what qualifications do you need to be a substitute teacher in michigan?

I pray God impart the spirit of discernment, knowledge, words of wisdom, the spirit of healing rest upon you. Allow kindness and mercy rule in your heart and exist fifty-fifty-tempered and love overflow in all you exercise.

(1 Corinthians 12: viii-10; Colossians 3:12-12). Have a blessed day!

Substitute teaching is a valuable asset for every schoolhouse district. Though it is a tough task, it provides a service that enables the school to function when the Teacher or other personnel is absent. And you've heard it all before …

"Yous're not a real Teacher"

"Y'all're just a Sub"

Well, despite this myth, I am here to inform you that you most definitely, unequivocally are a "Real" Teacher. And y'all are not the babysitter, either. With your remarkable ability, you become an asset to the schoolhouse commune like no one else. You lot can chronicle to students from diverse cultures, environments, and you can practise what no i can practise because you masterfully handle diverse assignments within a day.

As a former Preferred Substitute Instructor, I plant information technology to be both challenging and joyful. In fact, one important aspect of being qualified every bit a Substitute Teacher is that yous must love children and enjoy working with them. And it should exist the goal of every Instructor and Substitute Instructor to see their students succeeded in and outside the classroom. Thus, I have compiled this list of 14 skills I consider of being a distinguished and qualified Substitute Teacher. I hope it inspires you.

ane.  Training – For any successful Substitute Instructor, y'all must be prepared by knowing what is expected of you lot and how to handle the vast complexities of the classroom. So, fostered lessons conducive to coming together the needs of diverse groups of children. Exist adaptable, patient and flexible to different situations enabling the form to have clarity and complete assignments. Ready to apply hands-on experience tailored to run into the needs of every student. Exist professional, courteous, and brandish a pleasant demeanor in every situation.

Though I never had demand of such, prepare your own Sub Kit. Some may refer to this as a Survival Kit. It can contain, start aid kit, pencils, pens, crayons and markers, paper, multi-colored construction paper, gum – both solid and stick gum, stapler, paper clips, record, storybooks to read to elementary classes, and sticky notes. Also, I used this time to ready myself spiritually, mentally, and emotionally for the day. Take time out for a cup of coffee and utilize it equally a time to relax or fellowship with co-workers. Take a moment to refresh and relax before picking up the class.

2.  Arrive Early on – Every school starts at a different time. So, make sure to check with each schoolhouse commune you sign up with and know what time they await yous to arrive. So go the extra mile by arriving early. I found arriving at least 15 - 30 minutes alee of schedule to help me better prepare myself for the 24-hour interval. What's more, arrive at school with an enthusiastic mental attitude. Introduce yourself to the Secretary and if the opportunity arrives, to the Chief. Inform them who you are and enquire whatever pertinent questions which enables you lot to do the best task ever. Earlier picking up the students spend some time in the classroom and familiar yourself with its surroundings. Read through the sub-programme thoroughly. Too, exist polite and courteous and give a friendly greeting to staff. Proceed a smile on your face.

3.  Be Flexible – Flexibility is a corking skill for any Substitute Teacher to possess. Though you do not need a Teacher'southward degree to perform your job, you volition have to accommodate to the various changes you lot volition meet. You may have accepted an assignment to embrace for the fifth grade merely be reassigned to the Gym course. On occasions, I was pulled out of my assigned class to cover for various other classes, even doing deli duty and standing in for the Secretary.

Now, this doesn't hateful that you tin can't cull what grades you volition or won't teach. When I first began as a Substitute Teacher my middle went out to the teenagers. Only I speedily learned that this was not my niche. My area of expertise was in Pre-Kindergarten – 2d form and Special Education. This is where I excelled. During each school term, I made sure to inform the Sub service what grades I was comfortable with so with the exception of one particular loftier school, they knew not to call me for Eye and Loftier School. Furthermore, there were more than than plenty assignments in those grades I felt more at ease instruction to choose from. However, I was flexible and able to brand the adjustment when my schedule changed. At a school I oftentimes taught at, the Secretary complimented me regarding this. And then, be ready, flexible and adaptable to change.

