10 Classroom Management Secrets Every Substitute Teacher Should Know
You walk into a classroom. 28 pairs of eyes size you up. They're thinking: "Sub day = free day."
You have about 90 seconds to establish control.
Here's what veteran subs know that new subs learn the hard way.
1. The First 30 Seconds Win or Lose the Day
What doesn't work: Apologizing, being overly friendly, waiting for silence
What works: Confident entrance, immediate presence, clear expectations
Script:
"Good morning. I'm [Name]. I'll be your teacher today. Please take out [assignment]. We're starting in 60 seconds."
Then start in 60 seconds. Whether they're ready or not.
2. The Seating Chart Is Your Secret Weapon
First thing: Find the seating chart. If there isn't one, make students sit where the regular teacher has them.
Why this matters: Students in wrong seats = chaos. Troublemakers separate themselves from accountability.
If there's no chart: Have students write their name on a paper on their desk. Now you have a seating chart.
3. Never Say "I Don't Know What We're Doing"
Even if the lesson plans are terrible (or missing), never admit you're winging it.
Instead: "Your teacher left work for you. Let's see what she has planned."
Then improvise with confidence.
Emergency lessons every sub should have:
- Silent reading + written response
- Math review worksheet
- Writing prompt
- Educational video + questions
4. The "Two Warnings Then Consequences" Rule
First disruption: Warning + name on board
Second disruption: Warning + note to teacher
Third disruption: Office referral or moved seats
Stick to it. If you threaten and don't follow through, you've lost.
5. Learn the Magic Words
"That's not what your teacher told me."
Works for: "We don't do homework." "We always get to use phones." "We usually watch movies all day."
"I'll check with your teacher."
Buys you time for anything you're unsure about.
"Eyes on me in 3... 2... 1..."
Better than yelling "QUIET!"
"I appreciate those who are ready to learn."
Positive reinforcement beats nagging.
6. The Early Finish Problem
You planned 45 minutes of work. They finished in 20. Now what?
Have backup activities ready:
- Free reading
- Catch up on other classes
- Educational games
- Quiet drawing
- Study hall rules
Never: Let them use phones. You lose control.
Do: Structured free time with clear expectations.
7. Document Everything
Take photos of:
- The classroom when you arrive (proof it was messy before you)
- The board with assignments written
- Damaged items or issues you notice
- DO NOT take photos of children
Leave detailed notes:
- What you covered
- Who misbehaved (specific incidents, not just "Johnny was bad")
- What you didn't finish
- Positive highlights
Teachers appreciate thoroughness. Sloppy notes = you won't be requested again.
8. The Office Staff Are Your Best Friends
Learn names: Office manager, principal, attendance clerk
Be helpful: Volunteer to cover lunch duty if asked
Be professional: Show up on time, dress appropriately
Say thank you: Acknowledge when they help you
Why: These are the people who choose which subs to call for last-minute jobs. Being likeable = more work.
9. Pick Your Battles
Not worth fighting over:
- Minor chatting
- Slightly off-task behavior
- One kid who refuses to work but isn't disruptive
Worth addressing immediately:
- Disrespect or defiance
- Safety issues
- Behavior that disrupts others' learning
- Anything that undermines your authority
Remember: You're there for one day. You're not going to fix chronic behavior issues. Keep everyone safe and learning. That's a win.
10. Systems Save Your Sanity
The biggest secret successful subs know: Spend less time hunting for jobs, more time being good at them.
Old way:
- Refresh Frontline constantly
- Accept whatever jobs appear
- Stress about tomorrow's assignment
- Repeat daily
Better way:
- Set clear preferences for jobs you'll take
- Get notified instantly when they're posted
- Accept quickly before they're taken
- Spend energy on actual teaching
This is where tools like Sub Hero help. Set your preferences (elementary only, full-days, nearby schools), get instant notifications, accept in one click. Some subs use the auto-accept feature so their best jobs are secured even at 5 AM while they're sleeping.
Stop spending hours job hunting. That's unpaid labor cutting into your real income.
Your First 30 Days Checklist
Week 1:
- [ ] Survive your first few days
- [ ] Build a sub bag with essentials
- [ ] Introduce yourself to office staff
Week 2:
- [ ] Track which schools/grades you prefer
- [ ] Create emergency lesson plans
- [ ] Set up efficient job-finding system
Week 3:
- [ ] Get strategic about which jobs you take
- [ ] Practice classroom management techniques
- [ ] Build relationships with teachers
Week 4:
- [ ] Establish sustainable routine
- [ ] Set boundaries and stick to them
- [ ] Evaluate if full-time subbing works for you
Resources to Help
Free:
- Frontline training videos
- Fellow subs (ask questions!)
- Teacher resource websites
Worth paying for:
- Sub Hero - Smarter job hunting ($6.99/month): app.getsubhero.com
- Classroom management books
- Professional development workshops
You've Got This
Every expert sub was once a nervous first-timer. The difference between subs who quit after a month and subs who thrive for years?
Systems, boundaries, and realistic expectations.
Get those right, and substitute teaching can be rewarding, flexible, and profitable.