute teach at a new school will give you the confidence to excel at your assignment. Let’s look at the essential questions to ask to keep everyone safe and learning. 

Get to know safety policies and procedures.

Your primary responsibilities are first and foremost the safety of students and the continuity of learning. School administrators need faculty and staff to be on the same page in adhering to the policies of the school. Sometimes, those policies change. So, be sure to ask these questions before every assignment—not just when you’re a first time substitute teacher in the building: 

• What are the emergency protocols? (i.e., fire drills, shelter-in-place, evacuations, crisis response) 

• What are the bell schedules? (It may be different today because of an assembly.)

• What are the dismissal procedures? 

• Are there specific policies for submitting attendance? 

• What are the rules and guidelines for student cell phone and device usage? 

• What restroom can faculty and staff use? 

Since policies often vary by school, approach each new assignment with an open mind.  Again, things change. Maybe the school you worked at last week allowed students to use their cell phones during lunchtime. For reasons you may not know, the school principal at your new assignment has a strict ban on cell phone usage. 

Gain insight into the school’s culture.

As a first time substitute teacher at a school, you’ll want to understand if the building has shared values or traditions. Things that aren’t necessarily written down. Every workplace has its own unique culture set by leadership or evolved over time. 

Let’s take prep periods for example. Some schools may require substitute teachers to monitor the hallway or help in other classes. Others might grant you this period to hang out in the break room until your next class. It’s important to remember to be flexible based on the school’s needs. The following questions can help you understand a school’s culture and climate: 

• What is the community atmosphere at the school? 

• What are the expectations for a substitute teacher during period transitions? (i.e., escorting elementary classes to different rooms, monitoring the hallway in high schools.) 

• Where is the staff lounge? Is it okay to put your lunch in the fridge? 

• What should you do if you have a free period? (i.e., help in another class, go to the break room) 

• What is the device and cell phone policy for a substitute teacher during lunch and prep periods? 

• Are there specific classroom rules or routines you should be aware of? 

• Do you have the materials you need for your next class?  

Learn the school’s behavior management style.

Every good substitute teacher knows that disruptions can be part of the job. Each school has behavior rules that students must follow. It also has approaches to support student behavior. 

Many schools follow Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to promote an empowering learning atmosphere where students understand expected behaviors. Furthermore, PBIS frameworks provide tiered support systems to address difficult behaviors and reinforce positive ones. Ask these questions to get a feel for the school’s classroom management style: 

• What supports does the school have in place? 

• How does the school approach behavior management consistently across different classrooms and grade levels? 

• What behavior management system does the regular teacher use? 

• Are there specific incentives students respond to? (i.e., privileges, praise, stickers) 

• What is the best way to communicate if you need support? Is there a designated contact? Is there a phone in the classroom you should use? 

• Is there a different procedure for requesting general support versus assistance with severe behavioral challenges? 

Ask about special considerations.

Being a first time substitute teacher in a building, you aren’t expected to know everything. But, the faster you get up to speed, the better off you’ll be.

You may find that you need to adjust your teaching style to the learning styles of the student population in a particular class. That said, tailored support ensures every student has the opportunity to succeed. At Kelly Education, our substitute teachers often ask these additional questions:

• Are there other policies to be mindful of – like the cell phone policy? (i.e., fidget spinners, hats, food and drinks, non-educational toys) 

• Which students require additional support for special needs? (i.e., Individualized Education Plans, English Language Learners, restroom help, assistive technology) 

Asking questions when you arrive at a new school shows you’re an attentive and caring substitute teacher who understands the importance of following the rules. It also indicates that you want to be a positive part of the school community.

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education. 

If you are looking for more ways to improve your practice, we’ve got an entire library of articles. Here are a few more to read: 

• Instructional strategies for substitute teachers 

• Classroom management for substitute teachers 

• How to introduce yourself as a substitute teacher 

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. 

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