4.  Dress Professionally – It is your responsibility to know the commune'southward dress code and adhere appropriately. It's non about being flamboyant nor dressing as if you lot are going to the park, either. Yous must not go lax even in your dress attire. Conduct yourself as a professional even in your appearance and attitude.

5.  Exist Organized – Though it is the job of each Teacher to leave you lot a sub-plan, you lot must be organized and prepared for the unexpected. Read through the plans thoroughly and brand sure y'all familiarize yourself with the class schedule, fire drill procedures, lockdown, and emergency protocol. Make sure the student's handbook is in the sub plans too. If not, check with the Secretary. Utilize information technology every bit a guide throughout your day and don't be afraid to ask virtually anything you lot are unsure of. Also, most Teachers leave a list for Grade Helpers. This is a very resourceful tool to make use of. These are students you can depend on to help you lot with class schedule, where materials are located, even where other classes are located.

Make sure to take your class to all their scheduled classes, and on time. And exist on time to pick them upwards. If past chance there is a class trip or special event yous should know the proper procedures ahead of schedule.

Become acquainted with the Teachers effectually you. They can exist of great help in giving you information regarding your students, the school's schedule, and other relevant information. By building a relationship with these Teachers y'all are making yourself a potential candidate for them to request you to cover their class.

From the moment y'all pick up your students to the moment you dismiss your grade, it is all-important that you show that you are organized and capable of handling your course. Otherwise, the students volition quickly try to have charge.

6.  Follow Through with Teacher's Sub Plan – One main thing that brings a Teacher satisfaction is returning to class and discovering her plans were executed. The Teacher has left specific instructions and expects them to be carried out. Make sure to consummate each assignment, collect them and set on a notation. If you deviate from said plans it's seen every bit being disrespectful and you can count on the primary teacher to written report such and ergo your chances of returning to that classroom have diminished. Be sure to follow through with the sub program and complete each assignment but take a fill-in program for those rare occasions that there is none. Therefore, be sure it's flexible to fit any grade yous may be assigned to. Higher up all, remember to take attendance and leave a notation with names of whatever educatee who was absent or tardy.

7.  Look for those students who need extra help – Each educatee learns in a unlike manner. What Jonathan may find easy to comprehend may not be the aforementioned for Brenda. Then, you must stay alert and take a keen insight to spot those students who need extra help.

After I introduced and explained each lesson, students were allowed to accept their set and complete their assignments. I cull this time as an opportunity to sit in a group with any students I observed to accept some difficulty in understanding the lesson. I used a different teaching method to awaken their potential. Also, any student who was able to complete their lesson ahead of schedule I either paired them with another student to help or gave them some extra work to keep them from condign bored.

8.  Maintain Good Classroom Management Skills – One of the greatest complaints I have heard from Substitute Teachers is that they are disrespected. This is true. So, y'all must walk in that classroom with conviction and command it with the respect that y'all deserve. Each Teacher has their own unique mode of managing a class. As a long-term Substitute Instructor, I observed that every class consist of a diverseness type of students. Overall, at that place are those who are well-behaved and quiet, some savour clowning around, while others are eager to assistance, and there may be the class bully. In that location has been a meaning increment in such students in the classrooms over the years. Then in that location are those who are defiant and volition exam the waters. They will try to get away with anything. And they will test you just to bear witness you who's in accuse.

But here's the thing, yous're the Instructor and they are the educatee under your authority. Therefore, in add-on to the Instructor'south rules state what your rules and your expectations are. Exist firm and exercise not permit them to disrupt the classroom. Hold them accountable and responsible for their actions and apply appropriate consequences that adhere to that particular school policies.

