What a substitute teacher does.

Wondering what a substitute teacher does? Substitute teachers have an essential role in our schools, from teaching lessons to keeping a safe learning environment. 

A quick glance at what a substitute teacher does.

While your day-to-day can differ, you’ll generally have similar responsibilities with every assignment: 

• Address administrative tasks, such as attendance 
• Understand emergency procedures 
• Teach lesson plans 
• Supervise and engage students 
• Leave a note for the teacher 
• Arrive with plenty of time to spare.

Start the day off right.

As a substitute teacher, arriving early is important to prepare for the day. Be sure to factor in time for traffic, parking, finding the administrative office, and settling in. 

Once you arrive at school: 

• Report to the front office and introduce yourself to the school secretary or principal. 

• Sign in and get the necessary materials. Depending on the school, this might include a temporary ID badge, classroom keys, lesson plans, etc. 

• Ask about student dismissal procedures, emergency protocols, and disciplinary guidelines. 

• Find your classroom for the day. Locate the closest staff restroom, the teacher/staff lunchroom, and the student lunchroom. 

After you’ve made it to the classroom: 

• Say hello to your classroom neighbors. This is the perfect time to get a few quick tips to help your day run smoothly. 

• Review any notes from the primary teacher, like class rules, attendance procedures, and bell schedules. 

• Look over lesson plans and gather any essential materials. 

Once class starts: 

• Introduce yourself confidently, and write your last name and preferred title on the board. 

• Take attendance and follow the school procedure for reporting absent students. 

Uphold district policies.

Every district has policies to ensure professionalism, consistency, and student safety. Policies outline the expectations for classroom management, student behavior, and emergency procedures. It’s best to get to know these policies before starting your day. That way, if a situation arises, you’ll know the right way to handle it. 

Follow the teacher’s lesson plan.

Appropriately executing the lesson plan is a crucial duty. What a substitute teacher does will look different based on grade level. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect within each: 

• Elementary school: You’ll typically cover all general subjects with the same group. You might also have additional tasks, like walking students to recess/lunch and accompanying them to the school bus or parent pick-up line. 

• Middle school: Middle schoolers may move between classes throughout the day. You’ll often teach one subject and repeat the lesson plan for each class. 

• High school: Students generally move classrooms throughout the day on a bell schedule in high school. You may execute a similar lesson plan in different classes, but it could change slightly based on the academic level. 

Regardless of the grade level, follow all directions to keep students on track to meet their learning goals. Remember to assign and collect assignments and homework based on the lesson plan. 

But what if there’s no lesson plan? Start by contacting the office for guidance. You could also ask your neighboring teacher for guidelines. A responsible student could also notify you where the class left off. If all else fails, be prepared with grade and subject-specific backups. 

Supervise and engage students. 

Maintaining a safe, productive learning environment is a key part of what a substitute teacher does. While your classroom management strategies can differ based on grade level, your fundamental duties remain the same. Here are some common responsibilities to keep class running smoothly: 

• Ask students if they need support or offer help based on your observations. 
• Answer students’ questions. 
• Walk around the classroom and engage students. 
• Support the individual learning needs of each student. 
• Build rapport through appropriate social interactions. 
• Maintain teacher-student boundaries both in and out of the classroom. 

Additional duties.

Sometimes, you’ll have other duties during prep periods or free time. Here are some additional tasks you might take on as a substitute teacher: 

• Cover emergency absences 
• Help teachers in other classrooms 
• Supervise class transitions 
• Escort students to lunch or recess 
• Supplement class time with additional activities 

Wrap things up with a lasting impression.

With just a few minutes left in the day, it’s time to close things out positively. Be sure to leave a brief but informative note for the full-time teacher. Mention the day’s key aspects, including lesson plan progress, absent students, classroom behavior, and anything else you think they should know. Always end your note with a thank you. 

Then, tidy up the classroom. Erase the board, straighten out desks, organize student work, and leave the classroom clean. Confirm no students are still in the room. Be sure to return any borrowed library materials, like books or laptops. Once the bell rings, head down to the office, return materials, and check out. 

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education. 

At Kelly Education, we believe in helping our substitute teachers become the best educators for students. We support our substitute teachers every step of the way. To get started, check out these articles from our fully stocked resource library: 

• A complete guide to becoming a substitute teacher 
• What not to do as a substitute teacher 
• How to become a substitute teacher in your state 

If you are ready to make a difference with flexible work that matters, the Kelly Education team is here to help you explore your options. Fill out our brief interest form and one of our recruiters will contact you to share more about opportunities to become a substitute teacher with one of our school district partners.

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