Pro tips for substitute teaching in middle school.

When you’re a substitute teacher, you rarely know from week to week – or day to day – where you’re going to be. Today might be a group of active second graders; tomorrow might be a high school chemistry class. Or maybe you’re ready to inspire middle schoolers. 

Some substitute teachers hesitate to work with pre-teens, while others say middle school students are their favorite. These substitute teachers enjoy their playful sense of humor and their silly jokes, while also having meaningful conversations about more serious topics. You may be surprised by the depth of their insights and observations. 

The shift to middle school. 

Elementary school students usually have just one teacher, and they generally remain in the same classroom throughout the school day. When they get to junior high or middle school (typically 6-8 grades), the focus is on interdisciplinary teaching and supporting students’ social and emotional development. 

As a substitute teacher in middle school, you’ll likely be assigned to one subject. The students move around to core classes like language arts, math, science, social studies. They’ll also pick a couple electives based on their interests—art, music, computer science, language, business, physical ed, and foreign language. 

A typical day when substitute teaching in middle school.

When you arrive for your substitute teaching job, check in at the office to see where your room is located. If you are new to substitute teaching at the school, spend a few minutes asking about the layout and their emergency protocol. As always, get the number for the office if you need support or have a question. 

Lesson plans. Once you get to the classroom, locate the absent teacher’s lesson plans.  

• Stick to what the teacher asked you to do. Each school day is like a link in a chain, and the purpose of the “chain” is to help students master a certain concept or skill set. So don’t break the chain! 

• Teacher instructions may include information about students with an IEP or 504 plan. Be sure to follow any accommodations outlined for you. 

• You might want to have a few backup activities with you in case no plans are left. Here are some helpful suggestions for elementary school, middle, and high school. Always check if a neighboring teacher or administrator has some guidance in these situations. 

Seating charts. Pay attention to seating charts, as well as keeping the classroom routine as normal as possible, which helps maintain order.  

Teacher note. Always leave a note for the teacher about how things went for each period. Remember – teachers love to hear good things too, not just the bad. You might even point out something you liked about how they set up their classroom. 

Managing a middle school classroom. 

Middle-school students are not small children anymore, but they’re not really full-fledged teenagers either. They’re going through big changes both physically and emotionally, developing their own viewpoints and opinions regarding themselves and the world around them. They might be navigating a mountain of insecurities, peer pressure, and the struggle to fit in. 

What can you expect from middle school students? Adolescents can be many things—including curious, naïve, sassy, moody, awkward, silly, disruptive, and loud. Some are pushing envelopes and testing everything out — their parents, their friends, their classmates, and yes, even you. 

Since most don’t yet have the skills or maturity to properly manage everything, you might need to deploy classroom management skills. Here are a few cues that you might need to step in: 

• Talking without raising their hand or working on something other than the class assignment. 

• Attention-seeking behavior, such as speaking loudly, making noises, or otherwise disrupting the class. 

• Low engagement in class activities and discussions, or an “I wish I were anywhere but here” attitude. 

• Breaking rules related to the use of electronic devices or eating and drinking during class. 

What can help? 

Rather than acting as the authoritarian in class who makes and enforces the rules, middle school teachers often act more like guides, helping and leading students through the learning process. As children transition into adolescence, their curiosity grows, and they become eager to explore and learn. Instead of simply telling them what they need to know, focus on helping them discover it on their own.  

Form relationships. 

Many middle school teachers find that forming relationships with their students is particularly important. Students are less likely to learn from someone they don’t connect with. Find out what their interests are and connect with them over the latest trends on TikTok, popular TV shows, music, hobbies, sports, and extracurricular school activities. 

Understandably, this may be difficult when you’re substitute teaching, and your assignment is just for a day. But if you’re with the same group for a few days or longer, it’s worth investing the time and effort. 

Stay calm. 

Another tip from veteran middle school teachers: don’t lose your cool! No matter how frustrated you feel, stay calm. Take a deep breath. Call the office if you need to do so. 

Be consistent. 

Finally, consistency is key when teaching middle school. Ensure students know your expectations and the consequences of not meeting them, and always follow through. 

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education. 

Kelly Education wants our substitute teachers to be successful. Check more of our expert guidance and career advice on myKelly, including substitute teacher dress codes, what to bring on your first day, and how to introduce yourself to the class.  

Substitute teaching is a rewarding and fulfilling job. Interested in joining our team? Fill out our short interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions about substitute teacher jobs with one of our school district partners. 

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