How to Encourage Substitute Teachers to Return to Your School

by Lucy, Substitute Teacher

Hi, I have read many fine posts by teachers and substitute teachers alike. I am a teacher. I have the paper work to prove it, however, I HAVE to substitute at this point. It still is not paying my student loans, as our district will not let subs put in a 40 hr week as it would make them full-time and not part time workers.

1. Train and/or inform.
   I have gone to too many school sites here in California, where I am EXPECTED to know the bells, rules, duties, and the school grounds. Getting this info from the office is sometimes a joke.
2. Lesson Plans or lack of them.
   
   • Teachers sometimes let you now all of the above in a "SUB" folder.
   • Some lesson plans have never been updated.
   • Some lesson plans are so badly scrawled that even I have to use my best judgment as to just what they say.
   • Many, many times there are NO lesson plans. The last ones I got were on a very small post-it note!
3. Copy machine numbers or general use?
   I have had to stock a whole school in my car for Grades K-8 just because sub finder will not tell you the exact grade, and because some teachers do not leave anything in the way of lesson plans or sub folders. This is when I try and figure out what the students are doing in class and what I need to use to enhance what they are learning; or use as a filler for when the teacher has under planned or not left any plans.
   OFFICE STAFF NEEDS TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF COPY MACHINE USE FOR SUBS. (Within reason, OK!)
4. Principals Needed!!!!!
   PLEASE COME DOWN AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF! Support the subs and help them BE the best they can be for your students.
5. LICE
   D@#$ guys, if your students have lice and even the teacher is out with them, watch the class YOURSELF! Don't you know we subs go from school to school? Or do you just want us to spread the love of lice around?
6. Sending students to the office.
   I will, so back me up. Visit the class if need be.
7. Staff: Support the subs
   I am a teacher. Treat me like I am part of your staff.

I WILL do the best job I can.
If I enjoy your school, staff, students and receive the support I need to help your students learn, I might just come back next time I get your call.