Tips when substitute teaching for a math teacher.

From simple addition and subtraction to calculus, most students are required to take math classes each year they’re in school. That means you’ll likely have many opportunities to substitute teach for a math teacher. 

But, if you feel like square roots, algebraic variables, and cotangents are a bit out of your wheelhouse, you may hesitate to accept math teacher jobs when they show up on your absence management app. If so, read on!

You’ve been trained to substitute teach all grade levels and subjects. Even so, a few extra tips might just give you the confidence to accept that substitute teaching job for a math teacher. 

Follow the lesson plan. 

Just like any other class, the math teacher will likely leave you a lesson plan for each class period you will be teaching. There’s no need to be creative here. Just follow the plan. The teacher knows you may not be a math wizard.

Mathematical concepts must be taught in a certain sequence, with each building on the previous one. For example, students must learn multiplication before algebra, and they have to know what pi is before they can find the area of a circle. The teacher knows exactly where the students are in this process. The lesson plan they left for you is the next building block in their journey through mathematics. 

If the absent math teacher hasn’t left any lesson plan, there’s no need to panic. Remember, no one expects you to be Einstein. 

Ask the teachers or an administrator. 

There are likely other math teachers in the school, and you can simply ask them for suggestions that align to curriculum. They may provide you with specific directions or materials for your classes. 

Ask the students. 

There’s nothing wrong with asking the class what they’ve been working on. Maybe they have a worksheet or some exercises in a workbook or online that they haven’t finished. If so, have them continue what they’ve already started. 

Have a backup plan. 

If all else fails, it’s good to have a few backup activities. You can search online for simple math quizzes, logic problems, and group activities for math class. As a substitute teacher, you’re not expected to move the marker forward significantly regarding the students’ math capabilities. But if you can focus their attention on math somehow – even if it’s a game or easy group activity – you can consider that a victory. Here are a few suggestions: 

• For 5th-6th grade, create a worksheet with a few problems, including decimal operations, measurement conversions, and geometry problems. Instead of just dry “problems,” create simple situations where a person might need to use these functions to complete a task or accomplish a goal. 

• For 7th-8th grade, do the same with ratios, unit rates, algebraic equations, percentages, integers, and surface area. 

• For middle and high school students, discuss statistics and the danger of being fooled by misleading graphs and charts. Here is a great video on the subject that could be used as the basis for a lesson. 

• For 4th-6th graders, use this video as a basis for a lesson on numerical systems. 

Do an internet search for websites that offer math lesson plans at your state’s grade level curriculum standards. A few website suggestions are education.com, cognitivecardiomath.com, mrseteachesmath.com, and cognitivecardiomiddleschoolmathdigitalactivities.com. There are, in fact, many free resources on the internet. A ten-minute search should yield plenty of great ideas! 

How to answer difficult math questions. 

If a student has a math question and you know the answer, help them. Remember, though, that although mathematical concepts don’t change, the methods used to teach them or get the right answer can change over time. The methods you learned in school may be different, and you don’t want to confuse the students or undermine what the regular teacher is trying to teach. 

In this situation, it may be a good idea to call on other students to help. There are probably a few students in the class who know how to answer the question in harmony with the methods they’re learning. Unless it’s a test or exam, this collaborative approach can be beneficial. 

Above all, never guess at an answer you’re not sure about. It’s better to say “I don’t know” than to give a wrong answer.  

Be professional. 

Your success as a substitute teacher isn’t dependent on how well you know the subject of the class you’re teaching. Teachers are aware that substitutes don’t have science, English, or math degrees, and they don’t expect you to teach complex concepts. Acting professionally will go a long way, giving you confidence and earning you the respect of both students and teachers. 

Be on time. In fact, be early. This will give you time to look over the lesson plans for the day and familiarize yourself with concepts that you don’t know well. Look over any tests, worksheets, and other materials left by the teacher. 

If there isn’t a lesson plan, you can decide what you’ll do in class that day. And if there are rules or guidelines for the school or classroom, you’ll also have the chance to review them. Then, when the bell rings for the first class, you’ll feel more than confident in how you’ll direct the classes that day. 

Dress appropriately. Most school districts have dress codes for teachers. Be sure to follow them. They typically reflect a business casual style. If in doubt, remember that it’s always better to be a little overdressed than underdressed. Proper footwear is a must for everyone who works in schools. 

Be friendly and respectful. In the classroom, be friendly, but not overly casual with the students. At the beginning of each class, let them know clearly what your expectations are. You want to establish that you’re the one in charge. 

Communicate with the teacher. At the end of the day, be sure to leave the absent math teacher a brief report on how the day went. 

• What was covered? If a lesson plan was left, were you able to get through it all? 

• If not, how far did you get? 

• Were there concepts the students found difficult to understand? 

• Where did the students do well, and where did they struggle? 

• Were there any other problems or praise? 

The teacher will surely appreciate your good communication. And it could lead to the teacher requesting you again or recommending you to other teachers. 

Work with Kelly Education as a substitute teacher. 

Kelly Education has a library of career advice for substitute teachers, including substitute teacher dress codes, what to bring on your first day, and how to introduce yourself to the class.  

Interested in joining our team? Fill out our short interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions. We’ll share more information about substitute teacher jobs with one of our school district partners in your area. 

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