As we dive into the new school year, it’s important to equip yourself with a few key reminders that can help you navigate challenges and set you up for success in every classroom. Here are five essential qualities to help you succeed and put some pep in your step as you head back to the classroom! 

1. Reliability—the way to win schools over
   Your attendance rate is the biggest factor in maintaining good standing with schools. Sometimes emergencies happen (we totally get it!), but canceling (especially with less than 24 hours of advance notice) should be avoided as much as possible. The more reliable you are, the more schools will want you back and keep the requests coming.
2. Punctuality—beat the bell with ease
   Be sure to arrive on time! Check traffic well enough in advance to ensure you’ve accounted for delays. Allow yourself plenty of time to find parking and check in with the front office before heading to the classroom. Always stay for the duration of the assignment.
3. Professionalism—set a classy standard
   Use appropriate language when communicating with students and staff, and stay focused on topics that are relevant to the classroom. Keep phones and other personal items away and out of sight (and reach!) from students.
4. Preparation—bring your A-game to every class
   Familiarize yourself with the day’s schedule to ensure classroom coverage and student supervision at all times. Review lesson plans. If you discover there is no lesson plan, be ready with backup options to keep the class focused. Prepare a “substitute bag” with supplies and extra worksheets if you need them.
5. Responsible engagement—connect in ways that make the grade
   Set clear expectations, follow lesson plans, keep classroom order, and actively engage with students to keep them focused and participating. Be a proactive problem-solver. Never engage in physical contact with students or their personal belongings. Don’t hesitate to call a school administrator for support if you need it. 

Have you noticed types of substitute requests where you aren’t sure what they mean? Here’s a quick description of the different categories of requests you might see:

• Long-term requests:
  These types of requests are to cover the extended absences of full-time teachers. Rather than subbing for a few days, the assignment may last weeks, months, or even the entire school year.

• Roving sub (floating sub) requests:
  This means the district administrators are anticipating future teacher absences, so they’re issuing a request ahead of time. They won’t have further details about the assignment until the need comes up, which means you likely won’t be notified until the morning of the specific assignment (including which school). These are best for subs who feel comfortable adapting to different environments depending on the school’s needs.

• Swing Heroes requests:
  Posted up to 14 days in advance, these types of requests are meant to help the growing challenge of last-minute teacher absences. When you accept a request flagged as “Swing Heroes”, you are committing to be available to teach “on call” on the day noted—and get guaranteed pay for that day. Full details of the request are not visible immediately, but it will provide the date to be “on call” and the guaranteed minimum pay (if not canceled within 48 hours of the date). Details about the school and grade assigned become available 1-12 hours ahead of the start time (and no later than 9:30 a.m. on the day of). Please see our Help Center for further details.

Whether you’re stepping into a long-term role, adapting to last-minute requests, or filling in for a few days, your reliability, professionalism, and preparation make all the difference. Stay confident, stay engaged, and remember that your efforts as a substitute teacher are truly valued. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling year ahead!