Substitute teaching: Why yelling doesn’t work.

Whether you are a seasoned substitute teacher or brand new, each classroom offers unique challenges. Classroom management, carrying out a lesson plan, and providing extra support for students often feels like a juggling act.  

When the classroom volume is off the charts, or a student is responding disrespectfully, you may think raising your voice will help gain control and restore order. Nothing could be further from the truth. Positive classroom management does not involve yelling. 

Establishing a positive rapport.

Great substitute teachers must establish a positive rapport with students. While they always follow the teacher’s plans and procedures for consistency, they know that creating a warm, positive classroom environment is the key to successful management. Mutual respect, structure, and understanding are the crucial components of being a substitute teacher who will be asked to return to the school time and again. 

In addition to managing the classroom, substitute teacher duties also involve following the regular teacher’s lesson plans and maintaining structure. There are many fun ways to engage students and strategies to reset the entire class when things become too noisy or chaotic.  

Active engagement of students is the best way to prevent misbehavior. Students who are engaged in learning and enjoying the lesson are far less likely to act out. 

Positive whole-class strategies to increase engagement and reset the class: 

• Play soft music or display a calm scene using classroom technology. 

• Introduce yourself to students and review rules, procedures, and expectations. 

• Tell students what to expect for the class period or the day. A general game plan helps students feel safe. 

• After a period of focused attention, allow students to stand and move if they seem fidgety. A simple game of Simon Says or stretching, clapping and tapping can improve everyone’s mood and focus. 

• Offer non-verbal cues for redirection. Holding up a hand and counting down from five can quickly settle the class down. 

• Use music, clapping, or a short chant to change from activity to activity. 

• Allow students to help navigate procedures in the classroom. Many students love to help. 

• Offer additional activities for students who finish early. 

Handling challenging student behaviors.

One of the most important substitute teacher duties is handling challenging behavior without escalating the situation. As the instructional leader in the classroom, your first responsibility is to lead by example.  

Yelling, responding angrily, or engaging in power struggles reinforces the student behavior you do not want. Think of desirable behaviors and model those. When they see teachers responding calmly and respectfully, they are more likely to meet that energy. Students who feel respected and valued are more likely to respond in healthy ways. 

The reality is that there will be classroom disruptions when you are substitute teaching. Never take misbehavior personally. Students act out for various reasons. Most commonly, students are seeking attention from adults or peers. They may also be responding to situations that have absolutely nothing to do with what is going on in class. Remember, students have greater challenges today than ever before.

Situations at home that can affect a student’s performance in school: 

• Technology use at night can lead to poor sleep and poor student behavior and performance.  

• Resources are stretched thin, and some families struggle to make ends meet.  

• Mental health concerns, substance abuse, and domestic problems are also on the rise.  

These are just a few of the issues impacting students that may come together to create the perfect storm. Educators must be prepared to deal with these undercurrents by creating a friendly, safe environment at the outset. 

Tips for correcting misbehavior in the classroom. 

• Listen first. Often, listening to what a student is saying can avoid misunderstandings and power struggles. 

• Use a firm but neutral tone when correcting behavior. Follow this quickly by looking for what a student is doing correctly. A good rule of thumb is to offer three positive verbal reinforcers for every one verbal correction given. 

• Stay calm and respond to the behavior with correction, while maintaining kindness and respect for the student. This will set a positive tone for future interactions. 

• Rehearse responses to scenarios beforehand to help you respond positively. 

• If you know you have a difficult student, work out a plan with a teacher down the hall. Ask if you can send the student on an errand with a special folder during a time when behavior begins to escalate. The receiving teacher will see the folder and offer the student a small job or task to do. Sometimes, just running an errand can reset a student who is off track. 

• Use teacher proximity by standing beside a student who is disruptive, without offering any verbal redirection. 

• Praise in public but correct in private. Speaking to a student in a quiet, calm voice avoids embarrassing the student, which could exacerbate behaviors. 

• Utilize the school counselor and the nurse. These resource personnel can support students and may hold the key to helping a student reset positively. 

Mastering these skills not only helps with classroom management but can also lead to more consistent substitute teacher jobs. 

3 techniques to avoid yelling.

No matter what strategies you choose, staying present and mindful of your own self-control is critical. If you find yourself getting rattled: 

• Avoid immediately speaking or reacting.  
• Take a breath and count to five mentally. A few moments to gather your thoughts and regain composure will pay real dividends in avoiding a negative interaction with a student. 
• Make eye contact, then point to the student’s seat while shaking your head in disapproval. This may be enough to let the student know you mean business.  

Remember, the teacher is the most critical piece of a positive classroom climate. Your demeanor as the substitute teacher defines the behavior you will see in the classroom. Entering with positive expectations, composure, and a sense of humor will carry you far.  

Learning to laugh at small mistakes and reset quickly to get back on track will help students see that you recognize their humanity–and set everyone at ease.  

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education. 

If you’re looking for other ways to improve your practice, check out our library of articles including: Instructional strategies for substitute teachers, Classroom management for substitute teachers, and How to introduce yourself as a substitute teacher. 

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