If you’re thinking about becoming a substitute teacher, you’re likely wondering what a typical day of a sub is like. Here’s what you can expect:

Accepting your assignment

6:00 AM – The day begins

Rise and shine! Your day kicks off with a phone call, text, or web notification letting you know which school and class need your expertise. Whether it’s a last-minute gig or a pre-scheduled assignment, being a substitute teacher means you’re always ready for action.

Ideally, you’ll get assignments in advance, giving you the freedom to plan your schedule. Swing Education is a great tool for this, helping districts and subs stay organized and prepared.

Once you’ve accepted a sub assignment, it’s time to get ready for school.

Arriving at school—navigating the morning hustle

8:00 AM – Getting your bearings

Your first stop at school is typically the office. Here, the school secretary gives you keys to your classroom and any instructions. Make your way to your destination and find sub plans, a roster, a daily schedule, and information about emergency procedures on the teacher’s desk.

First, familiarize yourself with the plans. Gather all the necessary lesson materials, and make sure you understand the teacher’s instructions. Then, take a moment to introduce yourself to the teachers across the hall and next door. They‘ll be your lifelines throughout the day for any questions or guidance.

The sub plans should guide you through the day, outlining class timings, duties (like lunch or bus duty), and your break schedule. Ensure you know your way around the school to avoid any delays. Knowing where you’re going in advance helps you avoid getting lost in the halls and putting you behind schedule.

Starting the day—engaging with students

8:15 AM – Ready, set, teach!

Before students arrive, write any instructions and your name on the board. Greet students as they enter your class, introduce yourself, and dive right into the day’s lesson plans. Remember to take attendance.

If you’re teaching middle or high school, be prepared to give the same lesson multiple times for different groups of students. If you’re assigned to an elementary classroom, you’ll guide students to their different specials (PE, music, or art), and don’t forget those important bathroom breaks! 

Midday break—lunch and networking

12:00 PM – Lunch time

Time for lunch! If you’re not sure where to eat, head to the teacher’s lounge and introduce yourself. Building relationships is a key aspect of securing more substitute teaching opportunities. Enjoy your break, recharge, and prepare for the afternoon.

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Wrapping up—finishing strong

2:30 PM – The final bell

As the day draws to a close, have the students tidy up and turn in their assignments. Once the bell rings and the students leave, your work isn’t quite done yet.

It’s expected that you’ll leave a detailed report for the absent teacher. Write them a note and be sure to include important information, such as how the lesson went, where students left off in their work, and any modifications you made to the lesson plan.

Most teachers also expect a report on behavior: Who was helpful and on-task? Who needed redirection? If there were any behavior problems, don’t be shy—tell the teacher. They’ll want to know how their students behaved in their absence, and they’ll likely follow up upon their return.

Teachers can often request substitutes, so if you had a good experience, let the teacher know you’d be happy to sub for their class again. Building a positive reputation can lead to more requests from teachers.

Finally, tidy up the classroom. Organize student work, label it with class period and date, and ensure the room is in good shape for the teacher’s return.

Closing time—wrapping up your day

2:45 PM – Mission accomplished

Pop into the office to drop off your keys, and you’re officially done. Head home, kick back, and relax because you’ve earned it. Tomorrow is another day and another adventure in the life of a substitute teacher.

Ready to jump into the world of substitute teaching? Sign up with Swing Education and start making a difference in classrooms today!