A comprehensive ‘how-to’ guide for substitute teachers

From lesson planning tips to classroom management strategies, we’ve curated a collection of resources that cater to the unique challenges substitute teachers face. With strategies on how to handle last-minute surprises at an assignment, how to leave substitute notes, as well as classroom management tips, we can help every day in the classroom be a success.

Whether you’re stepping into a new classroom for the first time or seeking to refine your approach, this guide is your go-to resource for building confidence and competence as a substitute teacher with Swing Education.

How to substitute teach at more than one district

For those just starting their substitute teacher careers and looking to maximize their work experience, you may be wondering, “can I substitute teach in more than one district?”

The short answer: yes! 

However, there are factors to consider before jumping headfirst into multiple districts. When working with more than one district, you are able to expand your professional network, but on the other hand, working for multiple districts requires meticulous organization and coordination on the part of the sub.

If you’re ready to weave through the nitty gritty of substitute teaching for more than one district, we’re here to guide you through the process:

Getting started

Just like with single district substitute teaching, each district you work for will have their own set of requirements and onboarding steps. While some processes may overlap, it’s just as likely that you’ll need to go through different onboarding experiences in order to get started. To sub at multiple districts, you’ll need to prove that you meet the requirements for each individual district and complete a separate application and onboarding process for each district. 

These requirements may look like:

• Having a bachelor’s degree
• Getting a background check and/or fingerprinted
• Earning a substitute teaching certificate

Organization and time management

When you’re registered to work in multiple districts, managing your calendar will become essential! The last thing you’d want to do is double book yourself, so be sure to clearly mark yourself unavailable when you aren’t able to accept a job.

First thing to note is that different districts may contact their sub pools in different ways. Some may call the morning of, while others may rely on an online platform where assignments pop up. Either way, it’s good to determine which district you want to prioritize, as it’s likely that more than one district will contact you for a job on a given day.

While you may be busy juggling multiple assignments and districts, your classroom and time management skills will flourish.

Swing: the reliable subbing partner

If the promise of more frequent substitute teaching opportunities excites you, then we can help make the process of subbing at multiple districts a bit simpler.

When you sign up to substitute teach through Swing, there is:

• Just ONE set of substitute teacher requirements 
• One streamlined application and onboarding process

You’ll be able to substitute teach in as little as two weeks!

With Swing, there’s no more last-minute, early morning phone calls. Our mobile app allows you to view available sub roles at multiple districts near you and pick assignments that work with your schedule. With Swing, you can work as little or as much as you want, without having to juggle multiple onboarding experiences to find more work.

How to handle an assignment (worst case scenario edition)

The unexpected can strike in even the best-prepared schools, so it’s helpful to have a good mix of tools and tricks ready to go when you start an assignment. Here are a few ideas that can help in any challenging classroom environment and situation.

What to do…

… if you’re running late to an assignment

We get it, sometimes life gets in the way! Tardiness is a natural part of being human. So we’re here to equip you with the tools you need to handle the situation calmly and with grace.

Call the school

Once you realize you’ll arrive after the bell, you may start to panic; the key is to take a step back so you don’t set a negative tone for your work day. Step one: Stay calm knowing that the situation is out of your control.

Once you’ve regained your balance, reach out to your designated school contact. While we definitely encourage creativity in the classroom, honesty is the best policy here. Ask clarifying questions to determine where to go once you arrive:

• “Where should I report when I arrive?”
• “Is there anything else regarding the class I should be aware of?”
• “Is there anything else I can do to support the school to make up for the time that I’ve already missed?”

You may also want to present an option to mitigate any inconvenience — perhaps you can stay late to make up for it or come in early next time.

(If you are unable to reach the school administrator, Swing Education has your back. Contact us at support@swingeducation.com or (650)-413-9268, and we’ll get in touch with the school for you.)

Once you arrive

When you get to school, head to the designated classroom confirmed by the administrator or listed in the request details.

