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. Five effective strategies that can make this possible are discussed in this article: (1) Survey the Landscape; (2) Set the Stage for Success; (3) Set High Behavioral Expectations; (4) Manage with Confidence; and (5) Prepare for the Unexpected.