Being a substitute teacher is an important job, and many schools will have to fill substitute teaching jobs throughout the year. There is a high demand for substitute teachers, and it’s important to understand their role.
Unlike full time teachers, who have their own form class, substitute teachers don’t necessarily have the time to build relationships with the students, which can at time not work in their favour. It’s important that they tell the students as much as they can about themselves and their rules before they get their classes underway.
They may not have time to settle in and know the other staff members, while they may also be required to work in subjects that are out of their comfort zone.
Also know as supply teachers, they will have limited information the pupils they are teaching. For instance they may not know what level each student is at, and it can be difficult to find the balance within the classroom.
Any work they set, such as homework, they may then be unable to follow up, and because pupils know they are only covering for one lesson or two, they may not respect the supply teacher in the same way they do with their absent teacher.
There’s no doubt that substitute teachers have a difficult job role, and they play a major part in the school’s success.