Substitute teacher strategies: Walking around the classroom. 

There’s one simple action a substitute teacher can take that enhances student engagement, improves classroom management, and fosters a relationship with the students—walking around the classroom. 

While it may be tempting to let students work on their assignments while watching from the teacher’s desk, it’s best to walk around. Being among the students allows you to create a more dynamic and effective learning environment. Read on to learn why this simple instructional strategy is so effective. 

Increased student engagement.

When a substitute teacher remains stationary, students have more opportunity to disengage from their work and get off task. Walking around the room, even if you aren’t directly speaking to students, can increase their focus.  

According to Differentiated Teaching, students who aren’t near the teacher are more likely to misbehave or become distracted. Walking around while students work reduces misbehavior. When you’re nearby, students are reminded to stay on task. 

Even quickly checking your cell phone while students work can negatively affect their engagement. That’s why using cellphones in class is often against the rules. Don’t assume devices are okay to use if you see another full-time teacher using them. While some schools may allow you to use your electronic devices during planning periods or lunch, you should check with administration first. 

Enhanced classroom management.

An important part of a successful substitute teacher’s job is to keep the classroom running smoothly and disruptive behaviors to a minimum. Since walking around the room reduces negative behaviors, classroom management is easier. 

If redirection is necessary, the teacher’s location in the student’s vicinity reduces further disruption. Instead of giving a loud verbal reprimand from the front of the room, you can quietly check in with the disruptive student. This prevents the disturbance from becoming more prolonged and distracting to the rest of the class. It also keeps the lesson and focused work time moving forward smoothly. 

Improved accessibility.

Do you remember what it was like to be a student, and it was sometimes scary to ask a question in front of the class? 

Just talking to an unfamiliar adult might also make some students feel nervous. When walking around the classroom, you seem more approachable. A student doesn’t have to get up to talk with you or speak in front of the class if they have a question. Moving around the room allows you to connect with students more casually, creating a supportive learning environment so that all students — from the most anxious to the most confident — can benefit from it. 

Better understanding of student needs.

While substitute teaching usually only provides a quick snapshot into student skill mastery, you can still use observation to help students excel — and that’s easier when you aren’t at the teacher’s desk. 

• Instead of waiting for students to finish their work to examine it, you can get a real-time glimpse into student understanding.  

• Use your observations to assist, redirect, or increase student confidence. It could be that several students are struggling or missing an element of the lesson. You can quickly clarify, reduce frustration, and allow students to maximize their work time and stay on the right track.  

• This may be especially helpful when there’s group work. You can detect any major disruptions or friction between group members that can impede learning objectives. 

Not only do student outcomes improve positively, but your skill as a substitute teacher is also advanced. A reputation for effectiveness will help your chances of securing future substitute teaching jobs. 

Relationship building.

Building relationships and creating a rapport with students makes a substitute teacher more effective and improves students’ learning experience. Circulating the classroom as students do their work allows you to interact more informally, speaking with and assisting them individually.  

You get a better feel for the students’ personalities and get to know their strengths, learning styles, and preferences. In addition, students get to know you better and feel increasingly comfortable. Relationships motivate students, improving their academic performance.  Maybe they’ll even give a good report about your helpful abilities to the teacher! 

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education. 

If you are looking for more ways to improve your practice, we’ve got a whole 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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