This booklet discusses how to develop successful substitute teachers, explaining that most substitutes do not receive the respect necessary to be effective. School districts must take such steps as adopting fair substitute hiring practices, allowing for the regular placement of substitutes in the same school over the year, and including…

Comments on the conditions under which substitute teachers work and outlines steps that teachers and principals can take to improve those conditions. Orientation programs, feedback, and increased pay are among the improvements that can be made. (IRT)

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.

Nationwide, there are several innovative approaches to substitute teacher staffing issues, including: increased substitute teacher pay and enlistment of local college students to substitute at least 3 days per week in exchange for tuition help and a guaranteed job after graduation. Incentive programs for low absenteeism rates are a good way to…

The substitute teacher's public image was investigated by means of an informal survey of part-time and full-time teachers in Washington. Survey results revealed that working conditions appeared to be the largest factor in damaging the self-image of most substitute teachers. The majority of full-time teachers and administrators surveyed were…

This publication is designed to provide schools and school districts with help in addressing the challenge of recruiting and retaining excellent substitute teachers. It includes information on a variety of school district approaches to hiring, compensating, and supporting substitute teachers. Districts that provide training in classroom management…

Research suggests that the relief (substitute) teacher should be viewed as an extremely important educational resource. Reviewed literature spanning the better part of twenty years indicates that in parts of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, many students spend as much as one full year (or more) of their K-12 education having…

Examines the pupils' reactions to a teacher's absence and discusses the relationship between regular and substitute teachers. Includes suggestions for change. (Author/SDH)

Describes the statutory duties of the Florida Education Standards Commission, highlighting a study of the working conditions of Florida's substitute teachers. Researchers collected data on school board policies regarding substitutes' educational levels required, initial training and staff development opportunities required, salary schedules, and…

This paper reports on one Massachusetts teacher educator's work as a substitute teacher in local urban and suburban public schools. His goals were to assess diversity within today's classrooms, be better informed as a teacher educator, gain new clarity about teacher roles, understand the changing role of school administrators, and re-establish his…

Most school districts expect and accept failure from substitute teachers. Current policies result in little or no student learning in classes taught by minimally qualified substitute teachers who receive low pay and scant recognition. Problems substitute teachers face and steps that might improve their situation are discussed. (PP)

In many urban schools, finding qualified substitutes has become very difficult. As the need for substitutes increases in growing districts, standards become more relaxed. Students lose out because many substitutes lack skills to teach or even control a classroom. The article examines how some districts deal with the problem. (SM)

This report details the work done in two New Jersey school districts to reduce the frequency and magnitude of professional illness absence. It deals with the circumstances of this improvement as well as with the philosophy and the new methods and procedures adopted and followed. The history of the state sick leave policy is traced from 1895 to the…

This book presents suggestions to help teachers save time without diminishing educational quality. The list of tips focus on: working smarter; communicating effectively; managing materials; planning the week ahead; assessing students' work and keeping track of progress; learning to say no; handling printed mail; handling e-mail; using the Internet…