Substitute Teachers

Responsibilities of a Substitute Teacher

Arrival at school:
	Arrive 30 minutes before start time and check in at the school office.
	Obtain teacher's folder for class schedule from secretary.
	Ask about any special instructions regarding duties.
	Obtain any necessary keys.
	Ask for guidance in reporting absences and tardies.
	If possible, introduce yourself to teachers on either side of your room in case you need assistance.
In the Classroom Before School:
	Read through the lesson plans left by permanent teacher.
	Put your name on the board and locate materials for the day.
	Welcome the students as they enter; smile and show confidence.
Throughout the Day:
	Start class with attendance and follow lesson plans. Substitute teachers must keep the teacher's attendance register current. The attendance register is a legal record and must be accurate.
	If you are substituting on a long-term assignment, you should be prepared to make lesson plans and attend departmental meetings unless the Principal excuses you. Attending meetings is one of the ways in which you can keep informed about recent developments in school procedures.
	Seek guidance from the appropriate teachers or the office for any unusual situation or discipline problem.
	Never leave the classroom unattended.
	Unless directed otherwise in the lesson plans, do not collect miscellaneous student work. Instruct students to wait until the teacher returns, or place in appropriate folders or baskets.
At the end of the Day:
	Please leave room in the same condition that you found it. Have students straighten their area and clean around their desks. If chairs were on desks or stacked when you came in, please make sure they are on the desks when you leave.
	Leave a note for the teacher at the end of the day. This is important so that the teacher knows where to begin the next day. This is a great opportunity for you to leave your request number, so the next time that teacher is absent, he/she may request you for their next absence.
	When all duties are completed, please return to the office and turn in your teacher folder and any keys that were given to you.
	All substitute teachers are automatically released at the end of the school day. You will be notified again by the office if your services will be needed the following day.

General Information

Professional Ethics:
Substitute teachers are expected to maintain the same ethical standards as regular teachers; i.e., stories or gossip should not be carried from building to building or to the pupils.

Confidentiality:
All school records and reports should be handled with care. Many records are of a confidential nature, and are maintained in order to provide information on student development for the professional staff. It is essential that, as a teacher, you are careful not to give out any information which you have received from contact with students or other people in the profession.

Dress Code:
Please dress neatly and appropriately for the working day. Professional dress helps establish respect from students.

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