Substitute Teacher Information

The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist." ~Maria Montessorri This quote says it so well! When I am absent it is very important that the school day not be a wasted one. If the children carry on as if I were there that is a sign we are operating as a successful classroom unit. The key to success is having detailed plans so that the substitute teacher knows what to do and what your classroom routine is. I love coming back to school with a delightful note from the substitute!
Substitute Teacher Notebook Section One
I keep a Substitute Teacher Notebook in a 1-inch 3-ring binder. It is divided into sections. The first section is a letter to the substitute that outlines the particulars of my classroom. This document contains all of the ins and outs, not only of my classroom and how I run it, but of some important school policies that a substitute needs to be cognizant of. Pictures of students are inserted so they are easily identified by the substitute. A copy of our Class Handbook is also provided. Letter to the Substitute Class Handbook
Section Two
My lesson plans are kept in the second section of the notebook. I have developed a template that I can easily type into, or write on, so the things that remain constant do not have to be rewritten every time I have a substitute. I really spell things out so my substitute does not have to play a guessing game. Lesson Plans
Section Three
The third section of my plans contains a Seating Chart and Behavior Report papers (should they be needed). My hope is that the same number of blank Behavior Reports will be there upon my return! Behavior Report Seating Chart Seating Chart Seating Chart Seating Chart Groups of 4 Groups of 8 Rows U-Shape
Section Four
The third section of my plans contains information related to Emergency Evacuation Procedures. Though I recommend that this information be read and understood, I also have the understanding with a third grade colleague that the buddy system be used in the event of an emergency and I'm not there.
Section Five
The last section of my notebook contains a booklet titled, Substitute Teacher Survival Handbook. It contains many ideas and activities that a substitute can use as filler activities, should they be needed.
Websites for Substitute Teachers
Melissa's Myriad Tips for Substitute Teachers	What Substitute Teachers Need to Know and Do ASCD
Deciding Whether to Subsitute Teach NEA	Online Substitute Teacher Training
Education World Substitute Survival Archive	Teachers.net Substitute Teachers' Chatboard
Substitute Teaching Institute	Substitute Teacher Homepage... The Substitute Teacher Survival Site
Books for Substitute Teachers

Awards	Behavior	Birthdays	Calendars S O N D J F M A M J	Class Handbook
Fire Safety	Holidays	Homework	Inventive Minds	Kid Sites
Math	Meet the Kids	Meet the Teacher	Our Classroom	Our School
Parent Communication	Parent/Teacher Resources	PTA Project 2006 2007	Reading	S.T.A.R. Books
Schedule	Science	Social Studies	Specials	Spelling
Standards	Substitute Teacher	Website Graphics	Writing