At your earliest convenience (and definitely before heading out for the day), be sure to check in with the administrator to thank them for their understanding. While the occasional late start is normal for most of us, it is important to take responsibility and make every effort to avoid a similar occurrence in the future.

Prepping for success

Running late is the number one cause of stress. Maintain your calm and combat anxiety with preparation:

• Use your calendar. Add the assignment and set email and text reminders
• Plan your route the night before — figure out how long it takes to arrive at the school, and pad in extra time to be safe
• Pack your bag and meals the night before
• Set an alarm… or two. There’s no shame in needing that extra push to get out of bed

Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself — occasionally running late isn’t a character flaw.

… if you have subpar teaching plans

It’s morning — you’ve just checked in with the front office, coffee in hand, feeling good about the day to come. You reach your assigned classroom and start scanning the sub plans, but there is very little information, or worse, the absent teacher has left nothing left at all.

What do you do? Here are some ideas:

Talk to other staff members

Seek out a member of the absent teacher’s team. Most likely, their schedule will be similar, and, hopefully, their plans for the day can be synced with yours. Make sure you ask the cooperating teacher if they know of any special changes to the schedule. Another teacher in the building might have a set of emergency sub plans they can give you, so don’t hesitate to ask around for help!

TIP: Consider letting the site administrator know if you do have poor sub plans. They may either have a copy of the sub plan or could direct you on what to do. Plus, the admin will be more likely to understand any challenges that may arise from the lack of sub plans.

Scan the bookshelves

A classroom teacher’s bookshelves can be an awesome resource to find engaging work for your students. Look for textbooks, binders, worksheets, and student magazines, such as Scholastic News. Hopefully, you will have time in your day to quickly make copies for a lesson. If not, kindly ask someone in the front office to help you. Chances are, they will feel bad that your sub plans are poor, and they will be willing to help!

Subplan.ai

When a sub walks into a classroom without a lesson plan, they’re 17% more likely to receive a bad review from school administrators. It’s no secret that the lack of structure can lead to disorganization, disengagement, and a sub feeling like they’re failing the students.

With SubPlan.ai, every substitute teacher can walk into a classroom with confidence, ready to deliver a day of meaningful instruction. Whether you’re a sub navigating a chaotic classroom or a school administrator ensuring continuous learning despite teacher absences, SubPlan.ai is your new AI-powered sidekick.

Create sub plan

Seek out a librarian or technology instructor

These resource teachers should have a sense of what students are working on in each grade level. They might be able to give you suggestions on what books, websites, and movies would interest the students in your class. The resource teachers can also help you with any passwords you might need to access school logins for student websites like IXL, ALEKS, and BrainPop.

Engage the students

Don’t hesitate to ask the students what they are working on. Start your day with a morning meeting to get to know the students, then ask them what they are learning in each subject area. You can also give students time to share their work with you. For example, if they have writing journals, ask for volunteers to read some of their entries.

Always have a plan b

It’s a good idea to have a few extra resources in your pocket (or work bag) to help you if you are really struggling to find content to fill your day. If you are teaching in a primary classroom, make sure you bring a couple of engaging picture books. Middle or high school? Have some fun review games up your sleeve that you can use with any subject matter, like Grudgeball.

Stay calm

Take a deep breath. You will get through this day! Try your best to stay cool and confident. Students will often pick up on when teachers are stressed, and it can make the classroom environment unpleasant. Don’t hesitate to use calming techniques to help you through the day. Check out these additional ways for substitute teachers to beat stress.

Even if your sub plans are not the best quality, you can still have a fun and engaging day for the students and yourself. Don’t forget to leave notes for the absent classroom teacher to let them know how the day went.

You made it to the classroom… now what?

