Conflict Resolution Skills That Get You Requested in High School Classrooms
The specific moves that make high school teachers and admins request you by name. 5 proven strategies, common pitfalls to avoid, and field-tested quick tips.
5
Strategies
3
Quick Tips
High School
Grade Level
Why Conflict Resolution Matters for High School Substitute Teachers
Conflict Resolution is the differentiator for substitutes in high school settings. You walk in with zero relationships. The subs who get requested repeatedly are the ones who establish calm authority and keep learning on track from the first minute using deliberate, repeatable techniques.
Practical Strategies
Approach conflict resolution as a coach, not an authority figure — guide, don't dictate
Acknowledge students' emotions as valid even when their behavior is not acceptable
Use restorative questions: 'What happened? Who was affected? How can we make it right?'
Know your limits — verbal threats, weapons, or gang-related conflicts go to administration immediately
Allow students space and time to cool down before attempting resolution
Common Challenges in High School
Conflicts rooted in deep personal issues like family problems, identity, or mental health
Romantic relationship drama that disrupts class and involves multiple students
Racial, cultural, or identity-based tensions that require sensitive handling
Quick Tips
Do not try to play counselor — your role is to de-escalate and refer if needed
If two students are about to fight, do not physically intervene; call for help and clear other students
After de-escalation, check in with affected students before the next class
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, and credentials are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by training providers.
Master Conflict Resolution and Get Called More as a High School Sub
Practical techniques that turn one-off days into reliable work. All substitute teaching authorization is issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district authorities.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.