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…

Advice for making substitute teaching a more effective and rewarding experience for everyone involved is offered in this compilation of 10 articles taken from issues of "Grade Teacher" (Oct. 1969), "Instructor" (Dec. 1959, Oct. 1970, Mar. 1972, Mar. 1977, Nov. 1979, Aug. 1983), "Learning" (Jan. 1974), and…

This article argues for the abolition of substitute teachers on the grounds that they waste student time and school district money and that the position degrades the individuals who act as substitutes. (JMF)

Over the course of their kindergarten through twelfth grade education, children in American public schools will spend the equivalent of one school year under the guidance of a substitute teacher. Yet in most districts, substitutes are given the keys to the classroom without a day's training. While requirements vary by state, some may hold advanced…