Skillful substitute teachers are critical to student achievement, especially in today's high-stakes accountability environment. Because teachers are absent from duty, some for short periods of time and others for lengthy time frames, schools may find it difficult to meet high academic and accountability standards without prepared substitute teachers. Furthermore, with the implementation of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), school districts strive to ensure that all teachers--including substitutes--are highly qualified. Substitute teachers can ensure student success and enhance the substituting experience by implementing the five effective strategies described here.