What's more than, the rules that apply to Kindergarten isn't the same as the ones for high school or a special education class. Recollect, the Chief expects y'all to be able to control your grade in an appropriate manner that adheres to school's procedures. If y'all are consistently sending students to the office, the Master perceives this as you being unable to manage the class. Thus, unless information technology's admittedly necessary, refer them to the Administrator every bit a last effect. You are being surveillance and when you earn a reputation as a no-nonsense Substitute Instructor, your proper noun will exist moved to the top of the list. In a word, you'll become a Preferred Substitute Teacher.

Yous may non receive a yearly evaluation every bit Teachers does but in their own way they do observe you lot. The Primary may stop by the form without any alarm. In my humble stance, this is what a truthful evaluation should be. When a Principal or Vice Principal gives the Instructor a heads-upwards then how can you lot be sure it's a true evaluation? What teacher wouldn't brand certain to be prepared? A Teacher should always be prepared. And and so, should y'all.

In fact, during my outset long-term consignment, I was instruction a Social Studies lesson. And who walks in unexpectedly? The Principal! … Well, I kept teaching. Though she never made any comments to me I became a Preferred Substitute Teacher within that school commune. By the way, that was a tough course.

Additionally, give out rewards and recognition. Such incentives include stickers, pencils, small-scale notepads, certificates, etc. I always kept such honorary cards and items with me. Sometimes, I wrote a brief note on a decorative notepad to the students' parents for them to take habitation with an explanation of how proud I was to accept been their child's teacher for a day.

9.  Be Prepared for the Unexpected - Exist prepared for the unexpected. You lot may have various scenarios throughout the solar day so, sometimes care for each situation individually and others times as a commonage group. Approximate each situation carefully and with caution. Whether it'south beingness observed, a student having a meltdown, a fight within the classroom, a student becoming ill, a lockdown, etc... Exist prepared. When a situation arises across your control, know what the proper procedure is ahead of time. This information should be in the Teacher's Sub-plan. Keep the students and you condom as it is reasonably possible. In the case of a fight that you are unable to command contact the office and have them send the Security Baby-sit immediately.

10. Treat students and staff with the utmost respect – Everybody wants to be respected. Everybody wants to be treated similar a human being. Then, no matter how challenging your job is to respect the students and staff at all times. At present, be firm in regards to administering subject policies just go on in a respectful mode. However, don't be as well lenient with whatsoever student.

I have worked with Teachers or Aides who did non respect me. I accept worked in a form where I worked i-on-one with a educatee and there was one ready of rules for me and another for the Lead Teacher and her staff. In her endeavour to discredit me, she defendant me of existence insubordinate, which the Principal knew was untrue. Her aim was to get me transferred from her classroom but she was unsuccessful.

Honestly, I wanted to leave her course only my elevation priority was my student who admittedly loved me. And I enjoyed working with him too. So, I made the ultimate sacrifice. Likewise, I spoke to two of my colleagues who had known me for years because this was a school district I had taught at for a while. They gave me practiced advice. And ane even told me how to approach the Instructor in regards to her disrespecting me and barbarous and inhuman means she treated me. I applied it and though it did not stop her from being mean and nasty, it did reveal I was non going to tolerate her disrespect. Treat people amend than you feel they deserve to be treated. Have patience with your students while exercising wisdom in distributing subject field.

11. Exist Creative – I love teaching. And 1 swell nugget about teaching is the ability for me to be creative. I'm not just speaking of when the Teacher has not left a sub-programme. Exist artistic in your style of teaching. Your goal is to create an temper that motivates the students to learn and participate. And that your time with them is engaging and inspiring.

I often used acting/singing techniques to teach my class. In all honesty, the students loved information technology. And when it came to story time, I would act out the characters and bring them to life. I went a step further and cull students to play some parts. And when "Little Vernita" showed up, she captivated the children and changed the atmosphere. Such methods keep their attention, aid them focus and enhanced the instructional environment and improved student's ability to retain and comprehend lessons.