Classroom management tips for subs:

Create a survival pack

When you head out the door, have a bag packed with essentials for the unexpected. Ideas for your sub-survival pack can include:

• Stickers or other small rewards for positive reinforcement
• Portable phone charger
• Hand sanitizer
• Sticky notes
• Snacks and water
• Paper, pencils, and a pencil sharpener
• A whistle or bell to call to attention

Suggested reading materials

If the classroom is in orbit, a thought-provoking read-aloud be calming. If you are a short-term sub, you can’t start reading a massive novel, but short, engaging reads magically capture the attention of a class. Here are some thought-provoking short stories (for middle and high-school students) that can draw in your listeners and spark lively discussion:

• “Ruthless”
• “The Monkey’s Paw”
• “Lob’s Girl”

Here are books that contain great stories and read-aloud ideas:

• Classics to Read Aloud 
• More Classics to Read Aloud
• The Read-Aloud Handbook 

For younger students (grades K-2), here are some books that will help keep them engaged (since they may get bored during the read-aloud). Afterwards, have students draw a picture and write (as much as they can) about their favorite part of the book or what they learned:

• Click Clack Moo Cows that Type
• Harry the Dirty Dog
• Olivia
• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
• A Bad Case of the Stripes
• Chrysanthemum
• Llama llama Red Pajama
• Clifford
• Pete the Cat
• Officer Buckle & Gloria
• Dragons Love Tacos

Classroom games

Even if you have a detailed lesson plan to follow, it’s great to be prepared for rainy-day recess and other unexpected occurrences. Here are some indoor games to try — remember: be sure to keep the classroom quiet and under control.

• Silent ball: Get a small plastic ball and give it to one student. That student points to another student and sends the ball over. If the student doesn’t catch the ball, they’re out. If a student talks at any time during the game, they’re out. The last one remaining is the winner.
• Four corners: Number the corners in the classroom. One student stands in the middle of the classroom. They close their eyes and count down from 10 to one aloud. Other students choose a corner. Then, the middle person chooses a number from one to four with their eyes still closed. The people in that corner sit down. The game continues until only a few people — or just one person — is left.
• Reverse charades: Teams of players work together to have one person on the team guess as many words as possible in one minute.
• Mirror: Each student gets a partner and they take turns mirroring one another’s movements. The sub can switch partners after a few minutes so that the students have a new person to play with. There is also a version of this game where the kids circle up (with the teacher) and one student stands in the middle. The rest of the class has to mirror whatever that student does. After 2-3 moves, the student picks the next one to be in the middle and it continues.

For more activities and resources for your time in the classroom, check out our resource page.

How to avoid unfavorable feedback while substituting

Being a substitute teacher is not without its challenges. But with the right tools and team to support you, substitute teaching is an extremely rewarding profession. In order to stay on track and be successful in your time with Swing, here are some tips from our Response and Resolution Team.

What does the Response and Resolution Team (RRT) do?

The Swing RRT is a small but mighty group made up of (mostly) former educators who are focused on improving both the substitute teacher and admin experience. They review all positive and unfavorable feedback about substitute teacher requests and provide follow up communication with subs to help with improvement for future requests.

How do I avoid interaction with the RRT?

The best way to avoid unfavorable feedback is to come to the classroom as prepared as possible, maintain a positive mental attitude, and always be professional. It’s also really important to build meaningful relationships with students that are centered around learning, as well as establishing professional communication with school staff and administrators. 

In general, the goal of the RRT is to improve your Swing experience. So rather than viewing these interactions as negative, reframe your perspective into a growth mindset and learn from the opportunity.

What kind of feedback do you typically receive about SwingSubs?

The RRT sees all sorts of feedback, such as:

• Whether a sub is an appropriate fit for the program
• Concerns about classroom management
• Feedback associated with general professionalism, attitude, and personality fits
• Updates on no-shows, last-minute cancellations, late arrivals, and early departures

Additionally, the RRT investigates all safety-related reports received from both schools and substitute teachers. Sometimes reported events are things substitutes may not even register as problematic, such as placing a guiding hand on a student’s shoulder.

If you’re unsure what constitutes appropriate behavior, check out the Swing help center or use our live chat function on the website.

