As K-12 teachers and administrators grow increasingly concerned with issues of accountability, research-based methods, and intervention strategies, little discussion exists on the impact of substitute teachers in the classroom. In the rush to analyze test scores, are the days covered by substitute teachers even considered? Though districts are…

In this article the author explores two aspects of his identity as an educator: (1) his identity as a classroom music teacher back teaching at Somerset Primary school; and (2) his identity as a music teacher educator upon his return to full-time university employment following six months of substitute teaching, including the block of teaching at…

This article dealt with methods for making substitute teaching more effective. The purpose was to articulate a sequential method for maximizing the effectiveness of substitute teaching while providing substitutes with a comprehensive method for diligently and flexibly earning respect and using reflection to continually improve substitute teaching.…

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…

Describes a Long Island (New York) high school district's concentrated effort to expand their pool of potential substitute teachers and offer them a comprehensive orientation program. The district used PTA newsletters, letters to staff, and newspaper notices to attract applicants. Training covered curriculum, teaching strategies, classroom…

Research suggests that current methods of obtaining and training substitute teachers benefit neither substitutes nor students. A staff development program that is continuous, addresses substitute teachers' expressed needs, creates lines of communication, and provides continuously accessible resources is needed. Includes three references. (MLH)

Given the difficulty of substitute teaching, it is surprising that few districts require professional training or previous teaching experience. According to one survey, substitutes should be flexible, have teaching experience and subject area knowledge, and be able to manage classroom adversity. Substitutes' role needs more appreciation. Includes…

In the days before computers, passing on information to substitutes was difficult. Now teachers can individualize their lesson plans to guarantee that substitute teachers and the students will both have a good day. This article provides some plan-ahead procedures that have worked for the author.

Guest teachers are not sanctioned counterfeits of "real" teachers; they are optional community resources who can provide an additional, meaningful dimension to students' learning. This article provides administrators with recommendations for welcoming substitutes, familiarizing them with school schedules and lesson plans, and helping them work…

In this article, the author gives advice on how music educators can prepare ahead of time for days in which a substitute teacher will be needed. One suggestion includes creating a substitute folder, possibly during the summer when free time is more available. The author also suggests creating actual lesson plans that a substitute with no musical…

Though substitute teachers spend significant amounts of time with students, they receive little training. The Substitute Teaching Institute at Utah State University has developed training materials that include six content components: being prepared and professional, classroom management skills, legal and first aid issues, teaching and…

Describes one school district's mandatory 2-hour workshop designed to certify substitute teachers. The workshop explains the district's expectations of substitute teachers, provides information and instructional techniques to facilitate learning and proper classroom control, and allows questions and concerns to be raised and clarified by…

Among the numerous problems faced by substitute teachers are: (1) lack of adequate lesson plans left by the regular teacher; (2) lack of adequate preparation for substitute teaching by schools of education; and (3) low expectations as to what a substitute teacher will be able to teach. Solutions to these problems are discussed. (JN)

Substitute teachers who know what to expect and how to handle difficulties perform a great educational service. Suggestions on how substitutes can introduce themselves, gain the respect of the class, and avoid discipline pitfalls are given. "Sub Surprises"--classroom games and other interesting activities that help motivate students--are listed.…

Substitute teaching should be a common topic for university teacher education courses. Many new teachers will use substitute teaching as a route toward gaining a full-time position. A program is described in which student teachers participated in actual substituting experiences. A relatively simple procedural switch of students was arranged late…