Communication is Key

Communicating and providing feedback to substitute teachers is an essential aspect of maintaining positive working relationships. It is crucial to ensure that the substitute teacher is well-informed about the class dynamics, curriculum, and specific student needs. Effective communication and feedback will help your substitute teachers feel supported, leading to a more productive and engaging classroom experience for everyone involved. Better communication often comes from a series of small improvements, and from thinking about the experience of working at school from a substitute teacher's perspective.

Small, Meaningful Improvements 

• Have a clear point of welcome and a greeter who knows the sub is coming and which class they are covering. The greeter should provide them with essentials such as a classroom key and directions.
  
  
• Create a one-page sub "flyer" with useful information such as a campus map, school schedule, a summary of emergency procedures, and a directory of school contacts (nurse, dean, front office, administrator in charge), and hand it out to subs upon arrival. Laminate, clean, and re-use!
  
  
• Consider implementing a well-designed standardized sub-plan template schoolwide to make your school's lesson plans better,  more consistent, and easier to follow. Sub-plans should provide clear lesson instructions and objectives, and communicate classroom expectations and routines.
  
  

• Include emergency procedures and important contacts in the sub-plans or make them clearly visible in the classroom. 

• Communicate any changes or updates to the school schedule as soon as possible. Your subs will appreciate knowing you've scheduled a fire drill, for example, and what you expect from them during the process. 

• ASK your faculty and students to treat substitutes on campus with a spirit of helpfulness, courtesy, and respect. Model great communication by introducing substitutes to faculty and students, greeting substitutes warmly, and checking in with your subs during the day
  
  

• Follow up with a note or email with appreciation and feedback for the substitute teacher.

  
  
• Be sure to provide your substitute teachers an opportunity to give feedback about their experience at your school. Google Forms and online survey tools are great for this purpose! 
  
  

Encouraging Growth