Does unfavorable feedback reflect on my SwingSub profile?

Absolutely not! Any negative feedback stays between you and the RRT. If any problematic behavior pops up, they’ll help guide you through whatever next steps need to be taken. 

We understand that receiving feedback isn’t always fun, but we like to use these opportunities to identify growth areas. There’s always room for improvement!

Classroom best practices:

Anything can happen during a day of substitute teaching. It’s better to be pleasantly surprised that everything went smoothly than to be caught off guard. Here’s the Response and Resolution Team’s best tips for having a successful day in the classroom:

• Leave the house a bit early to avoid any unexpected traffic.
• Establish a good rapport with students and staff
• Keep a positive mental attitude
• Remain calm – redirect distracting behavior back to the learning material
• Use your words to guide a student rather than your hands
• Remember, these are students, not your peers. 
• Check out the Swing blog!

Swing is here to support you throughout your substitute teaching journey. Whether you have questions, are unsure of best practices, or just need someone to talk to, we’re by your side through it all.

How to deliver feedback at the end of an assignment

A typical day for a substitute teacher can be busy and hectic. There’s a lot to do and a lot to learn, especially if you’re starting out in a new classroom. Either way, one of the most important things you can do is to write detailed (and honest)  notes for the absent teacher.

Here’s how you can effectively communicate your observations and suggestions without causing unnecessary friction.

Use the sub plans

Use your sub plans as a framework to jot down notes for the absent teacher throughout the day. The notes can act as a tool to follow the class schedule, and they provide a place for you to write down what lesson plans were accomplished. You can also annotate any changes to the schedule. This is a great help for teachers when they return to school and need to plan out their next lessons.

Using a class list can also give you a way to make detailed notes for the absent teacher. Subbing for an eighth-grade math class? Use your class list to annotate who participated in discussions. Teaching in a third-grade homeroom? Use the class list to record students who struggled with the reading lesson of the day. Teachers will love the feedback. It’s also good for students to know you are paying attention to their learning and participation!

Another helpful pointer: label work that your students turn in so that the full-time teacher can easily spot which class submitted which assignments.

Note any behavioral issues

There may be students in your class who will not want to follow the management plan set in place by the classroom teacher. So, it is important to make a separate note for any behavioral issues in a factual and non-judgmental way.

This is important for two reasons. First, if you keep a separate document for behavioral notes, the teacher will be more likely to read it. Second, it will help you keep track of student behavior throughout the day. Take notes regarding any students who are having a hard time following your directions, not staying on task, or did not respond appropriately to redirection. Also state any actions you took when students did not meet expectations.

Start with positives:
Begin by highlighting what went well during your time in the classroom. This sets a positive tone and shows that you recognize the strengths within the class. For example:

• “The students were very engaged during the math lesson and showed great enthusiasm.”
• “I noticed that the classroom rules are clearly posted and understood by the students.”

Be specific and objective

When discussing the challenges, be specific and focus on observable behaviors rather than making generalized statements. This helps the returning teacher understand the exact issues and consider precise solutions.

For example, instead of saying, “the class was chaotic,” say, “several students had difficulty following instructions during the group activity, which disrupted the flow of the lesson.”

Offer solutions and suggestions

Provide constructive suggestions that can help address the issues you observed. This shows that you are not just pointing out problems but are also thinking about ways to improve the situation. For example:

• “To help students stay focused, it might be useful to establish a clear signal for gaining their attention during transitions.”
• “Considering a seating arrangement change might help minimize distractions for certain students.”

Use a respectful and empathetic tone

Remember that the regular teacher has an ongoing relationship with the students and may already be aware of certain challenges. Use a tone that conveys respect and empathy for their position. For example:

• “I understand that managing such a large group can be tough, and I noticed a few strategies that might help streamline transitions.”
• “I can see that some students are very energetic, and I found that giving them specific roles helped channel their energy positively.”

