Slay A Busy Day: 6 Tips For First-Year Substitute Teachers

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Balancing a few days a week of substitute teaching at local schools has been an interesting journey. When I first started, it quickly became clear that I needed to fine-tune my approach, from packing extra essentials in my sub bag to finding ways to recharge throughout the day. I've picked up a few helpful tips along the way, and I'm excited to share what's been working for me!

1. Preparation is Key: Stocking Your Sub Bag

I still remember seeing substitute teachers in my own school days always coming prepared with their personal bags of tricks. So, before my first day, I made sure I was ready with supplies that either I or the students might need. Here's what I keep in my bag:

-A clipboard that I carry around with me throughout the day. It usually has a class roster as a reference to help me remember students' names, the class schedule, and dismissal procedures, along with a piece of notebook paper to write down a daily report of events.

-Coloring and craft supplies. Markers, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, and scissors.

-Sticky notes.

-Dry erase markers.

-Extra pencils and pens.
-Notecards.

-Hypo-allergenic facial wipes for quick hand or face cleaning for myself or the students. 

-Facial tissue.

-My planner.

-Snacks (more on that below!).

2. Arrive Early and Make a Great First Impression

Just like any other job, getting there ahead of time makes a huge difference. As a substitute, arriving early gives me extra time to review the schedule and lesson plans and prepare any necessary supplies. It also provides time to quickly look over the school's safety plans. That way, I know exactly what to do if, heaven forbid, a serious emergency ever comes up.

3. Stick to the Teacher's Plan (and Be Ready for Anything!)

Every classroom I've stepped into so far has had super clear instructions, whether it's a detailed schedule or specific assignments from a lesson plan. But there might be a day when those detailed notes aren't there. Typically, there is always a substitute binder with general classroom notes and worksheets that students can work on, so I make sure to check for that.

4. Power Up with a Smart Snack

Even though I genuinely enjoy my new responsibilities, I'm pretty exhausted by the end of the day. It's a rewarding exhaustion, for sure, after a day of interacting with students and helping them learn. Thankfully, I recently discovered the perfect pick-me-up: Honest Tea® and Lorissa's Kitchen beef snacks. This combo is not only delicious but also a much better option than those sugary, preservative-filled snacks. I love being able to re-energize during my quiet time, like when students are in special classes like music, art, P.E., or recess.

Honest Tea is sweet and USDA-certified organic. Lorissa's Kitchen premium prep-free protein snacks feature a clean label with many benefits, including 100% grass-fed beef and responsibly raised pork. They are gluten-free and have no preservatives, growth hormones, MSG, or nitrites. The ingredients used in these portable snack packs can be found right in your own kitchen.

With Honest Tea and Lorissa's Kitchen products, you can feel better about your responsibly sourced protein snack and maintain a better lifestyle without sacrificing delicious flavor wherever you go.

Lorissa's Kitchen offers four globally inspired flavors. They can be found at your local Walmart store near the cash registers at the front of the store, and Honest Tea products can be found nearby.


Sweet deal alert: Earn $1.00 cash back with your purchase of the following combination, exclusive at Walmart, Lorissa's Kitchen™ Premium Protein Snacks - Any variety - 2.25 oz. bag and Honest Tea® - Any variety - Single bottle only. Both products must be purchased on the same receipt to receive credit for this rebate.

5. Document Your Day

Even if your school or district doesn't require a daily report form, I recommend creating one. Some teachers may leave pre-printed forms, or you can use a piece of notebook paper like I do. I always jot down my first and last name, as well as the date. Throughout the day, I take notes on any behavioral or safety incidents, list helpful students who require redirection or frequent reminders, and track which assignments and activities were completed. Anything I feel the primary teacher should know gets added to my notes.

6. Tidy Up Before You Go

Before heading out at the end of the day, I always make sure the classroom is neat and tidy. That means putting furniture and supplies back where they belong. I usually have the students pick up any trash around their desks or tables, then call them up a few at a time to toss it. Some teachers prefer students to put their chairs on top of their desks before leaving, while others don't. If I'm ever unsure, I just ask a student—they usually know the drill!

Bonus Tip: Brush Up on Classroom Management

If you don't have direct classroom experience or a teaching degree, I recommend researching and practicing various classroom management techniques to enhance your skills. While many educational staffing companies and districts offer quick training courses for new substitutes, taking the initiative to learn more is incredibly beneficial and will help you feel much more confident in front of a class.

I received permission from the principals at both schools to photograph the classrooms and share the images in this blog post. Thank you for reading!