Substitute Teacher Daily Checklist

Here's everything you need to do before, during, and after a day of substitute teaching.

Expectations and policies have already been discussed in your Sub Teacher Source Orientation. These slides are to provide additional resources to guest teachers.

If you need to review the original Orientation slides, please click here.

The Night Before:

• Check your assignment details Check the portal AND your email for any updates or changes. Read the “notes” section for any additional info such as where to park, what to bring, etc.
• Pack your bag: Water, lunch, snacks, a jacket, extra pencils if you have any!
• Set an alarm: After checking your assignment start time, set an alarm that allows plenty of time to get up, get ready, and to make it to your assignment on time. (Early is best!)
• Rest Up! Go to bed early and get a good night of sleep. You will thank yourself in the morning.

The Morning of:

• Check your assignment details in the Sub Teacher Source Portal for changes or updates. Check your email too.
• Dress for success! Dress professionally and appropriately. Review the handbook you received if needed.
• Check the address for your assignment. If using Maps - Be sure the address you’re searching matches the address on your assignment details.
• Allow sufficient amount of time to travel in case there is unexpected traffic, and head to your assignment! Depending on the location and your commute, this will allow sufficient amount of time to travel in case there is unexpected traffic. Drive safely!
• Arrive ON TIME to your assignment in order to review any notes or instructions before class begins.
  • Example: If your start time is 7:30 a.m. you should not be parking at that time - You should already be in the building checking in at the front office.

  When You Arrive:

  • Check in with the front office. Each school may have a different procedure to sign-in.
  • Be friendly! The front office usually becomes a place you visit frequently when needing assistance, so always be kind and courteous.
  • Prepare for students to arrive. Depending on your assignment, go to your designated waiting area for students. For example, you may have been asked to help with morning cafeteria or gym duty…etc. If you’ve not been assigned a specific area, wait at the classroom door to greet students.
  • Familiarize yourself with the students and school.
    • Locate the main office, bathrooms, any special classrooms, classroom phone, and your neighbor teacher.
    • Find out who to contact if you need support (check the lesson plan for these notes, or ask the front office).
    • Check for any information about safety procedures (fire drills, lockdown procedures, etc.).

    In the Classroom:

    • Read the sub notes and/or lesson plan thoroughly. Arriving early will allow time to ask questions if needed about the plan. This is also a good time to check that you have all resources or copies needed for the lesson. Check for any notes left about certain students or behaviors to watch out for.
    • Greet the students! As students are entering be sure to greet them kindly and direct them to sit down and read the board, grab materials needed…etc.
    • Introduce yourself. Once it’s time for class to start, and you have all students' attention, introduce yourself with a smile.
    • Take attendance! Once students are settled and it’s time to start class, take attendance. Attendance procedures will vary depending on the school. These instructions should be in your lesson plan left by the teacher. If you need assistance, reach out to the office or a neighbor teacher.
      
    • Set expectations and redirect as needed. It is ESSENTIAL to set expectations from the very beginning, especially if this is your first time at a school. Students need structure to thrive! The expectation is that our guest teachers have basic classroom management skills. Be sure to reiterate any procedures or rules to follow left on the instructions from the teacher. Set the expectations, follow them, and be consistent.
    • Build relationships. We understand that building relationships with students takes some time. Connecting with your students creates the best possible learning environment.
      • Some ways to build relationships: Learn how to pronounce student names correctly, ask students about their hobbies, or tell them one interesting fact about yourself. These are small gestures that go a long way!

      Leaving an Assignment:

      • Leave the classroom cleaner than it was.
        • Check for any trash around the room, put away any materials used, etc. Have the students help before packing up at the end of the day.
        • Leave a detailed note for the teacher letting them know how the day went.
          • How the lesson or activity went - Did students complete the assignment? Did they need more time?
          • How was student behavior?
          • Anything important the teacher may need to know when they return - Leave a detailed note.
          • Check with the office if you need to signout.
            • This will depend on the school your assignment is at.
            • Always check with the front office before leaving.