If you don’t get the chance to take notes throughout the day, it’s important to write comments before you leave. The teacher will appreciate that and hopefully remember to ask for you directly for the next time they need a sub. Also, if you’d like to be considered for a full-time position at the school, teachers will remember the detailed notes you wrote and may be more likely to say positive things about you to the sub coordinator. The little things are what help you stand out as one of the best substitute teachers.

And remember, it’s important to keep the notes private. Avoid writing them on the whiteboard for all students to see. If the teacher or site administrator doesn’t outline a clear process for turning in notes at the end of the day, ask!

How to manage an unruly classroom

A great first impression can make your day in the classroom a success. Students of all ages can quickly pick up on their substitute teacher’s expectations, classroom management style, personality, and credibility.

Win over your students

To get the best out of your time in the classroom, here are 24 tips for how to do it, broken down by age group.

Kindergarten – 2nd

Young children can be sweet, creative, and often really funny. With a warm, outgoing approach, you can set the stage for a focused and happy day.

1. More than anything else, young students need to feel safe around new adults. Teachers are a major part of their everyday emotional landscape, and when you’re subbing, they’re missing one of those familiar faces. An approachable smile is essential to establishing trust, comfort, and joy.
2. Get them imagining. Young children learn through play. Maria Montessori’s method is just one well-known example of how we learn through discovery. Bring a collection of funny hats or ask them to build a robot out of kitchen utensils. They’ll have a blast and be well on their way to learning!
3. Show and tell. Kids in the kindergarten-to-second grade range are passionate about what they love. Let them take turns doing a “show” of a favorite classroom object or book — or ask them to “tell” about a pet or beloved toy at home.
4. Make self-portraits. For show and tell, ask your students to draw self-portraits and tell you a bit about themselves. You can even hang them up in the classroom! The kids will be proud, and their parents will be excited to hang the portraits on the fridge.
5. Move. Fidgety at their desks? Engage your class in a physical activity at the start of class. You can do something as simple as passing a ball, playing hot potato, or using technology to really get them moving. GoNoodle is a program that keeps kids active while they do math, reading, and other activities — harness the power of kinetic learning.
6. Make them laugh. Read a funny, age-appropriate story to the class. Good examples for this age group are B.J. Novak’s The Book with No Pictures or one of the books from Mo Willem’s Elephant and Piggie series. There’s nothing as wonderful to hear as a room full of children laughing, and they’ll be energized for the day.

Grades 3-5

Older elementary students come with their own set of rewards and challenges. Make the most of the first few minutes of class with approaches that capitalize on their unique strengths.

7. Introduce yourself. Children ages 8-10 are developing a better appreciation of what’s outside themselves. That means they’re curious about you — what you like to do, whether you have children or pets, what music you enjoy, or where you live. Give them some information about yourself that might excite them. Don’t be shy — if you have a funny middle name or drive a convertible, they’ll love you all the more.
8. Create atmosphere. Consider sprucing up your classroom with decorations before the start of class. This age group is old enough to notice something new and exciting, and young enough to appreciate the fun of novelty and festivity. Bring in some posters or streamers to turn your sub day into a special experience they won’t forget.
9. Give them a challenge. Kids this age are sophisticated enough to complete fairly complex tasks, especially if there’s a good competition at stake. Divide them into teams and have a scavenger hunt or get them to build a tower out of solo cups.
10. Stop fidgets with a giveaway. Sitting still is hard at any age. Older elementary students are able to stay in their seats longer than younger ones. They still need plenty of movement to stay focused, though. Consider lending them fidget spinners or silly putty to keep those hands busy.
11. Bring candy, if school policy allows it. Kids this age can’t get enough sugar! A little treat won’t hurt them, and it will win their affection, too. Turn it into an icebreaker game — toss a piece to any kid who’ll answer your most embarrassing question.

Middle school

Middle schoolers are rapidly gaining intellectual power and making major discoveries every day. Keep them on track with a few tips designed specifically for their strengths.

