Subject Guides for Substitute Teachers
Practical strategies for substitute teachers covering specific subjects — even without deep subject expertise. Browse guides by subject area.
- Math Substitute Guide
Write step-by-step solutions on the board rather than just giving answers
- Science Substitute Guide
Emphasize the scientific method as a framework students already know
- English Language Arts Substitute Guide
Use read-aloud time to model fluency, expression, and thinking aloud about the text
- Social Studies Substitute Guide
Use primary sources (photos, letters, maps) to make history feel real and immediate
- Physical Education Substitute Guide
Establish clear boundaries and safety rules at the start of every class
- Art Substitute Guide
Focus on the creative process rather than the final product to reduce student anxiety
- Music Substitute Guide
Use call-and-response and rhythm exercises to engage students without needing deep content knowledge
- Foreign Language Substitute Guide
Use visual aids, gestures, and context clues rather than translating everything to English
- Computer Science Substitute Guide
Encourage students to debug their own code before asking for help by reading error messages carefully
- Special Education Substitute Guide
Read any IEP snapshots or accommodation sheets left by the teacher before students arrive
- Health Substitute Guide
Create a safe, judgment-free environment for discussing sensitive health topics
- Drama & Theater Substitute Guide
Use warm-up games and theater exercises to build trust and get students comfortable
- Library & Media Substitute Guide
Familiarize yourself with the checkout system and any library procedures before classes arrive
- Reading Substitute Guide
Model reading strategies like predicting, questioning, and summarizing aloud as you read
- Writing Substitute Guide
Provide clear, structured prompts with examples rather than open-ended instructions
- STEM Substitute Guide
Emphasize the engineering design process: ask, imagine, plan, create, improve
- ESL/ELL Substitute Guide
Speak clearly and at a measured pace without dumbing down your vocabulary
- Early Childhood Substitute Guide
Follow the posted daily schedule and routine exactly since young children depend on predictability
- Business Substitute Guide
Use real-world business examples and current companies students know to illustrate concepts
- Psychology Substitute Guide
Use relatable examples and thought experiments to make abstract concepts click
- Environmental Science Substitute Guide
Connect topics to local environmental issues students can see and experience firsthand
- Speech & Debate Substitute Guide
Create a supportive atmosphere where students feel safe speaking in front of others
- Yearbook & Journalism Substitute Guide
Trust student editors and section leaders to guide workflow since they often know the system best
- Career & Technical Education Substitute Guide
Prioritize safety above all else, especially in shop, kitchen, or lab environments
- Life Skills Substitute Guide
Make lessons directly relevant to students' current or near-future lives
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.