Effective Substitute Teacher Training and Procedures in Ouachita Parish Schools

OUACHITA PARISH SCHOOLS SUBSTITUTE TRAINING & PROCEDURES

Goals & Expectations for Substitute Teachers in Ouachita Parish Schools The Ouachita Parish School System is very appreciative of our substitute teachers who serve daily across our district. In the regular teacher s absence, you are the teacher. It is your responsibility to move the learning process forward by maintaining classroom control and continuity in instruction. The roles of a substitute teacher are to maintain classroom discipline and to carry on the classroom as if he/she were the regular teacher. Teachers anticipate that substitutes will follow lesson plans and reinforce behavioral guidelines. They expect them to supervise students appropriately and to safeguard classroom equipment and supplies. This training should help prepare you for your role as a substitute teacher in the Ouachita Parish School System

PROACTIVE vs REACTIVE

Establish a Positive Classroom Environment Professional Appearance/Attire Positive Attitude Cooperation Flexibility Effective Communication Skills Teaching With Confidence Enthusiasm Problem Solving RESPECT

Act As If You Can Always Improve Your Performance You are the Teacher That Day It s Going To Be a Terrific Day Fake It Until You Make It

Set the Tone for a Positive Day Arrive early & review lesson plans, seating charts, emergency procedures Plan moves in advance make sure all equipment is available and ready Introduce yourself, set expectations, and talk to the students Adhere to the school s opening exercises (i.e., Bell Ringer ) Be positive! Circulate around the classroom

ESTABLISH PROCEDURES & ROUTINES

Classroom Management Don t Yell! Classroom management is not about yelling. Generally it is best to lower the volume of your voice as the volume of the students voices increases. Always use transition techniques and devices. Get Moving One of the easiest things you can do to maintain order in your classroom is to walk around. Follow Classroom Procedures & Routines Always put up your hand to speak. Don t leave your chair during a lesson without permission. Be respectful to others.

Confrontations & Attention Stay calm, lower your voice Use a specific signal to gain attention Learn students names Wait before you respond to a student s behavior Never become physically involved Sending students to the office should be the last resort

Top Twelve Principles No physical contact/touching Avoiding and handling confrontations Dealing with a fight Following the teacher s lesson plan Teacher not a friend Taking accurate attendance Never leave the classroom unattended Never transport students in your automobile Policy on eating food and drinking beverages Never administer medication Validate student s potential Minimize pronouns/use students names

Suggested Instructional Strategies Cooperative Learning Brainstorming Pros & Cons KWL

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Student Accidents or Illness Notify school nurse and school administrator Keep student quiet and determine extent of injury/illness Serious injury, call office or nurse and tell them to call 911 Make anecdotal notes of incident and witnesses Complete injury/accident report in Main Office before leaving school Never refuse a child to go to the bathroom or nurse

Emergency Drills Taking accurate student attendance during and after all drills is mandatory Become familiar with the individual school s procedures for all types of drills (e.g. fire, lockdowns, evacuations, intruders, etc.) Report unusual activity to the school s administrator Be aware of sensitive students and their reactions

Before You Leave at the End of the Day Leave a detailed note for the teacher about the day Make sure classroom is left as neatly as you found it Return all teaching materials Always end the day on a positive note Sign out in the office

Dos Listen & respond in a professional manner Think before you speak Be sensitive Provide positive feedback Maintain classroom management Observe and monitor behaviors Adhere to the lesson plans Channel comments in a positive direction Complete a school incident report as needed Contact the school s principal/administrator for assistance when necessary

Donts Make inappropriate comments Discuss inappropriate topics and subject matter Permit students to use offensive words and actions Make comments related to your own personal feelings and opinions Use negative comments related to a student s special needs, classifications, mental, physical, and academic abilities Use sarcastic remarks and inappropriate humor Use social networking to contact students for any purpose at any time

TIPS AND REMINDERS

Pre-Assignment Upon arrival, all substitutes must wear OPSB issued identification badges Always dress professionally Arrive at your assigned school early enough to report to the Main Office in order to receive the information necessary for the day and to prepare for your assignment In the event you are unable to report to your scheduled assignment, you must notify the Leave Office and the school you were assigned Report to the Main Office, sign in at the beginning of the school day and sign out at the end of the school day Introduce yourself to the school secretary, principal (if available) and teachers in nearby classrooms to your assignment Review and adhere to the regular lesson plans and activities prepared for you Check with the Main Office in the event that no plans were left for you Review the school s emergency evacuation and classroom lock down procedures

In-Assignment Welcome students as they enter the classroom in a professional, caring manner and treat them with respect. Immediately print your name and title (Mr. Mrs., Ms.) on the board. Speak clearly and project your voice in order for all students to hear and understand you. Demonstrate confidence when giving directions to students and during instruction. Take attendance in every class. Set expectations and procedures clearly at the beginning of the day. Maintain classroom control at all times. Remain professional and never lose control or use inappropriate language even during frustrating and stressful situations. Never confront or threaten an individual student in front of other students. Isolate the student and address the issue individually.

In-Assignment (continued) Never call students an inappropriate name or tell them to shut up . Remain professional at all times. Telling inappropriate stories, gossip, jokes, sharing personal information, and using inappropriate language in the school and classroom is strictly prohibited. Adhere to the district s policy on the acceptable use of cell phones, school s computers and Internet. You shouldn t use your cell phone in the classroom or use the school s computers for personal business. Supervise students at all times. In the event of an emergency that requires you to leave the classroom, notify the Main Office and wait for another teacher to supervise your class. Students should never be left unattended. Circulate throughout the classroom to maintain control and assist individual students.

Post Assignment Leave a brief note for the regular teacher or complete the school s substitute checklist (if available.) Leave the classroom in the same or better condition than you found it. Return all teacher materials that were provided to you (if applicable) and the classroom keys to the Main Office.

CONSISTENCY, RESPECT, & PROFESSIONALISM