12. Dress for the role. For tweens, appearances mean the world. Make an effort to look professional while still being youthful. Clean lines and muted colors will make you fit the bill.
13. Make a big entrance. Stroll up to the front of the class with gusto, and begin roll call with a boom (or at least a rumble). You’re competing with serious hormones that make these youngsters focused on their peers above anything else. To keep them looking at you during class, establish your authority from the moment you walk through the door.
14. Do interviews. There are many options for getting to know your students, and peer interviews are a great way for middle schoolers. Because of their interest in their peers, they’ll be excited to speak to each other and present what they find. Tell them to ask each other open-ended questions and write up a brief profile. This will help you get to know them while also improving their writing skills.
15. Show your street cred. For kids this age, there’s no harm in referencing rhymes from the latest pop hits or mentioning current movies you’ve seen. They’ll be impressed you’re in the know and relatable.
16. Amaze them. Students in the 6-8 grade range are beginning to grasp the “wonders” of the world, like electricity, the cosmos, and ancient history. Set the course for the class by starting off with a few amazing trivia facts. To make them even more engaging, relate them to the day’s lesson plan.
17. Remember, they’re still kids. They may look mature and sometimes shock you with the complexity of their ideas, but they’re still very young. Set your expectations accordingly and remember they still need a good deal of warmth and praise.

High school

From the time they enter freshman year until their graduation, they make leaps of progress and begin their approach to adulthood. It’s important to relate to them, set some high standards, and have a bit of fun along the way.

18.  Set ground rules. Adolescents are programmed to test limits, but they still crave structure. You’ll want to establish your ground rules quickly. Be warm and straightforward. They’ll be much more likely to respect your authority, setting the path for a successful class.
19. Use confident, approachable, and open body language. Keep your head up, relax your shoulders, and look your students in the eyes. Your self-assuredness will bring out the best of theirs.
20. Be genuine. Know your style and work with it. If you’re the kind of person who keeps on top of pop culture, feel free to mention it. If you’re not, don’t sweat it. High schoolers are notorious for their ability to sniff out phoniness. That’s a win for you because all you have to do is play it straight.
21. Treat them like adults. You’ll encourage maturity by giving them credit off the bat.  Show them you respect what they have to offer. Engage them with questions as soon as you call roll. Ask them polite questions about their hobbies and interests, just as you might a new acquaintance. As class progresses, you’ll be glad you held them to a higher level.
22. Start with a debate. Teenagers have opinions on everything! Divide them into groups and ask them to argue out a question until they get consensus. It’s a way to get them energized, especially if it’s a first-period class or one right after lunch.
23. Play an icebreaker game. Ask students to share two truths and a lie about them. Then get the class to vote on which one is the fake. They’ll love seeing if they can fool each other, and you’ll get to know them.

And a final word of wisdom for teaching all ages . . .

Relax! Authenticity is the most important key to succeeding with your new students. Try to avoid starting class off in a rush. Instead, take a few minutes to decompress in your car, enjoy a cup of tea, or listen to music. Your calm energy will set the stage for happy interactions and a great day.

Master the art of gamification

Stepping into a classroom full of unfamiliar faces and uncertain dynamics can be daunting. However, there’s a powerful tool that may be able to help: gamification.

Successful gamification involves setting achievable goals for students. Instead of focusing solely on academic tasks, set broader objectives that encourage positive behavior and teamwork. For example, reward students for active participation, respectful communication, and helping their peers. Shifting the focus to collaborative teamwork helps students redirect their energy toward productive actions, improving overall classroom behavior.

Here are some ways you can incorporate gamification into your lesson plans:

Implement a point system

Introduce a points system in the classroom to track students’ progress throughout the day where students can earn points for:

• Good behavior
• Participation
• Completing homework
• Cleaning up after themselves
• Being kind to their classmates

For teaching specific subjects, you could turn math problems into a treasure hunt where each correct answer takes the students one step closer to the treasure. Or for teaching vocabulary, you could use a game of ‘Word Bingo’, where students have to mark off words on their card as they hear them in a story.