12. Effective Communication – When a Teacher is absent it can be confusing for some students. Hence, you must know how to pb with grace and dignity. Yous take to know how to listen and talk to the students. Some are expecting y'all to lose your cool. To get the class to cooperate you must know how to effectively communicate. So, flavor your tone with love and kindness, stay calm and inform them what you lot expect from them so you and the class can take a great day. Conduct yourself as a professional. Apply appropriate linguistic communication and refrain from taking what they do every bit a personal law-breaking against y'all.

Likewise, get out a written report explaining how your mean solar day went. Give specific details of any students whom you had problems with and those students who followed the rules. Explain your method of resolution. Address any other concerns. Last, give thanks the Teacher for the opportunity to sub for their class and to feel free to contact you should they demand further questions. This likewise can lead to farther opportunities to sub.

13. Keep Accurate Records ~ Always Keep accurate records. If your assignment changes for whatever reason, tape the new consignment with the Instructor's proper noun and classroom number. Even if you are pulled out for a half an hour or a few hours to cover for another class, record information technology. If you are given a long-term job record the solar day you started and when it ended. Maintaining authentic records helps when you receive your paycheck. Exist sure to know exactly when that is. If you lot aren't paid for whatever twenty-four hour period within your time period, speak to the payroll clerk as soon as possible. Be polite, courteous, and professional person.

This was a major problem I had with the main school I worked as a long-term Substitute Teacher. Too often, two or 3 days would be missing from my paycheck. And they would non pay me for these days until the next pay menstruum. Though I kept accurate records, tried to resolve information technology with the payroll clerk each fourth dimension it occurred, and fifty-fifty see with the Ambassador who compliments on how accurate my records were this continued for years. Therefore, I was left with no other recourse than to contact the Commission of Education along with this and other bug. Eventually, my actions caused me to become an enemy of the Caput of Human Resources and the and then interim Superintendent of School. Later, I lost my job to corruption of ability in September 2012. Merely more about that in my book.

Record annihilation out the norm. In item when you have an assignment for a long time. Such an consignment makes you an piece of cake prey to be taken advantage of. Therefore, if a Teacher, staff fellow member even the Principal attempts to boldness you, abuse and accept reward of you, continue a tape of each incident. You don't have a spousal relationship representative nor tenure. And then, protect yourself. In my humble opinion, I feel information technology would be of good benefit for each school commune to take an advocate for Substitute Teachers.

If those in charge are willing to rent representatives for Teachers to deed on their behalf should the need arise, so they should do so for Substitute Teachers too. Also, build a rapport with Teachers and Principals. When I performed every bit a 1-ane in some of those Special Pedagogy assignments, this is what helped me to finer arroyo those incidents.

Past the way, don't utilize lunch time to gossip and complain. Employ it as a time to refresh. Yous only accept xxx minutes.

fourteen. Leave the classroom in top notch condition – So, earlier it's time to depart tidy up the room. Have the students leave their desk-bound and work area clean and neat. The Teacher will exist very pleased to render and constitute the room in gild. This too adds to other opportunities of beingness called to Sub at that school once again.

Existence a Substitute Instructor is a great asset to whatsoever school district. You are taking role in making sure the students are being thoroughly educated. Take pride in your position and be a source of encouragement and inspiration. Aid each class you teach thrive. Be the Substitute Teacher whose reputation proceeds you making you known by making a profound difference in the lives of others. Exist Impactable!

How has this article inspired you?

Which skills did you glean the most from? How has it helped you?

You have but read an excerpt from the book that'southward soon to be published. I hope you take been inspired. Please get out your volume review, like, and share as such is encouraging. Cheers kindly.

Available Soon - Substitute Teacher GUIDEBOOK

Vernita Simmons, Author/Publisher & Speaker devotionals reveal Jesus past sharing dearest, hope, and faith spans across the globe on LinkedIn, Religion Filled Family Magazine, FathWrters, and other social media platforms. To connect with her or read more of her inspirational readings for the heart - mind- and soul contact hither at her website: God'southward Words ~ My Voice

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