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…

Emphasizing the need for research dealing with substitute teaching, the author suggests ways to increase its effectiveness, including professional development for substitute teachers. (Author)

Offers 11 concrete approaches to improve the quality of substitute teacher programs and provides sample evaluation forms. (MLF)

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…

Substitute teachers are often not as effective as they should be, considering that they generally oversee 5 solid months of a typical student's K-12 education. The Ashland (Ohio) City Schools developed a questionnaire to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their substitute teacher program. The result was an in-depth manual and improvement of…

School districts across the country are developing information and special programs to assist substitute teachers. The following examples of such initiatives illustrate creative, often cost effective practices to improve the effectiveness of substitute teachers or to reduce the district's need for them: (1) Many districts have developed handbooks…

In a survey of 35 teachers in a large elementary school, 91% of respondents believed a handbook would improve substitute teachers' effectiveness; 88% wanted substitutes to receive formal evaluation; 91% agreed that substitutes needed more training and should be informed of daily routines. Only 42% said substitutes met expectations. (10 references)…

Argues that when teachers take time away from the classroom for workshops, teacher meetings and similar activities, students suffer. Adds that taking time away from the classroom for school improvement tasks is counterproductive. Suggests that rethinking the school calendar is a way to minimize disruption, and offers several possible scenarios.…

This monograph is a handbook, consisting of twelve lesson plans based on the inquiry skills, to be used by substitute teachers for science classes. For effective use of the program, materials needed to implement the various lessons must be available and the substitute teachers who will be using these materials must be trained. The objective for…

Substitute teachers are responsible for over 1 full year of every child's education, but research shows that only 10 percent of school districts provide more than 2 hours of substitute teacher training, and 53 percent of school districts provide no training. There is a tremendous need to implement effective training programs that will ultimately…

Activities suggested in this booklet for substitute teachers are designed to reinforce the objectives of the Program of Studies, the official school district curriculum of the Fairfax County (Virginia) Public Schools. This booklet is part of a management support kit of resources, materials, and information developed for the Management for…

The need to provide inservice training to substitute teachers was examined. The study surveyed a random sample of 278 teachers and 123 substitute teachers in Allen County, Ohio. The first part of the survey asked both groups about demographics. The second and third parts asked both groups whether teachers left complete lesson plans for…

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.…

Following a brief review of research and literature regarding the needs of secondary school substitute teachers, suggestions for helping these teachers do an effective, professional job are offered. Research indicates that understanding of the subject matter along with understanding of various learning approaches enhances the substitute teacher's…