Display the points on a board or a chart to allow students to see their individual and collective accomplishments. These points could later be traded in for rewards, like extra recess time, choosing the next activity, or even a “homework pass”. The key is to offer rewards that are meaningful and appealing to students in order to encourage them to strive for their best behavior and performance.

Ideas to get started

Here are more practical examples of how students can earn points through gamification in the classroom:

• Homework completion: Assign a point value to each completed homework assignment. This incentivizes students to consistently complete their homework and reinforces the importance of independent practice.
• Reading challenges: Implement reading challenges where students earn points for reading a certain number of books or pages, encouraging independent reading and a love for literature.
• Classroom challenges: Introduce classroom challenges that require students to work together to solve problems or complete tasks. For instance, a math scavenger hunt or a history-based escape room can make learning fun and engaging while promoting teamwork and critical thinking.
• Extra credit tasks: Offer optional extra credit assignments or tasks that allow students to earn additional points. These can be related to the current lesson or topics of personal interest.
• Behavior and attitude: Use points to reinforce positive behavior and a respectful attitude in the classroom. Students can earn points for being kind, helping others, or showing good manners.
• Goal achievements: Set individualized goals for each student based on their abilities. When students achieve these goals, they earn points. This approach caters to individual growth and progress.
• Peer tutoring: Allow students to earn points by acting as peer tutors for their classmates who may be struggling with certain topics, promoting collaboration and a supportive classroom environment.
• Vocabulary mastery: Introduce vocabulary challenges where students earn points for correctly using and defining new words from the lessons in their assignments or discussions.
• Class reflections: Give students the opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned and how they’ve grown. Award points for insightful reflections that demonstrate deeper understanding.
• Jeopardy-style quizzes: Transform traditional quizzes into engaging gameshow experiences. Use tools like Kahoot! or Quizlet Live to create interactive quizzes with time limits and competitive elements. Students will be motivated to review and retain information in order to compete effectively.

While gamification can be a powerful tool, it’s important to remain flexible. Every classroom is different, and what works one day may not work the next. Pay attention to how students respond to different elements of the gamified approach and be ready to adapt as needed. Keep in mind that the goal is not just to control the classroom, but to nurture a love of learning and create a sense of community among students.

How substitute teachers do their taxes

When you substitute teach with Swing, you are an independent contractor rather than a direct employee of Swing Education, which means there are some significant differences in how you are expected to organize, track, report, and pay your taxable income to the IRS.

When you begin earning money as an independent contractor, you essentially become a business-of-one. As an independent contractor, you are paid the full amount listed on the assignments you work, and no taxes are withheld.  

Unfortunately, this does not remove your tax burden. Rather, it means you are required to report your income and pay your taxes directly to the IRS. Generally, you are required to file an annual return and pay estimated tax quarterly.  

Quarterly taxes

If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes for the year for your contracting work, then you may need to pay quarterly taxes. If you don’t pay quarterly when you should, you could face a 6-8% penalty on the amount you underpaid.

Our partner, Stride Tax has a helpful rundown of quarterly taxes.

Deducting expenses

As an independent contractor, you may be able to deduct business-related expenses, such as mileage traveled or school supplies. Here’s a list of common 1099 tax deductions.

Additional resources

• Self Employed Individual Tax Center: A one-stop shop on the IRS website that includes forms, advice, and online learning tools.
• 1040-ES Estimated Tax Form: Instructions and form created by the IRS to help individuals pay estimated taxes.
• Schedule C Form: The end-of-year profits and loss tax form.
• Stride Tax App: This free app helps you track mileage and expenses, and it can create an IRS-ready tax summary for when you are ready to file.
• The Impact of Tax Reform on Self-Employed Taxpayers: This free webinar includes information on how the new tax law will impact you this tax season.
• Tax Content Center: Find informative blogs on a range of tax topics.

NOTE: Swing Education and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.